What to Wear to Yoga Class, According to Instructors and Yogis

I once thought the answer for what to wear to a yoga class was simple: leggings, full stop. That was before I ever took a class, of course. Now that I practice (almost) daily, I’ve come to realize that anything from baggy graphic tees to a sports bra and bike shorts can work. The exact combination differs depending on the style of yoga I’m doing, the weather outside, and my mood that day. Sometimes that means the occasion calls for yoga leggings, sometimes not.

The point is, vinyasa beginners and yogi pros alike can benefit from having a guide to what to wear to yoga class. Because the less you have to think about your outfit, the more mental space you have to focus on your practice.

“We want our clothes to be part of the journey, not a hindrance,” says Cassie Ray, an experienced yoga and breathwork teacher based in New York City. Her favorite yoga apparel, for example, are fitted cotton-blend tops and “pants that are lightweight, a little snug at the waist, and move and breathe with me as I flow.”

According to the experts, your personal preference is most important. “Comfort matters more than anything,” says Kelly Withers, the founder of yoga mat brand CARMU. “I’ve practiced plenty of times in a Grateful Dead band tee and sweatpants. There are no rules as long as you can move and feel good in your body.” But as a general rule of thumb, Ray offers this advice: “I’d avoid wearing anything too tight unless you live and love in athleisure and that’s really your vibe. And layers are nice—some studios can be too cold or too hot.”

Also, ditch the yoga socks. (Yes, even the grippy ones.) It’s much easier to feel grounded—and keep a stable downward-facing dog—without them. “As a teacher, I always giggle a little when I see socks,” says Ray. “I’d say take them off and feel your feet on the mat.” The one exception: In the winter, it’s nice to slip on a pair of slouchy socks right before savasana for extra warmth.

Below, we asked experts and yogis alike to share more tips on what to wear to yoga class (and what to avoid). But ultimately, it’s your journey. “Yoga is an exploration of our entire body—an intimate experience—using the breath to guide us and wrangling the mind to come along for the journey,” says Ray. “It’s about feeling our bodies, noticing, witnessing, and becoming. So whatever clothing makes you feel good and doesn’t get in the way, I’d say go for that.”