Article by Joshua Killingsworth
Like the people who practice yoga, modern yoga clothes are often socially responsible and eco-conscious creations. They are frequently made from soy and organic cotton or other natural or free trade acquired materials. Due to the new styles of yoga clothes in a bourgeoning market, those who indulge in the practice of yoga no longer need do so at the expense of style and comfort.
Once consisting of a pair of sweat pants and a tank top, yoga clothes have since morphed into an entire industry of clothing and accessories for those who participate in yoga. Yoga brought a whole new genus of attire to the world of fashion. As the art of yoga has grown vastly because of its healthy mind – body effect, yoga clothes have increased exponentially as well.
Comfort, style and functionality are some of the reasons to choose clothing designed specifically for yoga. The proper garb is essential for a yoga student whether they practice yoga alone at their home, in a class setting, or with a group in the park. As the practice of yoga is proven to be a positive health choice for individuals of all body types, ages, experience levels and health levels, so yoga clothes have changed to meet those needs in clothing bodies of various shapes and sizes.
Comfortable and non-binding yoga clothing are essential for a good experience. Although those two reasons remain the top ones arguing for the purchase of actual yoga clothes, there are many variables to consider when making a purchase. Yoga clothes must always be comfortable on every level; the cut of the fabric, the weight of the fabric, the texture or the way that the clothing fits should never offer discomfort. The style needs to allow for freedom of movement in all joints and in any pose that one might use in yoga. Another consideration is the fit of the attire when a body is in motion. While an outfit may not show skin when a person is simply standing about, it may reach an unacceptable level of exposure when the person is engaged in certain yoga poses.
The three main categories for yoga clothes are tops, pants and now, surprisingly, shoes as well. However, by tradition one never wore shoes when practicing yoga, recently shoes have begun to enjoy success, as more people prefer to practice in the outdoors. Yoga shoes are flexible versions of the athletic shoe and are available in many colors and styles as well as sizes. However, bare feet are still presumed to be the safest way to practice yoga, as that will allow for better balance and grip when stretching. Yoga tops are made in a great variety of styles and patterns, colors and prints. Camisoles, long sleeved and short-sleeved yoga shirts are all popular choices. These tops should be form fitting so form checks can be made, as well as to keep the tops from slipping up over the face during inverted positions of yoga. Yoga pants are traditionally grey or black, and can be full length or cropped. They are usually made of stretchable, lightweight material that moves with the body and often have elastic around the bottom to keep them from riding up.
First, people should not be afraid to express their own sense of style when choosing yoga clothes. They should look for pieces that say something about their own personality. The style and the fabric the yoga student chooses for their yoga clothes should always be durable; strong enough to endure endless stretching, and able to be frequently washed without showing a great amount of wear. Women with large bust sizes need to consider bras and tops that will allow them to achieve maximum support carefully, without sacrificing comfort or restricting movement. When clothing makes a person look good, it generally makes the person feel good as well. A careful selection of yoga clothing can make a person look and feel great during their yoga practice, and is not looking good and feeling good one of the basic premises of yoga itself.
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