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 for 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.”
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What to wear to your first yoga class
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“Wear something that makes you feel confident,” recommends Withers. “Trying yoga for the first time can be intimidating enough without worrying if you’re wearing the ‘right’ thing.” In other words, leave that new (and untested) pair of yoga pants or that see-through top you saw on TikTok behind — for now.
“A beginner should wear anything comfortable that doesn’t get in the way of practice or have them constantly adjusting their clothes,” says Ray. “When you practice yoga, you’ll be upside down, right side up, and twisting all over the place — so having a top (for women especially) that keeps the ‘ladies’ snug and cozy is very helpful. Having bottoms that are breathable and not so tight that you’re constantly pulling at the waist is great too.”
A pair of joggers with an elastic waistband and a fitted sports bra or tank top is a great place to start. Regardless of the season, bring a sweatshirt in case the studio is chilly — just make sure it’s a crewneck as a hoodie can get in the way during inversions.