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There’s nothing like unrolling your mat in a 98-degree Fahrenheit room, the sweat already gathering in droplets on your neck, water bottle in hand, and shirt getting wetter by the second. Or, wait, no shirt? Herein lies that persistent dilemma most guys find themselves in. What do I wear to hot yoga (or the gym)? Is shirtless the way to go? Will I be more comfortable in shorts or pants?
To provide you with the answers, we asked some hot yoga experts and put together a list of their top clothing picks. There’s more to it than you think.
What Should Men Wear to Yoga?
When it comes to hot yoga or gym clothes, finding materials that can manage sweat is key, advises Brigham Pierce, prAna’s Director of Global Product and Merchandising. “Finding fabrics that are both breathable, but with enough weight and substance to mitigate the sweat are critical,” he says. That means finding lightweight fabrics that are built to sweat, Pierce continues. He prefers blends for this exact reason and recommends looking for tops with recycled polys because they have the comfort of organic cotton blends, but also have quick-drying properties.
Additionally, be sure you are wearing well-fitted shirts that are not too loose, or the fabric will gather up and cover your face in inversions like Downward-Facing Dog and standing forward bends.
To Shirt or Not to Shirt?
There are always a few guys in every hot yoga class that go shirtless. And sure, if you have the confidence and it works for you, let yourself be free of the constraints of sleeves. But experts advise wearing a shirt to help you get into those hard-to-achieve yoga poses. Timko Lissen, founder of Skill Yoga, a service that creates personalized yoga programs for athletes, suggests choosing a T-shirt with slightly longer sleeves to keep you from slipping while balancing on your arms doing a crow pose.
What Kind of Pants Are Best to Wear to Yoga?
Both Pierce and Lissen prefer shorts instead of pants for hot yoga or gym sessions. The most important feature of any yoga short, advises Lissen, is to find a pair with good lining. The lining keeps you from accidentally flashing your neighbors, and is flexible enough to allow for movement in all directions.
If you are a loyal pants-wearer, joggers are the latest yoga trend. Why? Because they are made with lightweight fabric and tapered ankles, designed for a streamlined, sleek look that just flat-out works for yoga. Compare joggers to sweatpants, which are typically thicker fabric that bunch up at the bottom and tend to be ill-fitting, and you’ll won’t turn back from that jogger pant life.
The best way to ensure that your yoga practice is comfortable is to “find a pair of pants or shorts that are loose enough to allow for movement,” says Reda Elmardi, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and owner of thegymgoat.com. He recommends wearing them over leggings if you have trouble finding pants that fit properly. You can always remove the leggings before class if they get too hot.
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What Are Some Recommended Yoga Brands for Men?
There is no scarcity of men’s yoga clothing brands out there. From dedicated yoga brands like Lululemon and prAna, to athletic brands like Nike and Adidas, to fashion clothing brands like Gap and H&M, you can’t escape the plethora of options that offer both comfort and style. In fact, they are so ubiquitous, you’ll want to keep them on for lounging, errand-ing, brunching, boating, and so much more. Without further ado, here are our top picks for the best men’s yoga clothes.
What Kind of Pants Are Best to Wear to Yoga?
Both Pierce and Lissen prefer shorts instead of pants for hot yoga or gym sessions. The most important feature of any yoga short, advises Lissen, is to find a pair with good lining. The lining keeps you from accidentally flashing your neighbors, and is flexible enough to allow for movement in all directions.
If you are a loyal pants-wearer, joggers are the latest yoga trend. Why? Because they are made with lightweight fabric and tapered ankles, designed for a streamlined, sleek look that just flat-out works for yoga. Compare joggers to sweatpants, which are typically thicker fabric that bunch up at the bottom and tend to be ill-fitting, and you’ll won’t turn back from that jogger pant life.
The best way to ensure that your yoga practice is comfortable is to “find a pair of pants or shorts that are loose enough to allow for movement,” says Reda Elmardi, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and owner of thegymgoat.com. He recommends wearing them over leggings if you have trouble finding pants that fit properly. You can always remove the leggings before class if they get too hot.
What to Wear to Hot Yoga
1. Lululemon Pace Breaker Lined Short
A favorite of Lissen’s is this lightweight, swift fabric short from Lululemon. It features a streamlined fit, available in three lengths (5, 7, or 9 inches) to give your glutes and thighs whatever level of breathing room you require.
2. Vuori Kore Short
Falling just above the knee, these shorts have a classic athletic fit, that you can wear anywhere and everywhere. A featured detail is a breathable, boxer-brief liner that won’t, ahem, expose you. And yes, underwear is optional.
3. Peter Manning Classic Hoodie
Peter Manning, the fit-based men’s fashion apparel company based in NYC, now offers comfy soft hoodies for the active guy who wants to look good on and off the mat. This one is super soft thanks to a stretch cotton fabric that’s not too baggy or too tight. Wear it to the studio, then take it off before entering the heated room. You’ll appreciate it after class, too.
4. IBEX Paradox Short Sleeve Tee
This yoga shirt combines Tencel (derived from sustainably grown eucalyptus) and merino for an uber-soft performance top. It’s temperature regulating and provides consistent evaporative cooling throughout your heated yoga class.
5. Wolven Onyx Jogger
This classic, signature black jogger is made to move. It’s sustainably constructed from post-consumer plastic, helping to make the world a better place with every sweat session.
6. All Citizens Boxer Briefs
There’s nothing worse than being outfitted in uncomfortable underwear while trying to go with the flow. All Citizens’ boxer briefs are made with high-performance microfiber that wicks moisture, dries quickly, and is ultra-breathable. You’ll prefer these off the mat, too.
7. prAna Vaha Straight Pant
Made with prAna’s Sutra hemp/recycled polyester blend, this stretch woven pair is Brigham Pierce’s personal favorite. It’s slightly fitted and has a shorter inseam than usual for clearance around the ankles and feet.
