Dos and Don’ts: What Not to Wear During Yoga?

Wearing the right clothes during yoga can make a huge difference in your comfort, focus, and safety on the mat. While yoga is about freedom and personal expression, there are a few things you might want to avoid.

Here’s a complete list of what not to wear during yoga, and why:

🚫 1. Clothes That Are Too Loose

While oversized shirts or baggy pants might feel comfy, they can:

• Fall over your face in downward dog or inversions

• Get tangled during transitions

• Hide alignment, making it hard for you or your teacher to correct posture

✅ Instead: Choose fitted, breathable tops that move with you.

🚫 2. Clothes That Are Too Tight

Compression is good. Constriction is not.
Avoid:

• Super-tight waistbands that dig into your belly

• Leggings that restrict hip mobility

• Tops that make it hard to breathe fully

✅ Go for stretchy, soft fabrics like spandex-cotton blends.

🚫 3. Anything with Zippers, Buttons, or Thick Seams

These can:

• Dig into your skin during seated or lying poses

• Cause discomfort in savasana (final relaxation)

• Scratch your mat or yourself

✅ Look for seamless or flat-stitched activewear designed for movement.

🚫 4. Slippery Socks or Shoes

Yoga is traditionally done barefoot for:

• Better grip

• Grounding

• Balance

Wearing socks (unless grippy) can make you slide on the mat, increasing risk of injury.

✅ If you must wear socks, choose ones with rubber grips designed for yoga or Pilates.

🚫 5. Underwire Bras or Everyday Lingerie

Underwires can:

• Poke you in chest-focused poses

• Limit range of motion

• Be distracting during deep breathing

✅ Choose a soft, wireless sports bra or skip it entirely if you’re comfortable.

🚫 6. Jewellery (Especially Dangly Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets)

Why not?

• It can get caught on clothing or props

• It adds unnecessary weight/distraction

• You might accidentally injure yourself or others in group practice

✅ Keep it minimal. A mala bracelet or simple stud earrings are usually fine.

🚫 7. Perfume or Strong Scents

While this isn’t clothing, it’s worth mentioning!

Strong perfumes or oils:

• Can trigger allergies or headaches for others in a class

• Are overpowering in enclosed yoga spaces

• Distract from the breath-based, sensory nature of yoga

✅ Opt for natural deodorant or a light essential oil if needed.

Bonus: What To Wear Instead

Final Thought: Comfort Is Queen 👑

The best yoga outfit is one you don’t have to think about once you’re on the mat.

If your clothes support your movement, let your skin breathe, and help you focus inward — then you’ve made the perfect choice.💛