What to Wear to Hot Yoga

If you’ve never been to hot yoga, knowing what to wear to class can be a major struggle. Believe me, there is such a thing as wearing the wrong thing! Not only do you need to be comfortable and able to move freely in the clothes you’re wearing, you also have to be prepared for the heat and wear clothes that are moisture wicking and appropriate for sweat. Today, I’m sharing my experience with hot yoga and what the best clothes to wear and items to bring are. Whether you’re new to yoga or a pro, proper attire and gear is essential (and motivating!), so let’s get to it.

First, if you’ve never tried yoga, now is a great time to try it!

It’s cold out and there’s nothing better than a hot yoga session. I love sitting in saunas in the winter, but you honestly kill two birds with one stone when you take a heated class. The heat is not for everyone, but personally I love how detoxifiying hot yoga can feel. I first tried hot yoga back in 2009 and have been hooked with yoga ever since – first with vinyasa, then Bikram, and now a more manageable hot restorative flow.

My practice has been on and off for the past 10 years, but I find myself going back to hot yoga when I want to work on my flexibility, balance, and mental clarity. I feel so calm and balanced when I do a lot of yoga and meditation, and the heat is an added bonus. It just makes your skin glow, and you feel so refreshed after a good flow. Some of my favorite places to get my flow on in Los Angeles for hot yoga are Y7 and Modo Yoga.

My go-to outfit for yoga is a sports bra and a high quality pair of leggings or shorts.

Look for fabrics that are lightweight and moisture wicking as you will sweat a LOT in class and do not want your clothes weighing you down. Keep the cotton bottoms for pilates, barre, and normal yoga classes. Heated classes require different materials! High quality, moisture wicking leggings and crops are especially important as you do not want to have to constantly adjust them during class. I prefer high waisted leggings so I can focus on my flow and breath, and not my stomach when I’m in various poses. If you don’t want to wear only a sports bra, definitely get a fitted yoga tank top so you can stay covered when you’re in an inversion or balancing pose. Alo makes some of the absolute cutest clothes for yoga!

For to and from class, I love a cute cropped top or hoodie (wearing one by Alala) and either flip flops or comfy boots. This winter I have been living in my Mou boots.

Other items I bring with me to class:

+ My own yoga mat (germaphobe over here – using studio mats can be super gross! If you have to rent one, at least bring your own non slip towel).

+ A yoga towel – so you don’t slip around all over the place. I’m obsessed with Yogi Toes and have them in so many colors.

+ A change of clothes – if you don’t want to drive home all sweaty!

+ Makeup wipes – you definitely want to remove all of your makeup before class so you don’t end up sweating and clogging your pores with leftover product.

+ Cleanser – to wash your face with after class. Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer and face mist and your skin will be glowing! My fave is from Glossier.

+ Water bottle – the first time you go to class, make sure to take it easy and listen to your body. The heat can be really intense and if you aren’t used to it you may feel faint or weak. Also be sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate before, during, and after class. All of the sweat leaving your body needs to be replenished!

Hot yoga can be an amazing workout or recovery activity in your workout schedule – it depends on the type of yoga you practice and how hard you push yourself. A slower, restorative candlelit flow at night after a long day at work – it’s a great way to unwind (and, let’s be honest – sometimes you just want to fall asleep during shavasana). What are your thoughts on hot yoga? Are you a fan or not? xx