10 Jul What to Wear to Yoga: Your Full First Class Guide

If you’ve been putting off your first yoga class because you don’t have the right outfit, this post is your permission slip. Working out what to wear to yoga is one of the least fashion-focused parts of fitness, and any studio worth going to will welcome you in whatever you turn up wearing. That said, some clothes genuinely work better than others once you’re on the mat.

This is exactly what to wear, what to skip, and how to feel comfortable on day one.

What actually works on the mat

The best yoga clothing does three things: moves with you, stays where you put it, and doesn’t distract you. Here’s what fits that brief.

Bottoms that work well:

• Full-length leggings. The most versatile option. Look for a mid to high waistband so they stay put in forward folds and inversions.
• Short leggings. Great in summer, especially if you overheat.
• 7/8 leggings, or mid-length leggings. Ideal for warmer classes.
• Track pants cuffed at the ankles. These work well and stay out of the way. Loose, uncuffed track pants tend to slide down in poses like downward dog, so they’re better suited to gentler classes like Yin rather than more dynamic styles such as Vinyasa or Slow Flow.

Tops that work well:

• Fitted or semi-fitted tops. Loose tops tend to fall over your head in downward dog.
• Sports crop tops or singlets, if you feel comfortable in them.
• A supportive sports bra underneath, for anyone who needs it. This is arguably the most important item on the list.

What to Wear to Your First Yoga Class (and What to Avoid)

Knowing what to wear to first yoga class sessions comes down to avoiding a handful of common wardrobe choices that genuinely make the class harder than it needs to be.

• Anything you’re constantly adjusting. If you’re pulling down your top every 30 seconds, you can’t focus on the practice.
• Very loose t-shirts. Beautiful for lounging, tricky for downward dog. They fall over your face.
• Jeans, denim, or anything with hard buttons or zips. Uncomfortable in seated poses.
• Anything with a slippery lining. It will ride up or slide down constantly.

Do I need to buy proper activewear?

No. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about starting yoga, and it’s usually the first question people have when working out what to wear to yoga. You don’t need $200 leggings from a wellness brand to walk into a studio. If you’re after yoga clothes beginner options, any comfortable, stretchy clothes work, including:

• Old gym clothes
• Lounge leggings
• Anything you’d comfortably wear to the gym or another fitness class

If you fall in love with yoga and decide you want dedicated practice clothes down the track, wonderful. But it’s not a prerequisite. Some of our long time members at Warrior One still practise in the same faded leggings they had in their first class.

What about socks and shoes?

Yoga is practised barefoot. You’ll take your shoes off at the front of the studio, or at reception, and come into the practice space with bare feet. This is standard at every studio.

If you have circulation issues or cold feet, yoga socks with grippy dots on the soles are available and completely fine to use. Regular socks tend to slip in poses so aren’t ideal.

Do I need to bring anything else?

For your first class, honestly, very little. Most quality studios provide the essentials. Here’s a realistic list of what to bring.

• A water bottle. Refills are usually available at reception.
• A small hand towel if you sweat easily.
• Your phone if you need it, but leave it in your bag or a locker, not on the mat.
• An open mind.

What you generally don’t need to bring:

• Your own mat. Most studios provide them, and Warrior One has Manduka Pro mats at all three of our studios. If you own a mat and prefer it, feel free to bring it.
• Blocks, straps or bolsters. All provided.

What about hair and jewellery?

Hair is best tied back if it’s long enough. It gets in the way in inversions and forward folds otherwise. A soft hair tie is better than something with hard clips or claws, which can be uncomfortable when lying down.

Jewellery is a personal call. Small studs, wedding rings, and thin chains are fine. Large hoops, statement necklaces, and stacked bracelets tend to get in the way. Watches are usually removed just to give your wrists space.

What about changing rooms and showers?

Most yoga studios have basic changing facilities. Some have showers, some don’t. If you’re coming from work or planning to head somewhere social after, check the studio’s facilities in advance so you can plan accordingly. Warrior One’s three studios in Brighton, Mordialloc and Mornington all have change facilities available.

What to wear to yoga at Warrior One

Our dress code, honestly, is come as you are. Whatever you feel comfortable moving in is welcome across all three of our bayside studios, and we’ve seen just about every version of yoga outfit ideas walk through our doors, from brand new activewear to old gym gear. We provide all the mats and props, so all you need to bring is yourself, a water bottle, and something you can bend, stretch and breathe in.

If you’re new, our intro offer is the easiest way to give a few classes a try without committing. And no one will notice or care what you’re wearing.

Ready to roll out your mat?

If you’ve been thinking about starting yoga, our intro offer is the easiest way in. A few classes to try the studios, meet the teachers, and see how it feels, all without committing to a full pack or membership. Worrying about what to wear to yoga shouldn’t be the thing that holds you back. For anyone searching yoga attire Melbourne studios take seriously without being precious about it, that’s us. Full details on our pricing page.

The door is always open.