So you’ve decided to try yoga, but now you’re staring at your closet wondering, what should a guy wear to Yoga?
Here at OneYogaReviews, we get it, walking into your first yoga class can feel intimidating enough without worrying about whether your gym shorts are going to ride up during downward dog.
Whether you’re planning to hit a heated Bikram class or ease into some gentle Hatha yoga, the right gear makes all the difference.
Let’s dive into what actually matters when it comes to men’s yoga wear.
The Foundation
Before we get into specific pieces, let’s talk about the three non-negotiables for yoga clothing: mobility, breathability, and comfort.
You’ll be moving your body in ways you probably don’t in everyday life, twisting, bending, stretching, and holding poses that require a full range of motion. Your clothes need to move with you, not against you.
Breathability is crucial because yoga gets you sweating, even in gentler classes.
1. Bottoms: Your Most Important Decision
A. Yoga Shorts: This is where most guys start, and for good reason. Look for shorts that hit mid-thigh (about 7-9 inches inseam) with a compression liner or built-in brief.
✅Athletic shorts work great, but avoid basketball shorts that are too loose. Brands like Lululemon, Patagonia, or even Target’s athletic line offer solid options without breaking the bank.
B. Yoga Pants/Leggings: Yes, guys wear yoga pants, and honestly, they’re game-changers for your practice.
✅Full-length leggings give you complete freedom of movement and keep you warm in cooler studios. Look for moisture-wicking fabric with four-way stretch.
If you’re self-conscious about wearing leggings solo, try layering with shorts on top; it’s actually a popular look in yoga studios and gives you the best of both worlds.
2. Tops
Tank Tops: Perfect for hot yoga or when you know you’ll be working up a serious sweat. Look for moisture-wicking materials that won’t cling when wet.
Fitted T-Shirts: A classic choice that works for most yoga styles. Make sure it’s not too loose; you don’t want fabric pooling around your face during downward dog.
Going Shirtless: Totally acceptable in hot yoga classes like Bikram, but check the studio vibe first. Some places encourage it, others prefer everyone to stay covered.
Skip These: Loose cotton shirts that absorb sweat and stay wet, anything with graphics or text that might be inappropriate when you’re in close quarters with other students, and definitely avoid shirts with buttons or rough seams.
3. Fabric Talk
Synthetic blends are your friend here. Look for polyester-spandex or nylon-lycra blends that offer stretch and moisture-wicking properties. These fabrics move with you and dry quickly.
Merino wool might sound weird for yoga, but it’s amazing for temperature regulation and naturally odor-resistant—perfect if you’re hitting class after work.
Cotton feels great but gets heavy and clingy when wet. Fine for gentle yoga, but skip it for anything heated or vigorous.
Bamboo fabric is becoming more popular and offers natural antibacterial properties with a super soft feel.
The Extras: What You Might Need
Underwear: This is personal preference, but many guys go commando in yoga pants or wear compression shorts under regular shorts. Avoid regular boxers; they bunch up and create lines under fitted pants.
Socks: Most yoga is practiced barefoot, but if you need grip, get yoga socks with rubber dots on the bottom. Regular socks are slippery and dangerous on yoga mats.
Layers: Bring a light jacket or hoodie for before class and savasana (final relaxation). Studios can be chilly before you warm up, and you’ll cool down quickly at the end.
Budget-Friendly Options
You don’t need to spend $100+ on yoga pants to get started. Target’s All in Motion line, Amazon’s Core 10 brand, and even athletic wear from Costco offer great options under $30.
Thrift stores often have barely-used athletic wear, and you can frequently find last season’s colors from premium brands at discount retailers like T.J. Maxx or Nordstrom Rack.
Conclusion: What should a guy wear to Yoga?
The truth about yoga clothing for guys? You probably already own something that’ll work for your first few classes. An old pair of athletic shorts and a moisture-wicking t-shirt will get you started just fine.
As your practice develops and you figure out what styles of yoga you enjoy most, you can invest in pieces that enhance your experience.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident enough to focus on your practice rather than your outfit.
Ready to dive deeper into your yoga journey? Explore more beginner guides and studio reviews on our blog at One Yoga Reviews and find the perfect class for your next practice. 🧘♂️
