Yoga Clothes - Yoga Clothing For Men And Women

Yoga comes from India, the land of the sadhus. Broadly speaking, yoga is a life-science; rather than just an exercise, yoga is a way of life. The true practitioners of yoga will live and breathe in yogic methods every waking - and even sleeping - moments of their lives. And it is true that yoga prolongs lives. But only when it is done in the right way, in the right groove.

That is the reason simply understanding the asanas of yoga and trying to contort your body in an apparent imitation of what you see is not enough. Yoga is not just about putting your legs on top of your head and your shoulder between your legs - it is more about spiritual ascension and letting the mind relax. This happens only when each aspect of yoga is conducted perfectly - from the correct way of breathing during the asana to the clothes you wear when practicing yoga.

The Real Yoga Clothes in India

Speaking of yoga clothes, it is very important to mention that India, the land where yoga comes from, has no concept of yoga clothes at all! Yoga is practiced in a very vast range of attire. There is some talk in the ignorant sections of society of the west that Indian sadhus perform yoga in the nude, but all that's a barrelful of nonsense. In reality, the minimal of clothing that yoga uses is a loincloth around the private parts. This is traditionally known as a langot, which is quite close to the American V-cut briefs, but without the stitches of course. That is about as nature-friendly in yoga clothing that India gets. A person practicing yoga in the buff - even a sadhu - will be arrested in India!!! (Sorry, but I just found this balderdash being marketed on the Internet and wanted to comment on it.)

Otherwise, generally while practicing yoga, Indian men wear dhotis, which is a kind of unstitched cloth folded and draped around the waist, and which comes till the knees or ankles, depending on how long it is allowed to flow. Vests are optional. Women wear loose flowing garments which contain of loose pants held up by drawstrings and loose tops. In urban India where yoga is practiced - sometimes in groups - both men and women wear T-shirts and shorts or track pants. It is not unusual to find the Nikes, Adidases and Jockeys in such places,

General Yoga Clothes Advice

There are certain important points that must be looked out for in yoga clothes. The following are some of these:-

• The yoga clothes must be loose-fitting. They must have a smooth enough flow to move with the body as it moves.
• It is very necessary that yoga clothes must be as natural as possible. Cotton is a very good choice, and it can be blended with other fabrics to add to its strength. Also, cotton allows the body to breathe. Cotton blended with hemp is also a very good choice.
• It is also important that yoga clothes must not be in too bright colors. That can distract from the meditative approach of the science. Go for whites and pastel colors, at least for the tops.
• Short and long clothes do not matter. Most people are quite comfortable practicing yoga in their shorts, but there is no harm if long pants are worn, provided that they do not obstruct the movements of the body.
• If possible, go for the Prana yoga clothing. These clothes are made of natural fabrics and they are mostly kept seamless. The advantage is that they completely move with the body, and do not restrict movement in any way.

Yoga Clothes - Advice for Men

Men might wear T-shirts with loose fitting necks and short sleeves. Another option is the tank tops. It is important that the tops are not too loose or they will make movement difficult. These can be ideally complemented with shorts or loose pants held by a drawstring.

Yoga Clothes - Advice for Women

Women have a large option of yoga wear, from bras to tank tops to tees. They can complement them with shorts, capris, drawstring pants or even skirts if they are comfortable with them.