Feb 09

Men’s Yoga Apparel (Part I)

A friend recently asked me, “any recommendations on men’s yoga apparel, either brands or where to find stuff around here?” Coincedentally, I just ordered some stuff from Amazon (via yogakeith.com of course). When the order arrives, I will see which items warrant recommendation and add them to Keith’s Yoga & More Store. Until then, let me ramble about men’s yoga clothes in general…

Men’s yoga wear is woefully uninspired and that is probably our fault. If I am an example, I want function and I don’t want to spend much for it. For me function means minimal resistance when I move. That’s why I always practice in sleeveless shirts and shorts. The shorts I find work best are simple lycra shorts (with elastic waistbands and no pockets) bought at least a couple sizes larger than specs would suggest (I go for XXL), so they are loose. Manufacturers that I know of include Reebock, Nike, Champion and Asics. Unfortunately, these simple shorts are getting harder to find (especially in colors other than black). So if it seems like I am wearing the same shorts all the time, it only looks that way because I have many pairs of black lycra shorts.

Even though they are loose, I still don’t want to walk around studios/clubs in lycra shorts, so I always have an outer layer (pants or cargo shorts). In addition to modesty, this outer layer provides pockets to stash valuables during the practice. I have multiple pairs of Lulu Lemon yoga pants that are comfortable and stylish. On the rare occassions that I have actually practiced in these pants, they were quite functional, but in my humble opinion, I would always rather practice in shorts. Therefore the outer layer can be anything from blue jeans to cargo pants/shorts.

With such a basic lower layer, shirts become the only option to add color and style. Any shirt can become sleeveless. Some of my yoga shirts are “last year’s” T shirts or, in other cases, brand new T shirts with amputated arms. The functional choice in shirts is really cotton or something more technologically developed to “wick” away perspiration. If a guy sweats a lot, the non-cotton option is probably a good one. Most of my “wicking” shirts came without sleeves. Yes, the ones from Lulu Lemon are better designed, but you pay for that. Most of my “hi-tech” shirts came from Ross, Marshalls or Target. Don’t expect to find them all at once, but rather consider it a “practice” to check these racks from time to time.

Getting even more personal, if you are wearing lycra shorts and “wicking” shirts, why would you even consider cotton briefs? Jockey makes some good non-cotton briefs. This is not the place to argue for boxers. This is a good time for support.

Just one guy’s opinon.