What to Wear to Yoga (Men): From First Class to Hot Yoga

When we first stepped onto a yoga mat, we weren't sure what to wear. Regular gym shorts? Something specific? What to wear to yoga actually matters. The right clothing lets us move freely and focus on our practice rather than adjusting the fabric every time.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essentials of yoga clothing for men, from choosing the right bottoms and tops for your first class to understanding how hot yoga changes your fabric needs.

Core Principles of Yoga Clothing for Men

Great yoga wear comes down to three things: stretch, breathability, and comfort. When we practice yoga, we bend, twist, and lift our legs. Our clothes need to move with us, not against us.

Regular gym shorts often fail because they're either too loose or too stiff. Loose shorts bunch during forward folds and risk exposure in inversions. Stiff fabric limits your range of motion. So, look for bottoms with genuine stretch and breathable tops that won't fall over your face in downward dog.

While choosing yoga wear, always select clothing that feels like a second layer of skin (i.e., snug without being tight). Additionally, the waistband should fit comfortably, and the fabric should wick (i.e., draw moisture from) away from your body. Choosing materials such as modal and tencel blends allows for better performance while supporting sustainable methods that match yoga's core values.

Mobility & Flexibility Requirements

Deeper yoga poses demand full hip and knee mobility. When we move into pigeon, warrior two, or deep lunges, our legs need complete freedom. Stretchy shorts and yoga pants give us the confidence to go as deep as our body allows without worrying about fabric tearing.

What to Wear to Your First Yoga Class

You don't need much to start yoga. A fitted bottom paired with a breathable top gets the job done. Select items you prefer that aren’t costly yet offer comfort and quality.

Your yoga shorts should come to mid-thigh for maximum range of motion and airflow. Full-length yoga pants give more warmth and coverage if you practice in a cool studio. Breathable t-shirts or fitted tanks help during inversions; fitted tops prevent fabric from obstructing your view while you are upside down.

Best Bottoms for Beginners

For faster-paced classes, yoga shorts for men with a mid to short inseam allow ample movement and airflow. Yoga pants are great for extra coverage or practicing restorative yoga in a cooler environment.

Tops & Layers

Fitted tops prevent fabric from shifting during movement and inversions. A fitted tank is ideal for hot yoga and sweat-prone practitioners. For cooler classes, a breathable t-shirt gives you layering options without sacrificing mobility.

What to Wear to Hot Yoga

Hot yoga changes everything about clothing needs. In a heated room, fabric choices matter significantly. Choose breathable, moisture-wicking, and lightweight materials.

Avoid heavy cotton. Instead, opt for fast-dry fabrics. It’s important to have shorts that fit comfortably around the legs while allowing freedom of movement. Lightweight tanks help reduce thermal load placed on the body, allowing it to maintain its temperature naturally.

Choosing Between Yoga Shorts vs Yoga Pants

Yoga pants and yoga shorts both work beautifully for yoga. Your choice depends on what feels right for your body and what your class demands.

Shorts excel at heat control and freedom of movement. They're perfect if you run warm, practice hot yoga, or prefer maximum airflow. Yoga pants come in many styles. High-waisted versions provide warmth and support during your practice, whereas other styles work well for yin yoga or other floor stretches, offering more coverage as these postures tend to be held for longer periods.

What to Wear for Different Yoga Styles

Each yoga style has different demands. In vinyasas or power yoga, we need snug-fitting, sweat-wicking fabric that stays in place through dynamic movement. In slower practices like restorative or yin yoga, opt for softer fabrics with gentle compression and longer shorts or full pants for warmth.

Match your clothing to your class's intensity and temperature. This single principle guides nearly every clothing decision we make on the mat.

Fit & Fabric Guide

The ideal yoga fit is snug around the waist without cutting off circulation, forms to your legs without clinging awkwardly, and uses stretch fabric that bounces back rather than sagging. When we feel confident in how our clothes fit, we naturally relax into our practice.

Quality matters. Sustainable modal and tencel cotton blends offer softness that feels amazing while maintaining durability. These materials breathe well, manage moisture efficiently, and feel good whether you're moving dynamically or holding still.

Wear Gear That Supports Your Practice

Choosing the right yoga clothing isn't about following trends or spending a fortune. Your clothing should support freedom of movement with comfort and breathability. When your clothing supports you rather than distracting you or preventing you from being at ease, everything changes.

Choose yoga apparel that supports both the class type you attend and the shape and proportion of your body. 

Explore our Men's Yoga Collection, designed with true stretch and eco-friendly fabrics. Made in Los Angeles with fair labor practices, our yoga wear supports your practice and our planet equally.