Hot yoga isn’t exactly a new experience, but it might be new for you. The first time you walk into that room and feel your body immediately begin to sweat and perspire, you might think, “What the heck am I getting myself into?” Don’t worry! We’ve all been there. During the first 15 or so minutes of a hot yoga class, I’m constantly assessing whether I’m going to survive or not.
So to save you from sweating your ass off more than you already will, let’s review some of the best yoga clothes and accessories you should wear to your hot yoga class. You’ll want something breathable and quick-drying. So without any further ado, let’s cover some of our favorite hot yoga clothing brands, as well as a couple of tips to help you survive your next hot yoga class.
What to wear to hot yoga?
For women, you want to wear a comfortable sports bra or a crop top paired with capris or leggings that are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying. Thinner, silkier-feeling leggings are usually a clue to how quickly they will dry. You will be sweating, so wearing yoga clothes that are breathable and nonrestrictive will go a long way.
Teeki has historically always been a favorite for hot yoga pants because they dry fast. However, there are a lot of other great brands to branch out to. Their basic "hot pant" (which is actually a legging) are perfect for staying cool and comfortable during class- plus they dry super fast!
They dont make very many tops, but we are loving the new Free People Movement crop tops and versatile solid tanks that can mix-and-match any leggings
They’re thin, yet still, hug the body in all the right places. They don’t slide and slip around they dry quickly after you’re done. Here are 4 other brands that are similar too!
Beyond Yoga spacedye leggings (below) are what the owner of Evolve Fit Wear, Kyla - always swears by when she goes to hot yoga. They have more of a traction/ texture to the leggings and aren't as slippery as other lycra materials. They are very lightweight fabric and super soft - plus they dry very quickly too!
Another customer favorite many people love wearing to hot yoga is Yoga Democracy - they also make thin yoga leggings with matching sports bras and crop top tanks.
Their leggings are also lightweight, dry quickly and stretchy so great range of movement.
They are made in the USA and have flatlock seams for a super flattering look and they are great for a sweaty workout.
Depending on the time of the year, meaning if it’s cold, you may want to have something loose to throw on over your sweaty clothes or to change into after practice. We recommend a comfy yoga pullover to throw over your sweaty self so you don't get shocked from the temps outside.
Tip 1: Prepare for Your Hot Yoga Class
This might seem straightforward, but going to a hot yoga class is no joke and you’ll need to have some mental toughness . Before you head out, get all your essentials together; a yoga mat, towel, water bottle and your favorite hot yoga clothing.
Start drinking water a day or so before your class because you are going to burning a lot of calories and sweating more than ever before.
Lastly, set an intention or breakthrough you wish to have in your session. As mentioned, your mind and body will be stretched, so it’s nice to set an intention before hand to help motivate you on why you are going to the class.
Tip 2: Use a Non-Slip Mat with a Towel
When you get into your practice you are going to sweat- A LOT. That's what you’re there for, right? It's going to be super hard if you are on a slippery standard mat.
Slipping makes it harder than it already will be. So there are two things you can do:
1) Get a nonslip yoga mat. The owner of Evolve who’s been doing hot yoga for over 10 years, swears by is the “Everyday Mat” from B-Yoga. If you need extra padding, they have the “Strong Mat” which is a little thicker.
2) If you don't want to invest in a new yoga mat quite yet, try an absorbent yoga towel. Just unroll the towel over your current mat and sweat away. Note: you will have to sprinkle a little water on it before practice to get it going.
The more moisture you have on the towel, the less slipping you will have. Plus, you can use it as a towel for all other occasions too!
3) Combine a non-slip mat and towel together. Even though the mat is non-slip, that doesn’t mean the sweat magically goes away. That is why most yogis have an absorbent towel by their side. Plus, you can use the towel to wipe off excess sweat from your body so it’s not constantly dripping all over the place.
Tip 3: Stay Hydrated
The best thing you can do for yourself when incorporating hot yoga into your practice is to stay hydrated before, during and after your class.
Drinking a lot of water during the week leading up to the class is a great tool, especially the day before. I used to try and chug water right before the class to alleviate the light-headedness that can sometimes accompany a rigorous workout in a 98-degree room but realized I needed to take care of my body more consistently and from the inside out.
Tip 4: Take Breaks
If you are new to a yoga class, don't feel pressured to do what others are doing around you.
Remember, everyone there had their first class at one point. Yoga is already a tough workout, then adding in an extra layer of heat is very intense!
Listen to your body, and take breaks when you need them. Don't push yourself too hard that you run out of the class and never want to go back in.
When you are feeling a little over-pushed, go into a child's pose for a few minutes and collect your breath – no one will notice (or care) so do what your body is telling you is what you need!
You Can Do It!
Practice makes perfect. Your body will get better at handling the heat over time, and feel free to use props as needed and follow your breath. And don’t forget to keep your body hydrated and nourished!
Yoga is more than just asana, the physical practice of yoga and movement. It is about taking care of ourselves, body and mind.
One last note, the most important thing you can do to be successful in your hot yoga class is to wear the proper hot yoga clothing. No one wants to feel like they are being suffocated by their clothing, and no one wants to hit up happy hour with friends afterward in soaked clothes that refuse to dry.
Hot Yoga FAQ
Over the years, we have received a lot questions about our hot yoga clothing. Here are some of the most common hot yoga questions and answers.
How hot is hot yoga?
It’s always going to differ depending on the studio. However, the typical temperature in a hot yoga room is between 93 and 98 degrees F. With that being said, some studios set the temperature as high as 105 degrees F. Now that is what I call HOT Yoga.
How many calories do you burn in hot yoga?
In a 60-minute hot yoga class, you can expect to burn anywhere from 350 to 500 calories depending on your body type and metabolism rate.
What should you bring to hot yoga?
At a minimum, you’ll want to bring three main yoga essentials. A non-slip yoga mat, an absorbent towel, and lots of water.
Can you wear leggings to hot yoga?
Absolutely, and we recommend it! You’ll want to pick out leggings that are fast-drying, lightweight and breathable. If you’re in need of high-quality hot yoga clothing, leggings or tops, check out our wide selection of Hot Yoga Brands.
Is hot yoga done barefoot?
Yes, we recommend going through a hot yoga class barefoot. There’s going to be a lot of sweat on your mat. Do you really want to be standing soaking wet sweat socks for an hour? I didn’t think so. Being barefoot allows you to be more grounded and less likely to slip.
Can you wear socks in hot yoga?
Um, yes you could? But you shouldn’t. As mentioned above, if you wear socks, they are gonna be soaked and you're going to probably slip because you won’t have as good of traction compared to being barefoot.
Can I wear makeup to hot yoga?
Again, yes you could, but you should expect it to all sweat off. If you are still inclined to wear makeup, waterproof mascara is your best bet. The question you have to ask yourself is, with your facial pores sweating so much, do you want to potentially clog them by wearing makeup?
Have you tried hot yoga? What gets you thru the class without dying?
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