What to wear in gym / yoga / pilates classes?

[Rekka]

Fairly embarrassed to ask this 😳 But I haven't been to any of these classes since 20 years ago. Don't remember anything about it.

Suggestion please? What shall I wear? Do you need to bring anything usually?

Something comfortable, ideally not too baggy so the teacher can see and correct your form.

I haven't been since before covid, but most people wore leggings or thin jogging bottoms. A close fitting vest- so it doesn't fall over your head doing downward dog. Plus a baggy tshirt if shy.

For yoga and Pilates i wear leggings with a sports bra and a form fitting, usually long sleeved yoga top

Also if it’s reformer Pilates you need grippy socks!

T shirt/vest top, possibly layer up, and leggings/close fitted joggers. Socks with grip soles. Comfy, stretchy and warm enough. Take a mat but ask of you need any equipment like bands or head cushion, small towel etc

Comfy stretchy bottoms. Top that won't show your boobs - e.g. tucked in or stretchy tight. Get into your outfit and try a downward dog and see if your tshirt ends up around your head. Also get on all fours and see if the person opposite you will get an eyeful of your boobs down the front of your top - they're my 2 tests 😀. Bring socks and a warmer top/hoodie for yoga so you're cosy for the nidra at the end. People often bring their own mat so they are not face down where other people's feet have been, but you can double check with the instructor if you need to. A bottle of water if you think you'll want a drink during it.

For yoga or Pilates most people seem to wear fitted leggings or shorts and a fitted vest or top. With sports socks, bare feet or Pilates socks.

No need for a sports bra if you don't have one, unless you have big boobs where it'll feel more comfortable to tuck them away.

Sorry, all,...😩more daft questions...

Short sleeve or long sleeve for gym and fitness classes in winter (I know it's indoors!)

Would it be silly to wear pure cotton material? Most sports wears are made of polyester!

Short sleeves or vest tops for the gym for me, i can't even wear long leggings or I melt. I'd take something long sleeved to yoga or pilates though as it can be colder and they usually do a relaxation thing at the end when it's nice to put something warm on.
You definitely need a sports bra regardless of the size of your boobs!!

I get very hot in yoga and Pilates so I wear tight shorts and a t-shirt.
My first Pilates class I turned up in normal, short running shorts.
Little did I know there would be all sorts of moves that threatened to show my knicker-clad vulva to the room!

Leggings or thin joggers that gather at the ankle so they won't move too much. Sports bra. Light clingy vests that sit around your hips so your tummy isn't out during a class unless you want it out. Test this by stretching your arms up. Be aware of the waistband on leggings. Some brands are good to walk around in but the waistband will fold itself up if you're in downward dog etc. Very annoying to keep having to adjust it. I wear a hoodie and socks to class, take them off for it, and put them back on for relaxation.

everyone wears leggings at my yoga classes and at the gym. I wear leggings and either a vest with a built in bra or a separate vest and bra. I rarely take the vest off but would if I was hot.

In summer there are more shorts in evidence, or more cropped leggings.

For yoga take a pair of socks and a long sleeved top to put on at the end (and wear at the beginning until you warm up).

I sweat like a pig even in fairly gentle pilates classes (I'm talking actual dripping onto the mat) so I'd go for polyester/technical sports clothes myself rather than cotton! If you tend to run hot then wear short sleeves, with maybe a layer on top you can take off if needed.

I wear leggings with high waist band after showing my big pants to class when I wore normal leggings.
Long vest top with wide hem at hips so doesn’t ride up.
Very thin long sleeve top over, I get very hot and the studio I go to is boiling.
The long sleeves are so I can discreetly wipe my sweaty brow in downward dog!!

I wear leggings and a t shirt for pilates, but try to pick the t shirt carefully so I won't be flashing too much flesh during the class!

I find loose t shirts really annoying in downward dog! Would rather wear a fitted vest. I choose not be be self conscious about my body! There are all sizes at mine (although the after work classes have more young slim amazing-yogi-s at them).

Do feel like inevitable I'd make some beginner's mistake by exposing the wrong part of body somehow 😝

Don't know, probably too old to care after having gone through pregnancy twice! 😬

I won't have everything I need for the gym induction tomorrow. Just luckily found my old gym legging over 15 years ago. Haven't tried on yet! Did an online shopping frenzy, but nothing would arrive till Monday!

Basically if you’re wearing a top that isn’t fitted and you’re doing anything in plank / press up sort of position then tuck it into the top of leggings before it rides up over your head!! Also make sure it’s long enough that you can put your hands above your head without exposing your midriff (unless you want to flash it but for the sake others mine is best kept covered!)

Thanks. It will be gym induction only tomorrow. So I hope less chance to be in plank position..

Need to dig out my fitted vests this weekend.

But the old legging I found today still fits!!!! Hooray!

I wear old clothes 😂
also please remember no one is looking at you as they are focused on their own form I know I am too busy concentrating on my own form during Pilates to look at anyone else. My instructor doesn’t have the lights on full blast. Take a jumper to put on at the end cos you rapidly cool down

Reiterating the advice you've already had to not wear a loose-fitting top to yoga as it will end up over your head in downward dog/forward bend etc and drive you batshit even if you don't have body confidence issues. I wear a sweatshirt (not a hoody) at the start as the rooms are often chilly and then take it off as I warm up a bit.

Also for yoga/pilates, if you can, choose a bra that doesn't have a fastener at the back as it can dig in a bit when you lie on your back, and for similar reasons try not to have your hair in a ponytail that will be uncomfortable when you lie on your back - plait/lower or higher ponytail might be better.

@evilharpy thanks, really good point about bra without fastener on the back and the ponytail.

I got away with bra without wire today in gym, but probably need to shop for a proper sports bra for yoga/pilates as you say.

I wore t-shirts & jeggings for Pilates a few weeks ago. At start I needed but by end (50 minutes) was warm enough to take off: neckbuff, wrist warmers, gloves, the LS t-shirt. I could have used 3/4 length joggers or stretchy trousers rather than the jeggings to be more comfortable, too.

I wear cropped leggings and a sports tshirt as i dont like exposing my upper arms.
My sports bra has underwires and fastens at the back and that's never been an issue in any of the classes I go to. Boobydoo has a good range of bras and I like the panache ultimate underwired for all my classes whether high or low impact

Take a water bottle and your own mat if you prefer one that only you will use.