An article in today’s NY Times poses the eternal question, What’s a man to wear to yoga class?
It’s true, there isn’t much in the way of options for yoga dudes out there, as retailers primarily target the female bod (wallet). But is there even a demanding market? Sure, brands like prAna, Lululemon and Barefoot Yoga bring their share of offerings, but we have to figure if the Lulus haven’t already launched a full assault maybe the demand isn’t really there? When it comes to men, the bottom region seems to present the biggest issue – with shorts too baggy inversions can be quite scandalous! and tight spandex might be for the cocky…ahem – but on top, a t-shirt or tank top can suffice nicely, besides the benefit of it being a cheap and abundant option.
The problem with some of the men’s yogawear out there is it’s either too retro-70’s-hippie or it’s too much money to spend on just a pair of shorts for yoga. The guys in the article mention opting mostly for other gym-type clothing like rugby shorts that don’t ride up or running gear for yoga class, or mix-and-match from American Apparel, JCrew etc. Who can blame them?
We don’t know the demographics of participants in our little “What do YOU wear to yoga class?” poll down on the sidebar there, and granted it hasn’t exactly received an onslaught of votes, but 66% of voters say they wear a mix and match of clothing, not too concerned about trends or spending the money. We’d be willing to bet for guys the percentage is much higher. So is the men’s yoga boutique really missing?
Or, here’s our question: Do guys really care?
ps. there’s a nice little slideshow with the article
Yoga and the Missing Boutique [NY Times]
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I wear the retro 70 hippie shorts and a sporty T-shirt.
Off course I never forget my meditations cushion. To answer at your final answer: Yes, as a guy I really care and I think most of the man that practice Yoga care about the clothes.
Alex
http://www.oscailt.com/shop/meditation-cushions/
Any t-shirt and $30 Gap lounge pants work for me!
Prana makes perfect clothes to move around in… I also wear it a everyday clothes + its eco and enviroment friendly. The sutra pants is a must have <3
peace
I wear whatever shorts I have going, even if they’re corduroy cargo whatev…and no shirt. In the winter, I leave a pair of Verve shorts rolled in the middle gap between my rolled-up yoga mat, which I store at the studio.
I wear some dark lycra briefs for the following reasons:
1. better view of form
2. less water retention
3. no restriction of movement
4. they lift and support and do not “smish”
Women wear similar tops and bottoms I assume for the same reasons.