Yoga is practiced by over two billion people around the world. From fast-paced, cardio workout for body, mind and spirit to slow flow, there is a yoga style out there for everyone.
The array of variations of modern yoga’s diverse teachings, teachers and styles, is at once wonderful and bewildering.
Hatha yoga, is the vast majority of what is practiced in the West, and only a few of the eight main tenets of hatha are practiced. Asana is, by far, first and foremost. Asana means pose or seat. Asanas range from downward facing dog to balancing poses to lotus pose to relaxation pose. Pranayama is breath control and there are a multitude of pranayama techniques, such as alternate-nostril breathing, breath of fire and deep, diaphragmatic breathing. Meditation is also integral to yoga.
Some of the lesser known or taught aspects of hatha yoga are the yamas and niyamas, the yogic morals and ethics, which include non-harming and non-violence in thought, word and deed; truthfulness; non-stealing; celibacy or ‘right use of energy’; non-greed or non-hoarding; cleanliness; contentment; discipline; study of the self and of the yogic texts and surrender to a higher being, or contemplation of a higher power.
The whole of “yoga” is an incredibly vast field that encompasses karma yoga, bhakti yoga, raja yoga, tantra yoga and much more. However, for the purpose of the following list of clothing and props, we will focus on six styles of yoga that are accessible and commonly practiced.
1. Hatha
Technically, “hatha yoga” is an umbrella term that encompasses all the lineages listed here. However, when you see a class labeled “hatha,” it typically means that each pose will be held for several breaths, versus flowing from one pose to the next. Hatha classes are usually slower paced and more accessible to beginners than vinyasa/flow style classes.
A “hatha flow” class will involve some slow to medium-paced flowing from pose to pose, through sun salutations or other series of connected poses—followed by sustaining each of the postures for a longer period. Hatha flow classes vary greatly from teacher to teacher.
Natural Jute Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
Suitable for all levels and sizes, this mat made from organic jute fibre and PER is eco-friendly, natural, vegan and free from toxic chemicals, heavy metals and smelly rubbers. For every mat sold, Ajna will plant a tree. The mat comes with a durable cotton carrier strap. It is slightly longer, wider and thicker than most mats to accommodate big movements and spacious comfort.
Yoga Leggings
ODODOS Power Flex Yoga Pants are designed to remove moisture from your body, providing maximum comfort. These comfy leggings shape the body, while keeping muscles warm, and are antimicrobial and dry-wicking.
Yoga Mat Bag
Ewedoos Yoga Mat Bag is a great bag especially designed to carry yoga mats but can also be used as a gym/sports bag or a shopping bag. Has two useful pockets, one large side pocket and one smaller interior pocket with a zipper. The material is high-quality cotton and the design is exquisite.
2. Ashtanga/Power/Vinyasa
These styles are closely related and physically challenging. A typical practice will include an opening sequence of several rounds of medium to fast-paced sun salutations followed by standing, balancing, seated, twisting and reclining poses.
More advanced practices include bandhas (internal locks) and drishti (focused gaze). The level of these classes tends to be intermediate to advanced, with poses flowing from one to the next. Be prepared to sweat.
Yoga Mat Towel
Avoid slipping while increasing your balance, control and grip in Vinyasa classes with this microfiber yoga mat towel.
Yoga Tank Top
Made of organic cotton with spandex, these simple fitted tanks are a staple of ashtanga, vinyasa and flow practices. Soft and anti-shrink, choose from a variety of white, black & gray yoga text and graphic designs including the moon phases, namaste, soul searcher, evolution and compassion.
3. Yin
Quite the opposite of power yoga, this style is all about letting go, releasing effort and surrendering muscular tension. Yin is based around the meridians, energy channels from Chinese medicine and seeks to deepen flexibility of the fascia, and the ligaments around the body’s joints. Most yin poses are done lying on the floor and can be held for anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes each.
Restorative yoga is similar to yin, with the major difference being that restorative poses involve the use of blocks, bolsters and blankets to create maximum comfort and ease in each pose.
Rectangular Yoga Bolster
Give yourself the gift of extra support and ease in yin or restorative posture with the Crystal Cove Yoga Bolster. Made with natural buckwheat and organic cotton, the bolster features a removable, washable outer cover. Measures 25 x 11 x 6 inches.
Loose Yoga Lounge Pants
Available in 14 different colors and designs, these unique, colorful bohemian printed harem pants are lightweight and made from breathable fabric. They are perfect for practicing yin and restorative yoga in style.
4. Iyengar
This lineage was established by Indian guru B.K.S. Iyengar who authored Light on Yoga and several other books. The focus is on precise, correct alignment. Props including blocks, bolsters, straps and even folding chairs are used in the poses to enable practitioners to modify the pose appropriately to their level of ability.
Yoga Blocks & Strap Set
Two lightweight and supportive non-slip foam blocks provide the stability needed for optimal alignment and extension for in Iyengar poses. They are a great tool for modifying the positions to your level of flexibility. Paired with an 8-foot yoga strap that can help extend your reach, empowering you to achieve more challenging asanas and sustain poses for longer periods of time.
Yoga Unitard
Find your ideal alignment in Iyengar yoga workshops with this classic, basic bodysuit design featuring a tank top with deep scoop neckline, seamless fitted silhouette and full length pant legs.
5. Kundalini
This unique yoga style places great emphasis on chanting, chakras and mantra meditation. Serious Kundalini practitioners wear all white garments, including a white head covering and they also sit on a white sheepskin instead of a yoga mat. Kundalini practices—called kriyas—typically involve repetitive motions sustained for several minutes. Breath of fire (quick, forceful exhalations through the nose) is done in many of the poses.
White Sheepskin Rug
Natural and handmade, this soft and fluffy sheepskin shag rug is great to use for kundalini yoga and meditation. Measures approximately 2′ x 3′.
White Cotton Crochet Beanie
This hand-crocheted beanie is made with loving care and high-quality cotton yarn. It is a durable yet soft and cozy head covering that will keep you warm and accompany you for many years of kundalini practice.
Final thoughts
Yoga can be incredibly rewarding, both physically and spiritually. Hopefully these selected items have helped you found just the right gear and clothes for your specific type of yoga practice.
If we’ve missed something, feel free to comment below and let us know!
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