What to wear for yin yoga and long stretches
Short answer: Yin yoga consists of calm poses held for three to five minutes. Your body cools quickly when you lie still, so choose soft, warm clothing with full freedom of movement, and keep an extra layer and socks by your mat.
Stillness means feeling the cold
In yin yoga you hardly move. You settle into a pose and stay there for several minutes while the muscles let go. The body produces very little heat in that time, and you can feel cold even in a warm room. Long trousers, a long-sleeved top and socks are often better than shorts and a vest. Many people bring a blanket for the final relaxation too.
Soft trousers with full freedom
Poses such as butterfly, dragon and saddle need the hips and knees to bend fully without your trousers pulling. Soft training trousers with stretch and a gentle waistband give freedom and warmth. See bamboo training trousers for women. Avoid thick seams and pockets that press when you lie on the mat for a long time.
Soft underwear for long holds
When you hold a pose for five minutes, you feel every seam and every edge. Soft knickers with smooth edges that do not roll make the pose calmer. See bamboo panties. Choose a style without thick elastic at the waist, so it does not press when you fold forward.
Yin yoga during your period
Many women find yin yoga a pleasant way to move during their period, because the pace is calm. Some poses, such as inversions, can be skipped if you prefer. Period underwear gives peace of mind in long, reclining poses. See period underwear. If you have severe pain, talk to your doctor.
Props and layers
Bolsters, blocks and blankets make it easier to relax into the poses. A blanket over your legs in the last poses and during relaxation keeps your body warm. An extra jumper by the mat is welcome as the class draws to a close and your body has cooled.
The fabric against your skin
Because yin yoga is so still, you notice the fabric against your skin more than in other kinds of exercise. Viscose from bamboo is soft and smooth and feels pleasant when you rest your cheek on your arm or leg. Choose a style with a little elastane, so your clothes keep their shape.
Washing and care
You do not sweat much in yin yoga, but your clothes still need regular washing. Viscose from bamboo is washed at 30 or 40 degrees and dried on a rack. Skip fabric softener. Period underwear is rinsed in cold water before washing and dried without a tumble dryer.
Yin yoga at home
Yin yoga suits an evening at home, because it needs little space and no special equipment. A few cushions from the sofa and a blanket can replace studio props. Choose a quiet spot without draughts, dim the lights and set a timer so you do not need to watch the clock. Soft training trousers also work as loungewear for the rest of the evening.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear for yin yoga
Soft, long trousers with stretch, a long-sleeved top and socks. Keep an extra layer and a blanket by the mat.
Why do I get cold in yin yoga
Because you lie still for a long time, and your body produces less heat.
Can I do yin yoga during my period
Many women do, as the pace is calm. Skip any poses you do not feel like doing.
