The perfect yoga wear: sustainability meets comfort

We yogis are world improvers. This means that for people who practice yoga regularly, values ​​such as transparency, fairness, and environmental awareness are very important. This is because people with a strong moral compass often choose to practice yoga.

To be honest, this doesn't surprise us. Because yoga is more than just a sport. It's a philosophy, a way of life. As different as we yoga practitioners are, we all have something in common: the desire to bring ourselves and our environment into harmony.

What if we approached this topic holistically within the context of yoga? Because in addition to sustainable yoga mats and accessories, you can now also find numerous clothing items that meet the highest standards of us yogis.

Therefore, we would like to give you some tips to help you find the perfect outfit for your yoga sessions.

What should I wear for my yoga workout?

Every workout raises the question of the perfect outfit. It's not primarily about how your yoga wear looks. What's far more important is that your clothing moves with you and doesn't restrict your movements.

This is definitely an issue in yoga. Most yogis have probably had the unpleasant experience of having the seams of a stylish pair of sports leggings give way or the elastic waistband become too tight.

If you're very active, it's crucial that your sportswear fits comfortably and is made of flexible and durable material. If you find these wonderful qualities combined in a high-quality outfit that also looks great, you've hit the jackpot.

What clothing do you need for your yoga session? Ideally, you should combine sports leggings and a comfortable shirt with (sports) briefs and a sports bra. The bra should be appropriate for your cup size and offer sufficient support.

Breathable materials are ideal so that you can enjoy both sweaty workouts and relaxing sessions.

Why should I choose sustainable yoga clothing?

Sustainable yoga clothing is a real boon for the environment. This is because resource conservation is prioritized in its production. Brands committed to sustainability pledge to use raw materials and energy responsibly.

Furthermore, they rely on a value chain that is consistently implemented from beginning to end. This means that true sustainability implies that both the environment and employees are treated fairly, regardless of whether they work in the design department or at the sewing machine.

Besides its positive impact on your ecological and social footprint, sustainable yoga wear offers you further advantages. The textiles used here undergo rigorous quality controls.

While fast fashion products often contain numerous harmful substances, these are not found in certified sustainable clothing. The term "sustainable yoga clothing" therefore essentially stands for safe textiles – completely free of residues that are harmful to your body.

So you can feel completely comfortable with a clear conscience and a pleasant physical sensation. Utopia has compiled an overview of suitable offers.

What does the perfect activewear for yoga look like?

Sustainability is also a very broad topic when it comes to clothing. It's not always immediately apparent whether and how well the goal of resource-efficient and socially responsible fashion production is actually being implemented.

A good indicator is to take a closer look at the care label. This small textile tag inside the garments gives you a precise breakdown of the materials used. A wide variety of materials are suitable for environmentally friendly activewear:

• Organic cotton: Cotton from organic farming is a classic among high-quality fabrics. The material absorbs sweat. Alternatively, it keeps you nice and warm during more relaxed yoga sessions – and during outdoor yoga.
• Bamboo fiber: Bamboo is the all-rounder among raw materials. It can be processed into numerous items, such as everyday objects and food products, and it regenerates extremely quickly. Bamboo is also impressive in fabric form. Its properties are similar to those of cotton.
• High-tech fabrics: Synthetic fibers are elastic, quick-drying, and sweat-wicking. However, they also have a somewhat negative reputation because plastic production is incredibly resource-intensive and environmentally harmful. Textiles made from recycled synthetic fibers offer a high-performance and reliable alternative. These save energy and raw materials during production and are often made from old PET bottles and similar materials recovered from the oceans.
• Tencel: This fiber is derived from wood and processed industrially. Thanks to a closed-loop manufacturing process, the material is particularly environmentally friendly. It also feels like silk against the skin.
• Merino wool: The wool of Merino sheep is a true all-rounder for clothing. The material hardly absorbs odors, wicks away moisture, and ensures a pleasant skin climate. However, it is important to pay attention to the origin of the Merino wool: "Mulesing" – a method in which the sheep's hindquarters are clipped – is a crucial criterion.

Admittedly, the selection is huge. But all of these textiles have their place. Which ones are right for you is a matter of personal taste. For example, if you prefer more active sessions, you might benefit most from performance fabrics. For relaxation sessions, on the other hand, your fashion pieces should be warmer.

Organic Yoga Wear: Here's what you should look out for

Now you're wondering what qualities your outfit should ideally have? In our experience, the perfect yoga wear should…

• …sit comfortably and have a good cut. Too tight, too loose, too low-cut, or the waistband doesn't fit right – in the right, sustainable sportswear, you'll always feel comfortable. Try on different cuts and fits to find the ones that suit you and your needs.
• …made of a material that feels pleasant against the skin. While some prefer natural materials, others deliberately opt for functional textiles. It always comes down to personal preference and intended use.
• …offer no unwanted glimpses. Unfortunately, many sportswear products are not opaque. Therefore, always test different movements in front of a mirror or a trusted person to check if the fabric lives up to its promise.
• …suit you. Whether muted colors, vibrant patterns, or statement slogans – use your yoga clothing to express your personality. Come as you are! Because what's better than being able to be authentic?
• …offer a fair price-performance ratio. Even if high-quality clothing made from sustainable materials may cost a bit more, the price should be justified. A good indicator here is always the manufacturer's transparency. For example, do they point out in their online shop that they invest money in aid projects, source their raw materials from particularly ecological cultivation, or use an innovative manufacturing process? Then that can certainly explain the pricing.

Sustainable yoga clothing: money well spent

As you can see, sustainability is a holistic concept. This also means that you should feel good about your purchase of sustainable sportswear. By buying quality yoga wear, you're doing something good for the environment and the people behind the products.

And of course, you too: Investing in the perfect yoga wear is also an investment in your own well-being. A nice side effect: High-quality yoga clothing is significantly more durable than cheaper alternatives. So once you've identified the right pieces for you, you can look forward to wearing them for a long time, whenever you like. Treat yourself and the environment to one or two world-improving outfits – you deserve it.