Yoga Mannequin - Vrksasana
Putting aside for the moment my ongoing series on Jung and Yoga (series?! But there’s only one article!), I wanted to share some thoughts and some resources on yoga apparel. That’s right: yoga clothes. One of the most talked about issues in the yoga community I’ve found is the affordability factor: not only of yoga classes, but also the high cost of some of the clothes suitable for a comfortable yet challenging and confident practice.
Lower-cost apparel: You might think that a big-box retailer like Target (that stocks brands such as Champion sportswear (produced by Hanesbrands, Inc.) would be the go-to place for inexpensive, easily replaceable yoga basics like bra-top camisoles, leggings and light-weight tees. Ditto for Wal-Mart and perhaps some of the others. Their yoga wear is well-made, stands up to a lot of wear and washing and it fits the tighter budget. But lower-cost usually means materials procurement and manufacturing are outsourced. Outsourced usually means environmental or human/worker rights abuses. Do a little research the next time you need tank tops or a pair of yoga capris and are thinking cheaper is automatically better.
“But cheaper is what I can afford. How can I shop and keep a conscience?” For all their alleged faults, Target/Champion and WalMart also stock Danskin, a sweatshop-free company that also makes some of the best plus-size sportswear. Gap, Inc. (Old Navy, Banana Republic, and now Athleta) has for years been taken to task for worker abuse and child labor violations in the countries where it manufactures its brands. In 2008, they came up with a plan you can read here. Perhaps they are doing the right thing. I hope so because Old Navy also puts out very quality, low-cost yoga apparel.
Other options include thrift and 2nd hand clothing shops, which are great resources for tanks and t-shirts (not so much for pants).
Higher-end apparel: Pricier apparel is sometimes pricier because the materials are different or more expensive themselves. Organic and natural fibers have no synthetics or dyes and will allow the body to breathe easier. High-tech materials are more expensive to produce. Again, invest up front in these and they will last longer than inexpensive wear.
Here are some links to some of the boutique brands:
Athleta – owned by the same group that owns Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. It appears that Athleta still manufactures here in the U.S., but you can click here to read Gap, Inc.’s efforts to be a more socially responsible company.
BePresent – they of the very pretty logo you often see on the waistband of their split leg yoga pants.
Gaiam – A complete natural and organic lifestyle company. They also manufacture inexpensive yoga props (mats, bolsters, straps, etc.) you can find at Target.
Lucy -I have not tried any yoga wear by Lucy, but hear good things. They also offer an instructor discount.
Lululemon – Vancouver, BC based company that often holds in-store yoga demos and offers an instructor discount.
prAna – another very eco-conscious manufacturer of active and casual wear. Shop their online outlet for good deals.
Factors to consider in your own purchasing decisions:
1. How active are you? Power yoga junkie? Do you cross-train and incorporate other activity into your routine? If so, you probably already have a handle on yoga and other sportswear that allows the body to wick away moisture. Both lower-cost and boutique brand yoga apparel is out there for you. On the other hand, some folks swear by 100% cotton for moisture absorption.
2. What’s your budget? Can you spend a lot up front or a little over time? Higher-end gear is an upfront investment that will last longer (sometimes) than lower-priced yoga wear.
Know of other yoga outfitters? Smaller or locally based? Let us know in the comments!