Fashionistas in gyms everywhere owe yoga a big thank you. Ever since Madonna publicized her love of the practice, yoga clothes have popped up everywhere - from SportMart and Niketown to more stylish venues such as Victoria's Secret and Nordstrom. Their comfort and versatility allow for fashion and function, at the gym and on the go.
Even for those who don't know a Downward Dog from a Crocodile Pose, clothes created for practicing yoga have many other gym-friendly features. The yoga pant is not only comfortable; it's flattering to many figures. The straight leg provides a streamlined look from hip to ankle, and when you find a pair that fits perfectly at your waist, it does wonders for the rear. The pants are cut to fit slightly snug on the thigh, which allow for a wide range of motion. Yoga pants are made of soft, flowing materials perfect for lifting weights and much quieter on the treadmills than the old wind-breaker sweat suits.
Yoga tops are primarily simple spaghetti-strap camisoles. They tend to flatter most size chests and often come with built-in bras, a must for treadmill use. The small straps allow weight-lifters to focus on precise muscle definition in the shoulders and arms. Other yoga-inspired tops include cap-sleeve muscle shirts, and generally other form-fitting shirts.
So from everyone who suffered through Olivia Newton-John's one-piece-and-headband look from "Physical" and can remember wearing our biker shorts under skirts (the horror) we ring out a loud THANK YOU, YOGA! for bringing fashion into our work out wear.
