Wear as little as you are comfortable in, in fabrics that wick sweat and dry fast. For most people that means shorts or lightweight leggings, a sports bra or a fitted tank, and nothing made of cotton. You practice barefoot, and a towel over your mat matters more than any outfit piece. Here is the full breakdown so your first heated class is about the yoga, not your clothes.
How hot is hot yoga?
It depends on the style, and it changes what you should wear.
|
Style |
Typical room |
What that means for clothes |
|
Bikram / 26+2 |
About 105°F, around 40% humidity |
Minimal: shorts and a sports bra, or shorts and no shirt for men |
|
Hot vinyasa / heated power |
Usually in the 90s °F |
Shorts or light leggings, a bra or fitted tank |
|
Warm yoga / infrared |
Often 80s °F |
Regular yoga clothes are fine, just skip cotton |
If you are not sure which class you booked, check the studio’s schedule description or ask at the front desk.
Head-to-toe: what to wear
Bottoms
Shorts are the coolest option, especially for Bikram. Pick a fitted style that will not ride up when you fold forward, like the Evo Freedom Shorts.
Leggings work for heated vinyasa if you prefer more coverage. Choose a lightweight, quick-dry pair, and consider a 7/8 or capri length so less fabric sits on hot skin. Make sure they are fully opaque when wet and stretched. Our guide to squat-proof leggings shows how to check.
Tops
A sports bra on its own is the norm in many hot classes, and nobody will look twice. Choose one that stays in place upside down, like the Ace Support Bra.
A fitted tank if you want more coverage. A racerback, such as the Evo Racerback Tank, stays out of the way in twists and downward dog. Avoid loose tees; they fall over your face in inversions and get heavy with sweat.
Fabric matters more than style
Look for nylon (polyamide) or polyester blended with spandex. These fabrics pull sweat off your skin and dry quickly. Cotton does the opposite: it soaks up sweat, gets heavy, and clings. If you want to understand the difference, read our explainers on what polyamide is and polyamide vs polyester.
Feet
Barefoot. Socks get slippery on a sweaty mat, and shoes stay in the cubbies.
Hair and face
Tie long hair up and off your neck. Skip heavy makeup and lotion before class; both turn slippery once you sweat.
What to bring
- A mat towel. This is the most important hot yoga item. A towel with grip on the back keeps your hands and feet from sliding.
- Your own mat, if the studio does not provide one. See our yoga mat guide.
- A big water bottle. An insulated steel bottle keeps water cold through a 60 or 90 minute class.
- A change of clothes and a bag for wet ones.
What not to wear
- Cotton anything
- Loose shirts or baggy pants
- Jewelry, especially rings and bracelets
- Anything that turns see-through when wet
- Shoes or socks on the mat
For men
Most men wear fitted shorts with a liner, or compression shorts under a loose short. Going shirtless is common in many hot studios, especially Bikram, but check the vibe at yours. If you wear a top, make it a fitted performance tank, not a cotton tee.
A few first-class tips
Hydrate well in the hours before class, not just during it. Eat lightly two to three hours ahead. Rest in child’s pose whenever you need to. And know the warning signs of heat exhaustion: the CDC lists dizziness, headache, nausea, and heavy sweating among them. If you feel those, stop and cool down. For more on getting ready, see our guide to preparing for hot yoga.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best clothing to wear to hot yoga?
Fitted shorts or lightweight leggings and a sports bra or fitted tank, all in sweat-wicking synthetic fabric. Avoid cotton.
Are you barefoot during hot yoga?
Yes. Hot yoga is practiced barefoot. Socks and shoes become slippery and unsafe on a sweaty mat.
Can I take my shirt off during hot yoga?
In many studios, yes. Men often go shirtless and women often practice in a sports bra. Check your studio’s norms if you are unsure.
Should I wear leggings or shorts to hot yoga?
Shorts are cooler, especially at Bikram temperatures. Lightweight, quick-dry leggings are fine for heated vinyasa if you prefer coverage.
What should I bring to my first hot yoga class?
A mat, a mat towel with grip, a large water bottle, and a change of clothes.
The bottom line
For hot yoga, dress light, skip cotton, go barefoot, and put a grippy towel on your mat. Get the fabric right and you will barely think about your clothes once class starts. Browse yoga apparel and sports bras for heat-ready pieces.
