Best clothing for hot yoga, by Nike
Buying guide
Here's what to wear to hot yoga to stay cool and comfortable.
Whether you prefer Bikram or heated Vinyasa, hot yoga demands gear that can withstand the intense heat and challenging poses. Given the high humidity and temperatures ranging from 27 to 38 degrees Celsius, the fit and fabric of your outfit are crucial for boosting your comfort and performance—just ask anyone who has ever worn a cotton T-shirt or tracksuit bottoms to a hot yoga class.
If you're brand new to the workout and unsure what to wear to hot yoga, or are looking to upgrade your existing clothing for hot yoga, read on for the best options to shop from Nike for your next flow.
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Choose a moisture-wicking fabric
Just as you wouldn't run a marathon in sprinting spikes, you don't want to take a hot yoga class wearing 100% cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat and holds onto moisture, making the fabric heavy as you move—potentially setting you up for uncomfortable chafing.
Instead, look for a high-performance, moisture-wicking fabric like Nike Dri-FIT, a polyester with a unique microfibre construction to support the body's natural cooling system. It wicks away sweat from your skin and disperses it across the fabric's surface to evaporate faster, allowing you to stay dry and comfortable. Materials like Dri-FIT can help regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating during a hot yoga session.
A few yoga bestsellers made from Dri-FIT include the Nike Ready Men's Dri-FIT Short-Sleeve Fitness Top and the Nike Unlimited Men's Dri-FIT 12.5cm (approx.) Unlined Versatile Shorts. For women's Dri-FIT options, try the Nike Swoosh Light Support Women's Non-Padded Sports Bra—in addition to its sweat-wicking properties, it has the perfect level of support for a low-impact workout like yoga and is comfortable to wear all day. Pair it with the Nike Universa Women's Medium-Support High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings with Pockets, made from a squat-proof (or, in this case, Chair Pose-proof) midweight fabric that's durable, super flexible and cool to the touch—just what you want for hot yoga.
Best Nike bottoms for hot yoga
Many sweat-wicking bottoms can work for hot yoga, but you'll want to prioritise a snug fit—there's nothing more annoying than a waistband slipping down during class—and minimal seams to prevent chafing. The right pair gives you freedom to move through a Vinyasa flow. The Zenvy Gentle-Support High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings for women hit all those notes with Dri-FIT technology and an extra-wide waistband designed to reduce rolling and sliding—a must-have for inversions. They're also sleek and free of extra zips or pockets to prevent extra bulk.
"The Zenvy Leggings are so smooth and soft that when I start to heat up, they feel like another layer to my skin. If anything, the heat helps them feel even more snug to my body, allowing me the freedom to move", says Xochilt Hoover, Nike yoga instructor.
For men, the Nike Yoga Men's Dri-FIT Joggers are made from a soft, lightweight poly-knit fabric. They have a relaxed fit that's not too baggy, with cuffs on the ankles to keep them secure as you move. The adjustable waistband helps you find the right fit, and there are convenient pockets for stashing keys or other small essentials for heading to and from hot yoga class.
If leggings seem overkill in a steamy yoga class, consider sweat-wicking biker shorts for women or relaxed-fit drawstring shorts for men to reduce heat retention—just bear in mind that your legs can get sweaty and slippery on the mat.
Best Nike sports bras and tops for hot yoga
While you can wear any Dri-FIT top to hot yoga, many experienced practitioners forgo long sleeves and loose-fitting tops that can weigh them down or interfere with poses like Downward-Facing Dog. Instead, a more fitted Dri-FIT T-shirt like the Nike Primary Men's Dri-FIT Short-Sleeve Versatile Top with underarm ventilation or a tank top like the Nike Ready Men's Dri-FIT Fitness Tank Top that won't disrupt your yoga flow is ideal.
Shop Dri-FIT tops
When it comes to a sports bra for hot yoga, you can usually avoid the ultra-compressive styles you'd wear for a run or other high-impact exercise. Instead, opt for Hoover's pick, the light-support Nike Alate Minimalist Women's Light-Support Padded Convertible Sports Bra that has stretchy, sewn-in padding and convertible, adjustable straps to help you get the perfect fit. The lightweight, brushed fabric is soft and will keep you dry and comfortable thanks to Dri-FIT technology and perforations at the front that offer extra breathability. Or, try the Nike Alate Medium-Support Padded Sports Bra Tank Top for a two-in-one option to avoid extra layers.
Best Nike yoga mat and towel for hot yoga
You'll want to choose a high-quality yoga mat with a grippy surface to help keep you from slipping and sliding as sweat accumulates during class. A great option is Nike's Reversible Yoga Mat, made predominantly from thermoplastic elastomer, a durable yet lightweight and flexible material. At 4 millimetres thick, it has enough cushioning to keep your joints supported during class but is still portable enough to be easily carried to and from your hot yoga class.
Don't forget to finish with a lightweight, microfibre yoga towel that can be layered on top of your mat. It absorbs sweat, helps prevent you from slipping and can also be used when you need an inevitable wipe-down during class.
Words by Kylie Marie Gilbert