A random sample taken from men who practice yoga revealed where they get their yoga wear: Goodwill -- or their sweats-and-worn-T's-filled bottom drawer. OK, I actually only asked two guys in my yoga class. But after observing men in improvised yoga wear for years during my own practice, I'm pretty sure my survey results are accurate.
Again, unscientifically, I surmise that very few men invest in stylish yoga togs because they don't know that:
- T's and torn pants aren't fashion statements.
- Yoga wear is often specifically designed for comfort, consequently allowing them to focus on their practice rather than constricting garments.
- Not all pants are made from stretchy Speedo fabric. (As one female yoga instructor put it, "Some of that stuff really is scary on men.").
- There are cool men's yoga clothes to be found -- if you know where to look.
That's where my rigorous investigative skills came into play. I found a few sources that offer options for practicing yogis.
Lululemon [0]
This Canadian company is exhaustive in finding out what men want from yoga wear. That means technical, moisture-wicking fabrics, four-way stretch, flat seams to avoid chafing, and anti-stink technology (really). They carry shorts, below-the-knee and long pants in dark colors; basic T-shirts in soft cotton or moisture-wicking fabric; and hoodies in contemporary but subtle prints. Hot yoga devotees will like the reflex short with liner that moves easily with the body. Prices range from $40 to $86.
Prana [1]
This brand received a thumbs-up from several yogis. As one put it: "The styles are more manly, the colors are nice and the look is hipper than others." The fabric ranges from stretchy, form-fitting cotton/spandex blends to loose-fit cottons. T-shirts have hip screen-print designs, pants easily transition from street to studio, and pieces come in subdued earth-tone colors. For a variety of styles, check the online store at www.prana.com [2], or look for selected pieces at 8 Limbs [2] studios and REI [2] stores. Prices range from $25 to $60.
8 Limbs Yoga Center and Boutique [2]
You'll find edgier styles and brands at this yoga boutique and studio on Capitol Hill. They carry T-shirts and hoodies from local company Buddahful [3] embellished with various deities; Stencil T's featuring Chinese dragons; and Yoga Tribe T's printed with inspirational messages like: "Change Your Karma, Do Good." A variety of pant styles and T-shirts from Prana round out the selection. Prices range from $26 to $72.
Be Present [4]
This family-owned, Colorado-based company has a few simple basics, including T-shirts and moisture-wicking, loose-fitting pants in earth-friendly organic cotton and bamboo. Nice colors, too, and all products are made in the United States. Prices range from $27 to $73.
If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
