Yoga Clothing Brands You Might Not Know
By Haylee Reed
Sick of wearing the same old leggings to every yoga class? You know, the ones with the fray on the seam and the pilling on the legs? If you’ve ever endured a yoga session with an itchy tank top or leggings that slide down your waist every time you downward-dog, you know just how much your clothes can affect your flow. Feeling comfortable and supported throughout your practice can make a huge difference in your confidence and concentration, and nothing is a bigger motivator than throwing on an outfit that makes you excited to work out. Of course, with so many activewear lines popping up nowadays, it can be overwhelming to find the right gear, as quality, style, and fit varies widely from brand to brand. For those of you looking to upgrade your yoga wardrobe, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite yoga brands — some that you may have already heard of and some that are newer to the yoga apparel scene. Whether you’re in search of a durable pair of leggings for your at-home yoga sessions or a versatile athleisure outfit for your on-the-go days, one of these yoga brands is bound to be the perfect fit.
Outdoor Voices
Although it’s still a relative newcomer to the activewear space, you may have already come across the popular lifestyle brand, Outdoor Voices. On a mission to “Get the World Moving” by #DoingThings, Outdoor Voices has made a name for itself by producing high-quality apparel that goes beyond fitness and performance. OV encourages fun over competition, and this sentiment is apparent in their clothing. With legging, bras, crop tops, and outerwear in a variety of popping colors and playful prints, OV allows shoppers to get creative with their activewear, which can easily be worn on and off the yoga mat. For an outfit that’s guaranteed to boost your mood and get you moving, check out their famous Exercise Dress or build your own OV “kit” with a matching top and bottom.
Beyond Yoga
A female-founded-and-run brand, Beyond Yoga offers versatile pieces that can easily transition from your day trip to the farmers’ market to your evening yoga session. With a mission to create clothing for women of all shapes and sizes, Beyond Yoga’s products range in size from women’s XXS to 3X, and they even fit test their pieces on real people (aka their employees). Not only are their products inclusive, but they’re also incredibly soft and high-quality. Hailed as some of the most buttery yoga pants on the market, customers say that BY’s Spacedye leggings, made with their velvety Spacedye performance fabric, are both comfy and supportive. Plus, their high-waisted leggings are said to fit perfectly above the navel (without slipping down in between poses), making them ideal for an intense yoga flow.
Indigo Luna
An Australian brand with a mission to use every piece of material and reduce waste, Indigo Luna creates ethically made yoga apparel, swimwear, and linens for “all earthlings that wish to live well, live healthy, and live kind.” Their pieces come in simple, thoughtful designs and earthy tones, using plant dyes from recycled or organic materials, such as indigo leaves, mango leaves, and Indian almond leaves. Dedicated to social transparency and ethical practices, all of Indigo Luna’s pieces are handmade in Bali, Indonesia in a women-run factory, where workers receive adequate healthcare, above living wage, and dignified working conditions. And if all of that doesn’t already sell you, the garments themselves are high-quality, beautifully crafted, and come in a range of colors and styles to fit everyone.
PrAna
Inspired by the Sanskrit word for “breath,” PrAna is all about being connected wholly and completely to life around us — and this idea echoes beautifully in their yoga line. On a mission to inspire adventure and activity, PrAna creates sustainable apparel for yoga, travel, and outdoor enthusiasts. Through eco-friendly materials and production practices, PrAna prioritizes ethical transparency in order to lessen its impact on the planet, all while crafting beautiful, high-quality garments. With yoga pants, leggings, bras, and tops in a variety of unique prints and durable fabrics, PrAna is a perfect option for those who love to help the planet and look good doing it.
Girlfriend Collective
If you haven’t heard of Girlfriend Collective yet, there’s no doubt you will soon, because this brand is blowing up in the activewear space. Known for its sleek, simple designs and mood-boosting colors, GC creates multipurpose activewear for all shapes and sizes, with sizes ranging from women’s XXS to 6XL. But arguably the most noteworthy aspect of GC’s brand is its commitment to slow fashion. All of its garments are made from materials that would otherwise clog landfills and threaten wildlife, such as plastic water bottles. In fact, each pair of its Compressive Leggings begins with 25 post-consumer recycled water bottles, and its bras start with 11 bottles. However, even though its fabrics are made from recycled materials, GC doesn’t compromise the fit, feel, or function of its products. According to customer reviews, GC’s Paloma Bra, High-Rise Bike Shorts, and Compressive Leggings are highly technical, wick away sweat, and provide comfort and support for flowing poses.
JoyLab by Target
For a more accessible and less pricey option, Target holds its own line of activewear under the name JoyLab, which offers a variety of on-trend athleisure and workout gear. With leggings, bras, tops, and outerwear that’s affordable but still high-quality, JoyLab is a great option for those looking for durable yoga apparel but aren’t committed to dropping $60 on a pair of leggings. So, next time you’re on your way to one of your weekly Target trips (we’re right there with you), try out some pieces from JoyLab as a little pick-me-up before your next yoga session.