Yoga Wear Comes of Age With Merino Wool
Until recently, well-known name brands have dominated the looks most commonly seen on yoga instructors and in the studio. While fit, design and colorful prints constantly rise certain brands to the top, in recent years there's been a shift. Yoga practitioners want more.
Performance, coverage, and the quality of materials have moved to the forefront of what's important. Ironically, the healthy lifestyle associated with yoga is also linked to big brands that use the harshest substances, including forever chemicals like PFAS and BPA, and Microplastic-producing materials in their clothing.
So what if you could have all natural materials with no chemicals against your skin that provided the same (or better) coverage, support, performance and were also better for the environment? After all, yoga clothing doesn’t just need to look good. It should make you feel good too. That’s where we come in.
Let’s be honest: most people wouldn’t immediately think of wool as an option for a yoga outfit. But Merino wool - a soft, supportive, breathable and technically superior fabric - has increased in popularity as yoga enthusiasts realize the benefits.
Whether your class is a heated Vinyasa flow, an intense Hatha session, or a well-deserved Yin wind down, here are our picks for the best clothing to help you get the most out of your time on the mat.
The first layer: next to skin
With adjustable straps, a built-in shelf, bra, and all natural Merino to wick sweat away from the body, the Ridge Merino Bralette is a staple piece that provides ample coverage on its own and can also be layered for a pop of color under a loose tank. For even more next-to-skin comfort and coverage, the Ridge Shelf Bra Cami is a great option.
With amazing support, coverage and sweat wickability, the new Send It Merino Sports Bra is not only for extreme sports. Yes, it provides more support for those with ample chests, but its softness and construction are unparalleled. There are no seams, so you don’t have to worry about chafing during multiple rounds of Surya Namaskar B; and it stays put so you can tackle your trickiest inversion with no worry of slippage.
The "Five Ss" of the Send-It Sports Bra: soft, seamless, supportive, sweat-wicking, stink-free.
The second layer: tanks and tees
Consider the Frankie Tank for a flowy, comfortable, cute overlay for a bra; and the Jovi Tank (Muscle Tee) or our Racerback and Traditional Tanks for more form-fitting designs. Again all natural fabric and great construction allow for maximum movement, coverage, softness and wickability, so sweat won’t stick to your skin.
The Merino Racerback: one of several women's Merino tanks in the quiver.
We also love our Merino tees for yoga: the Wander and Alpine Series for women and the Journey, Alpine and Tencel series for men.
The Men's Journey V-Neck Tee breathes and wicks sweat in the hottest environs.
The third layer: comfort before/after practice
Before and after your practice, you might need a few extra layers to provide a tad more modesty and or warmth that you wouldn't necessarily need - or want - in a studio setting. To lock in heat, consider pieces from our Merino + TENCEL Collection, including the Natural Pullover Hoodie and Natural Joggers. Often compared to Vuori joggers, these modern day sweatpants check all the boxes. Yes, they're super soft and ridiculously comfy, but unlike Vuori - they are made with all-natural materials (Merino wool and Tencel) and sell at a lower price point. The Ridge Merino Joggers are cute enough to wear to and from the studio, and cozy enough to wear all day and all night long - indoors and out.
Finally, another great wear-everywhere piece is the Hyde Mid Layer Merino wool hoodie. Made from 100% Merino wool, it is an excellent cool weather staple. Perfect for your to-from practice commute or winding down by the fire at your next yoga retreat.
Add a little coverage: the full-zip Hyde Merino wool Hoodie for men and women is the perfect cover up. Seen here with the Send It Sports Bra and Iva Bell Bike Short.
Whether you're a long-time practitioner or new to yoga, Ridge Merino clothing makes you feel as good on the outside as you will on the inside after your next session on the mat.
“Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and sharpens concentration.” - Natalie Nevins, DO, yoga instructor.
- Tags: Products & Materials
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