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Style Matters: Cost of yoga togs ought to fit your comfort zone

Published February 2, 2006 at midnight

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Judie: The other day we saw this item in People and it really stuck in our craw. It said actresses Heather Graham and Salma Hayek wear the new line of Divine yoga togs with tops for $48 and pants for $68. Paying more than $100 for yoga or any kind of exercise clothing has got to be one of the trendiest consumer rip-offs around.

Evelinda: When Style Matters exercises, we do it in our old ratty clothes, not "togs." Judie wears tights she picked up at Target in 1993 and any T-shirt that's passably clean. I wear leggings I bought in the '80s during my Flashdance days. We still get a good workout. Do you burn more calories if you're wearing expensive exercise clothing?

Judie: No, but these yoga experts are coming dangerously close to claiming that you'll have a better workout. How about this quote from the Web site healthandyoga.com: "Your yoga clothing should be appealing to the eye. It will make you feel good as you proceed with the practice."

Evelinda: Honey, I've practiced yoga and wearing Armani wouldn't have made me feel any better. Of course, had I known that I was supposed to wear these expensive outfits I might have liked tying myself into a pretzel a little more.

Judie: Perhaps you should have tried the yoga clothing by Shiva Shakti at Nordstrom. This manufacturer claims that its fabric "combines the latest moisture management technology with a fit that energizes your body and has longevity for the journey of life." Their pants: $56. Excuse me while I assume the "hurling dog" position.

Evelinda: After wading through all the yin and yang on yoga clothes, here are a few tips.

• Comfort: Clothing should allow free movement in a variety of stretch and twist positions.

• Absorbency: Clothes should not retain sweat. Foley's sells the Marika Balance collection with moisture wicking, and the line was 50 percent off the last time we looked.

• Pants: Buy pairs made from cotton-spandex fabric that allows for extra flexibility. Some styles have roll-down waistbands that "give" in the mid-section as you move through poses or sit for long periods of meditation. Form-fitting pants also allow your instructor to see your legs and assist you in achieving proper pose alignment.

Judie: We applaud the Web site Yoga.lifetips.com that admits: "Although no special clothing is needed to practice yoga, yoga clothing should allow maximum comfort."

Evelinda: Now when I chant the "om" in yoga class, my mind will be filled with the thoughts of all the money I've saved.

Judie: I thought you were supposed to clear your mind.

Evelinda: Better my mind than my bank account.

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