The way you present your body has a massive impact on your mental health and overall well-being. Even subtle changes to your wardrobe can help you feel confident and content in your own body.
A positive body image can help you appreciate your flaws, too. This is important if you’re trying to better manage your weight or are partaking in yoga to improve your overall health. Wearing the right clothes at the right moment will allow you to breathe deeply into your poses without worrying about what other people think.
Unfortunately, most yoga clothing brands are made for models rather than folks with full-time jobs and plus-size bodies. That said, you can still learn to love the clothes you wear and improve your body image by making a few strategic changes to your wardrobe.
Switching up your wardrobe is a great way to freshen up your look and rebuild your self-confidence. Your clothing and mental health are intrinsically connected as the clothes you wear allow you to express your creativity and boost your confidence. Clothes that suit your body shape can help you overcome body dysmorphia and may even improve your mood.
When shopping for a new set of clothes, look for clothes that align with your overall style but are cut to suit your body shape. If you’re feeling anxious or feeling low, consider picking up some blue shirts and yoga shorts. Blue is associated with calm and can help you recenter yourself before your next practice.
Making a wardrobe change may help you overcome depression, too. Poor body image can lead to feelings of depression, as you’re likely to fall into a cycle of self-loathing when you don’t like the way you look. You don’t have to break the bank either. Instead, try to buy clothes that reflect your values, suit your body as it is today, and pair well with the elements of your body image that you like.
The clothing you wear while working up a sweat must be both durable and breathable. There’s nothing worse than feeling a sweaty shirt stick to your skin while you’re in Shavasana. However, choosing the right blend of athletic wear for you can be a real challenge.
If you’re worried about how your body looks while working out, take comfort in the fact that no one is looking at you. They’re far too busy focusing on their own down dogs and warrior poses. That said, you can make some strategic purchases to help you feel at your best while you exercise.
If you want to lose weight, consider purchasing a few undershirts that you can wear beneath your normal workout clothes. Tight-fitting undershirts can keep you from worrying about exposed skin and are remarkably comfortable considering their close fit.
If you’re looking to gain weight, consider longer pants and shirts. Longer garments that cover up your limbs can help you focus on the elements of your body image that you take pride in. Over time, ditch the long-sleeve shirts and try to focus on loving your body.
It’s important to remember that your clothing should support your weight management journey rather than hinder it. Buy clothes that eventuate the traits you love most about yourself, but try to focus on accepting your body as it is. This will boost your confidence in the long run and ensure that you can maintain a healthier lifestyle for years to come.
Refreshing your wardrobe is a great way to boost your confidence and find clothes that support your body type. However, you may feel a twinge of guilt when purchasing a new wardrobe, as many sports clothing brands use unsustainable materials to produce yoga pants, sneakers, and training tops.
Skip the guilt and buy clothes that are both sustainable and support your body image. Lookout for athletic slow fashion items from reliable, trusted brands. If you’re worried about the ecological cost of a new wardrobe, dig a little deeper into the clothing and learn about the materials that are being used to create your new clothes.
Consider purchasing neutral-toned clothing. Neutral-toned clothing is in fashion right now, and pairs well with anything else in your wardrobe. Look out for white shirts, gray pants, or beige yoga mats. These staple items can be partnered with all of your favorite clothes, meaning you can wear more of your wardrobe with items that make you feel great.
Your clothes have a massive impact on your body image and confidence. The right set of workout clothes can motivate you to push through a challenging workout and ensure that your focus remains on the flow you’re in. A fresh wardrobe may help improve your mental health, too, as the clothes you wear can improve your self-esteem and help you feel proud when you look in the mirror. Just be sure to buy sustainably sourced items where possible, and try to stick to neutral tones if you’re buying a whole new set of yoga pants, mats, and tops.
By Katie Brenneman