My first hot yoga experience was about 10 years ago. My then colleague introduced me to hot yoga and claimed she reduced her weight within a month.
I did not really understand the benefits of hot yoga but gave it a try anyway. I was told I need to get yoga outfits. “What the heck is yoga outfit?”, I thought to myself. Back then, there was not much of an option. I wore sports bra under my t-shirt and tights for the bottom.
Personally, I think yoga outfit should be something comfortable for the wearer and others too. What do I mean by that? I have seen so many disturbing views while doing yoga. A lady in front of me was wearing loose shorts with lacy underwear.
As I was doing my forward fold and flat-back, I could not help but stare… Everything at the same time. I could see her cellulite and lace underwear… I was very traumatised and learned how to pick who to seat behind…
Anyway, yoga outfit is accessible for the past few years. Even fast fashion like H&M sells sports wear. I started with Cotton On sportswear. It seems fashionable and affordable.
My BFF got into hot yoga after I asked her to join me. She was very serious about yoga and wanted to look good while doing it. At first, I introduced her to Cotton On but she wanted better material and quality, price would be secondary. She checked and decided to try Lululemon.
After exploring yoga outfits for some time, I would like to summarise my findings.
| No | Overview | Cotton On | Alita Active | Lululemon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Origin | Australia | Asia | Canada |
| 2 | Founded | 1992 | 2016 | 1998 |
| 3 | Sports Bra/tank Price |
SGD 25 | SGD 34 | USD 68 (SGD 96) |
| 4 | Tights/Shorts Price |
SGD 30 | SGD 34 | USD 148 (SGD 216) |
| 5 | Total Outfit Price |
SGD 55 | SGD 73 | USD 216 (SGD 305) |
| 6 | Quality | Minimun | Acceptable | Great |
| 7 | Design | Simple & colourful | Trendy | Sleek |
| 8 | Comfort | Minimun | Acceptable | Great |
| 9 | Discount Price | SGD 40 (-27%) | SGD 62 (-15%) | SGD 223 (-27%) |
| 10 | Outlet in Singapore | Yes | Yes Robinsons, The Heeren |
Yes |
| 11 | Outlet in Hong Kong |
Yes | No Online Store |
Yes |
The total outfit price difference for the 3 brands is huge based on retail price. Of course, I got them during sales period (store/online) or from outlet mall.
1. Cotton On
Photo Credit: http://sporteluxe.com/
I wear them for both yoga and dance classes. Outlets around Singapore island and constantly on discount. Once, I got yoga pants for SGD 10 each. However, it is not as comfortable as it looks. There has been times where underwear rides up your butt…
Workout Yoga Crop (size S / Black), SGD 24.95
Photo Credit: cottonon.com.sg
Active Core Capri (size XS / Grey), SGD 29.95
Photo Credit: cottonon.com.sg
2. Alita Active
I saw Alita Active while shopping at Robinsons, in Singapore. I really liked the vest but there were no more stock for my size. Hence, I decided to google about the brand and realised I could purchase it online. I decided to get the whole set for jogging.
I got Motion Mesh Drawstring Shorts (size M / Black), SGD 34
Photo Credits: Alitaactive.com
Athena Lace T (size S / Black), SGD 34
Photo Credits: Alitaactive.com
Elite Hooded Crop Vest (size M / Black), SGD 39
Photo Credits: Alitaactive.com
I really like the trendy & sleek design. The comfort level was good. I wear the shorts for jogging and wore their sports bra for both yoga & dance.
The whole outfit look for jogging (SGD 107 excluding shoes)
Photo Credits: Alitaactive.com
3. Lululemon
I was skeptical at first. I mean just a pair of yoga pants at USD 150?! It has to make me feel awesome to buy a pair of pants to sweat in it… It does feel wonderful.
I got Tight Stuff Tight II (size 2 / Midnight Navy), USD 148.
Photo Credits: lululemon.com
I broke my nail while trying though. It is so tight and keeps everything in place with great comfort. I can wear it for yoga or jogging.
I matched it with Fit Physique Tank (Size 4 / Hero Blue), USD 68.
Photo Credits: lululemon.com
It has a built-in bra. Absolute love when I wore it.
The only thought that came to my mind when shopping at the store was, do they have plus sizes? Honestly, all the staff who works there are sporty & fit. Customers who visited were all pretty fit too. It kind of reminded me Abercrombie & Fitch for some reason.
I did some googling and found the founder has made some controversial statements about his clothing are designed for certain body types.
Anyway, the 3 brands are what I am wearing. Just make sure to wear correct outfit for your own comfort and others.
Till then…
Jessica Tamaki 