Yoga columnist dishes wardrobe tricks, secrets amid Lululemon recall
By Brittany Anas
News of Lululemon recalling its too-sheer yoga pants is making us second-guess our workout duds, inspecting them closely to make sure they have us, um, covered.
Have we been victims of a workout wardrobe malfunction, revealing too much to the person propped on the mat behind us? Even if you’ve never done yoga, the Lululemon recall may have you wondering what the heck you’ll wear on weekends.
In a lengthy “frequently asked question” page on the Canadian company’s website, officials explain there may be a short-term shortage of the classic black yoga pants. (Cue the collective gasp of women everywhere).
We’ve called in an expert. Jenn Fields is a Boulder, Colo.-based yogi and author of the Bad Buddhist column, which is equal parts hilarious and introspective. She’s been practicing yoga for 12 years and just returned from a yoga retreat in Bali, where she did yoga for a week in hot, humid weather that made her think very carefully about her attire.
Fields gives us the scoop on how to look your best when you’re practicing yoga. (Afterall, you’ll be staring at yourself in the mirror).
ShopAtHome.com: What makes for an ideal pair of yoga pants? Aside from sheerness, what should we be inspecting?
Jenn Fields: I consider several elements. Do they stay put on my waist when I bend over, or will I be showing people my crack? You won’t know unless you do a little bit of yoga in the dressing room, before you buy. I’m tempted by colors, because black pants get boring, but you have to be careful there — once you start sweating, sweat can get really noticeable really fast on, let’s say, bright turquoise pants. For warm and hot yoga, I prefer lighter quick-drying fabrics over heavier ones. My exception to that rule is Shining Shakti’s pants, which are cotton but breathe well, fit great and don’t show off my lady parts. I own two pair in dark colors so I don’t have to worry about them showing sweat.
(Find Shining Shakti pants at Yoga Accessories).
SAH: What are a few of your favorite brands for yoga wear?
JF: Well, I already mentioned those fancy Shining Shakti pants. I love prAna’s pants, too. They tend to fit me better than lulu…but you have to find what fits your body best. Again, try before you buy.
SAH: Any tips for making your yoga pants last longer?
JF: If you’re referring to fuzzy pants, I’d suggest washing them inside-out. This should give you less wear on the outside, so they stay pretty, and, really, isn’t the inside what you want to be thoroughly washed, anyway?
I don’t really have a problem with yoga pants wearing out on me. Maybe that’s because I tend to look at them as an investment, so I never buy cheap ones. I have some prAna capris that I’ve been wearing for at least five years. They’re a little fuzzy, but they still fit great, and that’s the most important thing when you’re turning yourself upside down.
SAH: Have any yogi horror stories about wearing the wrong pants you’ll share with us?
JF: I do. I know about sweat through your pants from experience. You can read all about it here. And don’t just touch your toes in the dressing room when you try on pants — do it for yoga tops, too, because the girls want to escape if your top isn’t cut to keep them in when you’re upside down or twisted around.
Also, guys, don’t think this is a problem for the ladies. I’ve been stuck behind one of you in a crowded hot yoga class when one of you decided to wear baggy shorts and no underwear. No one wants to see your boy bits with every chaturanga. Wear underwear or wear tighter shorts please, boys.
Top photo courtesy of Jenn Fields, who is pictured with an elephant she befriended on her recent yoga retreat in Bali.
Bottom photo courtesy of Shining Shakti.
Other articles you might also like:
• Amid soda ban news, nutrition expert tells us why we should swear off pop
• Lesley loves: Avon Anew Clinical Pro Line Eraser, Eye Treatment
• How to create a shabby-chic garden
• Sneak peek: Celeb stylist Kate Young launching ‘red carpet’ line for Target
• Hangover 3 coming to theaters + packing list for a wild Vegas trip
