Why Stretch Shorts are a Must Have for Yoga

You really can’t take a yoga class on a regular basis without a pair of good stretch shorts. These were previously known as bicycle shorts because of their form-fitting nature that made them perfect for riding a bike without having them ride up on you. Stretch shorts are typically made out of spandex and are form fitting, so they move where and when your body moves. This is perfect for yoga classes, where you often have to twist your body up into all kinds of shapes. Having form fitting spandex clothing, such as shorts, means nothing loose will be hanging down for you to get caught up in as you move, and you can move more fluidly and easily this way.

Spandex Shorts Are Not the Best for Bikram Yoga

Some people use stretch shorts exclusively for their yoga and other exercise classes, while others keep a pair of cotton drawstring shorts on hand for certain yoga styles, like Bikram yoga. Cotton breathes much more easily than spandex, and since Bikram yoga and other exercise routines that take place in hot environments cause a lot of sweating, cotton is more comfortable in those environments. You will feel cooler in cotton, and the cotton will absorb any stray sweat. With spandex, no sweat is absorbed, and the skin doesn’t breathe as easily. In fact, because the sweat is not absorbed by the spandex, it often makes it uncomfortable to wear this type of clothing for hot activities, because the sweat will get trapped beneath the spandex against your skin and make you itchy.

Spandex Shorts Are Inexpensive and Perfect for Fluid Movements

However, if you are doing hatha yoga or meditation yoga, or anything in a cool room that requires soft, fluid movements, then stretch shorts are your friend. These will help you move about much more easily and comfortably, and since you won’t be sweating, there is no danger of becoming itchy and uncomfortable. Best of all, spandex is an inexpensive material and readily available, so you can buy as many pairs as you like for cheap. If you tear a pair, don’t feel like you have to sew it together again, because this never looks good on spandex. Just buy a new pair and you’re all good to go. Most spandex shorts cost less than $10 a pair, and you can find them just about everywhere.

Where Can you Get Cheap Mens and Womens Stretch Shorts?

Department stores, such as Wal-Mart and Target, will sell really cheap stretch shorts in their exercise and/or intimate apparel departments, since these shorts can also double as leggings and even hosiery. You can also order spandex shorts woven with organic cotton threads from several specialty stores online. These are not only good choices for your health, but they are also good choices for the environment. Whichever you choose, know that you should always be able to find spandex shorts whenever you need them, as they are everywhere. If you can’t find them in your town (which is very unlikely), then they are definitely only ever a mouse click away.