The Ultimate Packing List for Your First Yoga Class

Signed up for your first yoga class but have no idea what to bring? Here is a list of 6 essential items that you’ll need to pack for your first yoga class. 

Taking your first yoga class is exciting but it can also be really scary! I don’t know about you, but when I pictured yoga, I envisioned multiple rows of super flexible women wearing cute Lululemon leggings and it made me feel super intimidated.

After taking my first class, I realized that I couldn’t have been more wrong. Well, maybe not about the Lululemon leggings part, but definitely the rest of it. I walked in feeling anxious and walked out with a new gym membership and feeling like I was part of a community.

A great way to calm your nerves before taking your first yoga class is to pack everything you need ahead of time. Here is a list of the top 6 essential items to bring with you to your first yoga class.

Yoga Class Packing List

1. Yoga Mat

For your first class, the studio may offer free yoga mat rentals, but it’s better if you can bring your own mat. There are a million different kinds of yoga mats out there and they all work just fine. However, if you’re doing hot yoga, you want to find a mat that is easy to wipe off since you’ll be sweating all over it. My personal favorite is this one from Lululemon. I’ve been using it several times a week for over three years and it’s still in great condition!

I also highly recommend getting a strap to carry your yoga mat if you end up going regularly. It’s much easier to roll it up and toss it over your shoulder than trying to carry it and keep it from unrolling. This one from Amazon is less than $10 and it works great.

2. Water Bottle

Before doing yoga regularly, I never really thought of it as being a super sweaty activity. I quickly learned that I was also wrong about that! Yoga may be slower-paced than running or other cardio workouts, but it’ll still get your heart pounding. You’ll definitely be sweating by the end of class, so make sure you bring a full bottle of water.

3. Gym Towel

Some yoga studios provide towels for free, but my studio charges a dollar per towel rental which can really add up. I got this sweat-wicking one from Amazon and I love it! It’s super soft so it isn’t too harsh on my face as I’m frantically trying to wipe the sweat out of my eyes during Downward Dog.

4. Hair Tie or Clip

I see a lot of girls wearing cute jaw clips to yoga which works great for most of the class. However, most yoga classes include a 5-10 minute core workout where you’re lying on your back. I imagine it would be pretty uncomfortable to lay on a hair clip so for that reason, I recommend bringing a good hair tie. I like to wear my hair in the highest bun possible for class because I find that it gets really sweaty when left in a ponytail against my back.

5. Comfortable Clothes

This is arguably the most important thing you can have for your first yoga class. And no, you don’t need super high-end matching workout sets from Lululemon to practice yoga. I’ve found a ton of good, affordable options on Amazon and at Target.

You can wear shorts or leggings but I will say that most women prefer leggings because they don’t ride up when doing poses. My go-to leggings are the Salutation Stash 7/8 leggings from Athleta because they’re high-waisted and made of the most buttery soft, stretchy material.

For tops, if you’re doing hot yoga, I recommend wearing just a sports bra because it gets toasty in a hurry! But if you’re not comfortable with that, these tops from Amazon are super lightweight but provide a longer length to keep your midsection covered.

Most importantly, you should wear something that you feel comfortable in. If you’re uncomfortable walking around in the clothes, you’re also going to be uncomfortable stretching and doing yoga poses in them!

6. Long Sleeve Top

I am always cold – like shivering if it’s not at least 70 degrees cold, so I always wear a long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt over my yoga clothes. You definitely won’t need it if you’re doing hot yoga, but if you’re taking an unheated class, you might want to at least start the class with an extra layer. You’ll likely heat up pretty quickly, but wearing that extra layer can help warm your muscles up faster, allowing you to get into deeper stretches during class. As a bonus, you can throw it on again after class to keep you warm on your drive home.

So there you have it – the 6 most essential items that you’ll need for your first yoga class! I hope that this packing list takes away some of your anxiety and that you thoroughly enjoy your first yoga experience.

A bonus tip for your first time is to arrive at class about 15 minutes early and introduce yourself to the yoga teacher. Most instructors love getting to know their students and want to help you have a good first experience.

Leave a comment and let me know how your first class went!