The Right Fit

By Elizabeth Gregg

For rounder women, finding yoga clothes that look and feel good can be frustrating. Yoga classes are fraught with potential wardrobe malfunctions—everything from tops that expose love handles or cleavage to low-waisted pants that reveal a little too much information. We’ve screened the spandex to find the clothing lines and styles that best fit the curvaceous (where a large is actually a large and not a medium).

Big chest: A plunging V-neck and empire waist flatters figures with large bustlines. Both Prana and Patagonia make shirts in these styles: Stella Top (sizes through XL, $48; prana.com); Women’s Banda Top (sizes through L, $50; patagonia.com); and Women’s Long Sleeved Serenity Top (sizes through L, $65; patagonia.com). Moving Comfort makes fabulous bras with enough support to prevent sag and uncomfortable bouncing. For the most support, try the Maia Bra (sizes through 44DD, $46; movingcomfort.com).

Wide hips: Pants that flare, rather than taper, complement the curves of women with wider hips. Prana and Lucy offer great options: Asana Yoga Pant (sizes through XL, $65; prana.com); Power Pant (sizes through XL with lengths in regular, short, and tall; $74 to $78; lucy.com); and Chi Capri (sizes through XL, $58; lucy.com).

Large belly: For women with a belly, pants that hold everything in—without being too tight—offer reassuring wardrobe security. Prana and Lucy make pants with thick material and waistbands intended to do just that: Elisa Pant (sizes through XL, $65; prana.com) and Studio Pant (sizes through XL with lengths in regular, short, and tall; $74 to $78; lucy.com).

Height challenges: For women who are shorter or taller than average, finding yoga bottoms that don’t require altering are few and far between. But Lucy and Lululemon have got you covered. Many of Lucy’s pants come in regular, short, and tall lengths, and Lululemon offers regular and tall, plus complimentary hem adjustments.

Plus sizes: Few yoga clothing companies offer plus sizes, but thankfully, Moving Comfort has a whole line of clothes designed for larger women called MCW with sizes 1X to 3X (movingcomfort.com).

Eco-favorites: Many of the companies we’ve mentioned also offer eco-clothing options. Patagonia has an organic cotton line and so does Prana, along with a few items made from recycled polyester; Lucy provides a couple of pant choices made from bamboo fibers.

—Elizabeth Gregg