Kundalini Yoga 101: What to Wear to Kundalini Yoga Sessions

“We ask you to wear white so that you will reflect what is outside and go within yourself—that’s what white clothes can do for you.”

—Yogi Bhajan

Wondering what to wear to Kundalini Yoga sessions? Here at Serpentine, we can offer a font of advice on what clothes you may want to choose and the effect that they have.

When you’re new to the yogic lifestyle, you may feel that choosing what to wear is intimidating. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be. Selecting simple and comfortable clothing for your Kundalini Yoga classes is always the right way to go. Let’s take a look at what you need to know.

Is There a ‘Dress Code’ for Kundalini Yoga Sessions?

Before you embark on your first yogic experience, you will want to know what to wear to Kundalini Yoga sessions. While there is no specific ‘dress code’ for these classes, you will notice some commonalities between the people that attend.

The golden rule to remember here is that you should be comfortable and free in the clothes that you choose. The Kundalini Yoga experience is deeply intense and moving.

Wearing clothes that make you feel grounded and open to that experience is important. Understanding the basics of Kundalini Yoga clothes before you begin will help you to get into the right mindset. With that in mind, it’s wise to follow these pieces of advice when choosing what to wear.

Tip #1: Choose White Clothing

“We wear white because it’s a simple scientific fact that every piece of matter or material has an aura (electromagnetic field). Every human has a nine foot aura. And if we wear the cotton and we wear the white, this color therapy gives us one extra foot of aura.” – Yogi Bhajan 

From the moment you walk into a Kundalini Yoga session for the first time, you will notice one thing. Most of the attendees are likely to be wearing white, cotton clothing. This is no coincidence. Yogi Bhajan, the master of Kundalini Yoga, taught his students that they should wear white during these sessions and many people choose to follow this rule.

Yogi Bhajan believed that colors play an active role in our states of conscious and subconscious minds. For that reason, he suggested wearing the pure color of white to extend our auras and reflect a clear consciousness.

As white is the balance of all of the colors, it is believed that it offers a level of purity, clarity, and spirituality. You reflect these qualities when you wear it externally.

Note: You don’t have to wear white. While most Kundalini Yoga clothes are white, you should put your own comfort first at all times. 

Tip #2: Optionally Cover Your Head

Covering your head or wearing a turban may also be a part of your Kundalini Yoga clothes. Based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, covering your head helps encourage the meditative process and allows you to command your sixth center, known as the Ajna Chakra the 3rd Eye.

When you wrap the turban around your head, be sure to cover your temples. Through wearing this sacred piece of technology, you can bolster your Kundalini Yoga energy and aim for a level of total equilibrium.

Should you choose to, you could invest in a special turban from a Kundalini Yoga shop. Alternately, you may wish to use five to seven layers of clean cloth to wrap around your head during your Kundalini Yoga sessions.

Needless to say, wearing a turban or covering your head is entirely optional. When you first get started in the world of Kundalini Yoga, you may wish to take things slowly. That is perfectly acceptable. Take this journey at your own pace and decide what is right for you.

Tip #3: Ensure You Are Comfortable

Comfort is key when you’re practicing Kundalini Yoga. With that in mind, when you’re choosing your initial Kundalini Yoga clothes, you should ensure that they are light.

Remember that you will need room to move around and take on the various asanas (i.e. poses) during your classes. That means that you need clothing that allows free movement of your core and limbs. Choose oversized yet comfortable pieces.

When you’re selecting the right Kundalini Yoga clothes for you, there’s a variety of pathways you may walk. One of the easiest ways to get fitting attire for your sessions is to head to a Kundalini Yoga store and choose something from their selection. However, it’s worth remembering that you can also use clothing you already have if it fits the bill.

Bonus: Choose cotton-based materials when selecting your Kundalini Yoga clothes. That way, you will feel comfortable and cozy in your classes.

Tip #4: Avoid Tightly-Fitted Sportswear

Kundalini Yoga is not like other types of yoga when it comes to what you wear. If you’ve attended other types of sessions before, this is something that you need to keep in mind.

Whether you’ve gone to a standard sports yoga class or hot yoga, the same rules tend  to apply to the clothes you choose. However, tightly-fitted sportswear is not recommended when you’re attending a Kundalini Yoga class or session.

Be sure to avoid standard sportswear items, such as Lycra leggings, crop tops, and shorts. These types of clothes will not give you the movement and freedom you need in class. You should aim to get loose-fitting pieces of Kundalini Yoga clothes for your session.

Unlike many types of sportswear, these should be made from natural fibers and offer a high level of comfort. Try on a variety of options before choosing what suits you.

The Takeaway!

Ready for your first Kundalini Yoga session? Within this post, we’ve covered some of the basic guidelines you may wish to follow when engaging in yogic classes. However, if you’re searching for more detailed advice, you may want to consult with your yoga teacher.

Preparing for your yoga journey is an important step and not one to be taken lightly. Take the time to consider what makes you feel comfortable and suits your personal needs.

See also: A Beginner’s Guide on Finding Balance in Uncertain Times with Kundalini Yoga