How to Wear Meditation Clothes

Last Updated: January 14, 2023 References

It's important to wear soft, calming clothing when you meditate. This will make it easier for you to focus on your inner self instead of your appearance. The clothing you wear can set the tone for your meditation as well. Choose colors that support the purpose of your meditation session. If you are meditating in public, be mindful of how your clothing affects the people around you. You may also want to wear breathable clothing as well. In a 2013 study from the Public Library of Science, researchers discovered that meditation can actually increase your overall body temperature, so you may get a little hot while you meditate.^{[1]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Emphasizing Comfort

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Wear an outfit that makes you feel confident. There is no right or wrong clothing to mediate in. The right outfit varies from person to person. Some people meditate naked in the comfort of their own homes while others wear sweat pants, yoga pants, tank tops, or T-shirts. Wear whatever feels comfortable to you today.^{[2]
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- If you feel good in your clothing, you will have better meditation.
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Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes that may prevent you from breathing comfortably and meditating. Pick something on the loose side, but not so loose that it bothers you or gets in the way. Flowing robes are ideal for meditation.
- If you feel any tingling, numbness, or like your legs have “gone to sleep” your clothing may be too tight.
- Pants with elastic waistbands are ideal. They will be comfortable no matter what position you meditate in.
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Avoid heavy or awkward clothing. It's difficult to meditate in a heavy coat or jacket, so take it off when possible. Jeans, tights, hoodies, and headbands can also be awkward, as they tend to pinch or need frequent adjustment. If you are not able to change your clothes, remove your belt and untuck your shirt.
- Your clothes should never be a distraction or a hindrance. They should allow you to focus on your inner self.
- Drawstrings and jewelry tend to get in the way as well.
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Designate a meditation outfit. Once you've found something comfortable, you might want to make it your permanent meditation outfit. Think of your mediation outfit as a uniform. When you put it on, you know it is time to get down to business.^{[3]
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- A special mediation outfit may also help you get into deeper mediation more quickly.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Considering the Color of Your Clothing

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Know that colors vibrate. Colors have energy and vibrations that can affect how you feel and act. You can absorb the energy of a color, and color can be used to heal and restore balance. The colors that you wear when you meditate can help or hinder what you are trying to accomplish.^{[4]
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- Simply imagining a color when you meditate can influence your meditation. The colors that you wear are even more powerful.
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Choose a color based on your purpose. Your goal of your meditation will vary depending on your personal circumstances and needs. Before you meditate, identify what you would like to get out of the session. Then choose an outfit that incorporates the colors that you need.^{[5]
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- Red is the most powerful color and encourages physical activity, passion, strength, and courage.
- Orange encourages change and communication.
- Yellow encourages creativity, happiness, and intellect.
- Green encourages healing and prosperity.
- Blue encourages spiritual connection and peace.
- Purple encourages power.
- Indigo promotes your intuition and insight.
- White encourages protection and virtue.
- Pink encourages affection, kindness, and compassion.
- Brown encourages you to be grounded and practical.
- Black is the absence of color and is often associated with evil.
- For example, if you were struggling with depression, you may meditate while wearing yellow. If you are sick, you may meditate while wearing green.
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Experiment with different colors. As you meditate in different colors, take notes about how you felt. Some colors may work better for you than others. If you do not have a variety of colors to wear, you can change the colors of your mediation cushion covers for the same effect.^{[6]
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- The colors are only suggestions. Use your personal judgement to decide what is best for you.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Meditating Around Other People

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Be modest. If you are meditating in a class or group environment, your clothing should be on the modest side. Avoid any low cut tops or tops with loose necklines or collars. Make sure your top is long enough to cover your torso no matter what position you are in.^{[7]
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- In a group setting, your clothing should not be a distraction to the other people that you are around either.
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Layer your clothing. If you layer your clothing, you will can be comfortable in any environment. You may be cold at the beginning of your mediation but warm up as you go along. You may be in a studio or gym that blasts the air conditioning. Keep a light jacket, hoodie, or shawl with you. If you have to be barefoot, bring some socks in case your feet get cold.^{[8]
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- Cotton and silk are breathable fabrics that are good for layering.
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Check the rules. Many people meditate at religious temples or meditation centers. These places often have dress codes that you must follow. Call the location or check their website before you go meditate. You do not want to be turned away because your outfit is not appropriate.
- Common limitations include no shorts, tank tops, tight fitting clothes, or shoes. You may also have to wear clothes that cover your knees.

Expert Q&A

Question

What makes clothes good for meditation?

Masha Kouzmenko
Meditation Coach
Masha Kouzmenko is a Meditation Coach and the Co-Founder of Silicon Valley Wellness, a company based in the San Francisco Bay Area that provides holistic health education services such as mindfulness meditation and yoga instruction to businesses. She has over five years of meditation and yoga instruction experience and specializes in guided meditation. She has a BA in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley.

Masha Kouzmenko

Meditation Coach

Expert Answer

When you're meditating, it's best to wear loose clothing so you'll be comfortable. Avoid anything restricting, especially around your chest or abdomen, because you want to be able to take deep breaths in and out. Also, consider whether you'll be hot or cold, and dress appropriately.