It's here!  The Yoga clothing issue just like the big glossies. I know you've been waiting.  It's Part 1, which means there'll be more.  Yoga clothes are important, well, not really.  But, let's do it anyway.  

Yoga is big business. Just like the movie business, it's not about the movie, it's about the Coke and popcorn and assorted dolls and action figures.  Just check out the number of yoga "related" items on Gaiam.com.  There are totes and socks and bamboo blocks.  There are power cords and dry grip mats.  

Back to the clothing.  There are lots of choices and price points, for sure.  There's Old Navy's pants for a mere $10 up to Sweaty Betty's "basic" pants at $120.  Betty's prices surpass my once loved, but now shuttered, Clarey Sage.  

What do you wear, is what I asked and many thanks to those of you who responded.  Thank you Heidi, Judy, Carmela and Robin.  

Carmela offered us a brief history of the "yoga pant".  Many moons ago Carmela remembers wearing white drawstring pants and a leotard top.  The other option was the Jane Fonda total leotard look with the footless leotard bottoms or the "stir-up thingy on the feet".  Thankfully, yoga clothes have become more "forgiving" and varied.

Here are a few of the commonly seen yoga clothing companies:  

Lululemon -  With the CEO now gone, maybe Lululemon can regain some of its image which was lost to misplaced even racist comments like this. There was the fabric piling and sheerness.  Aside from its recent problems, Lululemon was one of the first brands to highlight yoga as a lifestyle. You could walk out of the studio and go to lunch in your Lululemons.  

The sky high price tags of Lululemon have not kept customers away.  It's by far the most popular tag in urban yoga settings. I do not wear Lululemon not because of the price or popularity.  I like their styling, colors and stores.  They just don't fit my body well.  The rise on the pants is too low, creating the much to be avoided camel toe.  However, I do have a top I purchased at of their flagship stores in Canada some 14 years ago and it has outlasted every yoga-anything I've owned.  Actually, it could pass for brand new.  

Athleta - Athleta is part of the Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy group.  They have cool looking stores and carry lots more than just yoga wear. My shorty-short black skirt I wear over my yoga pants is from Athleta.  Their sales are generous and right now you can get their Kickbooty Pant for $59.  Heidi says the Athleta pants are durable and true to size, but thinks their tops don't fit well and are overpriced.   Me?  I don't wear Athleta yoga clothes. The stores are cool, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the ginormous selection.  And, it seems young.  But, that's me.