MANILA, Philippines - Pretzel poses and flexed forms require comfortable, functional clothes. But it doesn?t hurt to be chic, either.

Yoga wear today can meet every practitioner?s every need. Some prefer loose, stretchy tees made of organic cotton in solid colors. Others opt for bright wrap tops, Lycra cami vests, or sporty bras for support. Tanks remain a popular choice, either racerback, V-neck, halter, or spaghetti-strapped, in different prints and accents.

Sleeves may be long, short, or capped, but avoid tightness around the arms to ensure good circulation and freedom of movement. Pants, whether long or cropped, must fit well and must not ride up. Some perform better in fitted shorts, while others are most at ease in leggings that wick off sweat.

Fashionably flexible

Yoga wear should be sweat-absorbent and supportive. It should move as you move, so it?s best to invest in pieces with four-way stretch. Go for pieces that are thoughtfully constructed, with inside-out stitching that won?t hurt or cling as you stretch. Check labels and go for pre-shrunk, wrinkle-free materials.

Pretty details like ribbons, piping and prints can bring a lift to your practice, while hidden pockets are perfect for essentials on the road to and from yoga class.

Locally available yoga wear is mostly for women, but there?s great stuff for men, too, in shops like Lululemon. Mix and match, and have fun! And don?t forget cover-ups, like hoodies and tunics, to keep you warm before and after a workout.

Check out Ryka in Serendra; Lululemon in Aura Athletica; and Shiva Shakti, The Balance Collection, and Bluefish for funky and form-friendly yoga apparel.

Step on it

For mats, go for the skid-free type with the cushioning you need, whether that?s a little or a lot. Choose eco-friendly ones with no latex, PVC, rubber, or toxic chemicals. You can also use absorbent and washable yoga blankets with nubs that ?vacuum? them to your mat for extra comfort.

Read and reach

If you can?t go to a yoga studio regularly, after taking at least some classes to make sure you?re doing things right, you can always grab some yoga books from PowerBooks and Fully Booked and practice at home. Picture books with step-by-step instructions are great guides when you travel.

Specialty books on yoga for expecting mothers, children, and even those suffering from specific conditions like asthma, menstrual cramps and multiple sclerosis are also on the shelves.

If aromatherapy is your thing, or if you just want the studio to smell fresh while you practice, check out home perfumes in Rustan?s Home Section. There are scents that remind you of the ocean, some that are woody, musky, and citrusy, and some that are pleasantly floral-all of which can help make your yoga practice a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Lululemon is available in Aura Athletica, Power Plant; Ryka in Bonifacio High Street; Shiva Shakti, The Balance Collection, and Bluefish at Rustan?s.
Esteban Paris and Elizabeth W home accessories are sold at Rustan?s Department Store.

Fully Booked has branches in Bonifacio High Street, Rockwell, Promenade, Gateway, SM Mall of Asia, and SM North Edsa. PowerBooks is in Greenbelt 4, SM Megamall, Glorietta 3, Robinson?s Place Ermita, and TriNoma.