BC’s Best Yoga Wear

Stretch your limbs and your wardrobe with athletic wear built for fashion and function, and strike an asana wrapped in some of BC’s best yoga wear

Vancouver isn’t known as a yoga Mecca for naught. With a studio on nearly every street, local "seam-sters" are sewing up a storm to outfit the many yogis who call this city home.

From apparel made to hold up in heat to eco-friendly designs that keep Mother Nature in mind, here is some of the best-of-the-best yoga wear made right here in BC.

Chikum Advanced Athletic Wear

When it comes to making gear that will function in a hot yoga class, Moni El Batrik knows what she’s doing.

A certified Bikram Yoga instructor, the Vancouver-based designer takes sweating into account when designing her Chikum line of yoga and athletic apparel.

Must-have item:
Chikum’s signature Zaardula shorts – with stylish “air vents” on either side – actually make sweating look sexy!

The Sweatshop

Judy Lei’s goal in life is to "make sure your boobies don’t fall out mid-yoga class."

To that end, her company, The Sweatshop, creates custom-made, hand-sewn tube tops from high-wicking microfibre fabric that’s perfect for both hot and room-temperature yoga practices.

Choose the fit and fabric yourself and leave the rest to Lei.

Must-have item:
The strapless Front Bow Bandeau top makes every yoga class feel like a gift!

Light Activewear

Light Activewear is a local line of cool yoga clothes for women and men.

Guys love the Alpha Men Shorts, which provide unrestricted movement in class, and girls go gaga over the Stella Pleated Skort – a skirt/shorts combo guaranteed to "make any bum sexy."

Must-have item:
The Stefanie Leotard is a one-piece wonder that's flexible enough to wear to both yoga and dance class.

Tonic Lifestyle Apparel

Simple, stylish and feminine, Tonic’s commitment to sustainability shines in its collection of athletic apparel made from eco-friendly fabrics.

But just because this Vancouver-based line sees green doesn’t mean fashion’s been forgotten – the company’s cutting-edge designs include loose layers, off-centre drawstrings and cute cutouts that let these yoga clothes really breathe.

Must-have item:
Fashionistas will love the Serena Tank Top with a built-in bra for support and coverageand flattering “love knot” crossed back straps.

Leo Star Athletica & J76

With two brands under one umbrella, this Vancouver company makes tops, bottoms and outerwear inspired by a "deep love for yoga, Eastern wisdom and a never-ending search for comfortable clothing."

Handy fabric instructions on Leo Star Athletica’s website make caring for your yoga clothes a snap.

Must-have item:
Finally! Kriya Yoga Jeans make doing the downward dog in denim entirely possible!

VATA Brasil

Designed by former free-diver Ananda Gomes, who takes inspiration from colourful Brazilian swimwear, VATA Brasil active and yoga apparel is worn by the Toronto Argonauts cheerleaders and was seen on the single ladies who took part in season 15 of ABC’s The Bachelor.

Must-have item:
Attention all petites! VATA Brasil’s yoga pants fit small frames perfectly while making legs look a mile long!

Karma Wear

With a strong focus on empowering women, Karma Wear mixes striking details with high-performance fabrics and a luxurious colour palette to create perfect-for-yoga designs.

Best of all, these head-turning workout clothes easily cross over into lifestyle apparel, making the transition from studio to social life virtually seamless.

Must-have item:
The Kelly Bandeau from Karma’s 2013 spring/summer collection features room for insert-able cups, a peek-a-boo mesh back for extra ventilation and removable/adjustable straps for unlimited styling options.

One Tooth Activewear

Founded in Vancouver, this company takes its name from an old tale that claims you’ll lose a tooth for every lie you tell.

With a commitment to ethical business practices, One Tooth makes comfy, colourful yoga clothing for women, men and kids at budget-friendly prices.

Must-have item:
Extra-wide headbands that keep pesky shorter hairs from sneaking out during your yoga practice.

Lululemon Athletica

No list of locally made yoga apparel would be complete without the company that, arguably, started it all.

From founder Chip Wilson’s first Fourth Avenue store to over 200 locations worldwide, Lululemon may be the most popular yoga brand on the planet.

Must-have item:
They played a part in landing Vancouver on a 2011 worst-dressed-cities list, but even Oprah counts Lululemon’s signature Groove Pants among her favourite things.