Starting a new exercise regime can be daunting. On going to a new class/club/studio my first thought is will everyone else be super fast/flexible/strong? (Delete as appropriate depending on the type of exercise). Shortly followed by what should I wear? Which is a totally legit worry. Too tight, you restrict your movement. Not supportive enough, your boobs are gonna be bouncing around all over the place. Too baggy and you’ll end up tugging at your clothes all class instead of concentrating on what you’re supposed to be doing. And no one wants to buy loads of expensive kit and props they use once then never again.

Reader Rose got in touch a couple of weeks ago because she’s recently started doing yoga at her local gym. She wants to buy some new kit, but doesn’t want to spend loads and she’s feeling overwhelmed by choice. When it comes to clothes for a yoga class you certainly don’t need to spend a fortune on super-fancy technical kit. In fact, for a while at least, you could probably get away with a ordinary pair of leggings, a non-wired bra and a vest or t-shirt.

Personally I prefer to practice in a light to medium impact sports bra, a snug-fitting stretch vest that won’t ride up when I’m in a pose like downward dog, or fall down when I’m upside down in headstand, but will allow me to move freely, and a pair of leggings, capris or shorts, depending on how hot the day is. I also like to have an extra top to keep me warm during the warm up and in savasana at the end of class.

As more and more high street shops jump on the sportswear bandwagon it’s perfectly possible to kit yourself out without spending a fortune. Having recently joined ClassPlass (find out more here if you missed it), I’m getting through kit at a rate of knots and have been topping up my collection of pieces from the likes of Sweaty Betty and Lululemon with some high street finds. My favourite is H&M, but there are lots of other stores that are worth a look.

H&M

Brilliantly-priced pieces for running, tennis, yoga and any kind of class you can imagine all with a fashionable edge. Having recently bought a pair of leggings and a pair of capris which have gone into weekly rotation I can confirm that they are stretchy enough for yoga, stand up to a sweaty HIIT class, wash well and dry quickly.
You can browse the whole collection here.

Bershka

Fun slogan T-shirts, striking patterned pieces and relaxed long sleeved warm up/down sweaters make up this fashion forward collection that runs the gamut from black and marl grey to full-on neon brights.
You can browse the whole collection here.

Mango

Great selection of kit that covers running, studio classes and yoga in black, grey, bold blues and soft pinks. Lots of the pieces do that sport to street thing very well and, even better, lots of the yoga pieces are currently in the sale.
You can browse the whole collection by following this link here and clicking through to sport.

Urban Outfitters

A surprisingly wide sportswear collection comprising big brands like Nike and UO’s own brand Without Walls, as well as cute accessories and fashion-forward props.
You can browse the whole collection here.

Also worth a look are Boden, boohoo and Forever 21. Previously RMS readers have recommended Kate Hudson’s Fabletics line and TKMaxx. Primark is also worth popping into next time you’re passing a store.

When it comes to yoga mats Gaiam are a good brand when you’re starting out as they’re very reasonably priced and they stand up to being used a couple of times a week. John Lewis stock a selection here. If you go full on yoga junkie in the future you can upgrade to a fancier mat.
I hope this all helps Rose and that you’re not feeling even more overwhelmed by choice right now. Anyone else found any great sources of well-priced kit? Do share below!