Heather is wearing: Inner Waves Mohala Camisole and Pono Capris ($52 and $44; www.innerwaves.org); and using: prAna Revolution Natural Sticky Mat ($90; www.prana.com).
The Essentials
eLine Yoga Slackline ($90; www.trango.com)
Climbers practice on slacklines to improve their strength and balance, but anyone can benefit from this simple system appropriate for all ability levels. Enhance your practice, redefine balance, and build strength with the easy-to-set-up slackline designed specifically for airborne yoga.
Earth Creations Lucca Top ($67; www.earthcreations.net)
An after-class cover up with flare, this cardigan-style shirt made with hemp and organic cotton has a flirty ruffle that flows from hem to neckline.
Yoga Tune Up Self Massage Therapy Balls ($10; www.yogatuneup.com)
Just roll these lightly textured three-inch rubber orbs into aching muscles and pressure points to untie knots and melt away tension.
Nuun U Natural Hydration Tablets ($24 for 3 tubes; www.nuun.com)
In irresistible and earth-friendly flavors, these tablets dissolve neatly into 16 oz. of water for a tasty refresher with vitamins and electrolytes.
Injinji Yoga Toesocks ($16; www.injinji.com)
Toesocks help spread your digits during tough poses, but also protect feet from blistering. This bamboo-blend pair is soft, moisture- wicking, anti-microbial, and features balance- enhancing rubberized tread.
Manduka MatSak ($45; www.manduka.com)
One zippered and breathable compartment of this cotton bag is sized perfectly for a mat, while the other is accessory small. Its cushioned strap leaves shoulders relaxed, too.
Tested: Apparel
Inner Waves Mohala Camisole and Pono Capris ($52 and $44; www.innerwaves.org)
4.9 stars out of 5
Whether you are practicing poses, dancing, or running to the market, this outfit complements a wide range of bodies—and body movements—beautifully. Testers enjoyed unrestricted freedom in the Mohala’s racer-back top, but also found the built-in shelf bra supportive enough to go bra-less for low-impact asanas. They also found that the long cut allowed for midriff modesty during back-bends and stretches. Crafted from organic cotton fibers, this top also earned marks for its satiny feel against the skin.
The Pono capris feature a crossover waistline that testers found flattering across the board—the fit is slim and hugging, without being restricting. Slits at the back of the legs added a fun, stylish, and practical touch to the delicate flare.
In addition to practical function, these Inner Waves separates also scored high because of their 14-color palette—plenty to mix and match for the perfect yoga, dance class, or errand-running ensemble.
We also liked:
prAna Amaya Top and Lolita Pant ($46 and $75; www.prana.com) 4.8 stars out of 5
Climbers, yoginis, and city girls agreed that these comfortable and versatile separates, inspired by classic 1940s dresses, flattered with functional fashion sense. It’s got a built-in shelf bra that offers mild support (not quite enough for big-chested testers to go bra-less) and has delicate bunching to add enhancing volume for flat-chested testers. The Lolita (available in both pant and Capri versions) features a flat, high waistband with an offset stitching detail that stays put during downward dogs and flatters the stomach line. Its long straight cut provides a sleek, lean look that makes the wearer seem a bit taller. Both the top and pant are made from a durable, moisture-wicking blend of spandex and recycled polyester prAna calls “Chakara fabric.”
Lululemon Power Y Tank and Wunder Under Crop ($52 and $68; www.lululemon.com)
4.6 stars out of 5
This long tank has enough coverage to be both practical and flattering, while its mesh bra provides supports and includes built-in pockets for removable cups. The top’s flat seams are designed for chafe resistance but also contribute to the style’s simplicity. To compliment a Power Y Tank in any of its 14 fun colors, the Wunder Under Crop pants—proven popular with testers both on the mat and on the trails—are available in reversible styles. They perfectly hug curves and draw perspiration away from the skin, keeping the wearer dry and cool during a sweat session but dry and warm after activity. Aside from its moisture-wicking properties, Lululemon’s signature luon® fabric is pre-shrunk and stretchy in all directions to allow comfortable movement. These pants also feature an inner waistband pocket ideal for secretly stashing cash and keys.
Be Present Micro Modal Dancer Cami and Kona Pant ($49 and $59; www.bepresent.com)
4.6 stars out of 5
This duo is perfect for the traveling yogini who is mindful of Mother Earth. Its soft feel, comfortable fit, and classic look combine to make the Micro Modal Dancer Cami appropriate for treks across town and adventures across the world. Testers recommend ordering one size larger than you normally would, as the Dancer Cami runs small. Although this top offers too little support for big chests, gathers at its front enhance flatter chests. Plus its eco-friendly fabric is made of beech wood extractions from farms that practice sustainability. Testers also appreciated the seamless body for a chafe-free fit.
The Kona Pant performs well on and off the mat. Although homebodies may journey only mentally while wearing this pant, travelers actually journeying will be perfected outfitted when clothed in this quickly drying Breathe Weave™ fabric. The drawstring waist sits low in the pocketed front but rises higher in the back. Adding to this modestly flattering fit, darted knees and small slits at the cropped bottom allow for vast flexibility.
Beckons Organic Strength Yoga Cami and Love Hemp Capris ($41 and $76; www.beckonsorganic.com) 4.6 stars out of 5
This classic and form fitting camisole made from organic cotton comes with a self-affirmation tag, reminding you how graceful and strong you are. There’s no need to adjust this supportive top during a sequence of poses, as its adjustable straps and interior bra ensure a flawless fit. Plus, Beckons clothing runs true to the sizes marked. The 78% hemp capris are rugged enough for the adventure yogini in you; they perform on the mat, in the grass, on the rock, or wherever you prefer to play. A contoured waist and smooth lines along with a tulip-shaped leg opening highlight your femininity, while the cargo pocket yields optimum functionality. The front zip and tie closure guarantees the pants will stay securely fastened as you progress through a sequence. Created in a home and from the heart, Beckons Organic clothing is a sustainable company.
Tested: Mats
prAna Revolution Natural Sticky Mat ($90; www.prana.com) 5 stars out of 5
A favorite among Anusara practitioners, this 30-inch-wide mat is 6.5 feet long and offers plenty of room to play. While the biodegradable rubber makes for an earthy grounding feeling underneath the body, the mat’s weight is also testimony to its sturdiness—it weighs in at a hefty 8.5 pounds. It never slips or bunches, so there is never a need to adjust mid-sequence and testers loved the confidence and strength they felt when pushing against the delicate texture of this natural rubber surface. In an effort to stand by its eco-friendly company mission, prAna also created this mat with a heat sealing system that eliminates the need for toxic glues. Co-created by Anusara founder John Friend, this mat is ideal for a heart- centered practice and is durable enough that a yogini can practice anywhere she’s inclined to haul it—indoors or out.
We also liked:
Manduka Black Mat Pro ($90; www.manduka.com) 4.7 stars out of 5
In order to cut down on waste, Manduka designed this mat to last forever. It is not only lifetime guaranteed but also firm and slip-resistant for sturdy poses and smooth sequences. In laying-down poses, yoga testers were comfortable on the fabric-like finish of this thick mat.
Harmony Professional Mat ($60; www.jadeyoga.com) 4.5 stars out of 5
Even after a good sweat, this mat’s winning feature is its natural rubber that enables hands and feet to grip wonderfully. At 3/16″ thick, it is perfect for those who want a little extra cushion but a little too squishy for handstands. With two lengths and nine colors from which to choose, testers appreciate options enough to find a combo that perfectly suits their individual practices. The best part: Jade plants a tree for every mat sold.
Lululemon The Mat ($68; www.lululemon.com) 4.2 stars out of 5
This mat has extra stick— that gets stickier when you sweat. Natural rubber tops the cushioned base made from scrap waste of the company’s recycled nylon spandex-blend fabric. Its polyurethane top layer features a slip-resistant texture that is great for those who want a little extra grip. The cushioned bottom of the mat is made from recycled Lululemon luon® fabric and natural rubber to reduce landfill waste. Those with a latex allergy should avoid using this mat though, as natural rubber contains latex.
Barefoot Yoga Company Eco Yoga Mat ($76; www.barefootyoga.com) 4 stars out of 5
Solid enough for strong standing poses and sweaty Ashtanga flows, this jute and natural rubber mat is one of the eco-friendliest on the market—it’s even biodegradable.
Eco Yoga Mat ($76; www.barefootyoga.com) 4 stars out of 5
With an all-natural rubber underside gripping the floor and a jute fiber top layer, this mat is a favorite among Ashtanga Yoga practitioners. The fiber layer provides excellent grip while remaining cushioned and soft to the touch but solid enough for strong standing poses. Even when testers sweat on it, the mat stayed put firmly. Without man-made additives, it is the most eco-friendly mat on the market and is even biodegradable. However, those with allergies should take note: natural rubber contains some latex.