What to wear to puppy yoga (and what NOT to).

Skip the new white pants. That's the headline. The rest of this post is a four-minute wardrobe guide for your first puppy yoga class — what works, what to avoid, and the small things first-timers always forget.

You don't need anything fancy. If you've been to a regular yoga class, you already own the right clothes. The only twist is that you'll be on the floor with puppies who have small claws and exuberant tails, so a few decisions you'd normally not think about (like whether your shirt is loose) actually matter.

What to wear

Leggings or joggers

The standard. Form-fitting bottoms are easier than loose pants — a puppy crawling onto your lap is less likely to get tangled. Leggings, bike shorts, joggers, athletic pants. All work. Cotton, modal, athletic blends — all fine. Skip flowy harem pants or anything with drawstrings hanging off; puppies will absolutely chew the strings mid-class.

A fitted-ish top

You don't need a sports bra-only situation, but a loose oversize tee tends to drape weirdly when you're on hands and knees with a puppy on your back. A fitted T-shirt, a tank top, a long-sleeve athletic top, a yoga top — anything that stays close to your body. Layers are good if you run cold; the studio is climate-controlled but it's not always perfect.

Bare feet (no shoes, no socks)

Yoga is a barefoot practice and our studio is no different. Leave shoes in the entryway. Toe-grip on the mat matters for the few balance poses we do, and barefoot is best for it. If you really prefer socks, grippy yoga socks are fine — but most regulars just go barefoot.

Hair tied back

Tie it up. A puppy will absolutely chew on hair that hangs past your shoulders, and downward dog with a puppy holding onto your ponytail is a moment that's funny in retrospect and stressful in the moment. Buns, braids, low ponytails — all work.

What NOT to wear

Brand new white pants

This is the only firm "no." We've never had a session that didn't include at least one minor accident — a wet paw, a chewed cuff, a smudge of who-knows-what. Wear something you wouldn't be heartbroken about. Light gray, navy, black, anything not brand new and white. Save the new whites for brunch.

Strong perfume or cologne

Puppies have very sensitive noses. Heavy fragrance can stress them or cause sneezing fits. Skip your usual scent for the morning. Deodorant is fine — perfume is a no.

Long, loose accessories

Jingly bracelets, long necklaces, dangling earrings, anything with strings or beads — puppies will go for them. Take them off before class or leave them at home. A simple watch or stud earrings are fine.

Anything you'd hate to lose to a tiny chewer

If it has sentimental value and shouldn't be near a puppy who's teething, leave it home. We've never lost anyone's wedding ring, but we have had some chewed shoelaces and one memorable incident with a guest's eyeglass case.

What to bring

• Yourself. That's mostly it.
• A water bottle. The studio has water but having your own helps.
• A yoga mat (optional). We have spares for guests who don't bring one. If you have a mat you love, bring it — but if you don't, we're covered.
• A small towel (optional). Some people like to lay it across their mat as an extra hygiene layer or to wipe puppy slobber off their hands. Not required.
• Phone or camera (optional but recommended). Phones and cameras are welcome the entire session — bring whatever you want to capture the puppies with. Burst mode is your friend.

If you're bringing a kid

Same wardrobe advice. Sport shorts or leggings, a fitted shirt, hair tied back if it's long, no fancy clothes. Kids tend to get more puppy attention than adults (puppies match their energy), so dress them in something they'd wear to play in the backyard.

Specific questions we get

"Can I wear jeans?"

Technically yes, but you won't be comfortable in any pose that requires hip mobility. We don't recommend it.

"Should I shower beforehand?"

You don't need to. The session isn't a workout — you'll do gentle stretches and a lot of floor sitting. Most people show up post-coffee and pre-shower and it's totally fine.

"What if it's hot outside?"

The studio is air-conditioned. Whatever you'd normally wear to indoor yoga in summer (shorts, tank, light leggings) is fine. Don't overthink the weather.

"Can I wear leggings with cutouts or mesh panels?"

Yes — but something to know: puppies sometimes try to nip at exposed skin like ankles or behind the knee. It's playful, not painful, but if you're sensitive about that, full-coverage leggings are slightly more comfortable.

The one-line summary

Wear what you'd wear to a normal beginner yoga class. Leave the white pants and the perfume. Tie your hair back. You're done.