yoga gear review: zobha
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 I know that it doesn't really matter what you wear to practice. But, to me, performance is important. And, it makes it a little easier to be up in front of a roomful of people doing awkward poses!
I have seen ads for Zobha for awhile and finally decided to give 'em a try.
First up is the Sophia top. I am a busty gal and I'm constantly searching for a good top. I want it to have enough coverage to keep me in for uttanasana and down dog. And, I want it to stay down for other poses. Nothing is more awkward than pulling at your clothes during practice or watching your teacher struggle with hers.
I have found a couple of tops that are tolerable. One of the better ones is the Prana Organic Shakti top. I can't find these any more, but they have a nice high cut in front so I don't feel obscene. However, the sides don't offer a lot of coverage so I still wear a sports bra. And, the little straps cut into my shoulders and my bra band cuts into my ribs. Very comfy.
Another tolerable top is the Prana Quinn Top. It doesn't look great though. It does the job and it comes in some fun patterns. I wear a sports bra with this one too and the same uncomfortableness applies.
This is a constant search for me. Yoga pants are easy enough to find. But, all of the tops are so low cut and it just makes me flat out uncomfortable to be in front of a class like that.
Back to the Sophia top. I debated for a long time. First, I don't get to try it on. Second, it is EXPENSIVE. It isn't like teaching yoga can support the cute yoga clothes habit! But, I decided to go for it. It looked like it had a lot of coverage and the back detail is so neat. I, of course, will be wearing my body cutting in half sports bra so the back detail doesn't really matter.
Um, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this top! I am over the moon in love with this top. The material is soft and not bulky. It is a little longer in length. And the coverage. Oh the coverage. I don't feel like a porn star in this top! And, I thought I would try something different because of the good coverage: no god awful sports bra. Ohmigosh. I feel like I can move more. It is so comfortable.
I test ran it in a class. Not a class I was teaching, but one I took. I didn't want any embarrassing mishaps. It was great! I actually felt like I could work deeper in poses and I wasn't constantly tugging at straps and making sure my girls were where they were supposed to be.
It was FREEDOM!
So, next test was to wear it, sans bra, to teach a class. No wardrobe malfunctions for me. I wanted to come back to my computer and order a dozen more in case they quit making them!
And, for the totally frivolous part...the back detail...kinda makes me feel sexy. Not really something you need or want from yoga clothes, but not a bad perk.
This post may make me look shallow and girly, but I honestly felt a new freedom in movement and practice when I wasn't worried about decency and wasn't in pain.
I'm wearing the top again today. Thanks Zobha!
Come on, what is your essential yoga gear?
Reader Comments (9)
You're telling me you can wear this without a sports bra? It's too good to be true!
I know what you mean, it seems shallow, but I also need something that flatters my body when I'm up in front of a group. Especially in some of the positions we put ourselves in!
Jamie--I know! It is totally crazy but true. I LOVE!
I like my Lucy tops but...I always wear a sports bra. I may be ordering that top - I have never taught or taken yoga without double coverage, I can only imagine the freedom!
Thanks for sharing...I think as teaachers comfort and style are important so I don't think this post is shallow at all!
What do you mean by busty? I cannot find yoga tops for my DD's. I'm afraid that the line that goes across the front will ride up. Obviously this top has a bra shelf and it's not on the thin side if you can go without a bra. Maybe I should give it a try...
Heather--I've never gone without double coverage either. But, I totally feel comfortable in this top.
Jen--I have DDs too. So yoga tops are so hard to find. Once I find a size big enough to fit my boobs, the top is so baggy. Or it has little straps and cuts into my shoulders. The seam on this one below the bust hasn't ridden up on me and I haven't found the need yet to tug at the top. I've done it out of habit, but I stop and look and everything is fine! They also have a Scarlett top that looks like it has a lot of coverage. I wanna try that one too! The top feels thin, so I think if I was teaching in a cold room I might want double coverage. But that is what makes it comfy too.
I have the same problem (DD) but one is missing due to a mastectomy. I had the hardest time finding a good sports bra that would keep a prosthesis in place and as you all know, it's hard to find a top that is comfy and gives good coverage, too. Seems to me there is a market (busty yoginis) with an unmet need, here!
I may have to give this top a try. Thanks for the recommendation.
I want that top for yoga and just general exercising. Looks like it would be nice for my elliptical workouts or even hiking. By the way, THANK YOU for helping Jon out with my V-day gift!!! I am excited to start my 8 classes at Dancing Lotus. I will let you know which ones I go to and maybe you can join me for some! You are awesome!!!
Jackie--I totally agree with you that there is a market there! Thanks for your comments!
Jessi--I think this top would be perfect for all exercise. I was totally excited to help Jon out! I can usually make it to the Monday 4:00 class and the Tuesday evening class. Other than that, I teach when they have classes. I would love to go with you when I can.
Prana used to have so many more options to choose from. Everything has gotten sexy-ish. I have resorted to cute T-Shirts for the most part.
Thanks for the review! Shanti!