Put the Om in comfort

Surely not another article on the virtues of yoga? We all know by now how yoga is meditative for body and mind. And that, depending on your motivation for practice, a general hatha class is relaxing and stress-busting; Ashtanga or dynamic yoga is toning and purifying; and Bikram is a sweat-inducing workout.

More people are continuing to hit the mat with the result that yoga is throwing off its tree-hugging mantle and foraying into the realms of hip. Designers have taken up the challenge with ranges that crossbreed comfort with style. No longer are you forced to stretch in fading sweat pants and a baggy World Tour 1987 T-shirt; salute a range of gear designed with the postures of yoga and Pilates in mind.

Comfy

Pineapple
Designed with the dancer in mind but equally applicable to yogic poses, Pineapple's forte is its velour tracksuits in bubblegum pink and chocolate. Skimpy vest T-shirts are emblazoned with the Pineapple logo in glitter. For ultimate comfort to help you transcend to a higher level. Below: chocolate jacket and trousers, £25 each. Pineapple, 6a Langley Street, Covent Garden WC2. Tel: 0207 836 4006.

Feminine

Asquith Created by Alice Asquith, who deliberately bypasses the sporty look in favour of feminine embroidery and soft tones of white, lilac, deep purple and slate. The fitted camisole top with a support bra and three-quarter length trousers in jersey cotton offer luxurious comfort. The collection - all embellished with a row of Swarovski crystals - also includes ballerina-inspired tops and hooded jackets for lounging around in after class, looking virtuous.

Asquith, 020 7792 8909 www.asquith.ltd.uk

Sporty

Nike
Nike embraces the sporty side of yoga with its new Yoganista range - clothes you can really sweat in. Aficionados will love the tight Lycra vests teamed with baggy karate pants - the elasticated waist allowing a greater freedom of movement.

The Dri-Fit Solace top with a fruit-print, tie-dye inspired motive inspired us and the wrap-arounds reveal Lycra at it most luxurious. Also available are minimalist Kyoto mules in white and khaki for outdoor practitioners of yoga, or for kicking around in before class. Tel: Nike 0800 056 1640, www.nikewomen.com