Tai Chi

What to look for in tai chi apparel

Tai chi exercise is becoming a popular activity for many seniors, due to its low impact and peaceful atmosphere. One of the key factors in tai chi is the ability of the person practicing the art to focus and use basic meditation methods to execute the exercises correctly. This in turn requires a tranquil environment and the proper clothing.

Light and Comfortable is Best

As with any fitness activity, it is important to have the right tai chi apparel so you can move freely and comfortably. According to some tai chi books, tight clothing will restrict the spiritual energy we all possess. This energy flows through the entire body and is the basis of most tai chi exercise. Light, comfortable clothing may be especially important for beginners of tai chi who are still trying to get familiar with all of the positions and movements.

Many tai chi exercises involve a great deal of movement, so you want to avoid clothing that will restrict you and hinder your flexibility. Tight-fitting apparel like jeans and turtlenecks will generally make you uncomfortable during movement or meditation, which can affect your concentration. The best clothing for tai chi is typically soft, light and flexible enough that it will not interfere with your movement. It should also stretch enough that the wearer is able to continue to hold the difficult positions required in tai chi exercise.

Materials

The best materials to use for tai chi apparel are silk, cotton and linen. Linen pants are very comfortable and resist heat better than most fabrics. Linen is also more durable and resistant to snags than either silk or cotton. Of course, silk remains the fabric of choice for traditional tai chi practitioners, but it is often too fragile or expensive to be practical. A much less expensive option than either silk or linen is cotton, which is also very cool and flexible.

Dress Codes

Most traditional tai chi apparel is made in only black or white, but other, brighter colors are becoming popular as the sport gains more followers. If you attend a tai chi school, it may have its own dress code or regulations, so check with the instructor to make sure you meet the guidelines. Other, more casual schools do not require uniforms and will allow you to wear any comfortable tai chi apparel. Tai chi shoes are often a good idea if you attend a school where you will be walking around with other practitioners.