Double Down: New Patagonia Yoga Wear

Patagonia, known for its high-quality, durable clothing and commitment to environmentalism, branched into the yoga sector in 2012. For 2014, the company is expanding its yoga line even further, with 12 new pieces in the collection.

“Patagonia came to yoga through its current ambassadors,” said Jess Clayton of Patagonia’s public relations department, “many of whom practice yoga to supplement their sports. In recent years, they’ve gotten really into yoga, as equally engaged as they are in climbing or surfing.” Soon, Patagonia will grow its athlete team to include yoga-specific ambassadors.

Patagonia worked with the ambassadors to design the yoga line, and for 2014, the focus is on retention, soft and stretchy fabrics, and layering systems.

“We focused on mastering the fit of being tight but not super-duper snug, and fabrics that are really soft and not scratchy,” Clayton said. There are no tags in the tank tops or leggings, and the sports bras are designed to correspond with the tanks; i.e., the straps match so the bra fits well under the tank. And all the products are designed to work well with each other, including wraps and skirts to throw over the tanks and leggings. “Street-to-studio was a focus,” Clayton said. “There’s a wrap and hoody you can throw on after class, pants that can easily be worn out and about.”

Patagonia will focus on simple, basic designs, with rich colors like deep blue, magenta and pineapple. The fabric is quick-dry, and many of the pieces have “fun details like a keyhole opening in the back, or crossed straps,” Clayton said.

Bonus for the sustainable-aware crowd: Patagonia will convert four styles into fair-trade pieces for fall 2014.