Iyengar yoga shorts have become the unofficial "uniform" for Iyengar practitioners, known for their functionality, comfort, and versatility. While perfect for Iyengar yoga, they’re also suitable for other yoga styles or even as stylish beachwear! Many Iyengar students (myself included) initially hesitate to wear them, only to adopt them wholeheartedly after experiencing the benefits firsthand.
Pune pants were first created by Ramani Iyengar, the wife of BKS Iyengar, in India. These shorts came about as a practical solution for female yoga practitioners, who traditionally wore long saris or loose trousers that weren’t ideal for yoga. The design has evolved, but the Pune pants have retained their iconic look and comfort.
Why Choose Pune Shorts?
- Unmatched Comfort
The loose fit and soft, high-waist elastic band of Pune shorts are key to their comfort. Made primarily from organic cotton, they’re gentle on the skin, breathable, and ideal for those who value natural, hypoallergenic materials.
- Freedom to Move
The shorts provide full mobility, allowing you to bend, twist, and stretch without restriction. They’re particularly practical for inversions like Sirsasana (headstand) because they stay in place and allow you to tuck in your shirt for added stability and focus.
- Visible Leg Alignment for Effective Adjustments
One of the reasons Pune shorts are favored in Iyengar yoga is because they allow teachers to clearly see leg alignment, enabling precise adjustments. This also benefits the practitioner, who can use hand placements on the skin for better alignment in poses like Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) or Vrksasana (Tree Pose).
- Modest Yet Stylish
With a minimalist design, these shorts provide the necessary modesty for yoga practice. Modern versions come in a range of colors and improved fits, offering a blend of tradition and contemporary style.
Ananda Hum’s Selection of Pune Yoga Shorts
At Ananda Hum, we offer two types of Pune yoga shorts to cater to all practitioners:
- Women’s Model: A uniquely tailored design for women, available here. These are crafted to provide extra comfort, breathability, and the freedom to practice Iyengar yoga as intended.
- Pune Type Model in 2 different cuts: Available in women’s and men’s cuts, this model keeps the traditional feel while offering an inclusive fit for all practitioners. Made from 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane, they offer the right balance of flexibility and structure.
Geeta Iyengar on Pune Shorts:
“My mother maintained all our traditions and culture, but at the same time she was open to new ideas. It was she who pushed me into wearing shorts for yoga practice. In fact, the yoga shorts, the bloomers, which are now worn worldwide, were initially designed by my mother…”
To learn more about their origins, visit: https://iymv.org/pune-pants/
Discover Ananda Hum’s Iyengar yoga shorts collection to experience the blend of comfort, tradition, and style.