Scroll through any yoga or activewear feed lately and you'll spot a small detail popping up again and again: a little knot or bow at the side of a top. It's not a big, dramatic design feature, which is probably why it works. A simple tie at the waist changes how a top fits, how it looks and how it moves, and people have started to notice.
So why has the side-tie top become such a favourite? Let's look at what it actually does, who it suits and how to get the most out of one.
What is a side-tie top?
A side-tie top has fabric panels that come together at the side of the waist and are fastened with a tie, instead of being sewn closed or held with a zip or hook. You can tighten it for a closer fit, leave it loose for a relaxed one, and change your mind halfway through the day.
Our Sama side-tie yoga top is a good example. It's a sleeveless V-neck short top in cotton with a side tie for a comfortable fit, available in shades such as Sienna, Muted Plum, Celtic Blue and Rose Pink.
Why people love them
You control the fit. This is the big one. Woven cotton doesn't stretch the way leggings and knit tops do, so how the garment fits depends on how it's cut. A tie lets you adjust it yourself, tighter on days you want shape and looser on days you want room.
It gives structure to a relaxed outfit. Baggy pants and loose tops can look shapeless together. A tie at the waist defines your outline without squeezing you in, which is why side-tie tops pair so well with relaxed, comfortable bottoms.
No hardware. There's no zip to dig in, no hook to press against your back and nothing metal or plastic to get in the way. For yoga, where you spend time lying on your back, folding forward and twisting, that matters.
A shorter length keeps you cool. Short tops let air move around your midriff, which is a relief in warm weather and humid cities.
It works with traditional ideas. Ties are nothing new in Indian clothing. Cords and ties have long been used to secure and adjust everything from blouses to trousers, so a side-tie top feels like a natural modern version of something familiar.
Why the side beats the back
Plenty of tops tie at the back, and they look lovely, but there's a practical difference when you're on a mat. A knot at the back can press into your spine when you lie down for savasana or bridge pose. A tie at the side sits away from the centre of your back, which means it's far less likely to dig in.
How to tie it so it behaves
A few small habits make a side-tie top easier to live with.
Keep the knot flat. A small, neat bow lies closer to the body than a big, loose one, which makes it more comfortable in side bends and twists.
Tie it a little snugger than you think. Cotton relaxes as you move, so a tie that feels perfect when you start can loosen slightly through class. A slightly firmer bow stays put.
Check it before inversions. If you're going into headstand or shoulderstand, make sure the knot is secure and tucked in, so it doesn't unravel.
Retie rather than tug. If it loosens, stop and retie. Pulling the strings to tighten them while the fabric is damp can stress the fibres.
Who suits a side-tie top?
Almost everyone, but a few groups especially appreciate it. If your body changes through the day or the month, an adjustable top saves you from owning three sizes. If you're between sizes, a tie gives you room to choose the more comfortable one. And if you find fitted tops constricting but loose ones messy, this sits comfortably in the middle.
What to wear it with
Because the top has a defined waist, it works with a wide range of bottoms.
With relaxed pants, such as our Soma baggy fit yoga pants, the tie balances the extra volume below.
With a matching set, you get a coordinated look without trying. Our women's yoga sets include pants and tops designed to be worn together, and each garment's size can be chosen separately.
Out and about, you can wear a side-tie top with jeans or linen trousers as an everyday piece. A light shirt over the top works too.
If you want to see more styles, browse our full range of cotton yoga tops for women.
Sizing tips
Choose the size that fits you comfortably before the tie is fastened, then use the tie to fine-tune. If you're between two sizes, sizing up is usually more comfortable in relaxed cotton fits. You can check the sizing chart on our site to compare measurements.
Caring for it
Wash it gently and dry it flat in the shade. Natural woven cotton will relax and drape with wear, and it creases, which is perfectly normal. Smooth the ties after washing so they dry flat and don't develop kinks.
So, is it just a trend?
Trends come and go, but this one has staying power because it solves a real problem. A top that adjusts to you, doesn't press against your back and looks good both on the mat and off it is simply more useful than one that doesn't. If it happens to look good in photographs as well, that's a bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a side-tie yoga top?
It's a top with a tie at the side of the waist that lets you adjust the fit, instead of a zip or hook.
2. Are side-tie tops comfortable for lying down?
Yes. Because the tie sits at the side, it's less likely to press into your back in poses like savasana and bridge pose.
3. Will the tie come undone during yoga?
A small, firm bow usually stays in place. For inversions, check that the knot is secure and tucked in before you go up.
4. Can I wear a side-tie top for everyday wear?
Absolutely. It pairs easily with relaxed pants, jeans or trousers, and a light shirt over the top makes it more casual.
5. How should I wash a side-tie top?
Wash it gently and dry it flat in the shade. Smooth the ties before they dry so they stay neat.
