You may have seen John Cottrell in a yoga studio or even taken one of his yoga classes. A local yogi for over 25 years, Cottrell pioneered Mbody Clothing, a local men’s yoga clothing brand, in 2010. His approach to design is casual but presentable, minimalist and flexible. Clothing the simplicity of which allows it to be worn repeatedly over the years.
Every month, “SLUG style”Identifies a self-employed member of the community and asks them why they are doing what they are doing. Discover more than just clothes, SLUG style is an attempt to showcase the people who add flavor to Salt Lake City through personality and vigor.
Photo: @robtookthis
What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, a decade, a fictional character – anything.
When it comes to style and fashion, I appreciate the simplicity of an outfit or trend. I like casual clothing like jeans and a T-shirt very much. It tells me that it doesn’t take a lot of additional jewelry to make an outfit look presentable, appealing, and attractive.
What’s your story in the SLC / Utah yoga scene?
I have lived in Salt Lake City for over 25 years. I was introduced to yoga in a small privately owned gym in 2000. I started practicing and was immediately hooked! I practiced for over a year before becoming a certified yoga teacher. I later worked in an established yoga studio where I developed my craft as an instructor and improved as a student. My education encouraged me to teach yoga as a career. I have worked in several studios and started my own yoga business, Mbody, LLC. Under this roof I offer group yoga courses, individual lessons, yoga therapy, yoga retreats, training courses, workshops and more.
What forms of yoga have you studied, practiced and taught?
I like different types of yoga. They range from dynamic practices such as Ashtanga Yoga, Power Vinyasa Yoga and Forrest Yoga to Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga. My favorite yoga style is Power Vinyasa Yoga. I enjoy the flowing movement from pose to pose guided by the breath. It helps develop rhythm, balance, strength, focus, and more.
What needs have you identified for men’s yoga clothing?
The initial need was the awareness that there weren’t many options for yoga clothing for men. At the time, leading companies were targeting women in their yoga clothing. When items for men showed up, I found that the prices were quite high.
Photo: @robtookthis
What inspired you to create Mbody Clothing?
I wanted men to be drawn to the practice of yoga and have options for classes, equipment, and even yoga clothing. I wanted to offer a simple but stylish set of yoga clothing that was comfortable, functional, and affordable.
What does Mbody Clothing bring to the table for yoga clothing for men?
I wanted to create a line of clothing that would be multifunctional for the average person. I wanted customers to be able to wear yoga clothes without feeling like they were wearing yoga clothes! Mbody Clothing’s styles mimic the styles of casual men – something men would wear to the gym, town, beach, and yoga studio.
How has Mbody Clothing grown so far? Where can people find it?
Mbody Clothing was introduced in 2010. We are based in Salt Lake City and can access our clothing line online: Mbody.com. We ship all over the world.
Photo: @robtookthis
What are your other interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would ask about?
One hobby that a lot of people don’t know I like is roller skating! I’ve been roller skating since I was a kid. I still like to put on a pair of ice skates and go out onto the street or park for an active exercise.
Do yoga clothes include the main ingredients in your closet or do you confuse them with other types of style choices when out and about, going to the movies, etc.?
Mbody Clothing is very versatile. I wear mine all the time. On a chilly morning, I can easily put on a tank top with jeans, a tank top with gym shorts, or a hoodie. I purposely created shorts, shirts, pants, and hoodies that didn’t contain any patterns and slogans. In this way, the clothing can remain timeless and can be worn with almost anything.
Photo: @robtookthis
If you had to describe yourself in three words, which would it be?
Creative, organized, fun!
How has your personal style developed over time?
I continue to keep things simple with my style. I still like a t-shirt with a pair of jeans. One thing I noticed about the clothing line is that I really like hoodies. I grew up with them. Mbody Clothing has a wide variety of hoodies, all based on my attraction for them over the years.
How can people find out more about Mbody Clothing and what you have in store?
People can easily find and buy Mbody Clothing by visiting Mbody.com. People can also follow us on Instagram @Mbodyclothing.
Photo: @robtookthis
Photo: @robtookthis
Photo: @robtookthis
