The Right Equipment

I know that when diving into a new activity or hobby, the right equipment can be vital to practice.

With becoming serious about piano, it is important to own a keyboard or piano that has the full 88 keys, and ideally has weighted keys. There are many different keyboards that have both of those features and can be found for modest prices. You don't necessarily need a real piano, and even a 55 keyboard that still has weighted keys is a step in the right direction. When practicing seriously though, the right equipment is essential.

This same idea also pertains to any athletic sport. Having the proper cleats for baseball, or the proper gloves for golfing, or the proper kayak for where you plan on kayaking can make a huge difference.

Even when having to use a wheelchair, buying a proper set of gloves, and even looking into a custom wheelchair (or at least being assessed for what a person will need in a wheelchair) is essential to comfort and proper propulsion.

But what about attire? Clothing?
In volleyball, owning appropriate spandex shorts and runners definitely made a significant difference in movement capabilities. Kayaking in cold weather requires clothing that is lightweight but warm, and can really make the difference between paddling with bulky strokes versus comfortable, natural, paddling movements.

As I have mentioned recently, I am finally getting back into yoga after a bit of a reprieve. I have a couple of amazing yoga mats - including a Nomad mat made of recycled jeans that I absolutely love. I have all of the proper blocks, bands, mat cleaners, The Beam to help with my back, and even ankle and wrist weights for when I improve upon my own strength.
What is nice is that yoga does not require a lot of different pieces of equipment to practice. Hell, you can practice yoga anywhere, on virtually any surface. It can be a relatively inexpensive activity.
My question is - how essential is proper yoga attire to comfortable practice?

I still have a few spandex shorts from my years playing volleyball, I have some pretty comfy tanks, and I have several pairs of generic printed leggings. But does proper yoga attire make a difference in being able to move properly? Will my stretching and breathing and posing be more fluid if I were wearing true-to-form yoga-branded clothing?
What are your suggestions for the best yoga attire for modest prices?

For now I will stick with basic, inexpensive pieces I already own, but I would love to know how much of a difference yoga clothing actually makes.