Whether you’re a beginner yogi or a die-hard yoga bunny, you will know full well that flowing into chaturangas, cobra poses and downward dogs is a rather sweaty business - and that’s before you even consider Bikram.
Add in a hot studio and suddenly there’s a lot of moisture covering your body and mat. Step in yoga towels – a must-have piece of kit to ensure you get the most out of your yoga session.
Why use a yoga towel?
Yoga towels provide an extra layer between you and your mat. Rolled out over your stretching surface, they will act as an extra absorbent buffer to soak up any sweat quickly and efficiently so that you won’t start slipping around on a damp surface. This in turn will make your workout safer and allow you to focus on improving your technique.
They are also a hygienic addition to your potentially overworked mat – in busy gyms and studios, you don’t always know who exactly was using it before you and the cleaning practices.
What features to look for in a yoga towel?
The material of your yoga towel is paramount. Sweat absorbent and quick-drying are the key properties you need to look for to keep you cool, calm and sturdy – microfibre fabric is a great option for this.
Non-slip features including dotted bottoms or cornered pockets will also provide extra grip and keep movement in your control. Most towels are usually pretty lightweight meaning they are great to take on the move – to the gym, your local studio or even on holiday, and some even come with a nifty carry pouch for the ultimate convenience.
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Gaiam Yoga Mat Towel
Add this towel from leading lifestyle brand Gaiam to your gym bag and enjoy a stress-free, slip-free yoga class. Thanks to its polyester/nylon blend, the towel is super absorbent – in fact, it will soak up double the amount of sweat and moisture than a normal cotton towel and dry in half the time – win-win. We just love the vivid blue colour and the chic fuchsia trim.
Buy now £27.99, John Lewis
Alo Yoga Performance No Sweat Hand Towel
Half-sized and designed to sit at the top of your mat to prevent slipping, this handy piece of kit from Alo Yoga is complete with a corner pocket that pops over the corner of your mat to ensure the towel stays put throughout your practice. Available in an array of colours, the ultra-absorbent towel is made from 80 per cent polyester and 20 per cent nylon microfiber.
Buy now £25.00, Alo Yoga
Lululemon The Towel
Take ‘The Towel’ along with you to your yoga session and save yourself from sliding around mid-class. You can even give it a light spritz with a mist beforehand to enhance the grip. The ultra-absorbent microfibre material will be the perfect companion for sweaty manoeuvres and holds. Choose from a pretty flower burst pattern or block colours including pastel blue, lavender and grey.
Buy now £35.00, Lululemon
Manduka eQua Standard Yoga Mat Towel
Whether vinyasa flow or hot yoga, spread Manduka’s towel out onto your mat and keep a steady balance during your practice. The microfibre construction adds traction to sweaty palms and feet, creating a slip-resistant surface. It is also lightweight so it will dry quickly and be ready to scrunch up and throw in your bag post-workout as soon as you step out of the shower.
Buy now £40.00, Amazon
Kimjaly Non-Slip Yoga Towel
A non-slip underside paired with a soft and absorbent top side is the perfect combination when it comes to yoga towels. Pop this option over your mat and it won’t move as you exercise, allowing you to give your full attention to nailing the more complicated poses. Featuring a printed centre line to help with alignment, become a yoga pro while staying hygienic and perspiration-free.
Buy now £24.99, Decathlon
Yoga Design Lab Premium Yoga Mat Towel
Strike a pose in style with this elegant yoga towel that is made from 100 per cent recycled microfibre and available in a calming mandala turquoise shade.
The sustainable design will cover your entire mat to provide a non-slip grip during your practice. It will also wick away the moisture to keep you cool, calm and collected. Lightweight and fast-drying, it folds, rolls or scrunches up easily after use for convenient transportation.
Buy now £54.00, Yoga Design Lab
Shandali GoSweat Hot Yoga Towel
Add a super-soft top layer to any yoga mat with this velvety towel from Shandali. A standard size to fit most padded sticky mats, the microfibre properties will provide a gripped, sweat-free layer to offer balance. When the class is over, roll it up into a compact size and take on the move with ease. Available in five different colours to suit all preferences.
Buy now £25.00, Amazon
Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel
A versatile towel that you can use for running, swimming, and gym workouts, this will be your new best friend when it comes to yoga classes, acting as an effective layer between you and your mat.
Designed to absorb sweat and do so quickly, you will remain balanced as you transition between downwards facing dog to warrior pose with no excess moisture causing you to slip and slide around.
Quick drying and lightweight, pop in its handy carry pouch once done for a hassle-free accessory to take on the go.
Buy now £25.00, Amazon
Yoga Mad Grip Dot Yoga Towel
Yoga Mad has created an effective anti-slip towel that features intelligent gripping dots to maintain stability on the mat throughout your yoga practice.
Choose from aubergine or sky-blue colours and flow into your bends, reaches and stretches, while being content in the knowledge that your towel has got you gripped securely underfoot.
Buy now £26.00, Sports Direct
MoKo Yoga Towel
Make this towel your yoga buddy and it will help you keep composed and cool as you take your practice to the next level. The MoKo Yoga Towel comes complete with four corner pockets to guarantee grip on your mat. It also has a sweat-wicking and breathable fabric that will take the worry of falling around and the fear of injuries away to allow you to fully concentrate on your practice. Includes a drawstring bag for convenient storage and portability.
Buy now £23.99, Amazon
