Fitness Gear Pilates, Yoga, and Barre Equipment The 5 Best Yoga Towels of 2023 The Yogitoes Manduka Yoga Towel is good for all types of yoga classes By Rachel Morris Rachel Morris Rachel Morris is a freelance health and wellness writer who previously worked as an editor at Dr. Oz The Good Life, Woman's Day, and Weight Watchers. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 08, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Sara Clark Reviewed by Sara Clark Facebook Sara Clark is an EYT 500-hour certified Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness teacher, lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, model, and writer. Learn about our Review Board Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Almost as essential as packing a yoga mat in your gym bag is keeping a yoga towel on hand as you move through poses and stretches. You can use a yoga towel in a variety of ways in the studio or at home. It's helpful as a substitute for a strap or mat, and also serves as cushioning when you have a cramp or simply as a towel to wipe away your sweat. When choosing a yoga towel, you'll want to look for absorbent material that is lightweight and easy to pack. If you are practicing yoga on your towel, you'll want a non-slip surface. We reviewed yoga towels for their moisture-wicking and quick-drying ability, their non-slip surface, size, and affordability. A certified yoga instructor from our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for accuracy and how to evaluate yoga towels. Here are the best yoga towels on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Yogitoes Manduka Yoga Towel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: AmazonBasics Yoga Exercise Mat Towel at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Hot Yoga: Yoga Mate Yoga Mat Size Towel at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Travel: Alfamo Cooling Towel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Non-Bunching: IUGA Non Slip Yoga Towel at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Yogitoes Manduka Yoga Towel 4.7 Manduka View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Zappos The Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat basically has a cult following—that’s how good it is. We selected it as our best overall because it’s a favorite for all types of classes, from hot yoga to Vinyasa. The mat features patented skid-less technology that uses grippy, 100% silicone nubs to keep it solidly in place while you work out. And how cool is this—the absorbent material is made from eight or more plastic water bottles. The towel is available in a variety of colors and patterns. People say that using the Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat has been a game-changer for their practice and that it’s worth the cost. They agree that the silicon dots work exceptionally well to keep the mat in place and that the absorbent material soaks up sweat yet still dries quickly. Price at time of publication: $60 Best Budget AmazonBasics Yoga Exercise Mat Towel Amazon View On Amazon Not willing to shell out a huge amount on a towel? Then the Amazon Basics Yoga Towel is for you. It’s affordable, but that doesn’t mean it’s cheaply made. The absorbent material is a polyester and nylon blend that feels good against the skin. And this product doesn’t skimp on size either, measuring in at 72’’ x 24’’, which makes it great for most yoga mats. Even better, the towel is backed by an AmazonBasics one-year limited warranty. Reviewers say that the AmazonBasics Yoga Towel is great for the price. People also agree that the towel is soft and provides a firm, non-slip surface for their yoga moves. Best for Hot Yoga Yoga Mate Non-Slip Bikram Yoga Mat Size Towel Amazon View On Amazon A sweaty session of Bikram yoga is no match for the Yoga Mat towel. The microfiber towel is made from a soft, absorbent material that soaks up moisture, helping you to stay steady as you flow through moves. With measurements of 72" x 26", it’s the perfect size for most yoga mats. When class is over, simply toss the towel in with the rest of your laundry—no special washing requirements here. The towel is available in nine different colors, including some tie-dye patterns sure to brighten up your next yoga class. People who use the Yoga Mate towel say that it absorbs sweat well and ensures that they don’t lose their grip mid-pose. People are also impressed by the affordability of the towel considering how well it stands up during class. Price at time of publication: $16 Best for Travel Alfamo Cooling Towel Amazon View On Amazon Staying fit on vacation just got easier with the Alfamo Cooling Towel. The multisports towel comes packaged in a small waterproof plastic case, making it easy to toss into your suitcase or weekend bag. Not only can you use it for yoga, but it also doubles as a cooling towel. Simply wet the towel, wring it out, and snap it. Place it on the skin for up to three hours of cooling (it claims to reduce body temperature up to 30 degrees). Reviewers say that it’s perfect for hot yoga classes. And people who have tried to use it as a chilling towel can’t stop raving about how well it helps to keep them cool when exercising on warm, humid days. Price at time of publication: $12 for azure Best Non-Bunching IUGA Non Slip Yoga Towel Amazon View On Amazon This design is actually genius. The Iuga Yoga Towel features corner pockets. Simply slide the corners of your mat into the pockets and voila—your towel will stay taut, firmly in place and won’t bunch. The machine-washable microfiber towel is lightweight but 30% thicker than the average yoga towel to provide the perfect combination of grip and softness. Available in five different colors (we love the pretty turquoise), this mat will become a yoga class must-have. People who use the Iuga Yoga Towel say that the pockets are brilliant and help the towel stay perfectly in place. They also love the mini hand towel that comes packaged with the larger yoga towel and say that it’s great for wiping away sweat post-class. Price at time of publication: $22 for gray Final Verdict The Yogitoes Manduka Yoga Towel (view at Amazon) is ideal for any type of yoga class, and its skid-less technology ensures you stay in place and keep your pose. For a cheaper price point, you can't go wrong with the Yoga Mate Bikram Towel (view at Amazon), which soaks up moisture and is compatible with most yoga mat sizes. What to Look for in a Yoga Towel Moisture-Wicking Yoga towels are most often used for hot yoga or in yoga classes that are more physically challenging and cause you to sweat. Since sweat and moisture can lead to slipperiness, a yoga towel is a wise tool for mopping it up, preventing potential slips and tweaks that can lead to injury. Look for a towel that is absorbent and quick-drying, made from fabrics such as polyester, nylon, polyamide, or microfiber. Non-Slip Surface A non-slip surface is essential if you will be practicing yoga on your yoga towel. The top of the towel should be non-slip at a minimum. Some yoga towels also have a grippy bottom to prevent slips on the floor without needing to use an additional yoga mat. Size What you need depends on your yoga class type and space allowance. A larger towel is beneficial for classes that include movements that take up a lot of floor space and that have a lot of room available to you. However, a more compact towel might be necessary if your class is more packed in. Size is an important consideration as well for ease of transport. A lightweight, less thick, less wide, or shorter towel may be easier to pack into your carry bag. Frequently Asked Questions How do you wash a yoga towel? Follow the instructions on your particular yoga towel's label for best results. You can play it safe by handwashing your yoga towel, especially if it is a mat-towel hybrid that might degrade in the washing machine. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach, heat drying, or ironing. How do you use a yoga towel? A smaller, hand sized yoga towel can be used to wipe away sweat and moisture from your body, feet, and hands. A larger yoga towel can be placed over your mat to absorb moisture and prevent slipping. Some yoga towel are a mat hybrid that offers a grippy bottom. In this case, you can use the mat-towel as you would a regular yoga mat. What is the difference between a yoga mat and a yoga towel? A yoga mat is a cushioned, grippy surface to practice yoga on. It provides a clean and safe space for your hands, feet, and body to touch. A yoga towel is much the same as it is used for hot yoga or yoga practices that cause you to sweat, however, the fabric is similar to a towel and meant to use on top of your mat. Yoga towels absorb moisture to prevent you from slipping and getting injured. Why Trust Verywell Fit Rachel Morris is a freelance health and wellness writer and content consultant. She is also a former editor of Dr. Oz The Good Life magazine, Woman's Day, and Weight Watchers. She has six years of experience in the health and wellness journalism world. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! 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