Yoga Towel

A yoga towel is an absorbent towel sized to cover a full yoga mat (approximately 61 x 172cm) or half the mat. Placed on top of a standard yoga mat, it absorbs sweat to maintain grip during hot yoga, Bikram, and other sweaty practices.

Why Use a Yoga Towel

On a non-absorbent mat (PVC, standard rubber), sweat accumulates on the surface and creates a dangerously slippery practice surface. A yoga towel solves this by absorbing perspiration before it can pool.

Benefits of using a yoga towel:

• Dramatically improved grip in hot or sweaty conditions
• Hygiene layer between practitioner and studio/rental mat
• Easily laundered after each class
• Extends the life of the mat beneath it
• Less expensive than buying a purpose-built hot yoga mat

Types of Yoga Towels

Standard yoga towel: Full mat-length microfiber or terry cloth towel with or without corner pockets that slip over the mat's corners to prevent bunching.

Half towel: Covers only the top half of the mat — used to protect the hand placement area without covering the full mat.

Silicone-dot backed towels: Silicone dots on the underside of the towel prevent it from sliding on the mat beneath — a critical feature for dynamic practices.

Important Feature: Anti-Slip Backing

A yoga towel without some form of grip backing will slide on the mat beneath it, defeating its purpose. Look for towels with silicone dots, a textured backing, or corner pockets to keep the towel anchored.

Microfiber vs. Terry Cloth

Microfiber yoga towels are thinner, lighter, and activate with moisture. Terry cloth towels are thicker and absorbent from the start but add bulk. Most yoga-specific towels use microfiber.