Over 5000 years ago, the spiritual tradition of yoga originated from India. Over the years, its practice has been adopted by various religions, from Hinduism, Buddhism, to Jainism.
However, in this day and age, yoga is not necessarily practiced as a result of religion. Anyone who needs a method of meditation, unwinding, exercising, or relaxing can easily turn to yoga.
But, when engaging in yoga, you need the best yoga blanket that can enhance the experience by properly supporting your spine and freeing your mind from any discomfort.
The right yoga blanket should be light enough to allow for ease of carry and soft enough that your skin does not feel any discomfort during use.
In this article, we are going to take a look at the benefits of these remarkable yoga blankets, examine the best ways to put them to use, and also round up the best ones on the market today.
With the value that yoga blankets add to your yoga experience, it would be best to gather up enough knowledge about them.
Quick Answer:
The Benevolence LA Authentic Falsa Mexican Blanket has one of the most diverse uses, it can be put to use as decor or when you are out camping, hiking, on the beach, picnicking, or meditating. If you are an active person, this is the ideal blanket to accompany you.
If you prefer a blanket with more diverse color options to choose from, the El Paso Designs Mexican Yoga Blanket is another excellent choice. You get color options in Esmeralda, Vallarta, Grey, Orange, and so on. The best part is that it is made from a special blend of eco-friendly recycled fibers.
However, if you want a thick and lengthy blanket and the two options above do not appeal to you, another option exists in form of the KAYSO Mexican Blanket. Although it has a great thickness, it is not heavy and has a soft feel to it.
Editor Pick Best Yoga Blankets
Yoga Blanket Buying Guide
The present-day market offers several options for you to choose from when in search of the best yoga blanket.
There are different manufacturers making use of different fabrics and methods to create these blankets.
How do you go about determining which option is the right one for you or offers you the maximum benefit?
This buying guide will help you arrive at the best decision for you.
Read below for tips on selecting a yoga blanket.
Things to Look Out For
Material
Yoga blankets are made from different materials which can range from synthetic to eco-friendly.
The strengths and weaknesses of the blankets most times is dependent on the type of material used. The material type also dictates the texture and resilience over time.
Various material options you can expect when looking at a yoga blanket include cotton, wool, polyester, and acrylic.
It is either the manufacturers utilize 100% of a material to create the yoga blanket or opt for a blended option.
The most common reason why manufacturers choose to blend materials for a yoga blanket is to make them affordable.
Thickness
The thickness of your yoga blanket holds a lot of weight in determining how comfortable it is.
If it is too thin, your knee might sustain an injury when you go into a deep lunge.
However, if it is too thick, it becomes a bit difficult for you to feel a connection with the floor, making it difficult for you to attain the right balance.
Also, the thickness of the blanket affects its weight.
If you are the type that likes to carry out your yoga exercises in different spots, then you need a blanket that is easy to lug around, but if you do not mind the added weight in exchange for extra cushioning while you meditate, then the thickness should not be a problem.
Style
Yoga blankets come in various styles to help you fulfil your needs for the right prop. We will discuss some of the popular styles:
- Mexican Blankets: Mexican blankets are regarded as the most popular style of yoga blankets. As a matter of fact, there are individuals that consider yoga blankets synonymous to the Mexican blankets, not realizing that it is just a style. The Mexican blankets more often than not make use of blended recycled materials dyed in different colors and spun in different patterns.
- Tight Weave Blankets: Tight weave blankets are considered to be a spinoff of the Mexican blankets. The major difference between the two styles is that tight weave blankets have a tighter knit structure. Also, tight weave blankets lack patterns, making them more resilient than their counterparts.
Length
When it comes to the best yoga blankets, length is really important.
Do not get a blanket that cannot accommodate your entire length, especially when you need to go into a widespread pose. The larger the blanket, the easier it becomes for you to carry out your poses.
Best Ways to Utilize Yoga Blankets
Yoga blankets are highly valued as a prop by yoga practitioners worldwide due to their convenience and versatility.
They offer support to various parts of the body and can easily be transformed into multiple forms to accommodate different poses.
Listed below are some of the best ways to use yoga blanket:
- To provide knee support.
- To aid with seating postures.
- To aid with poses (child, pigeon).
- To help with stands (shoulder).
- To provide neck support.
- To fill in gaps.
- To open the chest.
7 Best Yoga Blankets Review
1. Benevolence LA Authentic Falsa Mexica
Need a blanket to exercise on or snuggle up with after your yoga exercises, the Benevolence LA Authentic Falsa Mexican might be what you need. The gorgeous yoga blanket comes in both bold and soft pastels like mint, blue, orange, yellow, and pink. You also have some neutral colors such as beige and grey. The 2.3-pound thickness of the blanket makes it a great support and bolster during yoga or for a day out on the beach.
All Benevolence LA products have a story and the Authentic Falsa Mexican yoga blanket is no different. Each yoga blanket purchased helps to fight poverty in South America. The make of the blanket is 80% Acrylic, 10% Cotton, and 10% Polyester, making it soft to the touch.
PROS:
- Texture becomes softer after each wash
- Can be used comfortably on a twin bed
- Attractive color options
- Versatile use
- Large size
CONS:
- Limited choices for color
2. El Paso Designs Mexican Yoga Blanket
This Mexican Yoga Blanket from El Paso designs is made up of 100% recycled acrylic fibers. The blankets are basically handwoven, making their quality high. The fact that the blanket is made in the Mexican style makes the weaving tight and improves its useful life. The Serape woven on the blanket adds to its beauty.
For individuals looking for diverse color options, the El Paso Designs Mexican Yoga Blanket offers over 36 different colors to make your yoga session as vibrant as you want it to be. The blanket can also be put into diverse uses whether you are camping, sleeping, picnicking, or need home décor. Another plus side is that you can purchase the accompanying blanket carrying strap from the brand makers.
PROS:
- Blanket can serve versatile purposes
- Made from tough acrylic, making it last longer
- Lightweight
- Eco-friendly
CONS:
- Washing affects color
- Can only be hand washed
3. KAYSO Mexican Blanket
With a weight of 3.5 pounds, the KAYSO Mexican yoga blanket is easily one of the thickest blankets you will find on the market. If you are the type that likes a lot of room when exercising, the length of this blanket should please you. It is a falsa blanket, meaning it can be put to use for both indoor and outdoor activities. If you want to use it as a décor or you want something warm to take to the beach, then the blanket has you covered.
The blanket has a 40% cotton composition, making it very soft to the touch. The other 60% acrylic fibers make the blanket lightweight and easy to carry around. The Mexican yoga blanket has six color options available, with each of them possessing a fringe.
PROS:
- Large size
- Handmade
- Great thickness to provide adequate support
CONS:
- Prone to shrinkages
- Thread thins out
4. Open Road Goods Yoga Blanket
The Open Roads Goods Yoga Blanket has a thicker weaving than the traditional Falsa blankets. Due to the use of specialized hand weaving techniques to attain the Thunderbird designs on the blanket, they are often mistaken for Indian Blankets or Native American blankets. This blanket can be put to diverse use, from serving as support for yoga, a decorative throw, to serving as a picnic blanket.
As a yoga blanket, it can be folded and rolled in different ways for different poses and to attain the right postures. The blanket is made from a Cotton – Acrylic – Polyester blend using tight weaving. The tight weave also makes the blanket durable, ensuring it won’t peel or shed after constant use.
PROS:
- Machine washable
- Diverse use
- Softer texture after every wash
CONS:
- Colors are not as advertised online
5. El Paso Designs Peyote Hippie Blanket
The El Paso Designs Peyote Hippie Blanket mimics the thickness, durability, weight, and warmth of the average wool blanket. The designs on the blanket are inspired by Mexican patterns, making the blanket all the more colorful. The color options available are 13. Apart from serving as a yoga blanket, you can make use of it for other outdoor purposes like camping or picnicking. You can also make use of it indoors as a throw or tapestry.
The blanket is woven from acrylic to improve its durability. Another good thing is the fact that the blanket is stain resistant and hypoallergenic, meaning you can go on your picnics or camping trip without having to worry about allergies or stains. You can choose to purchase the blanket on its own or also get the duffel bag for easy carriage.
PROS:
- Versatile use
- Stain resistant
- Varied color choices
- Durable
CONS:
- Strong smell when first purchased
6. Benevolence LA Falsa Blanket Mexican Blanket
The Benevolence LA Falsa Mexican Blanket brings a dash of colorful Mexico into your life with these classic striped handwoven falsas. The feel of the blanket is dense, and this might be as a result of its weight of 2.8 pounds. It is made up of 80% Acrylic, 10% Cotton, and 10% Polyester. The blend of materials adds to its resilience, durability, and softness. The thickness of the blanket ensures that it provides the right support for you during your yoga poses.
It can also be used in other diverse situations and for outdoor activities like camping, picnics, and road trips. Indoor practices are also not exempted as it can serve as a table cloth, throw, bed covering, or décor. The blanket is large enough to ensure you don’t feel cramped while conducting your exercises.
7. Sand Thunderbird Mexican Blanket Authentic Yoga Blanket
The Sand Thunderbird Mexican Blanket Authentic Yoga Blanket is heavier than the traditional falsa blanket, it is a thick yoga blanket handwoven from Mexico, making it ideal for meditation and yoga poses. It is made extra soft to help users achieve tough and tricky postures. It can be rolled up or folded depending on the situation. The design of the blanket consists of a fringe at the ends alongside the insignia of a Thunderbird.
The blanket comes in two colors; sand and violet. It has a large size, enabling users to carry out their yoga practices with ample space. Apart from its usefulness as a yoga prop, it can be used as a throw and for décor and as a camping, backpacking, and picnicking prop.
PROS:
- Well threaded/weaved
- Diverse use
- Soft to the touch
CONS:
- Colors not as advertised
- Threads pull out
FAQs:
What Benefits Can be Derived from a Yoga Blanket?
There are several reasons why you should consider purchasing a yoga blanket:
Flexibility
As we all know, yoga requires a great deal of flexibility, something the best yoga blankets can offer you.
The blankets are practicable while engaging in yoga poses because they can be adjusted to fit different positions.
You can adjust, fold, turn, twist, and basically do what you want and the blanket will offer the best support or fit.
Economical
Don’t have enough money for a luxury yoga mat or yoga knee pad? Then a suitable alternative is the yoga blanket. The yoga blanket is more economical as it costs less than a yoga pad.
Variety
If you have unique tastes or a preference for a particular material, then when it is time to go yoga shopping, your best bet for variety is the yoga blanket.
Yoga blankets are made from different materials, ranging from polyester, acrylic, wool, cotton, etc.
Another good thing about yoga blankets is that they can easily be taken care of, unlike mats and pads that are not easy to wash.
What is the Best Yoga Blanket for Me?
No one knows you better than yourself. So, if you are looking for the best yoga blanket for you, then first and foremost, you need to understand your preferences.
That is because when it comes to personal items, things like design, price, and style need to be considered. The sheer number of options available can be overpowering if you do not know what you want.
The practice of yoga is all about attaining self-awareness, so why not start with cultivating an awareness of what you want in a blanket.
Once you figure it out three simple factors, what you want to use it primarily for, where you want to use it, and how you want to use it, then the selection process becomes easy.
Why are Mexican Yoga Blankets Most Preferred?
If you noticed, most of the blankets reviewed were Mexican yoga blankets.
The reason for the concentration on Mexican yoga blankets goes as far back as the 1960s when different blankets and towels were used for yoga practice.
Back then, yoga studios had not gained the prominence they now have. A mix of wool and cotton blends were frequently used in America and India.
It was not until a yoga instructor by the name of B.K.S Iyengar travelled to Mexico to purchase cotton yoga blankets that Mexican blankets were discovered.
He purchased the Mexican blanket from the army and discovered that they were tougher than your average blanket, affordable, and durable.
They were also firm and supportive, making them the best for yoga practices.
As a result of this new discovery, attention turned to Mexican Yoga Blankets and they became popular from then.
How Many Yoga Blankets Do I Need?
Blankets are one of the most used yoga props because of their versatile nature, they can be rolled, folded, unfolded, and twisted to provide the right padding and support you need for your different body parts.
Whether you need proper cushioning for your bones or you need to relieve a tightness in your joint, blankets are a must-have!
Sitting on blankets helps to relieve the tightness in the hips or lower back when practicing seated poses or meditation.
A certain number of blankets work better for specific poses (Sukkhasana, Pashschimo, Baddha Konasana). The higher you sit while practicing the better it is for your pelvis to stay in a natural position.
So, at the end of the day, the typeof yoga blankets you go for depends on the type of poses you intend to do.
Conclusion
Choosing a clear winner out of all the incredible options was tough. However, after taking into consideration various factors, the Benevolence LA Authentic Falsa Mexican came out as the clear winner.
Not only does it have a versatile use, it also provides adequate support to your spine and absorbs heat during your meditation.
Another plus side is that the color options are attractive, although there are limited options.
If you are worried about frequent wear, that should not be a problem as it gets softer after every wash. The blanket also has a large size, giving you enough room to comfortably stretch out.
If you want an eco-friendlier blanket, there are other options in this article capable of satisfying that need, all you have to do is read through.
Allen Wei is someone who believes in living his best life, focusing on balance, happiness, and relaxation. He fosters a positive lifestyle in terms of his body, mind, and environment, and he is a huge proponent of learning to be balanced via relaxation techniques integrated into our busy lives.
