Hot yoga is an incredible way to release stress, improve flexibility, and boost your health. But it can also be a workout for a yoga mat, which can get slippery, wet, or even squeak and stretch with heat and moisture.
For many people, a yoga towel is an ideal solution, but for those who are looking for a yoga mat designed for hot yoga, here are the best on the market.
Quick Answer:
Our top picks as the best yoga mats for hot yoga are:
1. Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat
This patented 2-in-1 design combines a rubberized non-slip base with an absorbent microfiber surface, for the best of both worlds.
2. YOGA DESIGN LAB The Combo Yoga MAT
The YOGA DESIGN LAB Yoga MAT is a great option for people who need a yoga mat with a soft, absorbent surface that retains grip and texture when damp.
This luxury yoga mat combines a natural non-slip antimicrobial cork surface with a natural non-skid rubber bottom, so it retains excellent grip and surface and always lays flat.
Editor’s Pick Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga
Yoga Mat for Hot Yoga Buying Guide
The best yoga mat for hot yoga depends on your yoga practice, and how much you typically sweat during your workout. Here are the key things to look for:
Non-Slip/Non-Skid
Yoga mats with a non-slip or non-skid surface will retain texture and grip even when wet. Yoga mats made of cork, some rubbers and foams, and many fabrics are specially designed to retain or even improve their grip when wet or damp. These kinds of yoga mats are perfect for sweaty hands and feet, so that you can concentrate on your poses without slipping or shifting.
Moisture Absorbing
If your yoga practice is particularly hot and sweaty, moisture can actually pool up on the surface of a yoga mat. Even if your mat still has grip when wet, this can still be distracting. For this reason, many people opt for a yoga towel or a yoga mat with an absorbent fabric surface that actually soaks up moisture and keeps it away from your skin.
Antibacterial or Antimicrobial
Along with moisture and heat, we get microbes and bacteria that can cause odors and shorten the life of a yoga mat. Yoga mats that are antimicrobial are helpful for preventing odor, but it’s also important to clean and thoroughly dry a yoga mat after every use.
In other words, if you suffer from sweaty hands and feet during yoga, you may be happiest with a non-slip yoga mat. If you sweat a lot during Bikram or hot yoga, you may want an absorbent surface and perhaps a yoga towel. In any case, an antimicrobial yoga mat is helpful to prevent mildew, odors, and decay.
Materials
Materials used to make the mats can be all natural or all synthetic. These materials also have an impact on a variety of factors such as cost. Here are some examples:
- Foam – These mats are usually cheaper and are long lasting. They are synthetic, latex and phthalate free. Ideal for the yogi on a budget.
- Cloth – These mats are extra thick, and completely environmentally friendly, as they come straight from nature.
- TPE – Comfortable and travel-friendly, as the gel-like material is extra soft and lightweight. Also recyclable.
- All Natural Rubber – Environmentally friendly, slip-resistant, resilient and durable.
Thickness
Thicknesses of yoga mats start from 1/16 inches and go to ¼ inches. Obviously, the thinner the yoga mat, the easier it is to store and travel with. The thicker mats are designed for comfort and soft support. When considering the thickness of your mat, think about storage, travel and comfort during class.
Length
Length of your mat should be around two inches longer than your body length. If you are a tall person, this could be an issue, as a mat that’s too short will be unsuitable. Likewise, for a short person, a longer mat is unnecessary.
Maintenance
Yes, yoga mat care is a thing, especially as you want it to last you a long time. When buying a yoga mat, take into consideration the materials used, how easy it is to clean and if the manufacturer has any type of warranty. Rubber and synthetic mats can take quite a lot of punishment, whereas cloth mats can wear down quickly.
Price Range
If you’re on a budget, the basic, plain, medium thickness sticky mats will be what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for comfort, antimicrobial, raised textures or even the eco-friendly ones, expect to pay more.
5 Best Yoga Mat for Hot Yoga Review
1. Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat
The Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat has a unique, patented design that bonds a yoga mat with a slip-free microfiber towel, for an end to bunching and slipping. On the bottom, it’s an Aurorae 5mm PER yoga mat, and on the top, it’s an ultra-absorbent microfiber towel. Because the two are bonded together, there’s no bunching, and the wetter the surface is, the better it grips.
These mats are tested and proven safe and non-toxic. They have no phthalates, phenols, PAHS, latex, or rubber. They are machine washable and easy to care for, measuring 72 inches x 24 inches x ½ inch, and available in six colors. They are also backed by a 2 year warranty.
The Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat is specially designed for hot yoga, and the microfiber surface grips better when it is damp. In fact, early in your workout, you may need to mist the top of the mat to increase stickiness.
PROS:
- Bonded mat and towel in one ends slipping and bunching
- Safe and non-toxic
- Machine washable
CONS:
- Takes a long time to air dry
Best For:
This 2-in-1 design is perfect for hot yoga and any yoga session where your hands and feet get wet and slippery. The microfiber surface absorbs moisture and grips better when damp, so you can maintain your stability even in sweaty environments.
2. Luxury Cork Yoga Mat
Cork yoga mats are popular for being a natural, sustainable material that provides stable support and comfortable grip. This Luxury Cork Yoga Mat from Body by Yoga was created by yoga instructors, using premium Portuguese cork. It has six times more cork than a standard cork yoga mat for a stable grip and the perfect amount of cushioning. Cork has a smooth surface that gets grippier with moisture, so it’s perfect for hot yoga. And it’s naturally antimicrobial to resist odor and bacteria.
These cork yoga mats have a natural rubber bottom for gentle cushioning and premium grip. The rubber bottom also helps the yoga mat lie perfectly flat, every single time. They are also very big and thick, measuring 80 x 26 inches, and 6.5 millimeters thick. You can also choose to have a Luxury Cork Yoga Mat that has alignment lines printed on the surface, so you can check for ideal alignment and symmetry in your poses. Body by Yoga backs these mats with a 100% manufacturer’s warranty and happiness guarantee.
PROS:
- Naturally slip resistant, even when wet
- Sturdy and supportive
- Easy to clean and naturally antimicrobial
- Can choose the alignment lines pattern to refine your technique
- Comes with free yoga workouts and tutorials
CONS:
- Big and heavy
Best For:
The Body by Yoga Luxury Cork Yoga Mat is the perfect yoga mat for people who love the natural, sustainable resiliency of cork, but who want a cork mat with improved grip and durability.
3. YOGA DESIGN LAB The Combo Yoga MAT
The YOGA DESIGN LAB The Combo Yoga MAT is a 2-in-1 design, with a microfiber towel surface on top, and a natural rubber layer on the bottom, so it’s flat, stable, non-slip, lightly cushioned, and moisture absorbing, in one convenient design.
The Combo Yoga Mat has microfiber made from recycled bottles and colored with water-based inks, in 15 striking colors and patterns that won’t fade. The natural rubber bottom provides grip and stability with gentle cushioning for joints. It measures 70 x 24 inches, and is 3.5 millimeters thick. With the towel and mat in one, there’s no slipping or bunching.
The YOGA DESIGN LAB The Combo Yoga MAT is machine washable, made of natural and sustainable materials, and $1 of every purchase supports youth yoga programs for kids in need.
PROS:
- Lays flat without bunching or slipping
- Made of recycled, sustainable materials
- Proceeds support youth yoga programs
- Attractive, unusual colors and patterns
- Easy to clean and care for
CONS:
- Not thick enough to absorb a whole lot of sweat and moisture during hot yoga
Best For:
The YOGA DESIGN LAB The Combo Yoga MAT is a great option for people who sweat during a regular yoga or Pilates workout, and need a yoga mat with a soft, absorbent surface that retains grip and texture when damp.
4. TOPLUS Travel Yoga Mat
The TOPLUS Travel Yoga Mat is a thin, portable yoga mat with a natural suede fabric surface, and a natural rubber back to provide light cushioning and grip. This yoga mat is just 1/16th of an inch thick, and easy to use alone or on top of a thicker yoga mat.
The suede-like surface of the TOPLUS Travel Yoga Mat increases resistance when moist, improving grip and preventing sliding. This is synthetic suede, made of plastic fibers. The rubber bottom is temperature and wear-resistant, making it great for hot yoga. The mat measures 68 x 24 inches, and is thin enough for easy folding or rolling. It is available in 7 colors and patterns,. It is machine washable, and comes with a carrying case and a one year warranty.
PROS:
- Lightweight and portable, for use alone or on a yoga mat
- Attractive colors and patterns
- Comes with a carrying case
- Grippy, non-slip bottom
CONS:
- Surface may get slippery
Best For:
The TOPLUS Travel Yoga Mat is an absorbent, versatile travel yoga mat. It's perfect for people who want a compact, 2-in-1 yoga mat that can go anywhere.
5. Heathyoga Synergy Yoga Mat
The Heathyoga Synergy Yoga Mat is a 2-in-1, with an absorbent microfiber surface, and a textured non-slip bottom. It is large and thick, designed for all types of yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
The microfiber top layer of the Heathyoga Synergy Yoga Mat is absorbent microfiber, with a “crystal” coating that gives it excellent, non-slip grip when both wet and dry. The closed-cell structure is antibacterial and mildew-proof. The non-skid bottom is made of SGS-certified recyclable TPE, for resilient cushioning, with no odor. The mat is 72 x 26 inches and 5 millimeters thick, and weighs 3 pounds. The vibrant patterns are made with non-fading print.
PROS:
- Absorbent surface designed for hot yoga
- Non-slip, cushioned bottom layer
- Fade-resistant print
- Large size for full range of movement
CONS:
- May squeak during use
Best For:
The Heathyoga Synergy Yoga Mat is the perfect yoga mat for those who need a moisture-absorbing, non-skid surface and a little extra padding. This dual-surface mat has extra cushioning for delicate joints.
FAQs:
Q: Are Manduka mats good for hot yoga?
Manduka makes excellent yoga mats, and they are designed to retain their grip and prevent sliding, even during hot yoga.
However, some mats are not designed to absorb moisture, which can build up on the surface of a Manduka mat and make it slippery, particularly if it hasn’t been broken in.
During hot yoga, most people prefer to pair Manduka mats with a yoga towel.
Q: How do you clean a yoga mat after hot yoga?
Properly cleaning a hot yoga or Bikram yoga mat depends on what it is made of.
If it is a traditional foam yoga mat, use a yoga mat cleaner. If it is made of microfiber, or has a microfiber surface, you can wash it in cold water on the gentle cycle, and then hang or lay it flat it to dry.
Never machine dry a yoga mat, and never use fabric softener or laundry additives with microfiber.
Because yoga mats are made of such a wide range of materials, it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion
We love the Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat for its durability, simplicity, and ease of use. It absorbs sweat and moisture without slipping, bunching, or stretching. It’s comfortable, portable, and even eco-safe. It’s the perfect yoga mat for hot yoga.
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.
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