What are yoga mat towels for? Why You Need One & How to Use It?

If you’ve ever slipped in Downward Dog or watched sweat pool on your mat during hot yoga, you know the struggle. That’s where yoga mat towels come in—but are they essential, or just another accessory?

As a yoga instructor who’s taught in scorching hot studios and humid outdoor classes, I’ll break down exactly what these towels do, when to use them, and how to pick the right one for your practice.

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What Is a Yoga Mat Towel?

A yoga mat towel is a specially designed towel that you lay on top of your yoga mat—usually during hot yoga, power yoga, or any class where you’re likely to sweat. It’s made from absorbent, quick-drying materials like microfiber to keep your mat dry, improve grip, and maintain hygiene.

Unlike a regular towel, a yoga mat towel is shaped to match your mat’s size and often features non-slip backing or corner pockets so it stays in place, even during fast-paced flows. Some towels even get grippier the more you sweat—perfect for sweaty hands and feet.

If you find your mat gets slippery or hard to clean, a yoga mat towel can be a game-changer. Just toss it in the wash after class, and your mat stays fresh longer.

A yoga mat towel is a specialized absorbent towel designed to:
✔ Prevent slipping by absorbing sweat
✔ Protect your mat from moisture and bacteria
✔ Enhance hygiene (especially in studio settings)

Unlike regular towels, they’re made with:

Grippy backing (silicone dots or rubberized material)
Quick-dry fabric (microfiber or bamboo blends)
Mat-sized dimensions (fits standard 68″–72″ mats)

3 Key Reasons to Use a Yoga Mat Towel

Why You Need Yoga Mat Towels?

Yoga mat towels might seem like an optional extra—but if you’ve ever slipped in a sweaty Downward Dog or struggled to keep your mat clean, you’ll quickly see why they’re worth it. These towels are designed to soak up sweat, improve grip, and extend the life of your yoga mat.

Especially in hot yoga or high-intensity flows, your mat can get slick fast. A yoga towel creates a soft, absorbent layer that helps you stay grounded in every pose. Plus, they’re easy to wash—just toss them in the laundry after class—so your mat stays fresher for longer and needs less cleaning.

If you want better grip, less slipping, and a cleaner, more comfortable practice, a yoga mat towel is one of the simplest and smartest upgrades you can make.

1. For Hot Yoga (Bikram, Power Vinyasa, etc.)

Sweat makes mats slippery—towels provide traction.
Prevents bacterial buildup in porous mats (like rubber or cork).
Easy to wash after each class (unlike mats, which need air-drying).

Pro Tip: Look for “sweat-activated” grip (like Yogitoes towels).

2. For Studio Hygiene

Creates a barrier between you and shared mats.
Ideal for travel—lightweight and packable.

3. For Mat Longevity

Reduces wear from constant washing (just wash the towel instead).
Protects natural rubber mats from excessive sweat absorption.

Types of Yoga Mat Towels

Type	Best For	Pros	Cons
Silicone-Grip Towels (e.g., Manduka eQua)	Hot yoga, heavy sweaters	Stays put, no slipping	Requires dampness for grip
Microfiber Towels	Light sweat, travel	Lightweight, dries fast	Can bunch without grip backing
Bamboo Towels	Eco-conscious yogis	Super absorbent, soft	Heavier, slower drying
Hybrid Towel-Mats (e.g., Lululemon’s)	No-mat practice	All-in-one solution	Less cushion than a real mat

How to Use a Yoga Mat Towel?

A yoga mat towel is super easy to use and can make your practice more comfortable—especially if you tend to sweat a lot. To use one, simply lay it flat over your yoga mat before you begin. Many towels are designed to match the size of standard mats, and some even have corner pockets or grips underneath to help keep them from sliding around. If your hands or feet slip during practice, try lightly spraying the towel with water before you start—yoga towels actually get grippier when damp.

Once it’s set up, practice as usual. The towel will absorb sweat, help prevent slipping, and protect your mat from wear and odor. After class, just toss it in the washing machine—much easier than deep-cleaning your mat every time. It’s a small addition that brings extra grip, cleanliness, and peace of mind to your practice.

For Hot Yoga: Lightly dampen the towel for better grip.
Placement: Lay flat over your mat (align edges).
Adjust Mid-Class: Smooth out wrinkles if it shifts.
Wash Regularly: Use mild detergent (no fabric softener).

Common Mistake: Using a beach towel—it’ll slide everywhere!

How Do Yoga Towels Differ From Regular Bath Towels?

At first glance, a yoga towel might look like just another towel—but it’s built with a very different purpose in mind. Unlike regular bath towels, yoga towels are made from high-performance, quick-drying materials like microfiber that absorb sweat without getting soggy. They’re designed to stay grippy and in place during movement, even when things get really sweaty.

Yoga towels are also shaped to fit your mat perfectly, often featuring a non-slip backing or corner pockets so they don’t bunch up during practice. Bath towels, on the other hand, are usually bulky, not slip-resistant, and tend to slide around—making them frustrating (and even unsafe) to use during yoga.

In short, yoga towels are tailor-made for movement, moisture, and mat coverage. Bath towels? Great for after your shower—not so much for your Vinyasa flow.

When Should You Use Yoga Towels?

Yoga towels are most useful when things start to get sweaty—think hot yoga, power yoga, or any session where you’re working up a serious sweat. They help absorb moisture, prevent slipping, and keep your mat clean and grippy throughout class.

You should also consider using a yoga towel if you’re practicing on a studio mat (hello, hygiene!), doing yoga outdoors, or just want to protect your mat from wear and tear. Even in gentler practices, some yogis prefer the soft, cushioned feel of a towel on top of their mat.

So, if you notice yourself sliding around or your mat feeling damp, it’s probably time to roll out that yoga towel. It’s a small change that can make your whole practice feel smoother, safer, and a lot more comfortable.

Benefits of Using Yoga Towels

Yoga towels are a simple addition to your practice that offer some major perks. Here’s why you might want to make one a part of your routine:

Better Grip: Yoga towels help prevent slipping during sweaty sessions. They add extra traction, especially in poses like Downward Dog or Warrior, where sweat can make your mat slippery.
Hygiene: If you’re practicing on a studio mat or outdoors, a yoga towel creates a clean barrier between you and the mat. It helps absorb sweat and keeps your mat from getting dirty or smelly.
Comfort: Many yoga towels are made from soft, absorbent materials that feel great on the skin. They provide a cushion, especially if you’re practicing on a thin or hard mat.
Mat Protection: Using a towel can extend the life of your yoga mat by protecting it from wear, tear, and sweat buildup. Plus, it’s easier to clean a towel than a whole mat!
Portability: Yoga towels are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around. Whether you’re heading to the studio or doing outdoor yoga, they’re super convenient.

Yoga towels help keep your practice smooth, hygienic, and more comfortable, making them a great addition to any yogi’s gear!

Shineoria