These Are the 11 Best-Rated Hot Yoga Mats Out There
There's yoga, and then there's hot yoga. There are benefits to both, but hot yoga has some added perks like increased flexibility and, some believe, the ability to detox through sweating more. The heat can be intense, challenging, and rejuvenating all at once while you're in class.
For yogis who want to take it to the next level and try a hot yoga class (or even for those who already attend sessions on the regular), you need to be prepared with the right equipment. Whether you sweat a lot or not, the studio could be heated anywhere from 95° to 115°, so chances are you're going to be dripping. Sure, you can use your regular yoga mat, but you might feel more comfortable with one that's grippy and slip-free when things get extra sweaty and slippery. You'll be able to handle your poses like a pro without worrying if you're going to fall or slip.
To help, we rounded up the best-rated yoga mats we could find. Check them out below.
1. Iuga Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat
Super lightweight at just two and a half pounds, this mat is also an extra-large size at 76" x 26". Its surface absorbs sweat for grip and traction and is five millimeters thick for extra comfort. The mat is labeled as an Amazon's Choice product, with 607 ratings and 4.5 stars.
One review reads, "I have been through various yoga mats in the past, and the Iuga mat is by far the best mat I have purchased and used. I do hot yoga weekly, along with other classes, and would always find myself slipping even with the pricier mats. I would slip within four minutes of hot yoga. The Iuga mat, I literally will be drenched/dripping sweat, and I do not move or slip out of my poses/placement on the mat."
2. Lululemon The Reversible Mat
Lululemon's reversible mat was made for both hot and regular yoga practices—one side is stickier while the other is smoother. The top layer can absorb moisture and provides you with enough grip when you're dripping in sweat. It's also antimicrobial to prevent mold and mildew.
"Love this mat. It's so lightweight and so sticky! I've been using it for hot yoga (CorePower) for seven months now, and it's actually improved my practice," one Lululemon reviewer wrote.
3. Manduka Prolite Yoga Mat
This Manduka mat has a grippy layer that's anti-slip even in the sweatiest conditions. And if you're wondering about sweaty smells, it has a charcoal-infused core that can fight bacteria and odor.
One reviewer wrote, "I have used this mat for a month now in hot and non-heated classes. Really need to have a sweat going to not have hand slippage. Before class, I have to spray the top of the mat with water to get the level of 'stick' that I need. It absorbs moisture really well, and I don't need a towel."
4. Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat
This extra-thick yoga mat (five millimeters) is perfect for hot yoga with a topcoat that wicks away moisture. And the more sweat, the better—the mat gets stickier as it gets wet. One Amazon customer wrote, "I do heated Vinyasa flow and Bikram yoga, and this mat lasts throughout both types of classes. Sweat seems to be absorbed by the smooth black side to a point where the area is slightly moist but still grippy. I never migrate forward during downward dog and can do transitional jumps without worrying that I will slip. This mat is also very dense and provides amazing cushioning without destabilizing me during balancing poses."
5. Heathyoga Eco Friendly Non Slip Yoga Mat
This grippy mat is made of eco-friendly material, and it's recyclable too. The surface has a body-alignment system so you know exactly where to put your hands and feet for proper position and form. One reviewer wrote, "I do hot yoga daily and was looking for a non-slip mat that doesn't hold an odor. This mat has been so easy to clean and it doesn't hold odor and it dries quick. The mat for the most part is good at being non-slip."
6. ALO Warrior Mat
ALO's Warrior Mat has a matte top with a moisture-wicking and non-slip surface. One review reads, "This yoga mat is incredible! I've used it for three months now, and every single practice it keeps me in posture with zero slippage. I got this one and was skeptical at first, but as it gets hotter it gets grippier! I am so confident on this mat and my practice has only improved. I highly highly, highly recommend this mat. (Currently practicing 95 and 102 temperature classes at least three times a week)."
7. Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat
It's the best of both worlds with this one—it's a mat and a towel. This mat encourages sweating because the manufacturer states that the wetter the mat, the better the grip. It has over 1300 ratings on Amazon and 4.5 stars.
One rave review says, "I practice hot yoga every day and I hang it up to dry. During my practices, I sweat a lot! This mat has great grip on the floor and doesn't slip at all! This mat really stays put! On the mat, I can really get deep into my poses with the grip."
8. Jade Yoga Harmony Mat
With over 2300 ratings and 4.5 stars, the Jade Harmony Mat is a best seller. The natural rubber material provides extra grip, while its thickness provides extra cushion.
An Amazon reviewer left this funny comment: "I've been using Jade Yoga mats since 2012 when doing heated Vinyasa upwards of 10 hours a week. I tried every other 'sticky' mat out there, but when you're in 100-plus degree rooms doing a 90-minute flow and sweating like Nick Miller trying to keep a secret (I've been watching a lot of New Girl lately, sorry), Jade mats are the only ones that will keep you from slipping."
9. Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat
Try something new, and opt for a cork mat. The top layer on this one is all-natural cork, and the bottom is made of lightweight rubber. The material will keep out moisture, not-so-fresh smells, and bacteria. And like a lot of other mats on this list, the damper the cork gets, the better the grip and traction.
"I've enjoyed using this mat in my Vinyasa and hot yoga practice for more than three months. The texture is supple and soft with a natural smell. Yet as pliable as it is, it is not designed to be folded over. Use other props such as knee pads, meditation cushions, or bolsters for support in sitting or balancing poses," one Amazon reviewer wrote.
10. Gruper Thick Yoga Mat
If you need a little bit more support for your knees during your hot yoga sessions, this non-slip mat is for you. It comes in two different sizes for thickness: 2/5 inches and 3/5 inches. One reviewer wrote, "The non-slip rubber surface is great and really does work—I've tried it over the past week with a variety of exercise types and it doesn't move around. It is perfect for hot yoga; it will quickly absorb sweat to prevent slipping due to sweat."
11. Retrospec Zuma Yoga Mat
The Zuma Yoga Mat is skid-resistant and features a textured bottom to prevent any slipping. It also has a closed-cell design that's made to prevent any odors from sticking. One reviewer said, "I just got this and tried today. I do not go slipping and sliding anymore (my old one was horrible!) It is just enough padding, love the color (lilac), and the size is just perfect. Buy it!"
Hot Yoga Accessories
Check out these other accessories for your hot yoga practice.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.
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