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Because it’s yoga, not a slip and slide. Exercise Equipment Tpe Yoga Mat
Shannon M. Bauer is a Senior Commerce Editor for Dotdash Meredith's Beauty & Style Group. She joined the Shape team in 2022 and works with a team of talented freelance writers to create expert- and research-driven product roundups. Shannon has seven years of experience writing, editing, and producing beauty and wellness content for top print and digital publications. Shannon was previously a Beauty Editor at Parents, Parents Latina, and Shape print magazines.
As any yogi knows, finding a grippy, nonslip yoga mat is half the battle of doing hot yoga. After all, slipping and sliding around is no way to achieve those asanas with ease. But tracking down the best yoga mat for hot yoga can be tough if you haven’t tested it out in class yet. That’s why it’s wise to look for certain features before you make a purchase.
Veronica Najera, Director of Education at YogaSix, agrees and says that the mat you use for a hot class is key to enhance the experience. “When you pick the right yoga mat for the kind of yoga you are practicing, you are setting yourself up for success,” she explains. “All yoga mats are not the same grip, and quality of the materials used will have an impact on how you feel when you flow.” Through our rigorous research process, we’ve rounded up the best yoga mat for hot yoga options you can buy.
Why We Like It: Both the top layer and the bottom layer offer the ultimate in traction.
It’s Worth Noting: With that Satin Grip™ top layer, it can feel smooth at first and takes a little while to break in until it reaches its full grippy potential.
If you've taken a class at a Y7 Studio, you understand that the studio knows a thing or two about hot yoga. So, the fact that they specifically use Manduka mats at their locations means that they're definitely worth the investment. "They are lightweight, superior quality, and have the best cushion for support when you're flowing hard," says Lauren Roxborough, former chief marketing officer for Y7 Studio.
Why We Like It: The rubber base provides bonus cushioning.
It’s Worth Noting: This mat contains latex, which could be a bummer for those with a latex allergy.
What makes this one of the best hot yoga mats out there? The dual-textured sides of this mat provide versatility for whichever type of yoga you practice. The smooth side helps hands and feet adhere to the mat and the grippy side provides traction. It's 3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than a traditional yoga mat, providing you more space to flow. This mat also features an antimicrobial coating to prevent mold and mildew from growing after being in a warm environment such as a hot yoga studio or heated area at home — a major bonus.
Why We Like It: It comes in a variety of cool hues to choose from.
It’s Worth Noting: Since it’s made of natural rubber, the smell might be a bit strong at first for those with sensitive noses.
Another NYC studio that knows hot yoga is Lyons Den Power Yoga. "This is our choice because it's unmovable, eco-friendly, and durable," says Bethany Lyons, the founder and CEO of Lyons Den. She also likes that the mat is easy to clean and maintain — important to keep in mind for your own mat post-hot yoga. Bonus: Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat sold.
Why We Like It: If you don’t love using super-thick mats, this one is a thinner alternative that still prevents slippage.
It’s Worth Noting: The brand recommends washing the mat before using for maximum traction.
Available in three different lengths for long-legged yogis, this yoga mat is a great choice for hot yoga because of its sticky surface. It’s actually marketed as the “first sticky yoga mat.” The super-grippy underside locks onto the floor, preventing the mat from slipping during your transition from upward facing dog into plank pose.
Why We Like It: These yoga mats are available in two different thicknesses (3mm and 5mm) if you prefer a thinner or thicker feel.
It’s Worth Noting: These mats can cost upwards of $118, so they are on the pricier side.
Sugarmat's synthetic suede-topped mats are like a yoga towel and your cushiest mat rolled into one — great news, considering their patterns are too pretty to cover up. They also offer travel-sized versions of their insider-favorite yoga mats. And they’re eco-friendly to boot.
Why We Like It: This mat will retain its shape even after being used time and time again thanks to a shape-retaining scrim, or inner fabric, made from organic cotton.
It’s Worth Noting: Some reviewers note that the mat feels a bit too heavy.
Known for its sustainable materials, this yoga mat is eco-friendly and made with nontoxic production methods. The mat is lightweight with a good grip because of its two-sided textured surface. The closed-cell construction prevents sweat and germs from being absorbed into the mat, so it won't smell even after your sweatiest class.
Why We Like It: With a thin profile, it’s so easy to roll up and take with you on adventures.
It’s Worth Noting: It has to be rolled just right — the brand recommends always rolling with the top of the mat side facing out, since rolling in the opposite direction can damage the surface.
This hot yoga mat is perfect for studio hoppers as it's a travel-friendly version of Alo's popular Warrior Mat. The chic black mat has a nonslip rubber backing and dry-wicking surface to keep your grip when wet or dry. It’s also anti-odor, so you won’t stink up your luggage on your trip back home.
Why We Like It: Between the grip and alignment markers, this mat will keep you sturdy and even improve your practice.
It’s Worth Noting: As the most expensive mat on our list, this mat isn’t particularly kind to budgets.
The extensive features make this hot yoga mat worth the splurge. These colorful mats use "GripForMe" technology, which stays grippy even when wet. Plus, they have an extra layer of cushion. Great for beginners and master yogis alike, markers are etched on the mat to help you double-check alignment while moving through poses. For easy transport, this hot yoga mat also comes with a yoga mat bag.
Why We Like It: This mat will give you bang for your buck, with high-quality grippiness that doesn’t break the bank.
It’s Worth Noting: At 68” long, it’s a bit on the shorter side, so keep this in mind if you’re tall.
Ideal for Bikram yoga classes, this mat features a textured surface — ideal for when your hands and feet become sweaty. The mantra printed onto the mat can help you get into a calming headspace (but, TBH, these not-so-zen thoughts you have in hot yoga class are definitely more realistic). The fabrication keeps odors and smells from remaining on the mat post-class.
Why We Like It: So many cool patterns to choose from!
It’s Worth Noting: In general, a yoga mat towel may not provide the exact same level of grip as a well-made mat.
A yoga towel is essential because it can turn any mat into the best hot yoga mat. Spread it over any mat to absorb sweat and prevent the dreaded slipping hands. Y7 Studio uses Yogitoes towels at its studios because they don't bunch and provide a no-slip grip, says Roxborough.
10mm Thickness Yoga Mat Shelby Deering is a freelance health and lifestyle writer who has been working full-time as a freelance writer for a decade. After earning her master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she worked as a magazine editor for nearly seven years. Since then, she has written on health topics widely ranging from general health to running advice, contributing to print outlets and websites including USA Today, Prevention, Runner’s World, Healthline, Good Housekeeping, HealthCentral, and more. Also, as someone who has taken HIIT hot classes for almost a decade, she knows how transformative a mat with the right grip can be. This piece also contains interviews with industry professionals along with mats that have received high ratings and have been vetted by other Shape writers.