What Towel Should You Bring to Hot Yoga?

Hot yoga, performed in rooms heated to 86-104° F requires specific gear, with a hot yoga towel being crucial. This towel absorbs sweat, prevents slipping, and keeps your mat hygienic. Wash it after each use to remove sweat and bacteria. Clean it with cold water and mild detergent, avoid fabric softeners, and air dry or tumble dry on low heat. The towel should match your mat's size, usually 61 by 172 inches, for full coverage. Choose materials like microfiber or microfiber-cotton blends for their absorbency, quick-drying ability, and durability.

Is it Necessary To Use a Towel During Hot Yoga? 

You absolutely need a hot yoga towel. The intense heat will make you sweat heavily, and a towel is crucial for absorbing that sweat to keep you comfortable during your practice. Without a towel, you risk slipping on your mat, which can make it challenging to maintain certain poses. Additionally, using a yoga towel helps protect your mat from sweat damage, thereby extending its lifespan. If you’re practicing in a studio and using a shared mat, it's essential to have a hot yoga towel to shield both yourself and the next user from germs and bacteria that could accumulate on the mat without this protective layer.

Some practicioners even use a yoga towel over yoga mat for hot yoga. If you think that’s for you, we highly recommend reading up on the difference between yoga mats and towels to find which one is best for you. 

When is the Best Time to Wash a Hot Yoga Towel?

To prevent bacteria and germs from thriving, it is advisable to wash your hot yoga towel after every session. This is particularly crucial if you share the towel or use it several times a week. If washing it each time isn’t practical, at the very least, rinse it thoroughly and hang it to dry in a well-ventilated space. It's also a good idea to have multiple towels at home to ensure you always have a clean one ready, avoiding the need to reuse a sweaty or dirty towel.

A Guide to Keeping Your Hot Yoga Towel Clean  

These are the steps to thoroughly clean your heated yoga towel:

1. Wash your yoga towel in warm water using a mild detergent. (Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which can damage the towel's fibers.)
2. Hang the towel to dry in a well-ventilated area or use a low heat setting in the dryer. 

This straightforward approach ensures your towel remains hygienic, clean, and fresh.

The Most Effective Antibacterial Material for a Hot Yoga Towel 

When searching for a hot yoga towel, choose one made from naturally antibacterial material. Microfiber towels are ideal because they are very absorbent, quick-drying, and often treated with an antimicrobial agent to prevent bacteria and germ growth. One highly recommended option is the Hot Yoga Towel by Yoga Strong; It is 5 inches longer than average mats. It has been meticulously planned, manufactured, and thoroughly tested, from the supreme grip to the cutting-edge cushioning technology to the environmentally friendly materials. It is 5 inches longer than average mats.  

Related: What is a Yoga Towel & Do You Need One?

What Size of Hot Yoga Towel Should You Get?

The size of your hot yoga towel depends on your preference, but it's best to have one that covers your entire yoga mat. Any uncovered area can be exposed to bacteria or transfer bacteria from your body to the mat. A towel measuring 70 cm by 183 cm generally works well for most people, but larger or smaller sizes are available based on your needs. A larger towel is more versatile, as it can be folded to serve as a smaller towel if needed. On the other hand, a small towel cannot be expanded for more coverage, so opting for a larger one is a safer bet.

A hot yoga towel is essential for anyone practicing hot yoga. Look for a towel made from antibacterial materials like microfiber, and ensure you wash it regularly. A towel that fully covers your yoga mat is highly recommended for optimal hygiene and protection. 

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure your hot yoga sessions are both comfortable and hygienic.