Hot yoga can be a pretty sweaty and slippery affair, and the last thing you want is to worry about whether or not your mat will stay put, right?
But the best yoga mats for hot yoga will be able to withstand the tough heat – and make sure you stay perfectly balanced and calm throughout your class.
I’m going to run through some of the best yoga mats around, to help you get the most out of your hot yoga class.
I’ll also go through some of the top things you need to consider when you’re looking for your next mat, and why having a specially tailored hot yoga mat is so important.
Let’s get started!
9 Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga & Bikram Yoga 2019
Heathyoga Synergy Yoga Mat
Review: You’ll generally get pretty sweaty in a typical hot yoga class, and the last thing you want is to have to spend all of your time wiping down, to avoid getting too slippy.
This innovative pick is a good yoga mat for hot yoga because it comes with an integrated microfiber towel surface, which is much more absorbent and provides a better, non-slip surface, the more you sweat.
- Slip-resistant and absorbing surface prevents the mat from becoming slippery.
- Odor-resistant to avoid smells developing.
- 5mm thick for cushioning and comfort.
- The colored surface may leave dye stains on light clothing.
- The special coating may wear away with repeated use.
If you’ve ever wished you didn’t need to take in an extra towel into hot yoga, then this 2 in 1 mat might be the perfect pick for you.
Iuga Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat
Review: The best yoga mats for hot yoga should not only be great at withstanding the more challenging conditions of a hot exercise class but should also be easy to carry around.
Weighing in at a comfortable 2.5 lbs, this sturdy yoga mat is a good choice to carry around to and from class, without becoming too heavy.
This mat is extra large, leaving you plenty of space to move, with a strong grip surface, to avoid slipping.
- Made of eco-friendly fibers, and free of PVC, latex and other plastic-based materials.
- Lightweight and durable, without stretching, flaking or tearing.
- A good grip surface, for better stability and balance.
- Can easily crease if left folded.
- May be too light to stay put in some places.
A sturdy but light mat that is big enough for the tallest individual, this is a great value choice if you travel a lot between different classes.
Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat
Review: Many hot yoga studios will offer special yoga towels to place on top of a mat. While they’re great at absorbing sweat and keeping you free from slips, they often shift and move out of place easily.
This mat comes with a unique design, that combines the best of both worlds. Its unique mat features the towel and mat bonded together, so that you have also the support of a mat, with the advantages of a towel on top.
- Innovative, non-slip surface for a comfortable experience in class.
- Odor-free and durable design.
- Long lasting anti-slip surface.
- Is difficult to clean and dry.
If you spend a lot of time in hot yoga classes, then this could just be the best non-slip yoga mat for hot yoga, with a unique, patent protected design.
Heathyoga Eco Friendly Non Slip Yoga Mat
Review: The best top rated hot yoga mats do more than just provide a surface for practicing yoga on. Sure, they should make sure you don’t slip around and should be comfortable.
But this mat goes a little further, with its own body alignment system. With carefully placed lines and markers on the mat, you’ll know exactly how to position yourself, to stay perfectly in alignment and find balance in every pose.
- Easy to clean, non slip surface.
- Extra large, with 6mm thick cushioning for support.
- Clearly marked alignment points for guidance in every pose.
- May have a chemical smell when new.
- Surface may stain and scratch easily.
If you’d like a little extra help in finding balance and alignment in your poses, then this mat is an ideal companion for you, with its specially designed markers.
Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat
Review: With its thick, cushioned surface and beautiful design on top, this is the perfect choice to create some serious mat-envy the next time you go to a yoga class.
This affordable, but the stylish mat is made with a sturdy, non-slip surface, with a lightly textured feel to help retain grip. With a variety of stylish designs to choose from, you can look and feel great through your next hot yoga class.
- Thick, cushioned mat for comfort.
- Non-toxic materials for an eco-friendly choice.
- Non-slip texture is ideal for both hot and regular yoga.
- Larger than many other mats, so a little more difficult to carry around.
For yogis who want to make an impression in the yoga studio, having a stylish as well as functional hot yoga mat is a double bonus.
Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat
Review: Made with an extra-thin material, the Manduka PROlite mat is designed to provide a practical non-slip surface for hot yoga classes, while being thin and light enough to travel with.
This might be one of the best yoga mats for hot yoga, for anyone who likes to check out classes on the go, as it’s a much more portable mat, compared to most typical yoga mats.
- Extra light and thin mat that folds into a small roll for easy transportation.
- The closed cell surface is designed to stop moisture and sweat from being absorbed into the mat.
- Patterned bottom surface prevents slipping off the floor.
- Might be too thin to use comfortably on hard floors.
- Some users find it very slippery, especially when new.
When you like to try out yoga classes in new locations, having a mat that you can carry around easily is a huge bonus, and this thin and light mat is the perfect traveling companion.
Body by Yoga Luxury Cork Yoga Mat
Review: While most yoga mats are made from artificial materials that have a strong chemical scent when you first open it, this mat is made from all-natural cork, providing an absorbent and comfortable surface.
There’s no sliding about with the naturally textured surface of the cork. And the 6.5mm thickness provides a much more comfortable surface for your joints.
- Cork material is durable, with good grip.
- Alignment markers help to position your body correctly and safely.
- The extra thick material makes it more comfortable to practice on.
- Lighter surface may show up sweat/stain marks more easily.
A break away from the usual rubber-style mat, this natural cork-based option is one of the top-rated hot yoga mats, and provides a comfortable, naturally absorbent surface to practice on, without slipping.
Youphoria Yoga Mat
Review: Yoga mats shouldn’t have to cost a fortune, right? This great value mat is both sturdy and resilient and is made with a liquid absorbent surface, to lock in sweat and reduce slipping.
It’s also tough and durable, to prevent it wrinkling or flaking as you use.
- Antimicrobial surface locks out odours.
- Anti-slip surface designed to provide a strong grip.
- Easy to clean with warm, soapy water.
- Sweat stains show up during practice.
- For more intense sweating, you may still need a yoga towel on top.
A sweaty yoga mat can get pretty stinky, especially if they’re hard to clean, but this one doesn’t require any complicated washing routines and is easy to use straight away.
Liforme Yoga Mat
Review: With a thick, heavy surface, and a long-lasting gripping texture, this might just be the best yoga mat for Bikram yoga. Made with a premium grip material, this retains its non-slip surface, even when very sweaty.
The innovative alignment markers provide all-around guidance for almost every pose, helping you stay balanced and focused throughout your practice.
- Sturdy and strong grip surface.
- Clear marked points for alignment.
- Thick texture provides ample cushioning for kneeling and standing poses.
- Sweat stains show up and are difficult to remove.
- Very thick texture means that the mat is larger and heavier to carry about.
As one of the most popular hot yoga mats around, this mat combines comfort, style, and practical functionality with great grip and alignment cues, to get the most out of your yoga class.
Some Thing You Need to Know
A hot yoga class is very different compared to your typical yoga class. For starters, you’ll find that the heat is cranked up so it’s pretty warm in there. While temperatures might vary according to different styles of classes, you can expect to get pretty sweaty, pretty quick.
Hot yoga classes also take advantage of the fact that your body will feel a lot more limber and flexible, so you can expect more dynamic and challenging poses.
All of that adds up to a hard working class, so it’s essential to have a dedicated yoga mat just for hot yoga.
Regular Mat for Hot Yoga Classes
While you can use a regular yoga mat for a hot class, you’ll probably find that it isn’t as supportive or stable. Because of the extra sweat produced by your body, surfaces can get very slippery. This is especially important if you’re using an additional prop such as a yoga wheel, as you’ll want as stable a surface as possible.
The best hot yoga mats of 2019 are designed to provide better grip so that you don’t slip, so it’s a good idea to invest in a mat designed especially for hot yoga.
What to Look for?
The best Bikram yoga mat will have a good, non-slip surface so that you retain your grip throughout the whole class.
Some mats will also have other extra features such as antimicrobial coatings or an inbuilt yoga towel, designed to absorb excess sweat and moisture, and keep your mat odor-free.
You might also come across some mats that have alignment markers printed or engraved on top of the mat – while these aren’t essential, they are a great way to learn how to position yourself correctly and know where to place yoga blocks in the right place for a pose.
Another thing to keep in mind is how you use your yoga bolster. But if you don’t have one, take your time and look at our top choices for the best yoga bolsters.
What’s the Difference Between Thickness in Mats?
Some hot yoga mats come in a heavier and thicker material, while others can be much more lightweight and thin.
Thicker mats will generally provide more cushioning for your body, and stay held down to the ground more easily. They tend to be heavier, so can be harder to travel with.
Lighter mats are better if you plan to travel with them, as they will weigh a lot less, and roll up into a smaller pack, making them perfect for fitting into a bag or suitcase.
Because they’re much thinner, they won’t provide as much cushioning for your body, and you might need an extra layer to make your yoga practice more comfortable.
You can do this by folding a towel underneath your body in kneeling or seated positions, or placing a regular mat underneath your hot yoga mat.
FAQs
Do You Have to Clean Your Hot Yoga Mat?
Depending on how often you practice hot yoga, you should clean it at least once every 4-5 sessions. The best hot yoga mats of 2019 are designed to be cleaned quite easily, needing nothing more than a gentle wash or a wipe down.
What Should You Use to Clean Your Mat?
To keep your best Bikram yoga mat in top condition, you should clean your mat with a gentle mixture of water and mild soap or detergent. You should avoid oil-based cleaners, such as anything containing essential oils, as these will leave the oil on the mat which can make it slippery.
Most mats can be cleaned by spraying them with cleaning mixture and wiping down, while they are rolled out. Leave them out to dry by hanging somewhere, before you use it again.
Can You Travel With a Hot Yoga Mat?
While a lot of yoga mats can be on the thicker side, you can get thinner and lighter hot yoga mats that are designed to travel with. These are perfect for a trip or for carrying around from home to the studio. Use a good yoga mat bag to transport it and keep it safe.
Be cautious though. With ultra-lightweight yoga mats, you might need extra support, as they’re very thin, so do not have much cushioning.
A good option is to place a regular mat underneath your travel hot yoga mat, so that you still get the support and comfort you need, without slipping.
How To Take Care of Your Yoga Mat?
A good yoga mat should last for a few years of heavy use if you take care of it properly.
Always make sure you clean your mat regularly. Sweat can build up and get pretty stinky if mats aren’t washed out on a frequent basis. The build-up of sweat and dirt can also damage the surface, leading to cracking and wrinkling.
A lot of mats can crease or wrinkle up if they’re not stored properly. They should always be rolled away when not in use, not folded. And be cautious not to leave them in hot places, such as on a hot car seat for hours. Mats that contain rubber can melt and stick together!
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on hot yoga mats, and have found out all you need to know before you start getting sweaty. Hot yoga is an amazing practice, and having the perfect hot yoga mat can make it a lot more enjoyable.
When you’re choosing a hot yoga mat, it’s essential to look for key points such as making sure it has enough grip, and that it’s easy to clean.
You should also look at how thick it is so that it’s comfortable enough for you. And once you start practicing regularly, always make sure you clean your yoga mat properly, to keep it in the best condition.
Be sure to stay up to date with all of my latest news and useful advice on yoga and fitness, by subscribing to my newsletter!
Hi, I’m Emma Lynn
I’m a proud mother of two wonderful children and a wife to a loving, affectionate husband. I enjoy exercise – yoga (yes, I teach yoga as well), running, and going to different fitness classes from time to time.
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