What is a yoga towel?
What is a yoga towel? Why do you need one? Can't I just downward dog with a regular towel?
These are normal questions for anyone wondering WTF is a yoga mat towel. If you have a yoga mat, why would you need another towel just for yoga?
Well, after launching Happy Faced and selling yoga towels, we can tell you there’s a big difference between your grandma's old bathroom towel and a high-quality yoga mat towel.
Yogis the world over are coming around to the benefits of adding a yoga towel to your yoga gear.
Here's what they can be used for.
Yoga towel vs. cotton towel: What's the difference?
First things first. A yoga towel and a cotton towel aren't even in the same league. We don't want to bad mouth the humble cotton towel, but for a comfortable surface and non-slip properties during more challenging poses, you can't go past a purpose made yoga towel.
Grip
Most cotton towels are made of terry cloth, which is soft and absorbent but not particularly grippy. This can lead to slipping and sliding on a yoga mat, especially when things get sweaty.
Absorbency
On the other hand, a yoga towel is specifically designed for use during yoga practice. It's made of special materials that are non-slip and highly absorbent, providing you with the necessary traction and stability for your yoga poses.
Lightweight
High quality yoga towels are also relatively thin and lightweight, making them easy to pack and carry around. They also dry quickly with moisture wicking properties, so you won't have to wait long before using it again.
Recycled Materials
High quality microfiber doesn't mean squat if it's not environmentally friendly. Synthetic materials have their place, for sure, but we're of the opinion that the best yoga towel is also made from recycled materials.
Where can I use a yoga towel?
A yoga towel can be used for any type of yoga practice, whether at home or in a studio.
It's also great for hot yoga and sweaty practices, as it will absorb the excess sweat and prevent slipping on your mat. Here are a few places you can use a yoga towel when practicing yoga:
- On top of your regular yoga mat
- On the floor for standing yoga poses
- As a prop for support in certain poses
- In place of a bulky and heavy mat when traveling
- In humid climates
- During a bikram yoga class or when you practice hot yoga in any form
- In lieu of standard yoga mats
- When you want to practice on grass and need extra grip
- To absorb sweat from your yoga mat
- For superior grip in any type of yoga practice
Can I use a towel instead of a yoga mat?
Despite us being HUGE fans of the lightweight, easy to use yoga towel, they're only a good substitute for a yoga mat if you're traveling or practicing on a soft surface.
If you're practicing on a hard surface, such as concrete or hardwood floors, it's best to use both your regular mat and a yoga towel. This combination will provide the necessary cushioning and grip for your practice.
Additionally, some types of yoga may require more stability and support than what a yoga towel alone can provide. In these cases, using a yoga mat is highly recommended.
Most yoga mats and towels are designed to work together, each providing unique benefits. It's always a good idea to have both your own mat and a towel yoga practice.
Wrapping up
You can drape your yoga towel over the entire yoga mat for a number of reasons.
Sweat absorption and the mopping up of excess moisture. As a non-slip surface when you're flowin' all over the place. Or just for added comfort. Many yoga towels can help with
One of the biggest benefits is that after your yoga practice you can toss it in the wash and avoid any germs or bacteria from building up on your mat. Plus, with so many fun designs and colors available, a yoga towel can also add some personality to your next yoga class.
Check out our range of yoga towels for excellent grip and extra hygiene. Your body and the yoga studios you frequent will thank you!