What to Look For in a Good Yoga Towel

When the English first came to India, they took the dim view that yoga was a form of witchcraft.

They were freaked out by the chanting, the breathing exercises and the strange poses. But perhaps the real reason for their skepticism was because the yogis weren't rocking the correct yoga towel?

Jokes aside, finding the right yoga towel for your practice can be tricky.

There are literally thousands of types of yoga towels out there, after all. From regular towels with the word "Yoga" slapped on the tag to specially designed yoga towels with non-slip surfaces and built-in corner pockets. 

Wow-wee.

What this article will do is guide you through the maze of yoga towels so you can buy with confidence.

Congrats. Today is the day you upgrade your yoga game. Let's get to it!

What is a yoga towel?

A yoga towel, as opposed to a regular towel, is specifically designed for use during yoga practice.

While a regular towel may serve the purpose of wiping sweat or providing a little cushion for the pushin’, a yoga towel goes above and beyond.

Not only do they absorb moisture more effectively, offer a slight texture for wiping away sweat and keep your sessions more comfortable, but they can also be used across various forms of yoga – hot yoga, power yoga, Vinyasa… you name it!

Why do you need one?

Accessorising with products that are low-key cool is all the rage. And a stylish, practical and durable yoga towel is just another item to add to your list. But the best yoga towels are more than just cosmetic arm candy. 

They support your wellness and make your yoga practice more enjoyable and effective. Here's how.

Sweat sponging absorbency

Yoga gets hot and heavy. And with all those sun salutations, downward dogs and vinyasa flows, you're bound to work up a sweat.

This is where a yoga towel comes in handy. 

Made with ultra absorbent materials like microfiber, these towels are designed to sponge up sweat so you can leave the studio looking and feeling dry, fresh and happy.

Non-slip for a secure grip

Want to use your yoga towel as a mat too? You can do it!

Legit yoga towels offer a stable, soft, non-slip surface that helps you stay grounded in your practice. No more slipping and sliding. No more readjusting your mat between poses. 

Simply lay your yoga towel over your regular mat for an extra layer of grip and security and focus on your flow.

Hygiene, baby!

There are two things you can't trust in this world. One is beat up old vans offering free candy. The other is the cleanliness of public yoga mats.

The good news is that with a yoga towel, you needn’t worry about the latter.

You can bring your own towel to cover the mat and protect yourself from any germs or bacteria that may be lurking on the surface. Plus, most yoga towels are machine washable, making them easy to clean between uses.

So not only do they provide extra grip and support, but also promote better hygiene during your practice. It's like a germ barrier between you and the mat that gives you peace of mind and extra comfort.

How to choose the perfect yoga towel for your needs

Ready to buy a yoga towel? Hold your horses, partner.

If you want soft texture, excellent grip and a towel that can handle multiple yoga flows with ease, give this section a gander.

We spoke with Happy Faced yoga aficionados when putting it together. Below are key considerations when buying a yoga towel for your yoga class, outdoor studio or home practice.

Practice type

If you’re into hot yoga, power yoga, or any sweaty sessions, you’ll need a towel with strong grip and moisture absorption.

For gentler styles like Yin or Restorative, a thinner towel for hygiene and light traction may be enough.

How much sweat do you get?

Some towels get grippier as you sweat, while others have built-in rubber nubs for traction from the start.

Those rubber nubs have a tendency to crack, split and fall off. So as much as possible, choose a towel that can withstand your level of sweat and movement.

Match it to your mat size

Yoga towels come in various lengths and widths.

Always measure your mat and choose a towel that fits edge-to-edge to avoid bunching or slippage.

Happy Faced yoga towels come in three sizes: small, medium and large, which makes it easy to find the perfect fit for your mat.

Mind the materials

If eco-friendliness is a priority, look for towels made from sustainable or recycled materials.

Some brands even offer organic cotton or bamboo blends. Others (like us, dude!) use microfiber made from recycled plastic bottles.

Balance price with durability

Don’t just grab the cheapest option—low-quality towels can wear out quickly.

A slightly higher investment can mean better grip, longer life and less frustration mid-pose. 

Your towel should be a reliable yoga partner, not a source of irritation.

Looks matter

Go big and go home is our motto, and we're firm believers in adding colour to your everyday life.

Don't just go for the plain white cotton towel.

Choose one that stands out, with a playful pattern or vibrant hue. You should feel inspired every time you look at it. 

This way you get a double effect: a reliable towel that also brings joy to your practice.

Your yoga towel buying checklist

Hopefully you have a better idea of why a yoga towel is such an important investment.

To make sure you get the best one for your needs, here's a quick checklist to refer to.

• 🔥 Do I need strong grip and absorbency for hot or power yoga?

• ⚠️ Can it handle heavy sweating and movement without falling apart?

• 📐 Have I measured my mat for a proper fit?

• 🍃 Is it made from sustainable or recycled materials?

• 🛡️ Is the towel built to last through many washes and sessions?

• 💸 Am I investing wisely—not just going for the cheapest option?

• 🌈 Does the towel inspire me with bold colors or fun patterns?

Yoga mat towel FAQ

Q: What kind of towel should I use for hot yoga?

For hot yoga, look for a towel with excellent grip and moisture absorption. A sticky fiber towel is ideal because it stays in place even when things get sweaty. If in doubt, snap a hot yoga photo. It’ll show you just how soaked those towels get mid-flow.

Q: Can I use my towel for other workouts or beach days?

Definitely! Many yoga towels are versatile enough for the beach, outdoor workouts or even poolside. Just make sure it dries quickly and doesn’t shed fibers after washing.

Q: What’s the difference between a regular towel and an original yoga towel?

A typical bath towel tends to move and bunch, while an original towel made for yoga offers better stability, grip and fit. You’ll feel the difference when flowing through poses.

Q: What if I tend to sweat a lot... will it soak through?

If you tend to sweat heavily, look for a towel that handles pooling and won’t feel wet halfway through class. Our towels are tested to soak up large amounts of moisture without losing grip.

Q: How do I know if a towel is skin-friendly and won’t irritate me?

Many yoga towels are made with skin in mind, especially if you have sensitivities. Look for materials that are soft on your skin and free from harsh chemicals… like ours!

Q: What do yoga teachers recommend?

Yoga teachers often suggest towels with both grip and durability, especially for hot or high-movement classes.

Q: What should I note when testing out a towel?

When testing, pay attention to how it feels under your feet, whether it moves during poses, and how easily it dries. It’s also good to note if you prefer a certain texture, like thick vs. thin or smooth vs. textured.

Q: Can I use it outdoors?

Absolutely! Yoga towels work great outdoors as long as you have a stable base. Just be mindful of uneven surfaces that could affect your point of balance.

The Happy Faced Wrap Up

There are countless other options for yoga towels... but there's only one Happy Faced. We don't make yoga towels just to turn a profit, after all.

We do it because we genuinely believe we can make your life easier and more fun!

Our mission is to help you feel comfortable and confident while practicing yoga, no matter where you are or what your skill level may be. Whether you're a beginner looking for extra grip or an advanced yogi needing moisture absorption, our yoga towels have got you covered!

Shop our collection now and experience the difference that Happy Faced yoga towels can make in your practice. And remember to keep calm and nama-stay cool!

Shop our yoga towels today