Best Yoga Mat For Hot Yoga (Updated For 2017)

If you ask anybody who’s ever done yoga back in its earliest days of being mainstream, almost all of the yoga mats that people lugged around were super sticky and were produced out of PVC. And the other kicker? You could only get it in either blue or purple. Nowadays, you have so many choices that you’ll most likely get stressed out in choosing the best yoga mat for hot yoga.

As with other things, yogis can be pretty particular when it comes to yoga mats. You can thank the many people who are now obsessed with yoga for the demand for better yoga mats in the market. But it’s a double-edged sword because now you don’t know what to get.

Our top 5 yoga mats for hot yoga (updated for 2017):

MamaRoo Yoga Premium Yoga Mat/Towel Combo- Eco, Printed Microfiber Design Increases Grip with Sweat....

Plyopic All-in-One Yoga Mat | Luxury Sweat-Grip Mat/Towel Combo | Eco-Friendly Natural Rubber | Best...

Best Yoga Mat Eco and Body Friendly Nature Rubber Sweat Grip Non-Slip With Carrying Yoga Bag...

Finding The Best Yoga Mat for Hot Yoga

Aside from aesthetics, you need to factor in a whole bunch of things before choosing. You’re going to need something that you can carry around with you, something that’s comfortable, and of course, eco-friendly. You can use the guide that we’ve included in this article to be smart in picking out a mat can last you for a long time. There’s so much more than what meets the eye when it comes to yoga mats.

Think of the thickness

How thick your yoga mat is says a lot about how comfy you’ll feel when using it. If it’s too thin, you can definitely feel your body and the floor colliding when you’re switching poses. On the other hand, if its too thick, you can become unstable, making it difficult for you to hold poses properly.

The standard thickness for yoga mats is around 1/8 inch, going up to around ¼ inch for those who prefer thicker mats. Some can even be as thin as 1/16 inch, but these are the ones that people lug around when they’re travelling and still want to have a yoga session or two while in another city.

Remember that the thicker a yoga mat is, the heavier it becomes and the more difficult it could get for you to carry it around. The best thing you can choose for hot yoga is something that has the standard 1/8 inch thickness because it’s not too thin to make you feel the floor and not too thick to make you feel jiggly while doing poses.

Are you thick or thin?

Your body type will also determine what kind of yoga mat is best for you. For those on the petite side of things, a thicker, more padded yoga mat is best because your body is going to need the extra cushion. Thicker mats are also recommended for people who have a tendency to get sore joints and muscles after working out. For those who are healthier, then a thinner yoga mat is perfectly fine.

Additionally, your height plays a factor in how long your mat should be. For those who are 5 foot 6 inches and below, the standard yoga mat length of 68 inches is ample enough. If you’re taller than that, then there are longer yoga mats available in the market as well.

The materials used for your yoga mat

The material that your yoga mat should have needs to have the right texture, be sticky enough, and last long enough especially if you constantly attend hot yoga classes. You can’t just go ahead and buy a yoga mat without looking into what its made of first. You have plethora of options, but there will always be that one that will stand out.

Standard yoga mats tend to be made out of vinyl (or aka more well-known as PVC material) but thanks to companies that promote sustainability and eco-friendliness, there are mats out there that are made out of recycled rubber and organic cotton.

If you have any issues with latex, then steer away from buying a yoga mat made out of rubber. And don’t go for cotton if you’re concerned about your mat sticking to the floor. Go for ones made out of vinyl because of its longevity and because thickness for mats made out of the material can vary and suit your needs more properly.

Your Texture Preference

A yoga mat’s texture will give you an idea if it can “hold” you while you’re posing during hot yoga. As with how sticky a mat is, texture will definitely keep you from sliding around everywhere during poses, but sometimes, the more textured your mat is, the more uncomfortable it can be.

If you’re someone who’s particular about “feeling” anything on your skin during a workout, then getting a yoga mat with too much texture or bumps will probably make you irritated during a session. Most textures are just plain patterned bumps printed on the material, while others may be natural as with jute yoga mats.

Don’t worry about texture too much if you’re picky, because there are mats that are absolutely as smooth as a baby’s bottom and there are those that are so textured, you can probably stick to the mat forever.

If you’re keen on keeping yourself from slipping but don’t like the stickiness that vinyl mats provide, then opt for materials like cotton or jute because they have natural textures that can provide you with ample grip and texture even if you sweat your butt off.

Yoga Mat Stickiness

As gross as it seems like, you’re going to want a sticky yoga mat if you don’t want to do yoga poses on a slip ‘n slide. It will help you maintain poses and have the right alignment.

Always remember that vinyl yoga mats are the stickiest of them all. The cleaner they are, the stickier they get. So if you want to maintain the stickiness, make sure you give it a good wash before using it, and wash it again whenever you feel like you’re starting to slip a bit during poses.

Sustainable Materials

For most yoga enthusiasts, being at peace with nature and its gifts is just as important as remaining calm during sessions. It’s only right that yoga mats should be made out of materials that won’t be stuck at a garbage dump for all eternity.

You can opt for yoga mats created out of natural rubber, jute, or cotton. Avoid PVC or vinyl yoga mats as it can be expensive to recycle. Don’t worry about losing “stickiness” on your yoga mat, as there are still ones out there that will definitely meet all of your standards and still be eco-friendly.

Prices of Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga

The more common yoga mats made out of vinyl and come in a solid color with average thickness will be quite affordable. However, expect to shell out more for yoga mats that have intricate designs, varying thickness and textures, and made out of natural materials.

Just like with everything else, the cheaper your yoga mat is, the shorter its lifespan will be. There’s nothing wrong with this practice, but it could be more expensive for you in the long run. If you’re really serious about doing yoga, then go ahead in invest in something that has a higher price tag, as these are the mats that will have extra features that can help you with sessions.

The kind of yoga you’re doing

Since we’re focusing on the best yoga mats for hot yoga, you would need to buy a mat that are created especially for Hot Yoga and/or Bikram Yoga usage. These kinds of mats are non-absorbent, ensuring that your mat will not end up as a breeding ground for germs. That being said, you can still opt for yoga mats made out of other materials if that’s what floats your boat.

Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga in the Market

You can find a list of the top ten yoga mats that you can use for hot yoga. They can all be purchased online and we’ve rated each and every one of them based on their surface grip, longevity, and of course, affordability.

227 Reviews

Best Yoga Mat Eco and Body Friendly Nature Rubber Sweat Grip Non-Slip With Carrying Yoga Bag...

Clever Yoga claims that their premium yoga mat doesn’t need to be broken in before it can be used for hot yoga. Their LiquidBalance yoga mat has a very wonderful traction that customers have applauded in reviews. This isn’t surprising, as the people who run the company are yogis themselves, hence, products that are targeted for other yogis.

The company claims that their products are thoroughly tested to ensure that it can handle daily usage—so plus points for longevity! Additionally, their LiquidBalance yoga mat if made out of antibacterial material, which is perfect for you if you’re a bit squeamish when it comes to making sure everything you own is clean as a whistle. However, don’t use that feature as an excuse to not clean your mat.

Our Rating: 8/10

We could’ve rated it higher, as Clever Yoga’s claims surely did meet expectations, but the price point is a bit too high for something that’s simple and only comes in five solid colors. There are also a couple of reviews that claim that they can’t sweat too much on the mat, as it can get slippery. Manufacturing error, perhaps?

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1332 Reviews

Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat; with Integrated Non Slip Microfiber Towel. Best for Hot, Ashtanga,...

The Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 yoga mat is actually a yoga towel and yoga mat integrated into one product. The company claims that they “stand for quality and great personal service” and they’ve made so many promises about their product. While it’s an excellent idea to combine two yoga products in one, how does it really fare when it comes to people who’ve actually used it for practice? Turns out, there’s a 50/50 verdict out on the Synergy 2 in 1 because well, no product will be consistently perfect.

Our Rating: 5/10

While it does have so many good ratings and the mat is super promising, there have been so many hits and people aren’t that happy. Reviewers claim that after the first wash, the mat started to fall apart. Another review mentioned about how the company’s suggestion to spray a bit of water on the mat to make it sticky actually makes it too slippery to use for yoga. Having a ton of good reviews may end up rendered useless if there are a bunch of negative ones pointing out flaws.

312 Reviews

Liforme Yoga Mat - The World's Best Eco-Friendly, Non Slip Yoga Mat with The Original Unique...

The first thing we noticed about the Liforme yoga mat is actually the price. We’ve almost uttered the word “yikes” but we realized that with an expensive price come excellent features. It comes in four colors and is made out of a material that they dubbed as “GripForMe” aka natural rubber. It’s apparently the “grippiest” material out there and is environmentally friendly as well.

The Liforme yoga mat is also embedded with the AlignForMe system that can help you keep your body properly aligned while doing poses. So, do we really love it or not?

Our Rating: 9/10

While the mat doesn’t exactly have the most consistent reviews out there, there are still more 5-star ones compared to the negative ones. The lowest review we’ve seen was more about how the mat has the symbols for ohm and trishool on it, and how stepping on them is “disrespectful.” But other than that, people should know by now that the stickiness of yoga mats do wear out over time. All in all, this can be a smart investment if you can properly maintain the yoga mat—even if you sweat on it a ton during hot yoga.

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171 Reviews

Moon Phases Yoga Mat - Luxuriously Soft, Printed, Non-Slip, Hot Yoga Mat. Designed to Grip Better...

And now, we have a yoga mat for those who don’t want a boring, solid colored yoga mat to bring to their hot yoga sessions. Yoga Zeal’s yoga mats come in a plethora of designs and prints, which will ensure that you’ll have one that suits your style and aesthetic.

This is another yoga mat and yoga towel hybrid that promises to keep your grip tight while at the same time, absorbing your sweat with its suede-cloth top.

Our Rating: 6/10

While it does look awesome because of the prints and vibrant designs, it’s safe to assume that this may be compensation for a somewhat lackluster performance when being used. It isn’t as cushioned as you’d expect it to be. The suede cloth covering may also cause you to slip instead of letting you hold your grip.

It’s quite good for hot yoga and bikram yoga because it absorbs sweat, but if you’re someone who likes to mix and match the kind of yoga they do every week, then just opt for a much better yoga mat from this list.

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1479 Reviews

Heathyoga Eco Friendly Non Slip Yoga Mat, Body Alignment System, SGS Certified TPE Material -...

Heathyoga’s non-slip yoga mat is made of thermoplastic elastomer foam, which is a better alternative to vinyl, as mentioned earlier. It also has embedded alignment lines that can help you keep your form perfect while doing poses.

These mats are also reversible, so you can get two colors in one mat, something that you’d love if you’re a person who like a certain color depending on their mood.

Our Rating: 6/10

Heathyoga’s yoga mat isn’t actually as durable as the other ones on this list that belong on the same price range. Some reviewers have mentioned about how the material chips off from the back of the mat after a few uses. While it’s expected for something so affordable to do that at some point, it’s still nice if people got at least three months or so of usage before it starts falling apart.

If you’re itching to get a yoga mat made out of thermoplastic elastomer foam, then just for IUGA’s yoga mat instead. It’s cheaper by a few dollars and has better reviews from people compared to Heathyoga’s. But if you really want to buy this and want to use this for hot yoga, use it with a yoga towel because it can get slippery.

2333 Reviews

Jade Harmony 3/16" x 24" x 68" Midnight Blue Yoga Mat

Jade Yoga claims that their yoga mat has the right balance of providing traction and cushion to users. The mats are made out of natural rubber, something that has excellent grip and will keep you from slipping even if you’re doing hot yoga. And since it’s made out of a natural material, it’s entirely sustainable and eco-friendly.

The best part we like about this mat is that fact that Jade Yoga plants one tree for every mat that they sell thanks to their partnership with Trees for the Future.

Our Rating: 7/10

The mat is unfortunately not as durable as expected. And because it’s made out of a natural material, it can smell strongly like a new car tire even when you’ve been using it for months. But besides that, the only other issue is the fact that you may need to put a yoga towel on top of it if you sweat heavily.

The main reason we’ve rated this higher is the fact that they’re planting trees every time they sell one of these babies out. If you’re willing to look over the flaws of this mat for the trees, then by all means go ahead and purchase.

25 Reviews

MamaRoo Yoga Premium Yoga Mat/Towel Combo- Eco, Printed Microfiber Design Increases Grip with Sweat....

This yoga mat from MamaRoo is another 2-in-1 hybrid as it comes with a built-in yoga towel. You can reverse it to the microfiber side if you want a softer surface, and on the other side if you want a more rubbery surface.

This yoga mat is targeted for moms who need something that won’t eat up a lot of their time during washing and is multiple things at once.

Our Rating: 10/10

While it’s not as cheap as the other ones on here with the same rating, MamaRoo’s yoga mat has hit all the things that we’re looking for on a yoga mat and then some. It also comes in a pretty pattern, which adds plus points to the product itself.
You can also use it for other stuff such as picnics or as a play mat for your baby. Don’t be fazed about MamaRoo’s reputation as company for moms—it only means that they know what they’re doing and they’ll give you the ultimate bang for your buck.

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262 Reviews

Plyopic All-in-One Yoga Mat | Luxury Sweat-Grip Mat/Towel Combo | Eco-Friendly Natural Rubber | Best...

This mat comes in two pretty patterns, and both of them may not be as suitable to everyone’s tastes, but hey, they’re eye-catching. That being said, Plyopic has produced a mat that can be used for yoga, pilates, and other exercises because of its “superior” grip.

It’s made out of natural rubber and the company assures customers that it’s 100% recyclable. And they also plant a tree at the Amazon rainforest for every mat purchased, thanks to their partnership with Lungs of the Earth.

Our Rating: 9/10

This one is quite thin compared to the others on this list. We would’ve preferred it if it came in a variety of thickness and length, since it’s such a pretty yoga mat. But they’re also planting trees courtesy of your purchase, so go ahead and save the earth with a yoga mat, one tree at a time.

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Soon after graduating college with a degree in Journalism, Marcus decided to pursue his love for yoga and traveled to Rishikesh, India to complete his RYS 500 yoga teacher training. Marcus wants people to know that yoga is for everyone – no matter your race, gender, age, or physical ability. >> Read More

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