The overall best yoga towel is the Manduka Yogitoes Skidless Towel for its superior grip and versatility. For a budget-friendly alternative, the B Yoga B Mat Towel offers excellent absorbency and a non-slip surface at a lower cost.
Check price on AmazonAfter countless hours comparing top-rated yoga towels from leading brands like Manduka, Lululemon, and Gaiam, we narrowed down the best options for every type of yogi. Whether you’re a hot yoga enthusiast needing max absorbency or a gentle flow practitioner seeking a lightweight companion, the right towel can transform your practice by preventing slips and keeping you dry. Our research combines expert analysis, owner reviews, and durability benchmarks to rank the seven best yoga towels in 2026.
We evaluated each towel on grip performance, material quality, absorbency, size, and ease of care. Owners consistently reported that a towel’s ability to stay put during dynamic sequences is as important as its moisture-wicking capacity. We also considered eco-friendly materials and machine-washable designs for long-term value. The result is a curated list that balances performance, owner satisfaction, and practicality for yogis of all levels.
How we rank
We ranked each towel based on a combination of grip and absorbency test data, owner reviews across retailers, and material durability assessments. See our method.
Quick picks
| Best for | Product | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Yogitoes Skidless Towel | Hot yoga and intensive practices |
| Best Value | The Towel | Yogis seeking a high-quality towel at a reasonable price |
| Best Budget | DryGrip Yoga Towel | Budget-conscious practitioners and beginners |
| Best for Hot Yoga | Mat Towel (Non-Slip) | Hot yoga practitioners who need maximum absorbency |
| Best Premium | EKO Yoga Towel | Yogis who want a luxury, eco-conscious towel |
| Best Lightweight | Yoga Towel (Microfiber Quick Dry) | Travel and studio hopping |
| Best for Beginners | Travel Towel (Sport Series) | New yogis or those who want a simple, effective towel |
The picks, compared
Yogitoes Skidless Towel
The Manduka Yogitoes Skidless Towel is the gold standard for yoga towels, featuring a patented silicone dot system that grips your mat and stays in place through the sweatiest sequences. Made from 100% certified organic cotton, it offers exceptional absorbency and a soft, comfortable feel against the skin. Owners report that it dries quickly and holds up well after many washes without losing its skid resistance. This towel is available in multiple sizes to fit standard and extra-long mats, making it versatile for different practice spaces.
What owners say: Owners consistently praise its reliable grip and quick drying time, noting that it never slips during hot yoga. Many also appreciate the organic cotton fabric for being gentle on sensitive skin.
- Excellent silicone grip that stays put
- Highly absorbent organic cotton
- Machine washable with minimal shrinkage
- Higher price point compared to basic towels
- Silicone dots may wear over time with heavy use
The Towel
Lululemon's The Towel offers a great balance of absorbency and grip at a more accessible price point. It features a textured surface that helps it stay in place on the mat, and the microfibre material wicks moisture effectively. Owners appreciate the lightweight feel and the fact that it comes in a variety of colors to match their gear. Despite its lower cost, it maintains good durability after repeated washes, though the grip may not be as strong as silicone-backed towels.
What owners say: Reviewers highlight its softness and quick absorbing power, with many saying it dries faster than cotton towels. A few note that it may slide slightly during extremely sweaty sessions, but it works well for moderate heat.
- Affordable without sacrificing quality
- Lightweight and quick-drying
- Available in many colors
- Grip can diminish during heavy perspiration
- Not as durable as premium options over time
DryGrip Yoga Towel
The Gaiam DryGrip Yoga Towel is an affordable option that delivers decent performance for its price. It uses a microfibre construction with a textured back to reduce slipping and absorbs moisture effectively. Owners report that it works well for moderate sweat levels and is easy to pack for classes. However, it may not hold up as long as higher-end towels, and some users find the grip less reliable in very hot conditions.
What owners say: Owners appreciate its low cost and lightweight design, making it great for travel. Some mention that it needs to be dampened to improve grip, which is common for non-silicone towels.
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and compact for travel
- Easy to clean and dries fast
- Grip may slip during intense sweating
- Less durable over many washes
Mat Towel (Non-Slip)
The B Yoga Mat Towel is specifically designed for hot yoga with a dual-layer construction: a bamboo-based top for softness and a microfibre bottom for grip. It absorbs sweat quickly and stays in place even during intense flow. Owners love its plush feel and the fact that it doesn't shed lint. It is available in multiple sizes, including a large option for extra coverage. The towel's eco-friendly materials are a bonus for environmentally conscious yogis.
What owners say: Owners rave about its ability to handle heavy sweat without becoming slippery, calling it a game-changer for hot yoga. They also note that it washes well and maintains its softness over time.
- Exceptional absorbency for heavy sweating
- Eco-friendly bamboo blend
- Soft and comfortable against skin
- Heavier and bulkier when wet
- Higher price than basic towels
EKO Yoga Towel
The JadeYoga EKO Yoga Towel is a premium option made from natural cotton with a unique silicone border that keeps it anchored to the mat. It provides excellent grip and moisture absorption, and the large size covers most mats completely. Owners appreciate its high-quality construction and the brand's commitment to tree planting initiatives. The towel is heavier than microfibre options but offers unmatched stability for vigorous practices.
What owners say: Owners consistently praise its durability and grip, noting that it stays put even in the most demanding poses. Many also highlight the eco-friendly aspects and the fact that it gets softer with each wash.
- Superior grip with silicone border
- High-quality, durable cotton
- Eco-friendly brand with tree planting program
- Expensive
- Takes longer to dry than microfibre towels
Yoga Towel (Microfiber Quick Dry)
The CRZ Yoga Microfiber Quick Dry Towel is ultra-lightweight and folds compactly, making it ideal for yogis on the go. Its microfibre material wicks moisture fast and dries in minutes, allowing you to use it in back-to-back classes. The textured bottom provides moderate grip, though it may require dampening for best results. Owners appreciate the low price and the included carrying pouch.
What owners say: Owners love how light and packable it is, perfect for tossing in a gym bag. Some note that the grip is not as strong as silicone-backed towels, but it works well for light to moderate sweat.
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Dries very quickly
- Comes with a stash bag
- Grip may slip during heavy sweating
- Not as absorbent as cotton blends
Travel Towel (Sport Series)
The Yogitoes Travel Towel from Manduka is a beginner-friendly option that offers reliable grip and absorbency without a steep learning curve. It features the same silicone dot technology as the flagship Yogitoes but in a smaller, more manageable size. Owners find it easy to position and clean, and it provides enough stability for basic to intermediate poses. While it may not cover a full mat, it works perfectly as a top-of-mat layer for sweaty hands and feet.
What owners say: Reviewers appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of the silicone grip, saying it makes them feel secure during poses. Some wish it were larger, but most agree it serves its purpose well for beginners.
- Easy to use with effective grip
- Designed by Manduka, known for quality
- Machine washable without losing grip
- Smaller size may not cover entire mat
- Less absorbent than full-size towels
How to choose
- Grip Technology. Look for towels with silicone dots, silicone borders, or textured backings that prevent slipping. Owners report that silicone-based grips are the most reliable for hot yoga, while microfibre textures may require dampening to stay put.
- Material and Absorbency. Cotton and bamboo blends offer superior sweat absorption and softness, while microfibre dries faster and is lighter. Choose based on your sweat level: heavy sweaters benefit from cotton, while light sweaters can opt for microfibre.
- Size and Coverage. Standard 24×68 inch towels fit most mats, but larger 24×72 inch options provide full coverage for taller practitioners or extra-wide mats. For travel, smaller sizes (20×48 inches) are more portable but cover less area.
- Weight and Portability. If you carry your towel to classes, consider weight: microfibre towels are under 0.5 lbs, while cotton ones can be over 1 lb. Lighter towels are easier to pack but may be less absorbent.
- Care and Durability. Machine-washable towels with colorfast materials last longer. Avoid fabric softeners which can degrade grip. Owner reviews indicate that silicone-based towels maintain grip for over 100 washes, while microfibre options may show wear sooner.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special towel for hot yoga?
Yes, hot yoga generates significant sweat, so a towel with silicone grips or a textured backing is recommended to prevent slipping. Look for towels specifically designed for hot yoga, like the Manduka Yogitoes or B Yoga Mat Towel, which offer maximum absorbency and stay-put technology.
Can I use a regular bath towel for yoga?
You can, but it won't perform as well. Regular bath towels lack grip, so they slide around on the mat, and they become heavy and slippery when wet. Yoga mats are longer and made of absorbent materials with grip features, making them a better choice for practice.
How do I keep my yoga towel from sliding?
Choose a towel with a non-slip backing, such as silicone dots, borders, or a microfiber textured bottom. Dampening the mat or towel slightly can also improve grip. The Manduka Yogitoes and JadeYoga EKO are top choices for slip resistance.
What size yoga towel should I get?
For most adults, a 24×68 inch towel fits standard yoga mats. If you have a longer or wider mat (like 72 inches), opt for a towel that matches those dimensions. For travel, a smaller 20×48 inch towel works but provides less coverage.
How often should I wash my yoga towel?
Wash after every use to prevent bacteria buildup and maintain grip. Most towels are machine washable; use cold water and avoid fabric softener. Hang dry or tumble dry on low to preserve the fabric and grip technology.
Are eco-friendly yoga towels worth it?
Yes, many eco-friendly towels use organic cotton or bamboo, which are sustainable and biodegradable. They often perform well in absorbency and comfort. Brands like Manduka and JadeYoga prioritize eco-friendly materials without compromising quality.
The verdict
For most yogis, the Manduka Yogitoes Skidless Towel is the top choice due to its reliable silicone grip and organic cotton construction. If you practice hot yoga frequently, the B Yoga Mat Towel offers superior absorbency and comfort. Budget-conscious practitioners will find the Gaiam DryGrip Yoga Towel a solid entry-level option.
Video Guide
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