The Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga

By Shannon Bauer
As any yogi knows, finding a grippy, nonslip yoga mat is half the battle.
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Gaiam Stay Put Hot Yoga Kit

Gaiam
Buy It, $50

This set is a great deal if you're just getting into hot yoga (or any yoga practice, really). It comes with a travel-friendly, nonslip yoga mat, yoga towel (with corner pockets that slide on to hold the mat), and a strap for stretching into poses. (Learn the variations in Yoga for Beginners: A Guide to the Different Types of Yoga.)

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Manduka GRP Yoga Mat

Manduka
Buy It, $98

If you've taken a Y7 class, you understand that the studio knows a thing or two about hot yoga. They specifically use Manduka mats at their locations. "They are lightweight, superior quality, and have the best cushion for support when you're flowing hard," says Lauren Roxborough, head of marketing for Y7 Studio.

Related: Try This Y7-Inspired Yoga Flow at Home

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Lululemon The Reversible Mat 5mm

Lululemon
Buy It, $78

The dual-textured sides provide versatility for whichever type of yoga you practice. It's 3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than a traditional yoga mat, providing you more space to flow. The smooth side helps hands and feet adhere to the mat and the grippy side provides traction. This mat also features an antimicrobial coating to prevent mold and mildew from growing after being in a warm environment like a hot yoga studio.

Related: How Hot Should It Really Be In Hot Yoga Class?

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Jade Yoga Harmony Pro

Jade Yoga
Buy It, $70+

Another NYC studio that knows hot yoga is Lyons Den Power Yoga. "This is our choice because it's unmovable, eco-friendly, and durable," says Bethany Lyons, founder and CEO of Lyons Den. She also likes that the mat is easy to clean and maintain—important to keep in mind for your own mat post-hot yoga. Bonus: Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat sold.

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Hugger Mugger Tapas Original Yoga Mat

HuggerMugger
Buy It, $33

Available in three different lengths for long-legged yogis, this mat is a great choice for hot yoga because of its sticky surface. The super-grippy underside locks onto the floor, preventing the mat from slipping during your transition from upward facing dog into plank pose.

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Sugarmat Whirlwind Yoga Mat

Anthropologie
Buy It, $99

Sugarmat's synthetic suede-topped mats are like a yoga towel and your cushiest mat all in one—great news, considering their patterns (like this one designed with artist Julia Contacessi) are too pretty to cover up.

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prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat

prAna
Buy It, $55

Known for its sustainable materials, this yoga mat is eco-friendly and made with nontoxic production methods. The mat is lightweight with a good grip because of its two-sided textured surface. The closed-cell construction prevents sweat and germs from being absorbed into the mat, so it won't smell even after your sweatiest class. (Psst, Nike just dropped its first collection made specifically for yoga.)

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Alo Air Mat

Alo
Buy It, $80

This mat is perfect for studio hoppers as it's a travel-friendly version of Alo's popular Warrior Mat. (Better yet, bring it to one of these yoga retreats worth traveling for.) The chic black mat has a nonslip rubber backing and dry-wicking surface to keep your grip when wet or dry.

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Liforme Yoga Mat

Liforme
Buy It, $150

The additional features make this yoga mat worth the splurge. These colorful mats use "GripForMe" technology, which stays grippy even when wet. Plus they have an extra layer of cushion. Great for beginners and master yogis alike, markers are etched on the mat to help you double-check alignment while moving through poses. For easy transport, your purchase also comes with the yoga mat bag.

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Life Energy Ekosmart Yoga Mat

Dick's Sporting Goods
Buy It, $60

Ideal for Bikram classes, this mat features a textured surface ideal for when your hands and feet become sweaty. The mantra printed onto the mat can help you get into a calming headspace—but, TBH, these not-so-zen thoughts you have in hot yoga class are definitely more realistic. The fabrication keeps odors and smells from remaining on the mat post-class.

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Yogitoes Skidless Premium Towel

Athleta
Buy It, $58

A yoga towel is essential because it can turn any mat into the best yoga mat for hot yoga. Spread it over any mat to absorb sweat and prevent the dreaded slipping hands. Y7 uses Yogitoes towels at its studios because they don't bunch and provide a no-slip grip, says Roxborough.

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