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The whole point of a yoga mat is to provide more traction and protection than the floor ever could. Unfortunately, as soon as the sweat starts dripping down, most mats start failing you. The best yoga mats for sweat are made with special materials, textures, and designs that retain a grippy surface even when you throw some moisture into the mix.
Granted, the vast majority of options are advertised as "nonslip yoga mats," so how do you know which ones actually deliver and which ones are going to transform into a water-slide halfway through class?
According to Jessica Schatz, an LA-based yoga and pilates instructor who knows a thing or two about sweaty workouts, there are three main qualities to look for in a yoga mat for sweat: stickiness, durability, and hypoallergenic materials.
"Sticky is a word that you will often see used to describe nonslip yoga mats. This is because they are designed for your hands and feet to stick to them, thus preventing the annoying slipping and sliding," Schatz advises. She also notes that it generally pays to invest in a mat that will last, especially if you use your yoga mat often.
Besides having grippy, nonslip surfaces, you may also want to look for a mat that's eco-friendly and made from nontoxic materials. Some are beautifully designed so that you have the most eye-catching mat in the class, and some are extra thick to protect your knees and joints. No matter what kind of practice or priorities you have, these sweat-proof yoga mats have your back (and your downward dog).
1
This Naturally Antibacterial Yoga Mat Keeps Odor & Germs At Bay
Due to its thin top layer that wicks away sweat and absorbs moisture, this mat from Clever Yoga has reviewers calling it "the best mat [they've] ever used." It's an eco-friendly option that skips the harmful toxins, PVC, and latex, and instead uses real biodegradable tree rubber that's sustainably harvested. It's also naturally antibacterial, so germs and bacteria won't get out of hand, and it has a durable second layer of cushioning to keep you stable and comfortable.
One fan raved: “This is the second clever yoga mat I've purchased, I use it for hot yoga, the traction is excellent, and I sweat a lot. It's comfortable but firm enough to balance on. The first mat I bought lasted about 4 years, it's still usable but the top layer is starting to wear off and it gets a little slippery. This mat is really easy to take care of and never stinks. I've had a cork mat and a mat-towel hybrid and the clever yoga mats have worked the best for me.”
2
A Budget-Friendly Yoga Mat That Comes With An Alignment Chart
So many features make the Heathyoga alignment mat unique, and according to its 800-plus reviews and its 4.5-star rating, they seriously work. It's made from a TPE material, which is eco-friendly, contains no harmful chemicals, and feels both grippy and cushiony simultaneously. The tread pattern on the bottom provides excellent resistance on any type of floor while the micro-dot pattern on top keeps your hands and feet from slipping, even while you're sweating. It's also wider and longer than most other mats on the market. Last but not least, there's the discreet but extremely helpful markings that ensure alignment and proper form during your poses.
One fan raved: “I am really enjoying this mat. It never had a lot of odor. I like the grip too. The thing that really gets me going is the markings on the mat for hand and foot placement. I have been looking for years for this. The price is very reasonable for the quality that you get. I am very happy with my purchase”
3
This Reasonably-Priced Mat With Two Different Textured Sides
This one's for the yogi who enjoys multiple practices, hot or not. The IUGA yoga mat is eco-friendly, cushioned, and odorless, but it also features a reversible design for any kind of class. The dual textures offer two different raised patterns (bone shapes or tire-track markings) to keep your mat stationary and your hands and feet from slipping. The closed-cell structure keeps moisture, dirt, and smells from soaking into the mat, and it even comes with a carrying strap.
One fan raved: “I love the texture of this mat. It is nonslip not matter how much I sweat. Also, the size works well for my 6’2” frame.”
4
A Unique Mat That Has A Built-In Yoga Towel
A yoga towel is a common option for those who sweat, but it's also another thing to carry to and from class — and it can be a challenge to find one that fits. The Aurorae Synergy two-in-one mat is revolutionary because it combines the best of both worlds. It bonds a comfortable cushioning with a nonslip microfiber layer, so you get both the mat and the towel in one. Since it's durable, lightweight, nontoxic, and can even be washed in the machine, over a thousand reviewers have decided that this one is a no-brainer.
One fan raved: “Such a great idea; don't know why I haven't seen this before! If you are anything like me, you sweat when you workout. I always have a towel by my side to catch the sweat before it drips onto my workout surface. With the Synergy mat/towel, this has been taken care of. The top surface is a microfiber towel, and the bottom is a regular yoga mat. Not only is this great for sweat, but it also helped with slipping. When I have used a regular yoga mat in the past, I found myself sliding on the mat until it was worn in a bit. The Synergy mat actually grips better once it has gotten wet. Bring on the sweat!
5
An Eye-Catching Combination Mat Actually Grips Better The More You Sweat
The Yoga Design Lab combo mat actually becomes more grippable as you sweat, so it's an amazing option for hot yoga, Bikram, and Pilates. The bottom layer cushions your body with natural tree rubber, while the top absorbs sweat with a microfiber material made from recycled bottles and water-based prints. It's also machine-washable and available in 12 gorgeously eye-catching designs.
One fan raved: “My new mat is exactly what was promised. No slipping when I sweat! It is a little heavier than I thought it would be but the feel is great, and the design is gorgeous!”
6
This Thick Yoga Mat That Still Allows For God Balance & Grip
In addition to the comfort-factor of this thick yoga mat, the Gaiam premium print mat offers a textured, tacky surface for excellent traction, and it's lightweight while you're traveling to and from class. It's 6P-free, meaning that it's made without common harmful phthalates, and reviewers say that it's durable enough for years of use without cracking or stretching. Finally, it comes in 22 henna-like prints filled with mandala flowers, zen leaves, and elephants, and with a price tag of $24, it's one of the most affordable options out there.
One fan raved: “Great mat, even after some intense hotyoga sessions, it still maintains grip and doesn't smell afterwards. Fairly easy to clean, and roll up. A little on the heavier side, but it's also very well built.”
7
This Professional-Quality Yoga Mat That’s Guaranteed To Last A Lifetime
It's definitely one of the pricier options out there, but thousands of yogis (including Jessica Schatz) opt for Manduka PRO mats because they're guaranteed to never wear out from your yoga practice. They're made with a nontoxic closed-cell surface that prevents sweat from seeping into the mat, so they'll last you a lifetime. Sprinkle your mat generously with sea salt, let it sit for 24 hours, and wipe it away with a damp cloth — after that one initial break-in process, you'll experience years of nonslip balance, cushioning, and support. It's available in two sizes and multiple colors, some of which are two-toned or patterned.
One fan raved: “So far a great mat for hotyoga. I've used all the others (Jade, Lululemon...which have all deteriorated) and this one is great! Needs to be broken in as it is stiff, but not worried. Only other thing to say is that it is a heavy mat. This does not out weigh the positives, though : )”
Experts
Jessica Schatz, LA-based yoga and pilates instructor
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