Hot yoga is a popular form of yoga that is practiced in a heated room, typically between 30-40 degrees celsius. One of the most important things to consider when practicing hot yoga is having the right equipment, and one of the most essential pieces of equipment is a hot yoga towel. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of having a hot yoga towel, how often to wash it, how to clean it, how big it should be and the best materials to look for when purchasing one.

Do You Need a Towel for Hot Yoga?

The answer is yes, you absolutely need a towel for hot yoga. The heat in the room can cause you to sweat profusely, and a towel is essential for absorbing that sweat and keeping you comfortable during your practice. Without a towel, you may slip and slide on your mat, making it difficult to hold certain poses. Additionally, a towel can help protect your mat from sweat damage, and prolong the life of your mat. If you’re practising in a studio and using a class matt, it is essential you have a hot yoga towel to protect you and the next person from germs & bacteria that is likely to sit on the matt without the layer of protection of a sweat towel. 

How Often Should You Wash Your Hot Yoga Towel?

It is recommended to wash your hot yoga towel after each use, as the towel can become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs if not cleaned throughly. This is especially important if you are sharing your towel with others or using it multiple times a week. If you are unable to wash your towel after each use, it is important to at least give it a good rinse and hang it to dry in a well-ventilated area. We would always recommend having more than one towel at home so you are not in a situation where you have to reuse a dirty or used sweat towel. 

The Best Way to Clean a Hot Yoga Towel 

You should wash your heated yoga towel in warm water with a light detergent to really clean it properly. Fabric softeners and bleach should really not be used as they can harm the towel's fibres. After washing, either try to hang it to dry in a place with good ventilation, or tumble dry it on a low heat setting. This is the simplest method for keeping it hygienic, clean and fresh.

Best Antibacterial Material for a Hot Yoga Towel

When looking for a hot yoga towel, it's essential to find a towel that is made from a material that is naturally antibacterial. Microfibre towels are a great option as they are highly absorbent and quick-drying, and are also treated with an antimicrobial agent to inhibit the growth of bacteria & germs. Our favourite microfibre towel is the Essential Sweat Towel by ES FIT. It is large enough to cover a full sized yoga matt, and ticks the boxes when it comes to antibacterial material & comfort! Cotton towels are also a good option if you can’t get a microfibre one, as cotton is a natural material that is easy to clean and maintain as well. 

How Big Should Your Hot Yoga Towel Be?

The size of your hot yoga towel will depend on your preference, but it's recommended to have a towel that is large enough to cover your entire yoga mat. Any space uncovered, is space open to contact with bacteria, or you transferring your bacteria to that surface. A towel that is 24 inches by 72 inches is a good size for most people, but you can also purchase larger or smaller sizes depending on your needs, however, in our experience, having a large towel is best as you can always fold it and use it as a small towel if you need. Having a small towel is impossible to repurpose as more coverage, so to be safe, get yourself a big one!

In conclusion, a hot yoga towel is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who exercises, especially those of you who practise hot yoga. It is important to find a towel that is made from an antibacterial material, namely microfibre, and to wash and clean it regularly. A towel that is large enough to cover your entire yoga mat is also recommended. For a towel that ticks all the boxes, check out the Essential Sweat Towel by ES FIT - it is by far the best one on the market for hot yoga.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that you have a comfortable and hygienic hot yoga experience.