Yoga towels are a piece of equipment that you may or may not need. A yoga towel can be helpful for using on top of your yoga mat. When you don’t have a yoga mat handy, a towel can be used as a substitute. However, the towel in place of a mat isn’t the best choice. If you only buy one piece of equipment, get a good mat.
You can use them occasionally in place of a mat. For example, say you are going away for a weekend and the hotel offers a yoga class in the morning, but you don’t have room to pack your mat. A towel can work well in this case. Also, if the hotel lends mats, you may prefer a layer between your body and the borrowed mat.
There are situations where you may need a towel, depending on the type of practice and how much you sweat. Bikram yoga or other forms of hot yoga involve practicing in a heated room. In Bikram yoga, the room is heated to 105 degrees and you will sweat. An absorbent yoga towel is useful in these classes.
Another consideration is how much you sweat. Some people sweat during yoga practice and others don’t sweat much. If you are a person who tends to sweat during yoga practice, you may want a towel. Sweaty hands and feet can cause you to slip on the mat when performing asanas.
The last thing to consider is your own preference. If you prefer a layer between you and the mat, you may like a yoga towel. However, if you don’t sweat a lot, don’t do a hot form of yoga and are happy practicing directly on the mat, a towel may not be necessary.
There are several types of yoga towels on the market. These are generally the same size as a standard size yoga mat. Two popular brands are Gaiam Thirsty Yoga Towel and Yogi Toes. Some are made with eco friendly, natural or organic materials.