Performed in hot and humid conditions, hot yoga requires a non-slip surface with the ability to absorb or wick moisture. We're here to guide you through how to choose a suitable size, thickness and material, including 10 of the top rated yoga mats for hot yoga in the UK.
Read on as we share the benefits of cork, natural rubber and towel hot yoga mats, with reviews of expert recommended brands like Gaiam and Manduka!
Quick List - Top Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga
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Eco-friendly and sustainable, natural cork yoga mats are made from cork oak tree bark. When these trees are stripped of their bark, it grows back extremely quickly, making cork a renewable material. Cork trees can also absorb more carbon dioxide in their stripped state, which is beneficial for the environment too!
Cork mats are an ideal choice for hot yoga because they are naturally resistant to bacteria growth. Cork can also provide an excellent non-slip surface and grip, which is essential in hot yoga. Just make sure the cork is natural and high-quality, as cheaper cork mats can chip or break.
PVC, otherwise known as poly-vinyl chloride, is a material commonly used to make yoga mats as it's cheap to make and creates a sticky surface ideal for activities like hot yoga. However, PVC isn't an eco-friendly choice as it cannot be recycled and releases chemicals during manufacturing (which can also happen if it's accidentally burned or put in a tumble dryer).
TPE, or thermal plastic elastomer, has increased eco-friendliness in comparison to PVC as it's non-toxic, biodegradable and decomposes in landfill. It also has better elasticity, is easy to clean and resistant to various microbes. A downside of TPE is that some yoga mats with open cells can dry out after some time, making them less effective than other materials.
Microfibre is a widely used material for yoga mats and towels, largely because it's twice as absorbent as cotton and better at keeping moisture at bay. Of course, this is ideal for hot yoga as by opting for a microfibre towel mat, or a mat with a microfibre towelling surface, you won't need to worry about having pools of sweat around you.
However microfibre is made from synthetic materials, usually a blend of polyester and nylon, and although it is the perfect material for use in hot yoga, it isn't quite as good for the environment. Tiny plastic threads from microfibre towelling can come off in the washing machine and end up in our marine ecosystems, where fish and other species can ingest them.
Many of the high-end, biodegradable yoga mats you'll find online are made from natural rubber or natural latex, and it can be confusing to figure out what the difference is. The term "latex" describes synthetic polymers in a water-based liquid or viscous state, so it's best to avoid a latex mat if you're looking for one that's made from natural materials.
Natural rubber latex refers to the white sap that comes from the hevea brasiliensis tree. Perhaps confusingly, "natural rubber" is also natural rubber latex that has been dried into bales that can be more easily transported and stored. Therefore, yoga mats made from natural rubber will, in fact, contain latex.
Although natural rubber is exceptionally environmentally friendly and makes a great surface for practicing yoga, those with severe latex allergies should avoid this material and opt for natural cork, TPE or something else instead.
Make sure to rehydrate properly after your hot yoga session by carrying an eco-friendly water bottle!
Thickness is an important consideration when choosing a mat for hot yoga, and it's something that many newbies aren't even aware of. When it comes to thickness, it's best to decide based on your own personal requirements and how you'll use your yoga mat.
Standard mats will have a thickness anywhere between 3 - 5 mm, with 4 mm being the most popular option. If you have issues with your knees or other joints, or just like to feel very supported, choose a 6 mm mat for a high level of cushioning during your practice.
If you are hoping to travel with, or regularly take your mat with you ready for yoga after work, consider going for a lightweight mat with a 1.5 - 2 mm thickness. This will be much easier to carry or store in a bag. However it won't provide quite as much support as a thicker mat.
If you're having difficulty with a certain pose, a yoga block will help ensure proper posture and alignment
A standard yoga mat is usually around 180 cm long and 61 cm wide. This means that, for some, the standard size may not be enough to comfortably accommodate your height or frame throughout a range of postures.
For taller individuals over six feet, you may wish to look for a longer length mat. Similarly, if you would prefer more space to fully stretch out, you can find mats with a width of 63 cm and above. Either way you can always check the dimensions to ensure a suitable mat that will see you through multiple sessions.
Mats with alignment lines are useful while practising because they help prevent your spine, joints, and muscles from getting into awkward angles and positions. Having good alignment produces optimal performance, which translates into energy flow, and stops you from pulling or hurting yourself during hot yoga!
Hot yoga classes are usually pretty dynamic, so some may find there isn't much time to correct your own alignment during a flow. However, alignment lines will make it even easier for your teacher to spot corrections that need to be made, and can be particularly useful for newbies or those practising at home alone.
Top Tip: To improve flexibility, stretch using a foam roller for 10 - 15 minutes every day!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Yogi Bare Teddy Yoga Mat | ![]() | Highly Absorbent Microfibre Surface That Becomes Grippier With Sweat | |
2 | Sweaty Betty Super Grip Yoga Mat | ![]() | Lightweight Hot Yoga Mat Made From Biodegradable Materials | |
3 | Yogi Bare Paws Extreme Grip Yoga Mat | ![]() | Sustainable Non-slip Yoga Mat | |
4 | NUNET Numat Cork Yoga Mat | ![]() | Natural Cork Yoga Mat for Better Stability | |
5 | Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat | ![]() | An Extra-Thick Mat to Help Support Your Joints | |
6 | M Life Linen Yoga Mat | ![]() | Latex-Free Yoga Mat Tested by Leading UK Wellbeing Experts | |
7 | Gaiam Yoga Mat Towel | ![]() | Super Absorbent Towel Mat for Hot Yoga | |
8 | Yoga-Mad Warrior II | ![]() | Affordable 4mm Mat for Yoga, Pilates and More | |
9 | Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat | ![]() | Natural Rubber Hot Yoga Mat That’s Ideal for Travel | |
10 | ecoYoga Jute Mat | ![]() | A Biodegradable Mat Made From Natural Latex and Jute |
There are so many reasons why we have chosen the Teddy Yoga Mat by Yogi Bare as our number one. First of all, it features a sweat adaptive highly absorbent microfibre towel surface that becomes grippier the more you sweat, making it the dream mat for hot yoga practice. Spray with water before your class for the ultimate grip between you, your mat and the floor.
With a base made from a sustainably sourced natural rubber and dyed with water-based inks, this mat is reassuringly kind to the environment, as well as gorgeous to look at. Being very lightweight, with only a 2mm thickness, it makes for a perfect travel mat too!
You know you're in for an expertly designed hot yoga product when it's made by Sweaty Betty — a brand synonymous with the practice. Their Super Grip yoga mat does not disappoint, non-toxic and biodegradable, the soft natural latex material provides the ultimate grip for security during your asanas.
Coming in three delightful colour options, there's sure to be a hue to suit your style. It's also super lightweight whilst remaining comfortably supportive with a 4 mm thickness, which is rather hard to find!
Yogi Bare is a premium brand creating eco-friendly yoga mats and accessories, and their Extreme Grip Yoga Mat is one for the dedicated yogi. Part of their signature Paws range, this super grippy mat is made from natural rubber and PU with an extra firm perforated surface that stops sweaty hands and feet from slipping.
Using totally sustainable and biodegradable materials, this mat is in harmony with nature. The subtle alignment markers guide you to your optimal practice, and the black colour in particular will hide any marks or stains.
Sweat-proof and non-slip, NUNET's yoga mat is environmentally friendly, well-designed and aesthetically pleasing. Made from natural, sustainable cork on top, and non-toxic, lightweight TPE on the bottom, it has an excellent grip and works perfectly for hot yoga practice.
The cork surface increases when wet, making sure you stay safe and stable on your mat. Plus, it features alignment lines to help with posture, which is great for beginners. Two inches wider than a standard yoga mat and 6 mm thick, you're sure to stay comfortable throughout!
Made from latex and phthalate-free PVC, this premium yoga mat is one of Gaiam's finest. The textured, non-slip surface provides adequate grip and the 5 mm thickness gives a lot of support and cushioning, which is perfect for those with delicate knees or joints.
The mandala design is soothing to practice on and, although very reasonably priced, this mat also comes with a lifetime guarantee for total peace of mind! This mat works best when it is aired out on arrival, but given a little space to breathe it's sure to be your new best yoga friend.
Coming in a choice of two attractive colour schemes, this linen yoga mat is a rather luxurious choice. Combining a cloth surface and a "sticky" mat all in one, this non-slip mat works well for all types of yoga and provides that much sought after stability during hot yoga.
Featuring a latex-free TPE underside, the natural linen surface feels slightly sticky, allowing your body to grip the mat. Tried and tested by some of the UK's leading wellbeing experts, this mat creates a comfortable and reliable base for your practice.
Specially designed with hot yoga in mind, this yoga mat towel from Gaiam is made from super-absorbent microfibre which dries in half the time of a cotton towel! It's easy to care for and perfect for throwing into the washing machine after a class or session.
There's something invigorating about the vivid blue and fuchsia colour scheme, which really gets you in the mood to start your sequence! Best of all, it really does help you stay put and can be used on top of a regular yoga mat for extra protection.
The latest version of Yoga-Mad's bestselling Warrior mat, the Warrior II features improved grip, is made from phthalate-free PVC material and comes in an exciting range of colours, such as this hot pink hue.
Brilliant as it is for hot yoga, this mat is also suitable for other types of yoga, pilates or as part of a home gym. Overall, for such an affordable mat it's of a decent quality and size, with a comfortable amount of cushioning, even if it's not quite as grippy as some of the more premium options online.
The eKO Superlite Yoga Mat from Manduka really does what it says on the tin. If you regularly attend a hot yoga class after work, this mat is a great choice. It's extremely lightweight and can be easily folded into a bag, making it ideal for travelling with.
However, it's lack of thickness may be a downside for some. Further, when wet, it isn't quite as non-slip as others. But for seasoned yogis who don't require additional padding, or fear slipping, the Superlite is still an excellent option.
Made entirely from natural latex and jute material, ecoYoga's mat is biodegradable, made in the UK and suitable for all styles of yoga. The rubber underside provides excellent grip on the floor, and the jute and rubber top surface is soft and comfortable to practice on, making it an ideal match for hot yoga.
As is the case with many natural mats, you'll want to take good care of it to prolong its life. Although a lovely mat to use, it will degrade quickly if used daily for hot yoga. For this reason, you won't want to put it in the washing machine too frequently either.
No. 1: Yogi Bare|Teddy Yoga Mat
No. 2: Sweaty Betty|Super Grip Yoga Mat
No. 3: Yogi Bare|Paws Extreme Grip Yoga Mat
No. 4: NUNET|Numat Cork Yoga Mat
No. 5: Gaiam|Premium Yoga Mat
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