As a yoga practitioner, you need to find a mat that checks all the boxes, with one of the most important being that you won’t be sliding all over the place, especially if you have sweaty hands. Nobody wants to be sliding all over the place when they’re doing their practice! So in using that as a starting point, I’ve found the best yoga mats for sweaty hands.
Here’s a quick preview of the best yoga mats for sweaty hands that I’ll cover:
Best Eco-Friendly: Jade Harmony
Best Looking: Liforme Yoga & Travel Mat Bundle Pack
Best Overall: BYoga mat
Best Towel Top Mat: Yoga Design Lab
Best Cotton Rug: Yogasana Yoga Mat
Best Combo: Manduka Pro Yoga Mat & Yogitoes Manduka Yoga Towel for Mat
Best Budget: Sustainable Non-Slip Yoga Mat by Complete Unity
Why It’s Important To Choose a Yoga Mat For Sweaty Palms
Yoga mats really are the only accessory you may need to buy for your yoga practice. And so especially if you sweat a lot, or if you practice a dynamic form of yoga, it really is important to buy a non-slip yoga mat. And if you are wondering why that’s important?
Well, the last thing you want is to be sliding all over the place during class. The reason is that not having a good grip will make your yoga practice more challenging than it needs to be.
I will point out that this may not be important for those with a soft, more restorative-like practice. However, from experience, I have noticed that if you practice Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, or any physically demanding variation like it, where you might be in downward dog often, well, in the long term you will want to invest in a high-quality sticky yoga.
If you would like to see me test out the yoga mat grip of 7 of the best yoga mats on the market (with dry and sweaty hands) then check out my video:
What to Look for in Yoga Mats for Sweaty Hands
There are a lot of important factors to consider when it comes to choosing a yoga mat for sweaty hands and feet. Some are the features to pay attention to:
Does the Surface Absorb the Sweat?
If you’re someone who sweats a lot, this part’s important for you. Some yoga mats are open-cell while others are closed-cell. What’s the difference?
The open cell mat is porous and so it absorbs sweat. And so if you are looking for a yoga mat for sweaty hands, then this mat may be perfect for you as there will be no sweat puddles! This is good for a dynamic practice like Ashtanga, however, one downside is that it can be hard to clean and become a bacteria playground. A typical example of an open-cell yoga mat is the Jade Harmony mat which is a natural rubber mat.
The closed cell mat is denser with an impermeable surface. It is more resistant to wear and tear and could be considered more hygienic. A typical example of a closed-cell surface mat is the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat. And so if you are looking for a yoga mat for sweaty hands, then you will most likely need to pair this mat with a cotton rug (Yogasana Yoga Mat) or a Yogitoes Manduka Yoga Towel for Mat.
I practice Ahstanga yoga, so especially when I travel to my teacher in India, I really do need a yoga mat for sweaty hands! And so the current combination of mats I have is the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat and then I place the Yogasana Yoga Mat on top when I get to the seating poses.
Does the grip improve the more you sweat?
For anyone who is looking for a yoga mat for sweaty hands, having a mat whose grip improves, as you sweat, is like a win-win situation! And so one such example is the B Yoga Mat. And so more specifically, this mat is “Super Grippy, Non-Slip, High Performance, 100% Rubber”.
If you practice hot yoga, then this mat is a very good option!
I tested the grip of 7 yoga of the best yoga mats on the market. If you want to find out which mat has the best grip with both dry and sweaty hands, check out my article Yoga Mat Grip: I tested 7 of the most popular mats
Can your Yoga Mat be Cleaned Easily?
Being able to easily clean your yoga mat is really important when it comes to sweaty practices.
During our yoga sessions, our yoga mats tend to get a lot of love, sweat, and sometimes tears from us! And so given the fact that we come into close contact with our yoga mats on a regular basis, and especially if you sweat a lot, you can now probably see why it is a good thing to regularly clean mats!
When you’re shopping for yoga may for sweaty hands, it is worth noticing if they can be cleaned easily. For example, because it is closed-cell, the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat can simply be wiped down after every practice. On the other hand, because it is open-cell, the Sustainable Non-Slip Yoga Mat by Complete Unity is moisture-absorbent. This means that it may require more thorough cleaning and it also may require to air dry more frequently than the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat
So, why does this matter? Well, having a clean mat is essential for your hygiene, also also, it will prevent any bad odors.
You could always make your own yoga mat cleaner solution. Check out my article for more information on that: DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner (3 Easy to Make Formulas).
Alternatively, you could always buy a ready-made yoga mat cleaning solution. The Manduka Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh is all-natural, non-toxic, can remove sweat and dirt, and works on any yoga mat.
Keep in mind that most yoga mats are not machine washable. For more information, check out my article: Yoga Mat in the Washing Machine – Yes or No?
Should you use a Cotton Rug or a Towel on top?
People sweat, that’s no surprise. And especially if you practice a dynamic form of yoga, you may be sweating more than normal. That’s why you need a yoga mat that is ideal for sweaty hands, and feet! And if you’re someone who sweats more than average, you may want to look into a cotton rug to place on top of your yoga mat, such as the Yogasana Yoga Mat, or a yoga towel, such as the Yogitoes Manduka Yoga Towel for Mat. Both options are commonly used by yoga practitioners who sweat a lot.
Earlier I said that I go to India to practice with my teacher. And as the climate is rather hot and sometimes humid, most people find themselves sweating much more than they are used to. And so regardless of the yoga mat you use, every single person there has a cotton rug or a yoga towel on top of their mat.
Top 10 Best Yoga Mats For Sweaty Hands
1. B Yoga Mat
B Yoga mat is a wonderful yoga mat to practice on. The reason is that it is made of 100% natural rubber, making the surface super grippy regardless of whether you have dry or sweaty hands. It comes in 3 different thicknesses (6mm, 4mm, and 2mm). I bought the thicker 6mm yoga mat and I can say it is a pleasure to practice on – for a full review of B Yoga mat check out my article here.
And so for anyone looking for an eco-friendly yoga mat that is super grippy and offers great cushioning, then you can’t go wrong with this mat.
Features to love about the B Yoga Mat
- 6mm thick meaning that it will also provide you with a lot of cushioning
- It is lightweight
- It offers superior grip for both dry and wet hands.
- It is the best sticky yoga mat in my personal experience
2. Gaiam Dry Grip Yoga Mat
You’ll notice that the Gaiam Dry Grip yoga mat tickets many of the boxes regarding yoga mats for sweaty hands. And the reason for this is that not only is it a rather thick yoga mat, but it also has a stay-dry topcoat that promises to remove any moisture that is on the surface. In this way, they promise that you will experience the ultimate grip, regardless of how sweaty your hands are.
This mat develops a stickiness when damp. And so people who sweat a lot will definitely want to check this yoga mat out.
Features to love about the Gaiam Dry Grip Yoga Mat:
- 5mm thick meaning that it will also provide you with a lot of cushioning
- This is a closed-cell mat, meaning that it helps seal out germs, odor and bacteria
- It is lightweight
- It comes in 4 colors
- The black mat is available in two lengths (68 inches and 7 inches).
- It has a beautiful pattern
One other point to note about the Gaiam Dry Grip Yoga mat is that it may release quite a strong odor when you first unwrap it. This is very common with yoga mats and the smell will slowly fade away. To the odor to leave, try unrolling it and airing it out for a few days before practicing on it.
3. Manduka GRP
If you are a yoga practitioner that sweats a lot and you’re looking for a mat that seems to tick all the boxes, whilst still being under $100, you’re going to want to check this mat out. It has a superior grip in dry and sweaty conditions, meaning that this is a perfect yoga mat for sweaty hands. It has an interesting leather-like top layer that maximizes your grip no matter how much you sweat. And that’s something worth checking out!
Features to love about the Manduka GRP:
- It is great for both dry and sweaty practices
- It is odor absorbent. This is done thanks to its charcoal-infused natural rubber core that absorbs sweat
- This is a zero-waste mat as it is made from sustainably harvested tree rubber
- It comes in two thicknesses, 4mm and 6mm meaning that with both options you will have great cushioning
You may notice that there aren’t many colors available. Only 3 rather dark colors. However, don’t let that put you off when considering whether this is the mat for you.
4. Lifrome Mats
Since the release of their first even yoga mat with an alignment system, Liforme really has revolutionized how useful and practice the top surface of a yoga mat can be (for a full review of Liforme yoga mats check out my article here). And so the Liforme yoga mat can greatly benefit yoga beginners and the more advanced practitioners with their alignment pattern. And yet that is just one of the benefits of this mat. You will experience excellent traction on a mat that also looks really pretty.
Features to love about the Liforme Yoga Mat
- It is made from Natural Rubber and Eco-Polyurethane
- It has a grippy surface thanks to their “GripForMe” material
- It has a rubber base meaning that you will experience great cushioning.
- It is lightweight and so it is easy enough to carry around
- It also comes in a travel mat edition, making it the perfect mat to travel with
And if you are looking for a good quality mat made of natural materials that not only looks good but also offers great grip and cushioning, then this is a great mat to choose from. Just keep in mind that if you sweat a lot, then you may need a towel to help you sliding when your hands get really sweaty.
5. Gaiam Jute
The truth is that the cost of practicing yoga can add up. This may involve the cost of your local yoga studio, any online memberships you may have, and any yoga props you want to invest in. And so if you are looking for a good quality yoga mat for sweaty hands then this yoga mat may be a good option for you. This yoga mat is sustainably made, it’s lightweight, and also it is rather inexpensive!
Features to love about the Gaiam Yoga Mat Jute:
- Sustainably made
- Lightweight meaning it is easy to carry to your local studio
- At 5mm thick it offers great cushioning
- Non-slip and non-toxic
- It is moisture absorbing meaning that it is a perfect yoga mat for sweaty hands
One thing to point out is that the surface of this yoga mat can feel rough, perhaps a bit too rough for some practitioners. And so if the silky smooth surface of the Liforme was on one end of the spectrum, then this is certainly on the other end. And so keep this in mind when considering this yoga mat for sweaty hands.
6. Gaiam Soft Grip
The Gaiam Soft Grip yoga can be considered as the anomaly in this group of yoga mats for sweaty hands. And the reason is that this is actually a 2 in 1 yoga mat. And this actually means that it is made of two very different surfaces. It is a rubber mat with a unique micro-fiber top surface. Think of it as a yoga mat with a yoga towel on top. Only instead of your yoga towel sliding during your practice, especially if you practice many jump backs and jump throughs in Ashtanga yoga, this one will stay firmly in place.
Features to love about the Gaiam Soft-Grip Yoga Mat:
- At 4mm thick it offers some good cushioning for your joints
- The micro-fiber top surface will help with sweaty hands
- Beautiful design
- Recommended for hot yoga
- Affordable yoga mat
One thing to point out is that, like with any rubber mat, you may need to hang it out and let it air once you purchase it. And the reason is that it may come with a rather strong odor. Additionally, you may need to slightly wet your hands when you first start practicing, as dry hands on the dry micro-fiber top surface may feel a bit slippery.
7. Manduka Pro
This is the yoga mat I have had for the past 11 years- for a full review check out my article here. I absolutely love this mat. You will have it for life and it even comes with a lifetime guarantee. It is one of the thicker yoga mats out there at 6mm thick, meaning that it offers great cushioning. However, it is a PVC mat making it a closed-cell mat. This means it doesn’t allow any moisture to penetrate. And so this means that this is a yoga mat for sweaty hands only if you also use a cotton rug or yoga towel on top.
I travel to India to practice with my teacher once a year. There I generally sweat A LOT, as do most people there. And so what we all do is add a cotton rug or towel once we get particularly sweaty. And so if you are considering this yoga mat, know that you will have do also use a rug (like the Yogasana Yoga Mat) or towel (like the Yogitoes Manduka Yoga Towel for Mat).
Features to love about the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat:
- You will have this mat for a long time as it offers a lifetime guarantee
- It is 6mm thick, meaning that it offers great cushioning of sensitive joints
- It comes in two lengths, regular 71 Inches and Extra Long 85 Inches
- It was crafted in an emissions-free facility
Of course, there really is no perfect yoga mat, and so in my opinion, the only two drawbacks of this yoga mat is:
1. This is a slightly heavy yoga mat, and so this may not be your best option if you have to carry it to your local yoga studio, or if you are planning on traveling with it.
2. You may have to break it in at first to experience the superior grip. For more information check my video:
8. Manduka Eko Lite
If you are looking for an eco-friendly yoga mat this is also great for sweaty hands, then this may be the option for you. It is 4mm thick meaning that it also offers some good cushioning for your joints. Similar to the Manduka Pro mentioned above, you may need to give it some time to break it in to really get to experience the grip Manduka can offer.
Features to love about the Manduka Eko Lite:
- 4mm thick meaning you will experience some good cushioning
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Comes in a variety of colors and patterns
- Affordable
If you are considering this yoga mat for sweaty hands and you know you sweat a lot, then know that you may have to also use a rug (like the Yogasana Yoga Mat) or towel (like the Yogitoes Manduka Yoga Towel for Mat).
9. Manduka eKo
This yoga mat is the thicker version of the mat mentioned above. It comes in at 5mm, meaning that this offers extra support for your joints. And so if you are looking for a yoga mat for sweaty hands that also offers great cushioning, then this may be the mat for you. Additionally, if you are concerned with how sensitive it is, know that this mat is actually the “most durable natural rubber yoga mat on the market”.
Features to love about the Manduka eko:
- 5mm thick meaning you will experience some superior cushioning
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Durable
- Natural rubber grip
- Rippled surface texture that helps improve the grip
One thing to point out is that because it is a rubber mat, you may not need a cotton rug or towel. However, if you sweat a lot then know that you may have to also use a rug (like the Yogasana Yoga Mat) or towel (like the Yogitoes Manduka Yoga Towel for Mat). So keep that in mind if you choose this mat.
10. Jade Harmony Mat
If you are looking for a yoga mat for sweaty hands that is also sustainably made, then this cork mat may be your option. Rubber is actually a great material to practice on, especially if you sweat a lot. And the reason is that the rubber’s grip and traction increase with moisture. And so the more you sweat, the more the grip improves.
Features we love about the Jade Harmony:
- Sustainably made
- Grip improves as you sweat
- Affordable
- Rubber is able to absorb moisture
- Great for hot yoga
Cotton Rugs and Towels to Place On top of a Yoga Mat
1. Yogasana Cotton Yoga Mat
If you practice a dymanic for of yoga, such as Ashtanga or Vinyasa, or if you generally sweat a lot when you practice yoga, this cotton rug is perhaps just what you are looking for. As it is made of cotton and as such will absort all your sweat, you can feel confident that is a perfect solution for sweaty hands. Of course, as it is a rug, you will have to place this on top of a yoga mat, otherwise you will be sliding all over your floor!
Features to love about the Yogasana Yoga Mat:
- You can place this on top of your mat when you start getting sweaty hands
- It will prolong the lifespan of your yoga mat
- Simply put it in the washing machine on a cold wash
- This mat comes with an incredible 21 Year Warranty!
- It comes in a variety of colors
This is what I have for my sweaty Ashtanga practice. The combo I have is the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat and then I place this rug on top. This is something Ashtanga practitioners generally do as they start to sweat and it really is what has perhaps helped my Manduka Pro stay in perfect use, despite 11 years of practicing and teaching on it!
2. Gaiam Grippy Towel
Having a yoga mat towel is another option to using a cotton rug. It is micro-fiber and will help you have excellent grip throughout your practice, no matter how much you sweat. And so if you are looking for a yoga mat for sweaty hands, this is a great thing to use on top of any mat really really and will help keep your hands in place.
Microfiber top is Super absorbent – dries in half the time of a cotton towel
Features to love about the Gaiam Grippy Yoga Mat Towels:
- It is microfiber, meaning it is super absorbent
- It dries in half the time of a cotton rug
- It comes in beautiful colors
- It can be machine washed
- Very affordable
Something to point out is that this towel is very thin. And so especially if you practice Ashtanga yoga and you do many jump backs, this may be moving out of place, especially if you can’t clear your feet from the floor. This is something that I personally don’t like and that’s why I use a cotton rug. However, I know many people who swear by this and so it really comes down to personal preference.
3. Yogitoes Towel
Similar to the towel above, this is also a great option if you are looking for a yoga mat for sweaty hands. Simply place it on top of your mat and you are ready to go!
Features to love about the Yogitoes Manduka Yoga Towel for Mat:
- It is microfiber, meaning it is super absorbent
- It dries in half the time of a cotton rug
- Eco-friendly
- It can be machine washed
- It has rubber dots on the base meaning it won’t be sliding anywhere, regardless of the surface you place it on.
If you don’t want to place this on top of your mat, you can always have it next to you and use it to wipe your sweat. This could be a solution to practicing with sweaty hands.
4. Manduka eQua
And so this is the last and final yoga towel to consider.
Features to love about the Manduka eQua:
- It is microfiber, meaning it is super absorbent
- The surface is suede-like, meaning that this may feel slightly different to the other towels mentioned
- It dries in half the time of a cotton rug
- Eco-friendly
- It can be machine washed
- It has rubber dots on the base meaning it won’t be sliding anywhere, regardless of the surface you place it on
Something to point out is that Manduka mentioned that this towel is designed for light to medium perspiration. And so if you are looking for a towel of a yoga mat for sweaty hands that sweat A LOT, then this may not be the towel for you.
Related questions
What is the best yoga mat for sweaty hands?
There are three yoga mat options for sweaty hands. The first involves a top surface that wicks away sweat, such as the Manduka GRP. The second involves an open-cell mat that absorbs sweat, such as the Gaiam Jute. The third is placing a cotton rug on top of your mat, such as the Yogasana Cotton Mat.
What can you do for sweaty hands from yoga?
As a general rule, you want a yoga mat that is ideal for sweaty hands. Aim for a mat that either wicks away moisture like the Manduka GRP or place a cotton rug on top of your mat, as this will absorb the sweat and prolong the life of your mat. Alternatively, use a yoga towel to wipe your hands.
Which yoga mat has the best grip?
As a whole, the Liforme yoga mat has the best grip, thanks to the “GripForMe” material that really does ensure you experience maximum grip. Alternatively, the Manduka Pro also has excellent grip, however, this does require you to break it in at first. Finally, the Manduka GRP also offers great grip.
Why do my hands slip in downward facing dog?
As a general rule, if your hands slip in downward facing dog, this is because your yoga mat does not offer good grip. If you are looking for great grip, then look no further than the Liforme. You will experience grip like no other mat and your hands will be firmly in place in downward facing dog.
How do I stop my hands and feet from sweating during yoga?
As a general rule, you can’t make your hands and feet sweat during yoga. However, what you can do is have a yoga mat that is designed for sweaty hands and feet. And so one good option is the Gaiam Dry Grip mat which has a stay-dry topcoat that promises to remove any moisture that is on the surface.
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