If you are practicing yoga regularly, you’ve probably already heard about yoga blankets. While yoga can be easily practiced without any props, many are choosing to use a variety of tools that helps them improve their performance or make yoga sessions easier and safer.
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One of the most versatile tools to use for yoga sessions is a yoga blanket. It does not only provide support when necessary and acts as a cushion in certain yoga poses, but it also looks extremely stylish. Yoga blankets are also used to provide that extra warmth or can be used as a yoga block when needed.
If you are interested in learning about the best yoga blankets on the market, read on. We’ve done all the heavy lifting and researched 10+ best yoga blankets based on customer reviews.
What Kind Of Blanket Is Best For Yoga?
There are different varieties of yoga blankets on the market and the best one for you will depend on a number of conditions. You can choose from yoga blankets that are made out of cotton, polyester, wool, or acrylic. These are typically the most durable materials for yoga blankets. They are easy to wash and very often are made from recycled materials.
Why Do Yogis Use Mexican Blankets?
Yogis often use Mexican blankets due to the fact that they are soft and durable, as well as they are easy to store and maintain. Mexican blankets are also very colorful and aesthetically pleasing.
Best Yoga Blankets: Summary
Best For Hot Yoga: Sweat Absorbent Non-Slip for Hot Yoga
Best Thick Blanket: Authentic Hand Woven Falsa Blanket & Yoga Blanket
Best Authentic Yoga Blanket: Authentic Mexican Blanket
Best Blanket That Gives Back: Benevolence LA Authentic Mexican Blanket, Yoga Blanket
Best Organic Cotton Blanket: Diamond Weave Turkish Cotton Towel
Best Skidless Yoga Blanket: Non Slip Hot Yoga Towel Skidless Waffle Texture
Best Renewable Materials Blanket: Manduka Yoga Blanket
Best Rustic Yoga Blanket: Zulay Home Authentic Mexican Blankets
Best Yoga Blanket for Meditation: Americanflat Authentic Thick Mexican Blanket
Best Versatile Yoga Blanket: Open Road Goods Handmade Solid Color Yoga Blanket
Authentic Mexican Blanket – 4.7 out of 5 stars
This Mexican blanket by Benevolence is cozy and comfortable for yoga sessions, while at the same time being unique in design, as they are handwoven by local artisans in Tlaxcala, Mexico. These colorful blankets are easy to carry, soft, and durable – everything you want in a yoga blanket.
Size: Twin bed size
Material: 100% Recycled Acrylic + Cotton
Weight: 3 lbs
Premium Mexican Blanket, Authentic Hand Woven Yoga Blanket – 4.8 out of 5 stars
The next on our list of the best yoga blankets is this premium Mexican blanket. It is thick and soft, which provides the perfect support and comfort during yoga sessions. Unique designs on these serapes blankets are vibrant and colorful. It is also very versatile – while the perfect use for it is during yoga practice, it can also be used on picnics or on the beach. Made from 100% hypoallergenic recycled synthetic material, this Mexican blanket easy-to-wash and durable.
Size: Twin bed size
Material: 100% Recycled Acrylic
Weight: 3 lbs
Organic Cotton XL Diamond Weave Turkish Cotton Towel – 4.7 out of 5 stars
Made from 100% organic certified Turkish cotton and 100% organic dye, this yoga blanket is on the thinner side, but still can provide the necessary support and comfort in challenging poses. Coming with double-knotted tassels, this blanket is also featuring a unique diamond weave pattern.
Size: 180x90cm
Material: 100% organic cotton
Weight: 0.95lb
Americanflat Authentic Thick Mexican Blanket – 4.6 out of 5 stars
This authentic Mexican blanket is made out of 80% cotton and 20% polyester, which is a perfect size for yoga classes. The blanket is lightweight, durable, and soft, providing the necessary warmth and comfort during long yoga or meditation sessions.
Size: 50×70 inch
Material: 80% Cotton and 20% Polyester
Weight: 2.38 lbs
Open Road Goods Handmade Solid Color Yoga Blanket – 4.7 out of 5 stars
The yoga blanket by Open Road Goods is made out of a durable blend of cotton, acrylic, and polyester, which can withstand the machine wash. Handmade in Mexico, this blanket comes in 16 different vibrant colors to choose from.
Size: 80″ x 50″
Material: Cotton – Acrylic – Polyester blend
Weight: 862 Grams
Hot Yoga Mat Towel – Sweat Absorbent Non-Slip for Hot Yoga – 4.5 out of 5 stars
The next on the list of the best yoga blankets is this yoga blanket made by Eunzel. It has a unique nonslip design that features grip dots for better balance during yoga sessions. Made from 100% microfiber, this yoga towel/blanket is super absorbent, so it’s perfect for sweaty hot yoga practices as well. Being ultra-light, it also comes with a travel bag, so it is super easy to carry around.
Size: 72″ (185cm) long X 24″ (65cm)
Material: 100% Microfiber
Weight: 0.78lb (450g)
Non Slip Hot Yoga Towel Skidless Waffle Texture – 4.7 out of 5 stars
Made from microfiber, this yoga blanket/towel provides the necessary non-slip surface that ensures that your yoga sessions are injury-free. It is safe to wash in a machine and features an eye-catching tye dye design, coming in 6 different colors.
The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty if you are not happy with the purchase.
Size: 24 inc hx72 inch
Material: Microfiber
Weight: 1.21 pounds
Zulay Home Authentic Mexican Blankets – 4.7 out of 5 stars
This authentic Serape blanket is made in Tlaxcala Mexico using 100% recycled materials. Handwoven by local artisans, this blanket is breathable and stylish, designed with a fringed edge that provides a rustic look. The blanket comes in 28 different colors. It is machine washable and can be tumble dried with low heat.
Zulay Home provides a lifetime guarantee for this blanket.
Size: 71 x 47 inches
Material: 50% Recycled Acrylic and 50% Recycled Polyester
Weight: 2.14 pounds
Benevolence LA Authentic Mexican Blanket, Yoga Blanket – 4.7 out of 5 stars
The Benevolence yoga blanket comes with a mission – each sold piece gives back to the community through their charity initiative. The blanket itself is very versatile and can be used not only as a yoga blanket but also for camping, decor, beach, and picnic.
Coming in 5 different Bohi Aztec styles and prints, this blanket is made with 100% hypoallergenic recycled synthetic material. The manufacturer recommends washing it in a machine in cold water and hang dry.
Size: 75×52 inches
Material: 100% hypoallergenic recycled synthetic material
Weight: 2.75 pounds
Manduka Yoga Blanket – 4.6 out of 5 stars
Last on our list of the best yoga blankets is this Manduka blanket. Made with cotton, this yoga blanket is perfect for support and comfort during your yoga and meditation sessions. The Peruvian recycled cotton material is of the highest quality and the blanket is featuring overlocked edge stitching, which prevents fraying. The product can be machine washed with cold water and can be tumble dried on low.
Size: 65” x 83”.
Material: 52.5% Recycled Cotton, 35% Recycled Acrylic, 12.5% Polyester
Weight: 4 Pounds
Benefits of Yoga Blankets
Yoga blankets are providing a number of benefits when you use them during yoga sessions. These are:
- Additional warmth during lying down poses
- Replacement of certain yoga props
- Cushion for bones and joints in challenging poses
- Support for the gaps in certain yoga poses
How To Choose The Best Yoga Blanket?
A high-quality yoga blanket should be soft and durable at the same time. You’d want it to be free of toxic materials and potentially made from recycled materials.
Material
When it comes to the material used for yoga blankets, there is an abundance of choices. You will find all kinds of fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, wool and acrylic. While all these materials tend to be durable and easy to wash, it all comes down to your personal preference.
Size
When it comes to choosing the size of your yoga blanket, take into consideration what is it that you are looking to do with it. If you are planning to use it when in Savasana, look for a larger blanket that can cover you properly. Bigger blankets are also more versatile and can be folded in a variety of ways while still providing enough support. A typical yoga blanket size is around 50 * 80 inches, which is sufficient for the support of your knees and back.
Support
Since support is one of the most important functions of yoga blankets, it can’t be overlooked. You’d want to look for a yoga blanket that is not too soft, but firm enough to be able to withstand certain yoga poses.
Comfort
That’s another must-have functionality of a yoga blanket. Since you will be using it for additional support and warmth during your yoga sessions, the blanket should feel good on the skin. You certainly don’t want a blanket that is irritating to your skin or weighs too much for you to be able to fold it as you wish.
What Yoga Blankets Do Peloton Instructors Use?
While it is not the only yoga blanket used by Peloton instructors, some of them use the Gaiam Yoga blanket.
Gaiam Yoga Blanket
This yoga blanket is made out of 100% microfiber material that is odor and bacteria-resistant. This machine-washable blanket is 70 * 26 inches big and features a handy pocket design that allows for a tighter grip when practicing.
Coming in five different colors, the Gaiam yoga blanket is a great choice for those who are looking to practice yoga with more comfort.
What Is The Purpose Of A Yoga Blanket?
If you have been practicing yoga for some time, you might have heard about yoga blankets, even though the most popular accessories include yoga mats and yoga blocks. A yoga blanket is yet another useful tool that can greatly improve your yoga sessions by making them more comfortable and safer.
Yoga blankets are used to provide additional grip when transitioning from one pose to another. Yogis also use blankets to support their knees, joints, back, neck and hips during some challenging poses. Finally, yoga blankets are perfect for Savasana, when the practice is nearing the end and you are relaxing by lying down with your hands and legs straight. Blankets provide warmth and comfort during this pose, making it even more relaxing.
How To Use A Yoga Blanket?
During your yoga practice, there are multiple ways to make use of a yoga blanket. Below, we will go through some of the common ways you can take advantage of this little accessory.
Use It As A Cushion
If you ever felt the pain in the Low Lunge pose, you will be very pleased to hear that you can be free of it – fold your blanket and lay it below your knee in this pose. You will be able to concentrate on your breath and relaxation versus having to strain.
This also applies to any other poses that can be a bit too harsh on your knees, elbows and wrists. Take the pressure off your joints and concentrate on what really matters during these poses.
Use It In Cat/Cow
In a Cat/Cow pose, a yoga blanket can be extremely useful, especially for beginners. Here’s how you can use it.
Fold your blanket to achieve the desired thickness (you might want to try out a few different variations of thickness to be able to find the right one). Then, place your blanket on top of your yoga mat and get into the tabletop pose – have your hands and knees hip-width distance apart. Proceed with the usual Cat/Cow flow, while pressing your knees and wrists into the blanket for additional stability.
Support For Flexibility
Some of the poses in yoga are calling for pretty advanced flexibility, and sometimes it can be pretty intimidating to even start thinking about doing one of those. Take a look at a Pigeon Pose – it can take months or even years to work up that hip flexibility. With a yoga blanket as support, you can make sure that you are making maximum progress.
Place the folded blanket under your butt and don’t worry about having to hold your weight solely on your wrists.
Can Help with Meditation
After an active yoga session, you might want to wind down and meditate to rip the most benefits from your mindful practice. In order to keep warm and comfortable, use a yoga blanket to cover your warm muscles and keep them relaxed.
Use It In Seated Poses
Oftentimes, we struggle to keep our spines straight during yoga and blankets can be a handy solution for this. Placing a yoga blanket beneath your butt can help shift pelvic tilt and makes it easier to sit up straight and tall.
It is also recommended for beginners to use yoga blankets in seated poses to avoid injuries. Some of the most common seated poses that can benefit from yoga blanket use are Staff Pose (Dandasana), Easy Pose (Sukhasana), Seated Forward Fold (Paschiomottanasana), and Half Lotus (Ardha Padmasana).
Use It Instead of a Yoga Props
If you are missing a yoga block or you forgot your yoga mat at home, a yoga blanket is a versatile tool that can be used as both. You can fold it, roll it for or lay it flat – whatever your practice calls for. Use it under your hips or to support your back in a Fish Pose, or even to pull your leg for a good hamstring stretch.
How To Fold A Yoga Blanket?
While the majority of yoga blankets are made out of durable materials, you’d still want to make sure to take good care of your blanket to prolong its life.
After your practice, lay your yoga blanket flat on the floor and roll it out completely. Fold it in half lengthwise, and then fold again, but this time horizontally. Repeat the last step. You should have a perfect little square now.
How to Wash A Yoga Blanket
Washing your yoga blanket is a must, but you should be very careful with how you approach this process. The safest way would be to always check a label on your yoga blanket and see which washing method it calls for. Since yoga blankets are made from a variety of different materials, the methods of washing these accessories are different, too.
Typically, cotton yoga blankets can be washed in a machine, but preferable on a cold cycle. For drying, hang-dry is preferable, but if you are in a hurry, you can tumble dry it on a delicate (cold) program.
Wool yoga blankets can also be machine washed, but always on a cold cycle. Don’t ever tumble dry a wool yoga blanket since it can shrink in size and start piling.