How to Use a Yoga Towel on a Rubber Mat for Hot Yoga

By Extra Large Yoga Mats, Thick Exercise Mats & Hot Yoga | Published: 2026-10-19

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the correct way to place and secure a yoga towel on a rubber mat for hot yoga, including grip tips and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick Answer

To use a yoga towel on a rubber mat for hot yoga, lay the towel evenly over the mat, secure the corners, and mist it lightly with water before practice to activate the grip.

Why a Towel on a Rubber Mat Works

Rubber mats provide excellent traction when dry, but once you start sweating, the surface can become slick. A yoga towel absorbs moisture and provides a dry, grippy layer between you and the mat. The key is to ensure the towel stays in place and doesn't bunch up during practice.

The combination of a natural rubber mat and a non-slip yoga towel is a common setup in Bikram and hot yoga classes. The towel's microfiber or terry cloth surface grips the rubber when damp, while the top side remains dry for your hands and feet.

Choosing the Right Towel Size

A towel that is too small will leave parts of the mat exposed, causing slips. A towel that is too large may overhang and drag on the floor. Measure your mat and choose a towel that matches its length and width. For a standard 72-inch mat, a 72-inch towel is ideal.

If your mat is longer, such as 80 inches, look for an extra-long towel to cover it completely. The towel should cover the full length of the mat, from top to bottom, to ensure consistent grip throughout your practice.

Step-by-Step Setup

Lay the towel evenly: Place the yoga towel over the rubber mat, aligning the edges. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds to create a flat surface. Check that the towel covers the full length of the mat, especially at the top and bottom where your hands and feet will be. A wrinkled towel can cause uneven grip and lead to slips.
Secure the corners: If your towel has corner loops or elastic bands, hook them around the mat's corners. If not, tuck the towel's edges under the mat's sides to hold it in place. This prevents the towel from shifting during poses. Securing the corners is essential for dynamic sequences like Sun Salutations.
Mist with water: Lightly spray the towel with water until it feels damp, not soaking wet. The moisture activates the non-slip backing and helps the towel adhere to the rubber mat. If your towel is dry, it may slide around. Too much water can make the towel slippery, so start with a light mist and add more if needed.
Test your grip: Place your hands and feet on the towel and apply gentle pressure. Slide them slightly to check that the towel stays in place and your skin doesn't slip. If it moves, adjust the corners or add a bit more water. A quick grip test before class can save you from mid-pose adjustments.

Product Spotlight

Yoga Mat and Towel BLK72+BLU72+BLU27: The Yoga Mat and Towel BLK72+BLU72+BLU27 includes a Carbonegro Natural Rubber Pro Series Mat and an Oceanic Grippy Yoga Mat Towel. This set is designed to work together, with the rubber mat providing traction and the grippy towel adding a sweat-absorbing layer for hot yoga.
Yoga Mat and Towel BLK72+BLU72+BLU27