6 Stay-Dry Essentials for Hot Yoga

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Hot yoga is popular for good reason: Studies have shown it can improve flexibility, balance, and strength and reduce body fat percentage. But class in a studio heated to around 100 degrees can be a less-than-pleasant experience if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re heading to yoga in the park on a hot summer day or the studio for a 90-minute Bikram class, having a few pieces of the right gear can make your practice more enjoyable. Here are some top pieces of new gear that will help keep you cool and dry—and stop you from slipping off the mat.

1. MANDUKA PROLITE MAT; $88

Manduka

 
When you’re getting bendy in high temperatures, having a grippy mat is crucial; a good one will help keep your sweaty hands, feet, and limbs from slipping around during all kinds of poses, especially downward dog and other inversions. Enter this cushiony offering from Manduka. It features a dot pattern along its bottom to help you stay in place, but it’s surprisingly lightweight, clocking in at four pounds.

Find it: Manduka.com

2. GAIAIM THIRSTY YOGA MAT TOWEL; $19.98

Gaiam

 
Almost as crucial as a quality mat is an absorbent towel—not only to wipe the sweat from your face and hands but also to add extra gripping power to the base of all your poses. This option from Gaiam soaks up twice as much as the typical cotton towels they hand out at most yoga studios. Mist it with water before class to give it even more grip from the get-go.

Find it: Gaiam.com

3. KLEAN KANTEEN INSULATED CLASSIC 20 OZ. WATER BOTTLE; $30.95

Klean Kanteen

 
This sleek water bottle is insulated with a double-wall vacuum, which guarantees your drink will stay frosty for your entire class—and up to 50 hours, actually. The wide-mouth top is easy to get a gulp from, or opt for the brand’s sport cap for even easier sipping and no spilling.

Find it: Kleankanteen.com

4. LULULEMON FRINGE FIGHTER HEADBAND; $18

Lululemon

 
Keep your hair in place and perspiration from dripping down your forehead and into your eyes with this stretchy headband. It’s made of super-soft, breathable material and wicks away sweat, so it helps your skin feel drier. Best part: You can wear it thin or spread the fabric wide to cover more of your skin (and soak up more sweat).

Find it: Lululemon.com

5. MANDUKA ELEMENTAL HALTER BRA; $58

Manduka

This stylish bra is made of mostly recycled material and has four-way stretch, so it comfortably moves with your body as you transition from pose to pose. A thin T-strap down the back keeps your back and shoulders cool, while mesh on its high neck offers breezy, breathable coverage.

Find it: Manduka.com

6. LOLE NAVASANA SHORT; $50

Lolë

 
When the studio heats up, you’ll likely opt for shorts over capris or leggings. This pair from Lolë is made from organic cotton with Coolmax, to pull moisture from your skin and keep your temp down, and has natural antibacterial properties—so they won’t get stinky even if you get mega-sweaty. Their body-hugging fit means they’ll stay in place through all your practice, and they’ve got flat seams that nix chafing.

Find it: Lolewomen.com