If you are trying to get the hang of yoga, you may be wondering why you need a yoga blanket. Also known as Mexican blankets, yoga blankets ensure you are comfortable during your sessions by providing extra padding and by supporting your flexibility during those advanced poses.
They are available in various sizes and shapes, so choosing one suitable for you should be easy and fun.
How to pick the right yoga blanket
To purchase a yoga blanket that will address your needs well, here are some basic features we urge you to consider.
Fabric
No doubt, we all want a blanket that will feel soft and amazing on our skin. Sadly, not all material will guarantee such a luxurious experience. Yoga blankets made of cotton and wool are known for their soft luxurious feel and come in different weights.
Some blended blankets (made out of a mixture of fabrics, usually a mixture of acrylic, cotton, and polyester) are also highly recommended because of their incredible comfort and affordability.
Keep in mind that you also need to pick your fabric depending on the surface and room temperature. For example, if the room is too hot, vinyl rubber or woolen blankets might not be suitable.
Again, make sure to consider the intensity of your yoga routine. This is because intense workout sessions require a thicker blanket for the best experience.
Style
When it comes to style, you have the freedom to pick a yoga blanket that will best satisfy your taste of styles. If you love patterns and colors, make sure to pick the best blanket. With all sorts of yoga blankets on the market, it should be easy to settle for the right style.
Keep in mind that style goes hand in hand with quality. So, don’t sacrifice quality for style; otherwise, you will end up with an undesired blanket. Just find a perfect balance between quality and style, and you won’t regret making a purchase.
Length
The length of your blanket will determine how effortlessly you can transform it into different shapes to aid your yoga poses. You can also fold it into a mat to sit on or a pillow. As a matter of fact, the larger your blanket is, the more shapes it can be transformed into.
Bonus! Always settle for a yoga blanket that is at least as tall as you are.
Benefits of using a yoga blanket
Comfort and support
A yoga blanket comes in handy in helping you avoid those undesirable cramps that come with practicing yoga outdoors. They also restrict undesired movement when stretching on a slippery surface. By doing so, they prevent your body from fatiguing before you complete your sessions.
For mothers-to-be, yoga blankets are heaven-sent. They provide a soft cushion for their bumps and support for their back.
Hygiene
If the idea of sitting and touching the ground directly during yoga scares you, we don’t need to overemphasize why you need a yoga blanket. A yoga blanket protects you against any bacteria and germs by providing a clean and personalized surface.
Scientific reason
Besides providing a better surface for your body, a yoga blanket also helps your body retain heat during yoga. When not using one, the heat generated by your body gets grounded, and that affects you negatively.
Think about it!
How to care for your blanket
Different yoga blankets require different cleaning instructions. For your blanket to last longer, we enjoin you to do the following:
Woolen blankets
Always use cold water and never tumble dry as it may cause pilling over time.
Cotton blankets
If you must use a machine, use cold water.
Remember that cotton shrinks. So always tumble dry with no heat or hang to dry.
Blended blankets
Never tumble dry because the weave may be affected.
Best rated yoga blankets
Now that you know what a yoga blanket is, how to pick the right one, and how to care for it, let’s quickly go through some of the best-rated yoga blankets on the market.
El Paso Designs Mexican Yoga Blanket
Traditional Hand-Made Mexican Falsa Blanket – The El Paso blanket is a classic yoga studio blanket. Improve your yoga practice with our Falsa blanket available for use over your yoga mat as a yoga blanket, yoga bolster or meditation blanket.
Measuring 47” x 68,” this classic falsa blanket is large enough to cover most of your body. It is available in a variety of colors so you can be sure to find one that appeals to you.
The cool part about this blanket is that, washing it doesn’t fade the color away. In fact, the more you wash it, the softer it becomes. Is that not the kind of blanket you are looking for?
Not only that, but these blankets are also light, can be rolled into a pillow, and can be used as a bolster. If you are environmentally conscious, you will be playing a part in reducing waste in the environment by purchasing these blankets. They are made of recycled fibers.
Pros
- They don’t itch
- Excellent for use as a bolster
- Colors don’t bleed
- A little rough to the touch
- Keep your knees safe from injury
Cons
- Can’t handle more weight compared to other models
- You might end up covered in lint
Yoga Traditional Mexican Yoga Blanket
These handwoven Mexican Blankets are thick, soft, and vibrantly colored. Beautifully woven by artisans on a traditional wooden loom. These bajas and serapes will not only remind you of old Mexico but they are also cozy and practical.
Love blankets with tassels? Then this yoga blanket is all you need for all your yoga sessions. It is ideal for restorative yoga and can be used as a picnic or beach blanket.
If you are looking to make a stylish statement in your yoga class, this colorful blanket that comes in different colors will not let you down.
It is machine washable but be sure to use cold water and to tumble it dry on low heat.
Besides giving you extra padding and supporting your flexibility during those difficult yoga poses, it also comes in handy when you need extra warmth. Give it a try!
Pros
- Vibrant colors
- Soft but strong
- Reasonably priced
- Texture is authentic
Cons
- Pulls easily
- Thinner than expected
Thunderbird Heavyweight Yoga Blanket
Mexican Golindrina Thunderbird Blanket, soft and thick and made specifically for Yoga! Namaste 🙂
This yoga blanket is more than a yoga prop. If you wish, you can swing it over your bed as a stylish bedspread.
It is handmade and comes in different colors such as pink, mint, coral, and so much more. Besides, providing you with the necessary comfort and style, it also offers you warmth.
When you purchase this blanket, you play a big role in helping fight poverty in South America. Why then not enjoy your yoga sessions knowing you have supported a noble cause?
Pros
- Stunning colors
- Excellent thickness
- Gets softer with each wash
- Comfortable texture
Cons
- May shed some threads
- Easily pulls in some spots
- May ball up in certain places
Spirit Quest Supplies Bodhi Blanket Mexican Style Blanket
Tightly woven from 70% Acrylic over a 30% Polyester durable weave. Stronger fibers, thicker, tighter weave, 100% more fiber weight, and superior moisture wicking compared to the usual Mexican blanket. Flexible, Easy to Use and Take On-the-Go.
With this eye-catching blanket, nothing will stop you from making a statement in your yoga class. It is thick enough to offer the right padding for your knees. So, no need to worry about your knees hurting at the end of your sessions, although some reviews suggest that it may feel a bit rough against more sensitive skin.
Measuring 74” x 56”, this blanket gives you enough space to transform into different shapes for your yoga poses. Besides, if you are into traction or hot yoga, you will love it.
Pros
- Robust colors
- Long-lasting
- Smells great
- Beautifully woven
Cons
- A bit rough
- Might shrink after washing
Open Road Goods Thunderbird Heavyweight Yoga Blanket
Out on the market for a thick but soft blanket? Then you might find this 78” x 54” blanket ideal. It is handmade, won’t peel or shed, and remain soft after washing making it a must-have.
Additionally, this blanket is durable and can be used as a decorative throw. Surely, it is worth every penny. Give it a try!
Pros
- Extremely soft
- Doesn’t warp or shrink
- Excellent quality
- Not scratchy
Cons
- Design might not be as advertised
- Might have an odd smell initially
Conclusion
No doubt you need a comfortable and stylish yoga blanket for your yoga sessions. The above blankets will not only provide a comfortable surface but are also easy to clean, maintain, and last longer. Which blanket pleased you more and why? We would be happy to hear from you.
