Yoga Blankets are just perfect for a deep Savasana after an intensive yoga class. Here are some of the best cotton, wool and alpaca yoga blankets.
Now, you don’t need to specifically buy a yoga blanket. Any blanket is fine to use in a yoga class where it’s traditionally used during Savasana. Yet…there is something to really enjoy about the soft feel of these specific blankets.
These are comfortable, thick (but not too thick), washable, large and certainly feel like they weigh you down a little. This helps you melt more into your yoga mat.
The 7 Best Yoga Blankets
We’ve done the research as experienced yoga practitioners to bring you this excellent list. Yocean Yogi would only recommend products that we feel deliver the best experience even if that means paying a little more. This is why we steer away from cheap yoga blankets or those Chinese products you’d typically find on Amazon.
Currently, the best blankets for yoga are:
1. Lotuscrafts Yoga Blanket
We love natural materials and Lotuscrafts has created the perfect blanket which is made from 100% cotton. It’s also quite thick generally compared to a cotton sheet, and then you can fold it if you need more support.
What we truly love is that they manufacture these under fair trade work conditions and the eyes used are quite natural. There’s nothing worse than opening a package and getting that ‘whiff’ of a new product from the factory. Imagine what the workers have to put up with!
The size is 80″ by 60″ which is ideal for most people.
2. Manduka Recycled Wool Blanket
While this isn’t popular with the vegans, recycled wool yoga blankets are commonly found in yoga studios across the world. They are certainly warmer than their cotton equivalents but they do take a long time to dry.
It’s soft and eco-friendly and you might even want to use this for sleeping. We’ve read reports of people falling asleep during Savanasa because this yoga blanket was just too comfy!
Note: It’s not 100% wool. 25% of the materials are synthetic so if you’re looking for fully natural, go with the Lotuscraft we mentioned above.
3. El Paso Designs Mexican Yoga Blanket
If you’re living in the United States and want to sustainably source a yoga blanket for home or at the studio, then it’s hard to skip past El Paso Designs. After all, the sea miles would be very minimal than the options above which come from Australia, New Zealand, Asia or Europe.
El Paso has been creating Mexican blankets for many years and have a solid reputation. Their yoga blanket range is newer given the rise of yoga as an industry and you’ll now find their blankets used in studios across the world.
They use recycled fibres which further adds to their sustainability, though their designs are a bit smaller so it doesn’t suit the tallest of folk. That said – their pricing is the most affordable on this list.
4. Yogamatters Yoga Blankets
If you’re searching for a company with very strong ethics (and indeed every one of these companies do have strong ethics), then Yogamatters takes the crown. They have certainly created a very sustainable and compelling range.
Many yoga studios buy their yoga blankets in bulk from this brand for the simple reason that their students love the design and the blankets are quick to dry. They also don’t trap moisture so easiliy either.
You’ll find both fleece and natural cotton in their range and you’ll save a lot of money by ordering in bulk. Their colors are plain and less imaginitive yet if you’re looking for simplicity, then look no further!
5. Canyon Creek Authentic Mexican Yoga Falsa Blanket
Yes, we’re back with the Mexican yoga blankets. We absolutely love this as they are warm but not too warm. After all, you’re probably sweaty after a yoga class and don’t need something that absolutely warms you up. You’ll just want something that stops the cold air finding its way to your skin.
Canyon Creek hasn’t been in business for as long as El Paso but they do have a strong reputation in the marketplace. Customer experiences have shown that the quality is strong and you can use these blankets for more than just yoga.
With a range of colors, it’s not hard to see why people love these blankets so much. Affordability in pricing is another key metric as these are often less than half the price of mainstream yoga brands.
6. United States Army Blanket
Yes – seriously! Using an army blanket for yoga is a fantastic way to stay warm before and after a yoga class! The army creates these to keep their own soliders warm in the battlefields and so purchasing one of these for your studio is no different.
There is no particularly brand we would recommend. You can find army blankets which are thin and thick. The thin versions are made from synthetic fibres while the thicker blankets are made from wool.
Our recommendation is to choose the thinner blankets. After a class you don’t need to be super warm. The entire aspet of using a blanket is to simply reduce the cold air from reaching the open pores on your body.
7. Ecuadane Large Southwestern Woven Blanket
For something totally different, we just had to add in this unique yoga blanket to this list. If you’re desiring something unique and totally hand-made, then this is it!
The Educane blankets are handmade in Ecoador by local artisans and as a result, they’re also very expensive. Yet they are very high quality and perfect for the yoga studio, log cabin or weekends by the fire.
The carbon footprint is significantly lower which represents happy vibes for us yoga folk who care about sustainability, while the materials are designed to also last for years. If you’re looking to make a positive impact on the world as much as we are, then this is perfect!
Buying Guide
Now that we’ve shown you the best yoga blankets on the market for both big and small budgets, let’s also look further at some key takeaways if you’re still searching.
What are yoga blankets made from?
A yoga blanket can be made from a range of materials. Cotton and wool is most common while the cheaper yoga blankets tend to use syntheic materials. A yoga blanket which will last 5+ years will generally be made from merino wool, alpaca wool or cotton blend.
What Are Yoga Blankets Used For?
Yogis use yoga blankets mainly to stay worm after a heavy yoga session. Before the conclusion of each yoga class, the teacher will take their students through a guided meditation known as Savasana. It’s during this time that the body needs to remain warm. At other times, yoga blankets are used as props to help support the body in various poses.
What Size Yoga Blanket Should I Buy?
It’s best to buy a yoga blanket that is larger rather than smaller. Even if you are below 5 feet, 5 inches, go for a larger blanket as it can easily be folded. For those taller than 6 feet, look for yoga blankets that are the biggest you can find. These will often by 70″ by 70″ and will pack quite large.
How Do You Wash Yoga Blankets?
Washing by hand is the most commonly accepted way to wash a yoga blanket. Use cold water and minimal detergents. If you do use the washing machine, run on gentle cycle and do not tumble dry as this can unravel threads. Avoid ironing and simply use the washing line to dry. For woolen blankets, this could take up to 3 days in colder climates.
How Do You Use A Yoga Blanket?
Here are 5 ways to use a blanket in yoga classes:
- Provide height in seated poses. Often teachers will encourage the use of blankets to support the lower limbs.
- Help gain flexibility for those with stiff muscles. When you’re new to yoga, a blanket can really help you stretch that bit further.
- Help substitute for missing yoga equipment. If you don’t yet have a bolster or strap then a yoga blanket can replace these props in some asanas.
- In place of a yoga mat. Some people oddly enough prefer to use a yoga blanket instead of a towel or mat.
- Keep you warm before and after yoga classes. The most obvious! ?
Quite clearly the use of a yoga blanket isn’t restricted to just keep you warm. It’s also a way to strike up a conversion if you purchase a really cool looking design!
In Summary
We would highly recommend buying a blanket to assist you during your yoga classes, either in studios or practising at home. These are typically quite affordable and long lasting, plus will help you further enjoy the classes you attend.
