Anyone who practices yoga would do well to have at least one yoga mat towel at their side. They have several uses beyond just using to dry off, many of which are fairly common. But not only are they useful, they are also usually very fashionable and soft.
High quality yoga towels are made of super absorbent materials that can absorb high amounts of sweat or water and still be comfortable to the touch. They also come in a large variety of colors so you can find just the right one to fit your personality.
They are called yoga mat towels because they are often used to put a soft barrier between you and the yoga mat itself, which is significantly more comfortable. Additionally if you work up a heavy sweat the mat towel will protect your body from sticking to the mat, which is always a horrible and uncomfortable feeling. So uncomfortable that it could completely ruin your routine.
If your mat isn't available for any reason, your average yoga towel is thick enough to be able to substitute. While they are usually not quite as comfortable when used on their own, they are a good alternative. This is good if you have lost your mat, or just happened to have forgotten it at home. A very high quality yoga mat towel may in fact be just as if not more comfortable than your mat.
The quality of these types of towels varies quite a bit, though most of the ones you find on shelves can be priced much higher than your average bath towel. A towel that costs more will be thicker, softer, and last you longer; one that you bought for cheaper will be soft, but it will most likely not be very thick.
You can find yoga towels at department stores and in some incredibly rare cases home decor stores, but they can most often be found in retail locations that specialize in fitness apparel and equipment. If you purchased your yoga mat yourself, the easiest way to find a location to purchase a mat towel is to return to the store you purchased the mat itself from. This is an easy way to find one if you can not find any that suit your tastes anywhere else.
Whether you are truly serious about yoga or just practice it casually, a yoga mat towel will be useful for you. Their versatility and comfort makes them viable for several uses and they are much more absorbent than your average at-home bath towel. If you are looking for another accessory to up your yoga routine, then a quality yoga towel should be your first choice.