Top 7 Best Yoga Straps for Safe Stretching and Strengthening

Yoga straps are such an undervalued resource in the studio. They help decrease tension and improve flexibility over time without risking injury. As a beginner yogi, there was a time when I could hardly touch my toes at all. A yoga strap gave me the hamstring release I’d been craving without overly rounding my back or forcing my body out of alignment. 

Yoga straps are the unashamed training wheels of yoga. They help to bridge the gaps in your flexibility and strength. And they’re as valuable for beginners as they are for teachers or advanced yogis.

As I advanced in my practice, yoga straps allowed me to work toward King Pigeon and Dancer pose without overextending beyond my flexibility. Nowadays, I can help my students get so much relief from simple asanas just by adding a yoga strap.

In today’s article, we’ll look at the 7 best yoga straps to help you in your practice.

What Are the Best Yoga Straps? Quick Answer:

1. Best Overall: Manduka Unisex AligN Yoga Strap 8′
2. Best Extra Long Strap: Hugger Mugger D-Ring Yoga Strap 10′
3. Best Gripping Loops: Sport2People Yoga Strap for Stretching
4. Best Budget Option: Reehut Yoga Strap 
5. Best Quick Release Buckle: Hugger Mugger Quick Release Yoga Strap
6. Best Style Strap: Yoga Design Lab Yoga Strap
7. Best Versatile Elastic Strap: Yoga Evo Elastic Stretching Strap With Loops

Why Would You Need a Yoga Strap?

The function of a yoga strap is to add length. It links where you are with where you want to be in a given yoga pose. A quality yoga strap provides elongation to your muscles and a deeper stretch while keeping your body strong and aligned. 

This handy tool is perfect for beginner and advanced yogis alike. It can pull you closer toward touching your toes or it can help you finally get into King Dancer (Natarajasana) without straining your back. Either way, a quality yoga strap strengthens and lengthens your muscles simultaneously. If you’re looking for a deeper stretch and better spinal alignment, you definitely need a yoga strap!

Top 7 Best Yoga Straps Comparison Chart

	Product's name	Material	Buckle	More Info
	Best Overall Manduka Align Yoga Strap - Lightweight Cotton, Secure, Slip Free Support,...	100% eco-friendly cotton	Lightweight zinc alloy middle bar buckle	See latest price
	Extra Long Strap Hugger Mugger D-Ring Yoga Strap (Navy, 8 ft.)	500 lb rated cotton	Metal D-ring buckle	See latest price
	Gripping Loops sport2people Stretching Strap for Yoga, Flexibility, Rehabilitation - 2...	Heavy duty nylon	None	See latest price
	Budget Option REEHUT Yoga Strap 6ft with Ebook - Durable Polyester Cotton Exercise Straps...	Polyester-cotton blend	Metal D-ring buckle	See latest price
	Quick Release Buckle Hugger Mugger Quick-Release Strap (Navy, 10 ft.)	100% USA-made cotton	Plastic quick release buckle	See latest price
	Style Strap YOGA DESIGN LAB | The Yoga Strap | Luxurious, Extra Long, Super Soft, Eco...	Cotton and eco-friendly dyes	Metal O-ring buckle	See latest price
	Versatile Elastic Strap Stretching Strap with Loops for Physical Therapy - Yoga Strap for...	Cotton and spandex	None	See latest price

Best Yoga Straps Reviewed

1. Best Overall: Manduka Unisex AligN Yoga Strap 8′

Manduka has long been recognized as one of the best yoga brands on the market because of their high-quality products, dedication to environmental sustainability, and widespread use in studios around the world. This yoga strap is no different! 

Manduka’s proprietary materials are eco-friendy and lightweight while offering a superior no-slip grip (trust me, you definitely don’t want your hands to slip while bracing against a strap in a balancing pose). The fabric is soft, comfortable to hold onto and durable enough to use a lot of tension. The buckle on this strap is fully adjustable and secure. These straps last forever and are excellent for tall people, as it is long and wide. 

Pros

• 8’ long and 1.75” wide
• 100% unbleached eco-friendly cotton
• Non-slip material for a good grip
• Dyes free of lead or heavy metals
• Lightweight buckle 
• Buckle doesn’t slide around
• Heavy and stiff webbing for extra support
• Soft enough to hold comfortably 
• 1.75” width for better traction
• Durable and long-lasting
• Available in 8’ length or extra long 10’ length

Cons

• May be too long/wide for smaller people
• Mid-to-high price point 
• Only 3 color selections

2. Best Extra Long Strap: Hugger Mugger D-Ring Yoga Strap 10′

At first, the Hugger Mugger strap fabric may seem pretty stiff, but it softens with use. These straps come in 3 different lengths depending on your height. The 6 or 8’ length is ideal for most students, and the 10’ length is great for taller students or for those attempting Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana). 

This metal D-ring yoga strap is easy to thread and secure for a stable tension (far better than any plastic strap buckles). These straps last forever and include a lifetime warranty through Hugger Mugger. 

Pros

• Top-grade cotton material
• Great for plus-sized or tall yogis
• Ultra strong cotton webbing rated to 500 pounds
• Lifelong warranty
• Thick and durable
• Easy to grip (no slipping on sweaty hands)
• 4 color selections
• 3 length options 
• Sturdy metal D-ring buckles
• D-rings are easy to adjust and stay in place

Cons

• Not organic or natural materials
• Fabric may be too rough for some hands

3. Best Gripping Loops: Sport2People Yoga Strap for Stretching

This yoga strap is used in yoga, physical therapy, and beyond thanks to its whopping 12-loop construction. You have so many places to grab onto and use as leverage during your stretch! 

The Sport2People strap is made of super high quality nylon with sturdy stitching that won’t rip or stretch during tension. The fabric is not elastic, so helps you can pull yourself deeper into a stretch and grab the next loop. All of those loops function independently and make it easy to hold deeper stretches for longer periods of time. You also don’t have to worry about loops coming undone or a strap tightening uncomfortably around your hands. 

This strap is 96” long and 1.5” wide to support students of all heights. It also comes with a nice little carrying bag and how-to eBooks. 

Pros

• 96” long and 1.5” wide
• 12 gripping loop options
• Great for gripping in deep stretches
• Machine-washable
• Heavy duty nylon material
• Nonelastic for leverage
• 100% money back guarantee 
• Includes carrying bag and free eBooks
• Affordable price point 

Cons

• Not organic or natural materials
• Rough fabric may not be soft enough for some hands
• Bulkier than other straps

4. Best Budget Option: Reehut Yoga Strap

At under $10, the Reehut strap can’t be beat. Available in 3 sizes (6’, 8’, and 10’), this yoga strap includes the coveted D-ring buckle and a soft sturdy polyester-cotton blend material. It is lightweight, portable, and super durable. The material feels soft on your hands but strong enough to resist tension in deep stretches. The D-ring buckle stays tightened and secured when you fold the loose end back on itself and tighten the strap to your desired loop size.

The best thing about this budget yoga strap is that it can really handle tugging and tension. This is great for overhead shoulder opening stretches and wrapping over the feet in forward fold and pulling your upper body down. It is stronger than you would expect and the D ring is larger than other straps, which makes it especially great for male yoga students or people with large hands. Despite all this strength, it is comfortable to grip and won’t rug burn your hands.

Pros

• 6’, 8’, or 10’ long and 1.5” wide
• Very affordable
• 5 color selections
• Polyester-cotton blend protects your hands from friction 
• Dense woven fabric for non-slip grip
• Durable, stable D-ring buckle
• 30 day money back guarantee 

Cons

• Strap sometimes creases or folds and doesn’t stay straight
• Thinner than other straps
• Synthetic materials 

5. Best Quick Release Buckle: Hugger Mugger Quick Release Yoga Strap

If threading through rings or maneuvering grip handles sounds too complicated for you while in “zen” mode, then the Hugger Mugger quick release yoga strap is for you! This simple plastic buckle makes adjusting the strap and securing it in place super simple. It is 10 feet long, but the length can be easily adjusted using the buckle. This strap is 100% cotton rated to 500 pounds. It’s also made in the USA!

Pros

• 10’ long great for yogis of all heights
• Made in the USA
• 100% cotton
• Webbing rated to 500 pounds
• Super easy to adust
• Quick-release buckle
• Very durable 

Cons

• Buckle is plastic and may break

6. Best Style Strap: Yoga Design Lab Yoga Strap

You’ll never lose your yoga strap with these beautifully designed straps from Yoga Design Lab. Their eco-friendly water-based paints are completely non-toxic and come in 5 colors/styles. The strap is 8 feet long, premium cotton, and adjustable with metal rings. The material is nice and thick, so it can withstand plenty of stretching and resistance. 

Pros

• Premium cotton material
• 8 feet long
• Eco-friendly, non-toxic paints
• Colorful patterns
• Eyecatching so you don’t lose it in gym or studio
• Soft and satin-like texture is easy on the hands
• Supportive, durable rings
• Very high quality and beautiful

Cons

• Higher price point
• Must be handwashed with cold water

7. Best Versatile Elastic Strap: Yoga Evo Elastic Stretching Strap With Loops

This yoga strap is unique because it is like a physical therapy resistance band and a yoga strap in one. The elastic stretchiness differentiates it from other yoga straps. It is made from high quality cotton and spandex to help you stretch and increase range of motion more gradually. The loops are easy to grab onto or fit over your feet. 

This strap style is used in a variety of professional physical therapy offices and is excellent for beginners. You can also use it to tone and build strength as a flexible resistant band. This strap is easy to carry and the most versatile for gym or yoga use.

Pros

• Cotton and spandex material
• Easy-grip loops for hands or feet
• 10 soft loops (no buckles or knots necessary)
• Elastic material helps ease into stretches 
• Great for pilates and physical therapy, as well as yoga
• Latex-free
• Free eBook and online exercise library included
• Super durable and resilient 
• Soft and easy to use 

Cons

• Elasticity makes it harder to do certain asanas with this yoga strap
• Higher price point 

Benefits of Practing with a Yoga Strap 

Maintain Alignment

You hear yoga teachers say it over and over again: stack your hips and knees, or keep your spine straight. Alignment is one of the most crucial core principles of yoga because it helps our joints stay in their proper positions and prevent twisting into awkward angles or positions.

Yoga straps help maintain alignment so we can get a better stretch and strengthening workout without hurting ourselves. The easiest example of this alignment benefit is in Forward Fold (Uttanasana). If you cannot reach your toes, you may be tempted to curl your back over your legs. With a yoga strap, you are able to maintain a flat back and still extend a deep hamstring stretch. 

Increase Flexibility Without Risk

Yoga straps help improve posture and flexibility with less risk of hurting yourself. That’s because a strap essentially extends your arms or legs to meet you where you are. You can gently tug on the strap to get a stretch without overextending or forcing your body into a position it isn’t ready for. 

For example, trying Bound Side Angle pose (Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana) with limited shoulder mobility could be dangerous and end up hurting the shoulder. With a yoga strap, this risk is removed and you can still work toward the advanced unassisted pose. 

Elongate and Strengthen Your Muscles

Yoga straps are incredible for elongating the muscles, increasing your range of motion, and strengthening at the same time. Instead of compressing a muscle while forcing for a stretch, you can lengthen. 

For example, in Hand to Big Toe pose (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana), a yoga strap adds an extension to your arm. You can more easily reach your toe, elongate your back, and prevent rounding in the spine as you stand tall. As you use the resistance of the strap against your foot, you can tone your arm muscles while simultaneously lengthening and stretching.

Get a Full Range of Motion

You don’t have to be a flexy-bendy gymnast to practice yoga. In fact, even if you haven’t reached a level of flexibility to do most poses, you can still enjoy exercising your full range of motion with a yoga strap. 

To increase the range of motion in your shoulders, you can use a yoga strap to open up the back and heart without overextending. The tension between your hands and the strap also gently strengthens your shoulders to prevent injuries. 

Advance into Challenging Poses

With a quality yoga strap, you can finally try some of those more challenging asanas without hurting yourself. Under the guide of an experienced yoga teacher, you can use a yoga strap to advance your practice. 

My favorite stap-assisted pose is Lord of the Dance (Natarajasana). It is an empowering, exciting, and challenging pose that almost anyone can achieve with the help of a yoga strap.

How to Choose The Best Straps For Yoga 

Material 

The most important thing to look at when searching for your ideal yoga strap is the material. Most are made of cotton or a polyester blend. But not all cotton is created equal! You want a tight weave that is durable and grippy while still being soft on your hands. You will be holding this strap pretty tightly and you don’t want “rug burn” on your palms. 

Search for tight-weave non-toxic cotton straps like the Manduka Unisex AligN Yoga Strap 8′, or if you prefer a little bit of elastic, a spandex and cotton blend like Yoga Evo Elastic Stretching Strap With Loops. If yoga straps that you’ve tried in studios hurt your hands, consider one with built in loops like the Sport2People Yoga Strap for Stretching.

Buckle 

The buckle or rings of a yoga strap are what you use to adust the length and make the strap circular rather than just a long ribbon. This is important for looping it around your feet or hands. Some straps like the Hugger Mugger Quick Release Yoga Strap have quick-release plastic buckles, whereas others have D-rings or rounded metal rings that you loop through Hugger Mugger D-Ring Yoga Strap 10′ eachother.

Advanced yogis typically find that the metal rings are more durable and last longer, but tying the strap during a flow can be challenging for beginners. The quick release is a great mindless option, however the buckles are made of plastic and may break over time. 

Length

Taller yogis will definitely want an 8’ or 10’ yoga strap. Shorter yogis may find these lengths too long and opt for a 6’. Regardless of what length you choose, all yoga straps are adjustable and can be folded or looped over itself. Depending on what poses you are attempting, you may want the extra length to grip onto, or you may find dangling fabric to be a distraction. If possible, try out a yoga strap in a studio to determine what length works best for your body. 

Eco-Friendly

You would be surprised how much toxic junk like BPA and phthalates can be found in cheap yoga gear at big box stores. Anything that you are regularly using close to your body is going to affect your health. That’s why we always opt for eco-friendly and non-toxic products whenever possible. The Manduka Unisex AligN Yoga Strap 8′ and Yoga Design Lab Yoga Strap are our favorite eco-friendly yoga straps.

Stress-Free Stretching 

I hope your new yoga strap helps your practice as much as it did mine! There is nothing better than getting a deep stretch without risking pushing your body beyond its limits. Remember to ease into new poses and trust your yoga strap to lengthen, strengthen, and keep you aligned.

Namaste!