My Guide to Choosing the Best Yoga Strap for Your Home Practice
Over the years, I’ve tried pretty much every Yoga strap out there, and I wanted to share what I’ve learned so you don’t waste your money on the wrong one. (skip down if you would rather watch the video than read)
Why You Need a Yoga Strap
If you’re practicing Yoga at home, whether through my Zoom classes or my On Demand Videos, a Yoga strap (sometimes called a Yoga belt) is one of the first props I recommend investing in. Right up there with Yoga mats and Yoga bricks.
It extends your reach, helps with flexibility poses, and provides firm support when you need it.
The Budget Hack: Use What You Have
Before you buy anything, here’s my hack: use a bathrobe tie. Seriously! It works pretty well if you’re just trying to extend your reach to grab your foot or knee.
The only downside is it doesn’t have a buckle, so it’s not ideal when you need that firm, bound support. But it’s perfect for starting out.
What NOT to Buy: Avoid These Yoga Straps
Let me save you some money right now. Do not buy a Yoga strap with a plastic buckle. Just don’t. Here’s why:
The plastic buckles break over time, leaving you with a perfectly good strap you can’t use. They’re confusing to fasten. It takes a whole lesson just to figure out how to do them up. They don’t stay as tight or snug as metal D rings.
Trust me, plastic buckles are a total waste of money.
Also we re not using those stretchy resistance bands you use for strength training. We don’t want stretch. The whole point of a yoga strap is that it’s firm and holds in place.
My Yoga Strap Reviews: From Worst to Best
I’m ranking these from least favorite to most favourite based on years of teaching experience.
Option 1: The Slippery Fabric Strap (Not Recommended)
I really wanted to love the Lotus Wrap strap. It’s wide, soft, beautiful colors, and has cool features for meditation. But here’s the problem: the fabric is too slippery. Even when you thread it correctly through both rings, over one and under the other, it just slides and won’t stay tight. I only use this when I don’t need a buckle.
Option 2: Vintage Nylon Strap (Good Option)
This is my second favorite. I’ve had mine since my Yoga teacher training, and it’s still going strong. Here’s what I love:
Made from durable nylon that lasts forever. Features metal D rings (flat on one side, round on the other) that hold securely. You can make one yourself from a mountain climbing or outdoor recreation store. Super sturdy and will literally last a lifetime.
The downsides? It’s not as environmentally friendly as cotton or hemp, and it tends to be shorter than some other options, which can be limiting for certain poses.
Option 3: Cotton Strap with Loop End (My Favourite!)
This is the winner! I use a strap from a Canadian company called Dusky Leaf, but the key features are what matter, not the brand:
Quality metal D rings that are the perfect size, not too big or too small. Well sewn cotton that’s durable. A small loop on the opposite end, which is genius for catching your foot or hand. The loop doesn’t interfere with threading through the D rings.
This loop design gives you so much versatility. You can hook it around your foot, catch it with your hand, or do it up and bind it for firm support.
How to Use D Ring Buckles on Yoga Straps
Here’s the proper way to thread your strap through D rings:
Thread the strap through both D rings. Go back over the second ring you went through. Then go under the first ring.
This creates a snug bind that won’t slip. Way better than plastic buckles or round rings.
What Length Yoga Strap Should You Buy?
This is important! Get a strap that’s slightly longer than you think you’ll need.
Here’s my test:
Lie on your back. Loop the strap over your foot and extend your leg up in the air. Your elbows should be able to rest comfortably on the floor while holding the strap ends.
How long that needs to be depends on your height, but if you have to choose, go a little longer rather than shorter. Common lengths are six feet, eight feet, and longer. Taller yogis need longer straps.
DIY Yoga Strap: Make Your Own
If you’re crafty, you can absolutely make your own yoga strap! Here’s what you need:
Webbing or nylon fabric from a fabric store or outdoor recreation store. Metal D ring buckles (available online or at fabric stores). A sewing machine. Optional: add a small loop on one end for extra functionality.
This could even be a fun side hustle if you’re good at sewing. There’s definitely a gap in the market for quality yoga straps with smart design features.
Quick Recap: Best Yoga Strap Shopping Tips
Avoid plastic buckles at all costs. Look for metal D rings. Choose cotton, hemp, or nylon materials. Get a strap longer than you think you need. Bonus points if it has a loop on one end. Start with a bathrobe tie if you’re on a tight budget.
My Final Thoughts on Yoga Props for Home Practice
Out of all the Yoga props you can invest in, Yoga straps and Yoga bricks won’t break the bank. They’re affordable essentials for any home Yoga practice, whether you’re into Restorative Yoga, Therapeutic Yoga, Yin Yoga, or more active styles.
If you’re just starting your home practice, grab a Yoga mat, a set of bricks, and a good quality strap.
Have you tried different Yoga straps? Let me know in the comments which ones you love or which ones were total duds.
And if you’re practicing Therapeutic Yoga or Gentle Yoga styles, you might not even need a mat, just props for support and comfort.
Happy practicing!
xo
nyk
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