Best Yoga Mats [2023]

Buying Guide for Yoga Mats

Yoga Mat Materials – Rubber, Cork, Foam, Jute, TPE, Bamboo, Cotton and More

The material of your yoga mat is one of the most important factors to consider when making your purchase. Yoga mats are typically made from either rubber, foam, cork or microfiber. Rubber mats are the most durable and provide the best grip, but they can be heavy and difficult to transport.

PVC mats are lighter and easier to transport – but they are not as durable, may not provide as much grip, and are potentially toxic. Microfiber mats are lightweight and easy to transport, but they may not provide as much cushioning or grip as other materials. Cork is a nice eco-friendly, non-slip option too – as we cover in our best cork yoga mat reviews. They’re also sustainable like bamboo, cotton and jute yoga mats too.

For exercise, travel, beach, waterproof, outdoors, beginners and advanced yogis

Yoga mats come in many different varieties to suit the needs of different yogis. Exercise mats are sometimes thinner and provide less cushioning, making them ideal as foldable travel mats to use on the go. Most of the mats above are latex-free, PVC-free, and work great on carpet.

While many of them are cheap, affordable and budget-friendly, you’ll also find high-quality, premium luxury yoga mats that are expensive.

Beach and tropical mats tend to be more absorbent and waterproof, which also makes them great for hot yoga or use in humid conditions while practicing outdoors. Beginners may prefer a mat with more cushioning and support, or even one of the best alignment yoga mats with position lines and poses. No matter what your needs, there is a yoga mat that is perfect for you – even for advanced and veteran yogis and instructors.

Types of Yoga – Restorative, Power, Kundalini, Hatha, Iyengar, Yin, Ashtanga Vinyasa, and Bikram Hot Yoga

The type of yoga you practice will also influence the type of mat you should choose. For example, if you practice bikram hot yoga, you will want to choose a mat that is specifically designed for that purpose as it will be made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and won’t slip when your hands and feet are sweaty.

If you practice restorative yoga, you may want to choose a softer mat that will allow you to sink into supported poses. Also consider mats for power, kundalini, hatha, and vinyasa.

Thickness and Cushioning

Another factor to consider when purchasing a yoga mat is thickness. Yoga mats range in thickness from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch (which means they’re 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm). If you are a beginner, it’s best to choose a mat that is on the thicker side so that you have more cushioning and support. If you are more experienced, you may prefer a thinner mat so that you can feel more connected to the ground.

Yoga Mat Grip for Sweaty Hands and Moisture

The grip of your yoga mat is also an important consideration. Some mats have a textured surface that helps to prevent slipping, while others have a smooth surface. If you have sweaty hands during your practice, it’s best to choose a mat with a textured surface so that you don’t slip and injure yourself.

Yoga Mat Size, Design and Color

The first factor to consider when purchasing a yoga mat is size. Yoga mats come in a variety of sizes, from small mats that are ideal for travel to large mats that provide ample space for practicing. It is important to choose a mat that is the right size for your body and your needs. If you are taller or have wider shoulders, you may want to choose a larger mat. If you are shorter or have narrower shoulders, you may want to choose a smaller mat.

Another to consider when purchasing a yoga mat is design. Yoga mats come in a variety of designs, from simple mats that are solid in color to mats that are printed with patterns or images.

There are also mats that have different textures, such as those that are sticky or those that have raised bumps or ridges. It is important to choose a mat that has a design that you find aesthetically pleasing and that will help you feel more comfortable while practicing yoga.

Durability

You ideally want a mat that’ll last minimum 12 months. Yoga mats are must-have yoga essentials made from a variety of materials, such as PVC, rubber, or jute. Some materials are more durable than others, so it’s important to choose a material that will withstand wear and tear and will not break down over time.

Texture

The texture of a yoga mat is important for two reasons: grip and comfort. A mat with a rougher texture will provide more grip, which can be helpful for beginners or for those practicing more challenging poses (although you’ll want to consider durability – which is often why yogis and instructors carry their mat in a protective yoga mat bag). A mat with a smoother texture will be more comfortable and may be better suited for those who are more experienced or who practice more gentle forms of yoga.

Comfort

Comfort is another important factor to consider when choosing a yoga mat. If a mat is too thin, it may not provide enough cushioning, which can lead to pain in the joints. If a mat is too thick, it can make balancing poses more difficult. It’s important to find a mat that is comfortable for your own individual needs.