The very best yoga mats ought to preserve eager yogis journeying to yoga nirvana for years to return, however discovering your good match isn’t all the time a simple job.
We put among the finest yoga (opens in new tab) mat manufacturers to the take a look at; our mission was to search out yoga mats to swimsuit all budgets, life, and yoga types, understanding what does and doesn’t work for various variations of observe and train.
Whether or not you’re a complicated practitioner or simply discovering your downward canine for the primary time, a mat isn’t simply a mat. Qualities like thickness, materials, measurement, and grip all spell the distinction between being really current throughout class or just slip-sliding and wobbling your technique to warrior one.
There are a lot of advantages of yoga (opens in new tab), and scorching yoga advantages (opens in new tab) are additionally up for grabs when you choose to show up the warmth throughout class. A overview revealed within the Worldwide Journal of Yoga (opens in new tab) discovered yoga has been proven to enhance bodily, psychological, and non secular well being, together with managing signs of stress, anxiousness, and mood-related problems. In flip, these enhancements can decrease stress in your immune system.
And based on Harvard Well being (opens in new tab), yoga improves your cardiovascular well being and health, additionally serving to to decrease blood stress and even enhance points with shallowness and physique picture.
If you happen to’re nonetheless determining what you need from a mat, we advocate holding again on spending lots of of {dollars} and experimenting with differing kinds first. Our knowledgeable information consists of main manufacturers from throughout the market and we’ve additionally summarized what every mat is finest at.
We additionally cowl the perfect eco-conscious buys, travel-friendly finds, and tremendous sticky, grippy reversible mats which are certain to have you ever in a headstand for longer.
From the inexpensive to the luxurious, it’s all right here. Get gut-happy with yoga for digestion (opens in new tab) or learn on for our greatest yoga mats information.
Greatest yoga mats
For as soon as you possibly can imagine the hype: the Lululemon Reversible 5mm Yoga Mat is price each cent.
Nicely made, sturdy and with wonderful traction in each moist and dry situations, it’s the yoga mat that retains on giving.
It’s springy sufficient to maneuver round on with nice cushioning to assist bones and joints. Its skinny polyurethane layer and ‘sweat-wicking’ pure rubber base, does job at absorbing moisture and the antimicrobial additive within the mat prevents micro organism from increase.
It’s a bit smelly if you first open it, and tends to scratch simply. It’s additionally a bit on the heavy facet at 2.38kg however that doesn’t matter when you’re driving to class otherwise you often exercise from dwelling. Plus, the 5mm thickness means you get the assist the place you want it most.
The Yogi Naked model is about their ‘everyone, each physique’ ethos and bringing wonderful high quality along with an eco-sensitive design.
As a health instructor and yoga scholar, we have been eager to check this mat below varied situations to see if it might maintain its personal, and we have been positively impressed.
It’s not all about seems with this mat – though we love the stripped-back enchantment– it’s additionally grippy, sturdy, and presents good stability.
The Yogi Naked Wild Paws yoga mat is likely one of the dearer manufacturers we examined and sits simply above the $100 mark. Nonetheless, we extremely doubt you’ll want to interchange this mat for years.
4mm of springy thickness gives sufficient padding for courses like Yin however nonetheless lets you really feel grounded and properly linked with the ground and mat. Nonetheless, we advocate journey yogis search for different manufacturers in our round-up as a result of this mat weighs 2.5kg and feels heavy-duty below your arm. The excellent news is that the load prevents the mat from sliding round or furling on the sides, so it will depend on the way you observe and what you worth extra.
If you happen to’re after sustainable design, this mat additionally ticks the bins. It’s product of pure rubber and PU (polyurethane artificial leather-based), making it each non-slip and totally recyclable. We love that Yogi Naked encourage patrons to ship of their previous mats to be repurposed as a part of their recycling marketing campaign, bagging you a reduction on a future buy.
We seen scuff marks and paw prints (sure, our canine additionally enjoys downward canine) after the primary use, however the mat is straightforward to wash (heat water and diluted lemon juice on the prepared), and we did take a look at the black design – a notoriously powerful shade for hiding put on and tear.
If you happen to’re in search of grip issue and a posture increase, this mat will not fail you – even in humid scorching yoga courses. The shortage of slippage makes it good for dynamic courses and scorching yoga, however it could maintain its personal throughout low-impact courses and even if you’re eager to get playful with arm balances or inversions.
JadeYoga is quick changing into one of the vital fashionable yoga manufacturers on this planet. The Jade Concord yoga mat is the model’s hottest design and prices lower than $90, so we predict it is a steal.
Self-titled ‘nature’s finest yoga mat’, the standout characteristic is the tough, grainy texture of the pure rubber which not solely elevates grip to the subsequent stage however can be a nod to the model’s all-natural design course of. The pure rubber is tapped from rubber timber – a quickly renewable useful resource – and incorporates zero nasties, however JadeYoga recommends avoiding this mat in case you have a latex allergy because the mat might include traces.
JadeYoga donates $5 to totally different charities relying on the colour of the mat bought. Additionally they plant a tree every time somebody makes a purchase order. You may have loads of hanging colours to select from, but the palette nonetheless feels minimalistic, earthy and in step with the model itself.
There was no compromise in high quality when retaining to a sustainable ethos. The fabric isn’t just like the comfortable PU coating of different mats, which could not be for everybody, nevertheless it’s properly suited to anybody who will get artistic with balances, tends to sweat extra, or simply prefers scorching yoga courses. We discovered the feel more durable to wipe down for that reason, and the mat is delicate to daylight and chemical substances so water and a humid fabric can be your new finest buddy. It’s additionally reversible, which ought to assist enhance sturdiness.
We advocate this mat for many skill ranges and practices, however whereas it’s 5mm thick (barely thicker than the Yogi Naked Wild Paws yoga mat (opens in new tab)), it really felt thinner and fewer suited to restorative courses. Those that favor a artistic observe will love the design, however novices or anybody nursing unhealthy knees will profit from making an attempt one other mat from this round-up.
The rougher rubber texture attracts mud and sweat staining, however that is typical of grippy mats and will be combated by merely cleansing it down after each class. We additionally advocate choosing a extra travel-friendly possibility from our lineup when you plan to take your mat away with you. All, in all, if you wish to store with a model whose coronary heart and soul are rooted in being Earth-conscious, this mat will serve you properly, alongside a sturdy design.
The Sweaty Betty Tremendous Grip Yoga Mat lives as much as its title on the grip entrance and gives wonderful assist and stability for all sorts of yoga.
Its sticky latex floor makes it sturdy sufficient to face up to a scorching yoga session, and its non-slip nature makes it nice for stability, which means that you may keep in stability poses reminiscent of downward canine for longer.
Our one criticism is that as a result of its stickiness, this yoga mat can be considerably of a mud and grime magnet. It additionally picks up marks simply, however that is nothing that common cleansing (and a carry bag for storage) can’t resolve.
As a result of this eco-friendly mat is comprised of pure latex (keep away from in case you have a latex allergy) it is best to anticipate a robust odor at first. Nonetheless, this does put on off in time. We’d be aware that this mat is a bit skinny for headstands, so that you may want so as to add a towel to make it thicker.
The Jade Yoga Journey Yoga Mat is ideal for journey because it’s skinny, light-weight and compact.
It simply folds all the way down to the scale of a yoga block, and has a textured design that offers it nice grip. Whereas this mat will take up little or no house in your baggage or your closet at dwelling, the draw back is that its tremendous skinny profile means that there’s zero padding on this journey mat. We’d additionally advocate rolling the mat out after you unpack it to attenuate creases.
This yoga mat is comprised of PVC-free pure rubber so anticipate a rubbery odor for the primary few weeks (and keep away from this product in case you have a latex allergy). It has an open cell development and is de facto sticky, which is good because it signifies that you gained’t slip and slide throughout your yoga session.
We’d be aware that the mat generally is a little slippery when sweat-soaked, nevertheless it doesn’t are likely to mark or stain which is an enormous bonus. Jade Yoga has a plant-based mat wash you should use for cleansing, however we discovered that common sprays labored simply as properly (though keep away from UV cleaners as these can harm the rubber). Total an incredible worth mat with good efficiency for travelling yogis.
- This mat remains to be present process testing and we are going to replace this information when testing is full.
The Gaiam Premium 2-Coloration Yoga Mat is reversible, so you possibly can select which facet fits your yoga fashion or exercise.
It is available in at below 50 bucks so it’s a strong budget-friendly possibility for individuals new to yoga.
It’s measurement for taller individuals who want a bit extra mat house, and has nice cushioning to assist joints and bones. That makes it a good selection for anybody utilizing it for circuits or HIIT exercises, too.
Our predominant complaints are that it tends to mark simply and the stickiness does not final very lengthy. It’s sweat absorbent to an extent, however not suitable with scorching yoga. The plus facet is that it’s latex-free and comes with Gaiam’s lifetime assure.
- This mat remains to be present process testing and we are going to replace this information when testing is full.
The Lululemon Take Type 5mm yoga mat is likely one of the most costly on our listing, retailing at over $100. However its lovely design and cleverly refined alignment cues enable each yogi to guide intuitively with their senses.
The objective of this mat is to create a extra sensory and naturally flowing expertise, utilizing a 3D design to assist enhance your observe and higher information and place you. It is available in a variety of sentimental marbled tones and options delicate concentric circles that seem like raindrops spanning and rippling throughout your mat; each is barely ridged and helps information your hand and foot positioning, in addition to indicating the midline of the mat.
As all the time with Lululemon, supplies are fastidiously thought of. This mannequin is crafted from pure rubber (licensed by the Forest Stewardship Council) and is plushly padded and tremendous grippy. We discovered it held its personal in heated dynamic courses and extra restorative Yin-based practices and cushioned sufficient that we might nonetheless maintain agency on our balances.
Some customers discovered the sticky grip prevented clean transitions and others felt the ridges didn’t present sufficient steering, however we liked our time on this mat. These looking for a light-weight design ought to contemplate others in our round-up, and the Take Type appeared noticeably heftier than its Jade Concord yoga mat (opens in new tab)counterpart.
These making an attempt to avoid wasting money may benefit from the favored Lululemon Reversible 5mm yoga mat (opens in new tab), however we felt extraordinarily at dwelling on this mannequin, and there’s loads of house to have some enjoyable.
- Learn our full Lululemon Take Type yoga mat overview
Pores and skin-safe and OEKO-TEX licensed (free from hazardous chemical substances), the Manduka Prolite Yoga Mat is a favorite of yoga lecturers and referred to as professional for good motive.
Its extremely thick 6mm cushioning gives wonderful assist and stability, whereas it’s nonetheless agency sufficient underfoot for tree/stability poses. The dot sample retains the mat regular on any floor and the textured prime layer means you possibly can stream between strikes with out sticking to the mat.
Admittedly, this mat wants a little bit of breaking in and it’s really useful to make use of a sea salt scrub to hurry up the method. Every mat is handmade and is comprised of closed-cell materials, which seals out moisture and micro organism, retaining mould and mildew at bay.
We love that it is available in two sizes – customary and additional lengthy, so taller individuals can take pleasure in not hanging off the mat for as soon as (however phrase to the sensible: the larger mat might take up worthwhile house in smaller yoga studios, which could show unpopular!).
- This mat remains to be present process testing and we are going to replace this information when testing is full.
New to yoga? The Heathyoga TPE Physique Alignment System Yoga Mat is a strong alternative as a result of it comes with marks for arms and ft placement.
That is actually useful for newcomers to yoga, as you possibly can work on appropriate approach and positioning with much less threat of harm.
It’s slip resistant, straightforward to wash and stays good and flat as soon as it’s unrolled. It’s thick sufficient to do extended yin observe poses with consolation and has wonderful grip, even in scorching yoga courses. We love how sturdy it’s, with simply the correct quantity of cushioning for standing poses.
Longer and wider than customary yoga mats, the Heathyoga TPE Physique Alignment System Yoga Mat comes with a free Velcro strap and carrying strap
- This mat remains to be present process testing and we are going to replace this information when testing is full.
The With Each Atom Cork Yoga Mat is additional giant so it’s an incredible possibility for taller individuals.
It’s comprised of naturally grippy rubber and moisture wicking cork, so the grip really improves the extra you sweat. It’s an incredible alternative for all types of yoga, together with Ashtanga, Hatha, scorching yoga and different floor-based exercises.
It’s pretty light-weight and never too thick but supportive and comfy sufficient for day by day observe. We love that the With Each Atom Cork Yoga Mat is vegan-friendly and comprised of sustainably sourced, pure and recycled supplies.
Cork is of course antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, so it’s additionally low upkeep. It tends to mark simply, however is straightforward to wash. Plus, if you purchase an Each Atom Cork Yoga Mat the model vegetation a tree. The one draw back is that this yoga mat solely is available in one shade.
- This mat remains to be present process testing and we are going to replace this information when testing is full.
Which yoga mat is finest?
Selecting your supreme mat will rely on a couple of issues, so we spoke to yoga instructor Eloise Skinner (opens in new tab) to search out out extra. We additionally cowl some fundamentals under that it is best to issue into your decision-making.
Eloise Skinner is a professional yoga, Pilates and mindfulness instructor. She at the moment holds courses at varied studios throughout London. She’s additionally an creator and the founding father of two academic start-ups.
Yoga fashion
“Total, relating to in search of mats, take into consideration the forms of mats you have appreciated to observe on in studios previously,” says Skinner. “When you have a favourite studio mat, verify the model title (many studios use big-name manufacturers like Lululemon).
It’s also possible to contemplate the kind of observe you usually take. When you have a slower, Yin-based observe, go for a thicker, extra supportive mat. For fast-paced Vinyasa, search for one thing a bit lighter, with grip.”
Throughout heated vinyasa or Bikram, you’re more likely to get sweaty. We advocate prioritizing grip, together with rougher textured mats that can preserve you steady throughout lengthy holds and transitions – just like the Jade Concord yoga mat (opens in new tab)or most Lululemon mats.
It’s additionally vital to think about supplies with sweat-wicking properties and an antimicrobial layer which is able to stop micro organism from increase, retaining your mat in motion for longer (with none disagreeable smells).
Way of life
If life has you touring right here, there, and in all places you then’ll desire a light-weight mat that’s straightforward to stow in a suitcase or throw below your arm. Something below 2kg is good, nevertheless it will depend on what you personally contemplate ‘heavy-duty.’
Skinner recommends mats with a carrying strap and protecting case and one thing mild sufficient to throw over your shoulders. “You’ll be able to all the time double up your private mat on prime of a studio mat if a journey mat feels too skinny,” she says.
JadeYoga Journey yoga mats (opens in new tab)and the Gaiam manufacturers are massively fashionable. We additionally price the Primasole folding yoga mat as a result of it folds like paper right into a compact and easy-to-carry parcel.
Simply because a yoga mat is thick doesn’t essentially point out that it’s heavy. Thickly padded foam mats are more durable to roll up and have a tendency to curve as they roll out, however they will nonetheless be light-weight and are good for low-impact courses, novices, and people on the transfer. On this occasion, you’d have to verify the fabric and weight to see simply how light-weight it’s.
Materials
If you happen to’re making an attempt to be extra sustainable along with your selections, or undergo from allergic reactions, verify the supplies within the specs before you purchase your mat. Cork and PU are good choices, and pure rubber is massively fashionable because it’s a biodegradable and quickly renewable useful resource, though it might include latex.
Many manufacturers now mix artificial with pure supplies which are all recyclable. Manufacturers like JadeYoga and Yogi Naked have even partnered as much as plant timber or recycle mats in your behalf if you purchase with the model.
Totally different supplies will decide sturdiness, grip, and thickness. Pure rubbers are likely to lead to a course mat that’s nice for grip, however PVC-based yoga mats are arguably extra sturdy.
Greatest yoga mats for decent yoga
“For warm yoga courses, my predominant advice could be to search for a mat with specialist moisture-wicking supplies (in different phrases, a mat designed for a scorching studio),” Skinner advises.
“You’re in search of traction below your palms, however not too thick that you may’t really feel the ground. It’s vital in yoga that the mat will not be too cushioned or thick. The nearer your arms and ft are to the ground, the extra you’ll have the ability to grip, stability, and really feel a way of being grounded.”
Foam mats get slippery rapidly, whereas rubber or PU-coated mats maintain out in hotter situations. Nonetheless, speedy yoga courses like Rocket require quicker transitions, and grip might sluggish you down, so keep in mind to think about your class preferences too. If you happen to’re utilizing yoga to repair your posture (opens in new tab), grip is nice.
Cork mats, just like the With Each Atom Cork yoga mat, take up moisture properly and are good for decent yoga courses. Lastly, look out for mat specs that point out open cell or closed cell construction; open cell refers to a capability to soak up moisture, whereas closed cell has sweat-wicking properties and can stop sweat from absorbing into the mat.
Whatever the route you go down, make sure you’re not overspending for the sake of the model title. Many inexpensive mats below $100 are nonetheless wonderful and may do the job equally properly, whereas some luxurious manufacturers might have you ever paying an additional zero only for a gimmick.
What’s the finest thickness for yoga mats?
Yoga mats range in thickness from roughly 1.5mm to 6mm. Most individuals intention for the center mark to profit from varied yoga types.
Historically, yoga lecturers and superior yogis go for a thinner mat as a result of it provides them a extra steady connection to the bottom. This usually helps to enhance stability as properly. Nonetheless, individuals with joint-related accidents will profit from padding, as will anybody who recurrently enjoys stretching to enhance flexibility (opens in new tab) or enjoys HIIT, restorative yoga, or Pilates.
If you happen to choose a thick mat, we love the Lululemon Take Type yoga mat. We advocate Primasole for a thinner really feel.
The place is the perfect place to purchase a yoga mat?
Figuring out which model is finest for yoga mats will be fairly a job. We love JadeYoga and Lululemon, however Sweaty Betty additionally pulls in rave opinions recurrently. If you happen to’re nonetheless uncertain, verify the opinions on an unbiased web site like Amazon.
Third-party web sites like Greatest Purchase and Goal typically pack reductions on yoga mats and health attire, but when deal seems too good to be true, do your due diligence to keep away from false economic system. Low-quality supplies which are un-recyclable will solely have you ever spending once more in a couple of months and will additionally have you ever slipping over throughout class.
“As a instructor, my favourite is the Sweaty Betty Tremendous Grip yoga mat (opens in new tab),” Skinner recommends. “It’s comfortable sufficient to really feel comfy however designed to forestall slips. Additionally made with totally biodegradable supplies!”
How one can clear your yoga mat
Our information on the way to clear a yoga mat (opens in new tab)is price testing, however many manufacturers will present directions on their web site. It will range relying on the fabric of your yoga mat.
Some will advocate utilizing heat water and a humid fabric, whereas others might choose diluted lemon juice instead of heat water. It’s additionally price checking in case your mat is delicate to UV mild as this may stop out of doors observe or drying exterior.
Most manufacturers advocate avoiding harsh chemical substances, washing machines, or dryers if you’d like your mat to final.
Most significantly, your yoga journey must be enjoyable. Whichever mat you select, ensure it really works in your way of life and wishes first.
How we take a look at yoga mats
To make sure we solely advocate the perfect yoga mats, we put each by its paces in two forms of yoga courses – gliding gracefully by a 60-minute restorative yin and powering by a sweaty 60-minute scorching vinyasa.
We examined every mat for consolation, grip, versatility, and worth for cash as we lunged, flowed, and navigated inversions, additionally noting standout options like sustainable supplies or design perks like alignment cue strains and enjoyable patterns. Every mannequin was awarded a last rating out of 5 stars, figuring out how seemingly we’re to advocate the product to yogis looking for a brand new mat for locating their zen.
*This text is for informational functions solely, and isn’t meant to supply medical recommendation.