If you’re a regular at yoga, meditation, Pilates or Barre classes then you’ll know the merits of bringing your own mat.
This means you need a yoga mat strap to conveniently take it from your home to the studio. While some mats come with a strap or a protective bag, you might want an upgrade or be looking for one which doubles up as a yoga belt to help you extend and lengthen your poses. Because the less you have to lug to practice with you the better, right?
Yoga straps are also super useful at home for keeping your mat neatly and tightly wrapped up, so you can store it away until your next session.
If you haven’t thought too much about bringing your own equipment to your favourite yoga space, Genny Wilkinson, CEO of Mission, the largest movement studio in Europe, explains that in her opinion it’s a little like “using bowling shoes! Think about it: you're laying down on a mat that someone else has sweated on.”
Many studios will now offer places for you to store your mat, as like Wilkinson says they “are really personal things, and I think the days of using a manky, uncleaned studio mat are behind us.” You can find our pick of the best yoga mats here.
But back to your strap, what should you be looking for? Straps with a metal buckle may feel more secure on a heavier mat, though Velcro fastenings are easy to use. If you pick a strap which doubles as a yoga belt for poses such as paschimottanasana (forward bend) and gomukhasana (cow face pose), then one made from nylon or polyester may help you get a grip. A loop fastening means it will fit any thickness and can be secured with tension.
If your mat is heavy look for one with a shoulder rest or support for added comfort.
Whatever your practice of choice, here’s our pick of the best yoga mat straps.
Sweaty Betty Yoga Carry Strap
This simple Sweaty Betty carry strap distributes weight well if you have a heavier yoga mat as it’s made from a durable fabric and the velcro fastening means it can be used on a variety of thicknesses.
Buy now £15.00, Sweaty Betty
Manduka The Commuter Yoga Mat Strap
As the name suggests, this Manduka mat is ideal for taking to and from the office as it has a comfy padded shoulder strap. It’s also a great choice for anyone looking for a more sustainable option as it is made from natural cotton twill and webbing, which are renewable materials, and it is free from dyes. It cinches with no buckles or velcro — ideal if you like to leave and arrive at practice as quietly as possible!
Buy now £20.00, Amazon
Alo Yoga Strap
This Alo strap is designed for both carrying your mat and for deepening stretches in the studio. It’s super durable and made with nylon webbing. Adjust the loop at the end and it can fit any mat size.
Buy now £22.00, Alo
Gaiam Easy-Cinch Yoga Mat Sling
This sling-style strap has metal D-rings to secure your mat and make it easy to cinch it if you’re in a hurry. It’s also a double-purpose design which can be used for stretching, so you can take less equipment to class.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
Yoga Studio Organic Cotton Yoga Mat Strap Carrier
Sturdy and made from organic cotton this Yoga Studio mat carrier is a great option for eco-conscious yogis, and as it’s affordable, it’s an ideal choice if just do occasional practice at a studio.
Buy now £9.95, Amazon
Varley Yoga Strap
This stylish webbing strap from Varley is perfect for tying up your mat at home to keep it secure and out of the way. The rivets and polyester finish make it sturdy for travelling with too.
Buy now £35.00, Varley
Yogamatters Organic Cotton Yoga Mat Strap
Another option for a belt and carrier in one, this option from Yogamatters comes in lots of colourways, so you can contrast or match it to your kit or mat. The loops are adjustable for different mat sizes.
Buy now £7.99, Yogamatters
KIMJALY Adjustable Yoga Mat Strap
Wide rip-tabs in velcro let you tie up your mat tight with ease, so the KIMJALY Adjustable Yoga Mat Strap is perfect for on-the-go yogis!
Buy now £5.99, Decathlon
Lululemon Adjustable Yoga Mat Strap
For heavier mats, the adjustable buckle of Lululemon’s closure strap is on hand and promises to last through years of practice.
Buy now £25.00
Myga 2 In 1 Yoga Belt & Sling
This cotton yoga strap fro Myga comes with D-ring fastenings and can be used to deepen your stretches to build flexibility over time. It also doubles up as a sling for your mat. Plus, it has a super affordable price point, so is a great option for those early on in their yoga journey.
Buy now £6.99, Robert Dyas
