As all yogis know a good yoga mat, (as well as the right activewear gear and yoga blocks) is one of the most important accessories when it comes to your practice - whether you love a sweaty hot yoga session or prefer a morning vinyasa flow.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or a regular on the mat - if it’s seen better days it won’t support you as you move, and no one wants to be slipping all over the place mid-flow. But, with so many brands offering different mats, from non-slip to sustainable, it can be tough to know what should matter most when shopping for a new one.
What should you look for in a good yoga mat?
The mat’s grip is the first thing you need to look at, says Gerry Lopez, the founder of Sadhana Live: “Physical yoga is all about holding poses and maintaining positions for a set amount of time. By ensuring your mat has a grip, (especially when you have sweaty palms) you won’t slip in poses like the downward dog and headstands. A grip ensures stability and safety and eases your mind when in more difficult positions.”
The thickness will also be important when making your choice, and anything below 0.5mm, although light, won’t feel cushioned enough as you move around the mat. Most medium mats have a thickness of 3mm, although some yoga mats go up to 6mm, but as Lopez says, it takes time and a few poses to realise what you want out of a yoga mat.
“It all depends on where you practise and what surface is beneath the mat. It is also personal preference and how it feels to you, your joints, and your ways of practising,” he says.
Lopez also explains that other factors such as size, how easy it is to clean and transport, and the material it is made from could be more of a preference. “If you’re a beginner or practise infrequently, a basic mat might do but if you’re a keen yogi and practise several times a week investing more money into a mat that is durable and comfortable would be better.”
Not sure where to shop for the best yoga mat? We guide you through the best options
Gaiam Essentials Fitness 10mm Yoga Mat, Black
Size: L172 x W61 x D1cm
Gaiam is a popular label in the yoga space not only for its lauded workout accessories but for its activewear too. Gaiam plays host to an extensive selection of mats that while originally intended for yoga, have the versatility to suit Pilates too.
This is especially true of this option with its 10mm thick cushioning that will offer relief and support for joints. While it provides more depth, it remains very lightweight and includes a carry handle so is easy to take with you on the go, whether that’s to the studio or on a trip so that you can continue your workout spree with no interruption. The mat is kitted out with specially designed non-slip ridges for traction while doing standing movements but also when kneeling or balancing.
Buy now £42.88, Amazon
Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat
If you’re on a budget but you’re still looking for a yoga mat that can perform well for varying yoga practices this mat from Yogamatters has extra cushioning and grip. Available in a rainbow array of colours, the mat, priced at just over £20, is made with high-quality and durable materials, giving it longevity and comfort.
One of the lighter and thinner mats on our list at just 0.5mm thickness, you may need to double it over for extra protection on your knees and elbows, when performing particular poses. Our vote goes to the striking blue or orange versions, which will both stand out in your next class.
Buy now £25.00, Amazon
Yogi Bare Paws Light TRAVEL Yoga Mat 2mm - Extreme Non Slip Grip Mat
Best for: Grip
Material: Natural rubber
Thickness: 4mm
‘Extreme grip’ says it all really. These mats are for those in need of it. Complete with non-slip technology, they are crafted from natural rubber and PU – that’s polyurethane – which means, yes, they tick the eco-friendly box.
What stands out in particular about this mat is its slick design. With a large paw print in the middle, it has a clear environmentally-friendly feel, and although it comes in a range of colours, we think the grey version is particularly smart. Weighing 2.5kg it’s on the heavier side, but for the fantastic grip it offers, it’s worth lugging around.
Buy now £74.95, Amazon
Lululemon 3mm mat
A favourite among yogis, the Lululemon mat has a polyurethane grippy top layer, which means it will retain moisture when you sweat - a fact you’ll appreciate when you’re making your way through a hot Bikram yoga class. The mats come in seven colours and have a marbled design and a natural rubber (FSC-certified) base so you can flip them over for more cushioning. Easy to wipe down to keep fresh they also have an antimicrobial additive to prevent mould or mildew from forming.
Buy now £78.00, Lululemon
Sweaty Betty Supergrip Align Yoga Mat
Size: L183cm x W68cm x D0.5cm
As far as fitness mats go, you can’t deny that this is an attractive one. But the design isn’t just for aesthetic purposes. The pattern indicates where you place yourself to improve balance and posture.
The mat itself is crafted from a grippy rubber blend with a 5mm thickness that makes it a supportive and stable padding for Pilates but also for barre and yoga, even hot yoga. It comes in the Wisteria Purple shade pictured, Glow Pink or Black but is quite heavy, at 3kg, so is not one for travel.
The benefits of low-impact sports like Pilates and yoga are wide-ranging but did you know they can help relieve IBS symptoms for those with sensitive stomachs?
Buy now £65.00, Sweaty Betty
Manduka eKO Yoga Mat 5mm
Material: Natural rubber
Thickness: 5mm
Manduka’s eKO range is well-known amongst eco-friendly yogis, and its eKO Yoga Mat 5mm would make a fine investment. Available in 180cm x 66cm or the slightly longer 200xm x 66cm, yoga teachers contributed to its four-year development process which means it has been tried and tested by the experts.
Made from biodegradable natural tree rubber (not from the Amazon), the mats are treated by non-toxic foaming agents, which means they are softened without the use of harmful chemicals. Eschewing straight synthetic polyester, Manduka combines polyester with natural cotton to reinforce these mats – mats which are 99 per cent latex-free.
In terms of performance, they are excellent vis-à-vis grip, thanks to Manuka’s specialist Tri-Layer Technology. Their top layer repels moisture to stave off bacteria, whilst their bottom delivers sufficient cushioning.
And when it comes to looks, well, they are offered in some truly vibrant hues, like ‘esperance marbled’ and ‘acai midnight’. Whilst discolouration may happen over time, this is often the case with natural rubber – and really, it just means you’re putting your mat to good use.
Buy now £102.00, Manduka
Les Mills MBX MAT
Les Mills is known for its tough cardio and strength workouts, but with at-home fitness becoming the norm they also delved into the world of yoga. This workout mat is perfect for more intense workouts, as well as a gentle flow.
With a bright red surface, it’s striking from the offset and made with high-density eco-PVC for added stability. The flip side is made with an anti-slip coating - so whether your yoga practice brings you out in a sweat or you prefer HIIT classes you’ll feel anchored throughout.
Buy now £60.00, Decathlon
Yogamatters Eco Rise Yoga Mat
Different from many other yoga mats the Yogamatters Eco Rise have a unique cotton-blend mesh surface that gives it a superior grip and durability. Available in mood-enhancing colours, such as sunshine yellow, the mats are designed to blend into your living area. Eco-friendly, the base is made from natural tree rubber which has been sustainably harvested and is free from toxic chemicals and dye. With a medium thickness, at 3mm, you’ll feel well supported throughout your yoga practice.
Buy now £45.00, Amazon
Liforme Grateful rainbow yoga mat
A favourite among yogis, Lululemon’s mat has a polyurethane grippy top layer, which means it will retain moisture when you sweat - a fact you’ll appreciate when you’re making your way through a hot Bikram yoga class.
The mats come in an array of colours and have a marbled design and a natural rubber (FSC-certified) base so you can flip them over for more cushioning. Easy to wipe down to keep fresh they also have an antimicrobial additive to prevent mould or mildew from forming.
Buy now £120.00, Liforme
KG Physio Non Slip Yoga Mat with Yoga Mat Strap
Size: L183 x W60cm x D0.8
The seemingly endless five-star reviews almost speak for themselves. This is one of the most popular Pilates mats on Amazon and for good reason. It has a solid level of cushioning that absorbs impact and puts less strain on your joints and the balls of your feet.
The mat provides a stable surface that is non-slip and sweat-proof so that nothing interferes with your movements – and it’s durable too with a tear-proof construction. Best of all, for ease of travel, it comes with a free carry handle so you can seamlessly take it from studio to home and back. There’s a one-year guarantee for peace of mind.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
Manduka eKO SuperLite Travel Yoga Mat
Available in a plethora of calming gradients and solid hues, Manduka’s SuperLite travel yoga mat is a no-nonsense piece of apparatus to add to your yoga arsenal, especially if you travel a lot. With two options for size – standard and large – you’ll find that both are able to fold neatly into a tote, travel bag or suitcase. Plus, you can use it on top of your regular mat during normal practices for extra support and grip, whether you tend to move on hardwood floors or ultra-plush carpets.
Buy now £54.00, Amazon
Charlotte Jade Botanical Palm mat
Plain yoga mats can make your yoga practice feel very Groundhog Day-ish, but this one from Charlotte Jade will brighten up your morning session every time.
Made with a botanical palm design, the designer was inspired by the beautiful Kentia Palm, native to Australia. Charlotte, an illustrator, designed the mats around the theme of nature - with other designs including giraffe and panther patterns. Eco-friendly, the mat is made with natural rubber, so you can flow or do a HIIT class on the mat without a guilty conscience.
If you love the design so much you want it all over your house, her designs have also been made into matching wall art and cushions.
Buy now £60.00, Charlotte Jade
Flow State Elements collection mat
Bright and quirky types will adore these super colourful yoga mats. Designed by acclaimed Irish street artist Maser the designs use bold vibrant colours to represent the forest, the sea and the sun.
The mat is made with a microfiber top layer, and the natural rubber base is made with sustainability in mind. Machine washable, it can also be gently hand washed to keep it staying fresh.
Its biggest draw is that it doubles up as wall art. Built-in eyelets allow you to hang it up ready for guests to admire.
Buy now £120.00, Flow State
