Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Gaiam Sol Studio Select at Amazon
“Get deeper into postures, thanks to a moisture-wicking topcoat.”
Best Heavy Duty: Manduka Pro Yoga Mat at Amazon
“Avoid sweat absorption and its leftover odor.”
Best for Hot Yoga: The Aurorae Synergy 2-in-1 at Amazon
“The more you sweat, the grippier the mat gets.”
Best Budget: BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose at Amazon
“Praised for its great price and comfort.”
Best for Travel: Reversible (Un) Mat at shop.lululemon.com
“An extremely lightweight mat perfect for your yoga on the go.”
Best Extra-Large: Hugger Mugger Para Rubber XL at Walmart
“Measures 78”x 28”, so your long limbs have plenty of space.”
Best Eco-Friendly: Jade Harmony Yoga Mat at Amazon
“The mats are made sustainably with natural rubber.”
Best Design: Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat at Amazon
“Infuses your Vinyasa with a bit of color.”
It’s hard to flow into a deep cobra pose when your yoga mat keeps slipping out from underneath you. To get the most out of your next Hatha class, you may want to invest in a moisture-wicking, thick yoga mat. But with so many mats on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which one to choose. The good news? There’s a yoga mat for almost every type of yoga. Check out what our experts have to say about these top products.
What to Look for in a Yoga Mat
Thickness: Yoga mats can range dramatically in terms of thickness: Some travel-friendly mats are a mere 1/16 inches thick, while premium options can be up to 1/2 inches thick. The thicker your mat is, the more cushion it’ll provide during poses—ideal for those with sensitive knees or wrists. However, the tradeoff is that thick mats are bulkier to transport and store. They can also be a bit wobbly during balance poses.
Material: You’ll come across a few common materials as you shop for yoga mats. The majority are made from PVC (or vinyl), which has the perfect amount of give and doesn’t retain moisture or odors. However, PVC isn’t the most eco-friendly material, which is why many yogis prefer mats made from rubber, jute, or cotton.
Texture: Some mats are textured while others are completely smooth. Textured mats usually provide better traction, so you won’t be slipping out of your downward dog, while some people find smooth mats to be more comfortable on their hands. It all depends on your personal preferences.
What Experts Say
“When choosing a yoga mat, it’s important to consider the thickness. A thicker mat will give you more support for your joints but can add an extra stability challenge. The texture and stickiness of the surface are also important factors since they can determine comfort and help prevent slipping on your mat.”—Kasey Kotarak, NASM certified trainer at Fit Body Boot Camp
General Health Magazine 