.png)
Years ago, I created my own yoga brand and I used to sell yoga mats. That was a wonderful journey learning and testing all the yoga mats in the market to create something that would provide enough comfort, stability, with a gorgeous inspiring mandala design, at an affordable price. So, I learned lots about yoga mats materials, textures, thickness, weights, etc, and I thought I'd leave you a few tips on how to get the best yoga mat for your type of practice
A yoga mat is more than just a surface to practice on. To me, my mat is sacred. I've cried, laughed, sweated, learned, slept and experienced the most relaxing moments of my life on my mat, and whether you're into hot yoga, restorative flows, or dynamic vinyasa, choosing the right mat can hugely elevate your practice. So here’s how to pick the best yoga mat based on your needs.
1. Best Yoga Mats for Beginners
Key Features: Comfort, affordability, and grip.
Look for mats with a thickness of around 5-6mm for extra cushioning. This is also great for those who work with injuries or sensitive knees
Opt for PVC-free materials for a more eco-friendly choice.
Choosing a mat with alignment markers to help with positioning can be quite nice too
Top Picks (UK):✔️ Liforme Yoga Mat – Comes with alignment lines for guidance.✔️ Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Mat – Good grip and eco-friendly.✔️ Manduka PRO Yoga Mat – Durable and great for all levels.
2. Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga & Bikram
Key Features: Sweat-absorbing, anti-slip, and durable.
Most mats will lose the grip quicky when taken to hot yoga.
Look for natural rubber or microfibre surfaces to absorb moisture.
A thickness of 3-5mm provides stability without feeling too soft.
Some mats come with a built-in towel layer to help with grip.
Top Picks (UK):✔️ Kati Kaia – Unbeatable soft feeling and very absorbing ✔️ Yogi Bare Teddy Mat – Soft, sweat-absorbing, and machine washable.✔️ Jade Yoga Harmony Mat – Eco-friendly and non-slip.
3. Best Yoga Mats for Vinyasa & Power Yoga
Key Features: High grip, durability, and stability.
Choose mats made from PU, rubber, or textured surfaces for extra traction.
A medium thickness of 4-5mm keeps you stable while cushioning joints.
Opt for a non-toxic and latex-free mat if you have allergies.
Top Picks (UK):✔️ Liforme Travel Mat – Lightweight and grippy.✔️ Manduka PROLite – Great balance between support and durability.✔️ Yogi Bare Paws Mat – Super grippy and great for intense sessions.
4. Best Yoga Mats for Restorative & Yin Yoga
Key Features: Extra cushioning and comfort.
A mat with 6mm or more thickness will support knees and hips during long-held poses.
Soft-touch surfaces like cork or TPE provide a luxurious feel.
Look for wider and longer mats for more space to relax.
Top Picks (UK):✔️ Gaiam Thick Yoga Mat – Affordable and extra padded.✔️ Manduka PRO 6mm Mat – Plush but supportive.✔️ Liforme Extra Wide Mat – More space for deep stretches. ✔️Kati Kaia - cushioning and very bigger size for extra comfort, plus gorgeous designs
5. Best Yoga Mats for Travel & On-the-Go Practices
Key Features: Lightweight, foldable, and portable.
Look for mats that are 1-3mm thick for easy packing.
Choose a non-slip surface so you can practice anywhere.
Consider foldable designs rather than roll-up styles.
Top Picks (UK):✔️ Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Mat – Thin but grippy, foldable and very lightweight (This is my mat and I love it so so much, but it offers very little to none cushioning) ✔️ Liforme Travel Mat – Lightweight and eco-friendly.✔️ Yogi Bare Travel Mat – Affordable and easy to carry.
Final Tips for Choosing Your Yoga Mat
Consider your practice style before buying.
Prioritise grip and comfort for a better experience.
Look for eco-friendly options to reduce environmental impact.
Test before you buy if possible—many yoga studios sell mats or allow trials.
With the right mat, your yoga journey will feel even more enjoyable. Which mat do you swear by? Let me know in the comments! 🧘♀️✨
Comments