How to Choose the Right Yoga Mat

A yoga mat is your constant companion in every yoga session. It protects your body from direct contact with the floor, helps retain warmth, and reduces the risk of injury during practice. Choosing the right yoga mat—one that both supports your training and inspires you each time you step on it—is incredibly important.

1. Size, Thickness, and Weight

The mat should be at least as long as your height and wide enough to accommodate your shoulders. Thickness plays a critical role and is often one of the most confusing factors for beginners.

With the same material, thicker mats offer better cushioning and protection from injuries. However, they can make balance poses more challenging due to a “floating” sensation. Thinner mats provide a firmer connection to the floor, offering better stability. Depending on the material, manufacturers offer different thicknesses to balance these factors. Standard mats for everyday practice are typically between 4mm and 8mm thick.

The most common yoga mat sizes on the market are 24 inches wide (61cm) and either 68 inches (173cm) or 72 inches (183cm) long. High-end brands may offer larger custom sizes for added comfort.

If you travel frequently, avoid heavy mats. Instead, consider travel yoga mats that are foldable, lightweight, and super convenient.

2. Elasticity (Resilience)

To test elasticity, press the mat with two fingers and then release. A quality mat will quickly return to its original shape. If it’s too soft and spongy, you might still feel discomfort during floor poses, despite its thickness. If it’s too hard, it may irritate or bruise your skin.

Lay the mat flat—there should be no uneven spots, bumps, or dents.

3. Grip and Anti-Slip Surface

This is one of the most critical features of a yoga mat and what differentiates it from general workout mats. A good yoga mat should have excellent grip, giving you the confidence and stability to hold poses safely.

Test it by laying it flat on a hard surface. Place your palms on it and push forward with force. If the mat slides or your hands slip, the grip is poor and could increase your risk of injury.

4. Alignment Lines

If possible, choose a mat with alignment lines. This feature is especially useful for beginners. These markings help you properly align your hands and feet during poses, ensuring correct posture. Practicing yoga with poor alignment over time can cause spinal issues or muscular imbalances.

Alignment lines also help you remember where to place your hands and feet, saving time and preventing you from constantly estimating distances or repositioning.

5. Brand

To ensure you’re buying a mat specifically designed for yoga, choose one from a well-known, yoga-focused brand. While major sports brands like Adidas, Nike, or Reebok do offer yoga mats, they typically aren’t specialized in yoga, which can result in average quality at a premium price.

Buying from a reputable yoga brand also helps ensure safety—these mats are usually made from non-toxic materials that won’t irritate your skin or respiratory system, which is important since you’ll be in direct contact with the mat during every practice.

6. Material

Material is arguably the most important factor when choosing a yoga mat. It affects the mat’s durability, comfort, safety, and price.

The most common materials used today are:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

• TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

• Natural Rubber with PU (Polyurethane)

Some newer mats feature a cork or felt top layer for better grip, especially for people who sweat a lot, but these still typically use TPE or rubber for the base.