Yoga Mat Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Yoga Mat? (2022)

A yoga mat is the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to practising yoga. A yoga mat has become a fashion trend among fitness enthusiasts. But other than being fashionable and trendy, it has many advantages like comfort, support and grip. Given the popularity of yoga and the demand for yoga mats, the market is flooded with a variety of options in different materials, thicknesses, colours, styles, etc. With so many options, selecting the right yoga mat is a confusing task. To make your work easier, we’ve covered this in-depth yoga mat buying guide at the end at which you’ll be able to decide on the best yoga mat that fits your requirements.

Read on to learn

Who needs a yoga mat?

Let’s be honest here. A yoga mat is not a necessity to practice yoga. You can practice on the floor, rug, carpet or any place you wish to. There is no harm in doing yoga on the floor as far as you are comfortable in your practice. If you check the history of yoga mats, you will find that people in old days used to perform yoga on a cloth carpet or green grass.

Why use a yoga mat? The Benefits

People nowadays choose a yoga mat because of hygiene, space, and padding. For many, it has also become a status symbol to use for a yoga mat. But still, we can’t ignore the many advantages of using a yoga mat.

• • Space – By using a yoga mat, you can mark your territory in the yoga class. Also, it helps you to maintain a distance from your neighbour while practising different stretches and poses.
  • Comfort – A yoga mat offers cushioning between you and the floor. Thus, you get insulation from the cold floors. They also support your joints by providing the required padding.
  • Safety – The yoga mat also offers safety while performing difficult poses where there are chances of slipping and falling. A good yoga mat has the right grip to prevent any slipping and sliding on the floor.
  • Hygiene – It’s hygienic to perform yoga on a yoga mat, especially in a yoga studio where there are a lot of people walking on the floor.

How to select the right yoga mat?

Before selecting the yoga mat, first you need to answer some basic questions like

• What type of yoga you’ll be performing? Beginner yoga with basic poses and breathing or hot yoga with a lot of sweating?
• Where you’ll be practising? Inside your home, yoga studio or outside in the garden?
• Are you planning to travel with your mat?

These questions will help you to get a clear view of your requirements and select the perfect one based on that. Now let’s get started with the yoga mat buying guide.

Yoga Mat Material: Types of Yoga Mat

1. Cork Yoga Mat

Cork mats are made of cork material (bark of a tree) combined with TPE or natural rubber as a base. They are toxin-free, naturally anti-bacterial, renewable, biodegradable and prevent bad smell. Its non-slip grip makes it ideal for hot yoga or people with sweaty palms as it tends to get grippier when wet. This aesthetically pleasing mat is highly durable that lasts for years.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Recyclable
• Super absorbent
• Environment friendly
• Good grip
• Fire retardant
• Anti-fungal and anti-microbial
• Anti-slip with perfect cushioning

Cons

• Difficult to clean
• Heavier than other yoga mats
• Expensive
• Cheaper cork mats tend to become flaky

2. Natural Rubber Yoga Mat 

Yoga mats made of natural rubber are non-toxic, biodegradable and free from any harmful chemicals. It’s not only comfortable to use but is also anti-ski and durable.

Generally, rubber mats have a fair amount of cushioning and a good grip. However, expect a strong smell upon opening the mat that goes over time. Also, they take more time to dry after washing.

TIP: Avoid using a natural rubber mat in the sun or in high heat.

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Non-toxic
• waterproof
• Biodegradable
• Sweat and dirt resistant
• Durable (but not as durable as PVC or TPE mats)
• Comfortable to use
• Free from chemicals and toxins
• Anti-ski

Cons

• Heavy
• Can cause allergy to some (people with allergy to latex)
• Has a strong smell that goes with time

3. TPE (Plastic Elastomer)

TPE is a chemical-free alternative to PVC mats. They are affordable,  easy to fold and have great anti-ski properties. It’s good for doing hot yoga and sweaty exercises due to its anti-sliding properties. Thus, making it a perfect mat for both beginners and advanced yogis alike.

They are waterproof, easy to clean and don’t have any bad odours too.

Pros

• Super light
• Durable
• Best for travel
• Cheap
• Washable
• Offers good insulation from the cold floor in winters

Cons

• They degrade slowly but doesn’t cause hazardous byproduct

4. Cotton Yoga Mat

If you are a natural fibre lover then cotton mats are the option for you. They are highly comfortable, soft, durable and have a nice texture. Typically, they are hand-woven by craftsmen and are relatively thin and lightweight. You can easily take this yoga mat while on a trip or outing. However, it lacks stickiness and the required grip, making it problematic for beginners.

Most loved for: Easy maintenance, eco-friendly, comfort

Pros

• Skin-friendly and eco-friendly
• Comfortable
• Durable
• Comparatively thin, light and portable
• Easy to wash in a washing machine

Cons

• Slides on smooth surfaces like tiles
• Don’t have much grip as other yoga mats

4. Jute Yoga Mat

Jute mats are the most environmental friendly mats out there as they are made of rainwater-harvested jute plants that are grown without any pesticides. These are non-slippery, naturally antimicrobial and easy to maintain. However, the coarse texture of jute mats is not liked by all.

Pros

• Highly durable
• Eco-friendly
• Anti-microbial
• Easy to clean
• Portable

Cons

• The natural fibre is a bit scratchy or coarse in texture
• Might slip on smooth floor or title

6. PVC Yoga Mat

PVC is the most commonly used plastic that’s used in cables, shower curtains, window frames, pipes, etc. It is hazardous to our health as well as the environment. They take ages to degrade and release toxic chemicals in the degradation process. Although they are very cheap, widely available and most popular among users but their cons out weight all their benefits.

Pros

• Very cheap
• Easy to wash
• Has a good grip
• Resist bacterial growth
• Available in a wide variety of colour and design choices
• Non-slippery and good cushioning

Cons

• Not recyclable
• Takes hundreds of years to degrade
• Releases a lot of toxic chemicals during the degradation process

Other yoga mat materials:

• PER – This is a synthetic material that is slightly better than PVC mats because of its recyclable properties. They have similar properties to PVC but are comparatively less damaging to the environment.
• NBR – NBR is a synthetic rubber commonly used in automobiles. This exercise mat offers good cushioning and is non-toxic. These mats are also suitable for people with injuries.

As discussed above, each yoga mat has its own set of pros and cons. Consider the following things before buying one:

• Lifespan or durability of your yoga mat
• Whether it is eco-friendly and recyclable
• Check if it has a solid grip
• Care and maintenance required

Choose the right thickness

Yoga mats are available in a different range of thicknesses. The ideal thickness depends on the place where you’ll be performing the yoga, your practice type and your body needs. Consider a thicker yoga mat if you have sore knees or knee injuries.

• Consider the floor surface

The place where you’ll be doing yoga is also a big factor in selecting the right yoga mat. If you’re intended to practice yoga at home then you don’t need to bother about the weight of the mat. But if you are planning to take it to yoga classes or outdoors then you must choose a light yoga mat for easy carry around.

For travellers, it’s good to invest in a second mat that’s light and compact like TPE or cotton mats.

• Consider your practice type

The thickness of your mat also depends on the type of practice. If your practice involves laying on back or spine and knee poses, then a thicker yoga mat will offer the required safety, support and comfort to your bones.

Extra thick mats sound good to most but it might not be the right option to practise certain poses like balancing. You might wobble and find it difficult to balance on an extra thick mat.

Plus, thicker mats are heavier, difficult to dry and make you feel less connected with the ground. So, it’s good for yoga studios or for home practice. But if you have knee injuries, choose a thicker mat to provide cushioning to your knees.

• Your body needs

A thicker yoga mat offers more cushioning to your knees, joints, hips and spine. The standard thickness of a yoga mat is 3 mm but you can find yoga mats thick yoga mat of 12 mm thickness too. But if you have knee injuries, choose a thicker mat to provide cushioning to your knees.

• For Travel

However, if you are a frequent traveller then thin or extra thin mats are the best for portability. These are thin, lightweight and can be easily folded. Also, it makes you feel connected to the ground.

NOTE: Practicing yoga on a thin mat every day is not good for beginners as it offers almost no cushioning that is not good for your joints. So, thin mats are suitable only for seasoned yogis.

The most common yoga mat thickness options available are:

• 2 mm
• 3 mm
• 4 mm
• 6 mm
• 8 mm
• 12 mm

Durability

The durability of your mat depends on your usage and the material type or quality. If you use it regularly then it tends to tear out faster. Also, maintenance and care are important for more durability. Normally, expect to change the mat in about 1 year.  However, with regular cleaning and maintenance, your mat will last longer.

How to know if it’s time to change the mat?

• Thinning – with regular use, your mat starts to thin from certain places like where you mostly sit or put your hands. Get a new mat when your mat starts getting thin.
• Wear and Tear – It’s time to change your mat if you find the top layer of your mat is peeling off. The same goes for scratches, holes around the common places where you place your body, feet and hands.
• Stinks – If your mat has a funky odour even after cleaning, scrubbing and maintaining it well, it’s time to look for a new one. Your sweaty feet can cause the mat to lose its appeal over a period of time.
• Slipping – It might be the time to replace your mat slips or your find your hands and legs sliding while doing different poses.

Below are some do’s and don’ts to increase the lifespan of your mat:

Do’s

• Practice poses with clean hands and feet
• After every use, wipe your mat with a DIY cleaning solution containing vinegar, water and essential oil.
• Use a mat towel on top of your mat while practising to protect the upper layer of your mat. Towels absorb sweat and make it easy to clean the mat after a sweaty session.
• Fold it properly and keep it in safely after every use.
• Hang your mat and let it dry completely after a sweaty practice.

Don’ts

• Don’t keep your mat (especially rubber and TPE mats) under direct sunlight as it can start to degrade.
• Even if your mat is machine washable still it is not a good idea to put it in the dryer.
• Don’t roll your mat until it’s completely dry.
• It’s not recommended to share a mat without cleaning and disinfecting it.

Stickiness and Grip

A sticky yoga mat gives you the much-required grip by preventing you from sliding while practising different poses or switching from one pose to another.

• PVC mats are the best options that offer the highest stickiness. Also, they have a bumpy texture for better grip. NBR or TPE mats offer almost the same stickiness and grip with a smoother texture.
• Both natural rubber and synthetic yoga mats are grippier when dry but if you are planning for a sweaty yoga practice then you would need a rug or yoga towel on top of it to prevent slipping.
• So, it’s best to invest in a cork mat or high-quality cotton mats for enjoying sweaty practices. Because they are more grippy when wet and also have great moisture absorption capabilities.

Pick your mat colour, shape and style

Yoga mats are available in many different styles – colourful, printed, round, oval, and reversible. Selecting the colour, shape and style of the yoga mat is based on personal preferences. However, there are advantages to every style. So, let’s look at them one by one.

• Solid Color yoga mats

A solid yoga mat has one colour on both sides. They are the most commonly used mats and come in different shades of blue, green, purple, orange and more.

• Yoga mat with the body alignment line

Some yoga mats also come with body alignment marks to help you stay aligned while doing different yoga poses. These are good for beginners to maintain symmetry while doing the practice.

• Reversible yoga mat

Reversible yoga mats can be used on both sides so you get two mats in one piece. They have 2 different colors or prints on both sides. So, if you feel bored with a single design, you can flip the mat to get a fresh new mat.

• Dual colour yoga mat

Dual colour mats have two different colours on either side. It looks trendy and comes in contrasting or complementing shades.

• Printed yoga mats

Printed yoga mats also come in different prints and designs to suit every mood and personality. From floral prints and abstracts to printed poses and geometric printing, you get printed mats in different colors and designs for an aesthetically pleasing experience.

• Shape

You can also find yoga mats in different shapes like oval, circular, hourglass, rectangular and square. Rectangular mats are most common and widely used by yoga enthusiasts.

Size of your yoga mat

Normally the size of the yoga mat is around 6 feet long and 2 feet wide. However, there are extra long and extra wide yoga mats also available for taller people or those who require extra space.

• Standard Size

The standard size of a yoga mat is 68 inches by 24 inches. It’s the ideal size for anyone under the height of 5’8’’ and offers ample space for supine as well as standing positions. The standard yoga mat is the most commonly used mat and it’s recommended for beginners. Additionally, the standard size fits women of most body sizes.

• Longer or Extra Long Yoga Mat Size

If you are taller than 5’8’’or need extra space for some poses, then you can go for extra-long yoga mats available in the sizes of 71’’, 72’’, 74’’ and 84’’.

• Wider Yoga Mat Size

There are extra wide mats also available for bulky people or those who need extra space sidewise. If you come in physical contact with your neighbour while performing stretching in your yoga class then you should opt for a wider mat.

Usually, wider yoga mats are 28 to 30 inches in width.

Note: The longer or wider the mat will be, the bulkier and heavier it will be to carry.

Budget

Generally, yoga mat price range from 500 INR to 3500 INR or more. The cost of a yoga mat depends on the material used, quality, thickness, size, etc. PVC mats are cheaper of all but are not eco-friendly. So, for beginners, it is best to go for TPE or rubber mats depending on your needs.

Beginners can go for basic yoga mats in the range of 500 INR to 1500 INR. While experts or regular practitioners should look for high-end yoga mats ranging from 2000 INR and above.

Maintenance of your yoga mat

The maintenance of your mat depends on the material type. A cotton mat is easy to clean and most of them are machine washable too. But when it comes to sticky mats, PVC or TPE mats, they are harder to deep clean when getting muddy.

Here are some useful tips to clean and maintain your mat:

• If you use the mat regularly or at home then deep clean it at least once a month. However, you would need to clean it twice a month if you practice in a place where there’s a lot of dust and mud.
• The best practice is to give a quick wipe after every use. You can use a mixture of water and vinegar to wipe your yoga mat.
• Roll your mat and strap it or put it in your yoga mat bag before storing it to keep its shape.

How to clean a yoga mat?

Cleaning your mat is a must to make it free from bacteria, dirt, dust and funky smell. Even if your mat is anti-microbial, still you need to give it a rub.

• Cotton yoga mats

Most of the cotton mats can be hand washed or machine washed with detergent. After washing allow it to dry in the air.

• Jute yoga mats

In the case of jute mats, it’s not recommended to wash or wet them as it may darken their colour. You can use a mild detergent or a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to clean the mat. Dip a clean microfiber cloth to gently scrub out any dirt and grime on it.

• Rubber and cork mats

You can use a mat wash or a DIY solution to clean the PVC mat. Spray the mat with a mat wash or a DIY vinegar solution (1:3 ratio). You can wipe it off immediately or leave the solution for 5 minutes for thorough cleaning. Scrub with a sponge pad gently and allow it to air dry before rolling out neatly.

A few points to remember:

• Keep your natural rubber mat away from heat and sunlight. The UV rays can dry out the mat and make it stiff or brittle over a period of time. Always store your rubber mat in a bag or in shade.
• Rubber mats have a natural smell of rubber that is not liked by all. If the smell is bothering you, you can spray a mixture of essential oil (one small drop) with vinegar and water (1:3 ratio) solution to fade out the smell faster.
• Also, avoid soaking natural rubber mat and cork in water as it absorbs a lot of water and become very heavy and difficult to dry.

• PVC, TPE, and PU mats

To deep clean the mat, submerge it into a bucket filled with dish soap and warm water. Soak it for 5 minutes and rinse it with clean water. You can also gently scrub it with a sponge or cloth to remove dirt. After washing the mat, shake it and allow it to dry in the air.

Tips:

• TPE mats are softer so must be rolled neatly after every use. Also, avoid putting heavy items on top of your mat while storing it to keep it in good shape.
• Make sure to completely dry out the mat before rolling it.
• Never put your PVC, TPE, Cork or natural rubber mat in a washing machine.
• It’s advisable to check the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer before washing your mat.

Yoga Mat Buying Guide: FAQs

1. What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?

A thickness between 3 mm to 6 mm is best for most yogic practices. However, if you have knee injuries or pain, then you can go for thicker yoga mats of 8mm or 12 mm.

2. How often should you replace your yoga mat?

Usually, people replace a yoga mat every 6 months to 1 year. If you use the mat regularly, then expect it to last for 1 year or more depending upon your care and maintenance.

Check the best yoga mat in India below 1000 INR

Conclusion

Finally, your choice of yoga mat depends on your personal preferences and the type of exercise will be performing. In this yoga mat buying guide, we tried to cover every piece of information that helps you make an informed decision.