How to choose your yoga mat

Origins of yoga mats

Long ago in India, people did not have modern plastic mats. They sat on grass, woven straw, or animal skins. Later, people used thick cotton rugs. In 1982, a yoga teacher named Angela Farmer used a piece of carpet padding so her feet would not slip. This clever idea led to the sticky mats we use today.

Yoga mat sizes and benefits

Mats come in different sizes, they are usually longer than gym mats because some poses require a full body length size. Yoga mats come in 2 sizes, standard (173 X 61 cm), or large ( 215 X 66 cm).

Yoga mat thickness and benefits

Thickness changes how soft your mat feels and how well you can balance.

• Thin mats (1.5mm to 2mm): These are easy to carry and weigh less than 1 kilogram. They are great for balancing, but they do not pad your knees much.
• Medium mats (4mm to 5mm): This is the most common size. It gives good padding for your joints but is still firm enough for standing on one foot.
• Thick mats (6mm or more): These are very soft and protect your spine. They can be heavy, weighing 2 to 3 kilograms. They are best for lying down.

Yoga mat materials, benefits, and how to care for them

What your mat is made of changes how it feels and how to clean it.

• pvc (plastic): Cheap and lasts a long time. It stops you from slipping.
  • How to care for it: Wipe with warm water and a little dish soap.
• tpe (eco-plastic): Light and softer than pvc. It is better for the earth.
  • How to care for it: Wipe with equal parts water and white vinegar. Keep it out of the hot sun.
• Natural rubber: Made from trees. It gives the best grip when you sweat. It is heavy.
  • How to care for it: Wipe with water. Do not leave it in the sun, and never put it in the washing machine.
• Cork: Natural and clean. It actually gets more grippy when wet.
  • How to care for it: Wipe gently with a damp cloth. Let it dry flat.
• Cotton and jute: Natural fibres that soak up sweat. They feel rough and earthy.
  • How to care for it: Most cotton mats can be washed in the washing machine on a cold cycle.

Best type of mat per type of yoga

Different classes need different mats. Here is a simple list to help you match your class to the right mat:

Fast and sweaty practices

• Vinyasa yoga and ashtanga yoga: You move a lot and sweat. A 4mm to 5mm natural rubber mat is best so you do not slip.
• Hatha yoga or Iyengar yoga: You hold poses for longer. A 4mm pvc or tpe mat is a great classic choice.
• Pilates: You roll on your back a lot. A thick 6mm to 10mm foam mat protects your spine.

Slow and relaxing practices

• Yin yoga, restorative yoga, and somatic yoga: You stay on the floor for a long time. A soft, thick 6mm mat or a folded cotton blanket keeps you comfy.
• Kundalini yoga: People often use a fluffy wool or thick cotton mat to stay warm while sitting and breathing.
• Breathwork, meditation, yoga nidra, and sound bath: You lie or sit still for a long time. You do not need a sticky mat. A very thick wool mat, a fabric rug, or soft cushions will keep you warm and cozy.

Yoga mat costs

• Low cost (£15 to £30): Simple pvc or thin tpe mats. Great if you are just starting out.
• Mid-range (£30 to £60): Better tpe, cork, or thin rubber mats. They grip better and last longer.
• High cost (£60 to £130): Top-quality rubber or special alignment mats. They cost more but can last for many years.

Where to buy a yoga mat

• Brand websites: Buy straight from Liforme, Manduka, or Lululemon in shops or online
• Online shops: If you have an Amazon account, you'll have the largest choice of yoga mats. (We take a small commission at no extra cost for you)
• Local yoga studios: Many studios near you sell mats. This is a great way to touch and feel the mat before you buy it.