To stay stress-free during your y0ga sessions, experts we spoke to all recommend finding one with a good grip and cushion to stay supported. Each yoga mat was evaluated based on thickness, size, surface, and material when rating its performance. First, it’s essential to figure out your needs before throwing one into your cart.
What To Consider
Thickness and size
You may prefer more or less support, but 5mm is the sweet spot for thickness when practicing on hardwood floors, says Armijo. More cushioning can make it difficult to balance, while ultra-thin mats can be hard on the knees. Luckily, our best overall pick—The Mat from lululemon—is the recommended density. If you desire a bit more support, Armijo says not to exceed 6mm to maintain the best stability. When practicing on a softer surface, like grass for example, using a thinner yoga mat won’t cause much of an issue. “Thinner mats are typically used for travel and to take to and from yoga studios,” Armijo says. We recommend the Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat for on-the-go zen sessions. Overall, it’s what you’re most comfortable with.
As for size, opt for a model that’s about 71 x 26 inches, which is plenty of space for the average yogi, says Armijo. However, if you’re taller or prefer some extra room to stretch out an 84 x 28-inch extra-long mat will better suit you.
Surface and material
A grippy surface can prevent accidents during challenging moves, especially during hot yoga. “You want your mat to have some traction so you’re not slipping,” says Melissa Henkin, a registered yoga instructor. She recommends picking yoga mats made with plastic and rubber (or only rubber) since they’re easy to clean and “give it that stickiness (for grip).” The Mat from lululemon (our top pick!) is made with a combination of natural and synthetic rubbers, along with polyurethane, which is flexible and abrasion-resistant (hooray for durability!).
How We Chose
For the past several months, the WH team, including contributing writer Andi Breitowich, reviewed top-rated yoga mats. We also consulted registered yoga instructors Steph Armijo, Melissa Henkin, and Alex Sabbag to help narrow our selection. This curated list includes something for everyone, whether you’re tall or obsessed with hot yoga. Read on for our guide to the best yoga mats.
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2
Best Non-Slip Yoga Mat
Vuori Yoga Mat
Sabbag says the moisture-wicking Vuori Yoga Mat has the best grip she has experienced in her 20 years of practicing—that’s a jaw-dropping statement!
“This mat offers a soft thickness—and when the body heats up and a little perspiration gets on your hands and feet, the grip is amazing,” says Sabbag.
The natural rubber makes it non-slip and easy to clean after an intense hot yoga session. Similar to The Mat from lululemon, testers say it shows sweat stains. The good news? It also comes in black, which doesn’t show anything! Take that, sweat. As for size, it’s standard 72 inches long, so if you’re taller it may not be the best fit.
| Thickness | 4mm |
|---|---|
| Materials | Natural rubber, eco-polyurethane |
| Dimensions | 72.8 x 26.7 in. |
3
Best Budget Yoga Mat
Gaiam Yoga Mat
We understand if you don’t want to fork over a hefty amount of clams for a mat. Enter the Gaiam Yoga Mat for under $30!
It’s about the ideal length at 68 inches, while the 4mm thickness doesn’t add crazy cushioning to disrupt your flow. Like the eKO Manduka Superlite Yoga Mat, it’s incredibly light at two pounds.
The non-slip surface has a slight bumpy texture for added traction and gets sticky the more you sweat. Despite its low price tag, testers say it’s incredibly durable—one said it’s still in great shape after a year of daily use! And to that, we say namaste.
| Thickness | 4mm |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyvinyl chloride |
| Dimensions | 68 x 24 in. |
4
Best Travel Yoga Mat
Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat
Pros
- Very light for portability
- Good grip despite not absorbing moisture
- Easily rolls
Cons
- Thin if you need more support
If you enjoy getting tranquil at the park instead of a studio, the eKO Superlite Yoga Mat from Manduka is thin without sacrificing quality. It rolls easily and is super lightweight at just over two pounds for no-hassle transportation. It’s three pounds lighter than our best overall but won’t be as supportive, so consider that if you need more cushion.
While the rubber doesn’t absorb sweat, testers say it still has an outstanding grip given its woven texture (materials that absorb moisture are naturally grippy). And, if you’re tall you’re in luck—the mat is 71 inches long.
| Thickness | 1.5mm |
|---|---|
| Materials | Rubber |
| Dimensions | 71 x 24 in. |
5
Best Extra-Long Yoga Mat
lululemon The (Big) Mat 5mm
Attention tall yogis! This 84-inch mat was made for you. The extra-long length provides more surface area for tackling moves like downward dog and child’s pose during flow sequences. And, the best part? It’s the exact mat as our best overall, just in a bigger size!
“I’m 5’9 and appreciate extra length when I flow, and this mat has been my go-to for years,” says Breitowich. “The grip is incredible, and the marble design is extra chic.”
This mat is reversible with one side offering grip and the other cushioning. The textured side soaks up sweat, making it easy to cling to for maintaining balance during hot yoga. Not into sauna-like temperatures? No worries—the rubber-cushioned side is grippy enough to provide stability. Like its regular size, testers say it’s prone to staining, so it’s best to choose a dark color if you plan on using it for hot yoga.
| Thickness | 5mm |
|---|---|
| Material | Natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, polyester, nylon |
| Dimensions | 84 x 28 in. |
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
Nicolette Accardi is the Fitness Commerce Editor at Women’s Health with a specialty in running content. She likes to chase her next best time by testing out shoes and other running gear while training for races. Nicolette studied journalism and health sociology at Rutgers University. She has written for NJ.com, VICE, Rolling Stone, NBC News Select, and U.S. News & World Report.
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