The Best Yoga Mats of 2025

Yoga mats may be similar in dimensions and thickness, but they’re not all the same. Just as there are numerous styles of yoga, there are also variations when it comes to mats, and what works well for you may not be ideal for someone practicing right next to you.

You might need a highly portable mat for travel or you’re looking for extra cushioning for your joints — for the latter, check out the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat. Love hot yoga? A mat that’s easy to clean and keeps you steady even with sweaty hands are likely to be your top priorities: Read over the Asivana Flux Cork Mat.

We know it can be tough to sift through all the options to find the yoga mat that’s right for you. At the end of the list, peruse the Buyer’s Guide or read the Price & Value section. Still trying to choose? Hop down to our Comparison Chart to review how yoga mats look side by side. Otherwise, take a look at our awarded collection.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Yoga Mats buyer’s guide on November 12, 2024, with eight freshly tested mats, including the Asivana Flux Cork Yoga Mat and Lululemon The Mat 5mm, plus nine educational sections, including Price & Value and How to Clean.

The Best Yoga Mats of 2025

Best Overall Yoga Mat: Manduka PRO
Best Budget Yoga Mat: Lolë Iglow Yoga Mat
Most Versatile Yoga Mat: Lululemon The Mat
Best Travel Yoga Mat: Hugger Mugger Earth Elements
Best Reversible Yoga Mat: Ajna Eco Jute Yoga Mat
Best Yoga Mat for Alignment: Liforme Rainbow Hope Yoga Mat
Best Yoga Mat for Hot Yoga: Asivana Flux Cork Mat

Best Overall Yoga Mat

Specifications

Size: 71″ x 26″ (extra-long option is 85″ long)
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 7.5 lbs. (extra-long option is 9.5 lbs.)
Material: 100% latex-free high-density cushion made from PVC

Pros

Textured top and bottom layers
Durable construction
Available in an extra-long option

Cons

Relatively heavy
Expensive

At the top of the list is a mat designed for those who do yoga often and need a durable, high-quality option that’s worth investment: the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat ($138). The price tag is on the higher side compared to many others, but if you want a mat that will take you through hours and hours of asanas and vinyasas, this one is worth the consideration.

Manduka’s closed-cell construction is designed to prevent moisture, sweat, and dirt from affecting the mat, which means it’s easy to clean and will be more durable than mats that break down from too much wear and tear.

In terms of experience, the cushioning makes it a heavy mat, so you wouldn’t want to travel with it, but you’ll be happy about that extra heft when it comes to comfort. The grip is solid, so you can do downward-facing dogs without worry about hands and feet slipping. The textured top layer is particularly helpful in classes where you might need more stability, like hot yoga or power yoga. You also have more space to practice, since the mat is three inches longer and two inches wider than standard mats.

One of Manduka’s biggest selling points, and it’s reiterated often in their marketing materials, is that their mats are guaranteed for 10 years of regular use, and you can contact their customer care team if you’re seeing damage before that decade runs out.

With that guarantee, the extra space and cushioning, and the way the mat breaks in nicely after just a few sessions, we recommend the PRO Yoga Mat for people who practice yoga seriously and frequently and are looking to invest in a reliable mat.

Best Budget Yoga Mat

Specifications

Length: 70″ x 24″ (180 cm x 61 cm)
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 1.8 lbs.
Materials: PVC- and latex-free closed-cell thermoplastic elastomer

Pros

Fully recyclable
Travel-friendly
Great price

Cons

Not enough support for some
Only comes in one size

Montreal-based active lifestyle brand Lolë is a brand that’s been making winter layering apparel for years. More recently, though, it’s been developing products that promote mindfulness, like its thoughtfully sustainable Iglow Yoga Mat. The Lolë Iglow Yoga Mat ($24) is PVC- and latex-free, and fully recyclable. It’s made of eco-friendly material, but it also shines in other aspects.

At a slightly higher price, the Gaiam 6 mm is another nice economy choice at $30. It offers up an additional 2 mm of thickness, but it weighs double and is shorter in length. Otherwise, the material makeup is very similar between the two.

This mat is super-grippy, lightweight, and perfect for any time, anywhere yoga as well as travel. We found the length of 70 inches to be an adequate length for yogis up to 5’10”. If you are quite tall, consider other mats on this list that come in a long length. However, we do wish it was a tad thicker for extra support.

If you tend to keep your practices between 20 minutes and an hour, and you’re looking for a mat that can handle lots of wear while being sustainable at the same time, the Iglow Yoga Mat is it.

Most Versatile Yoga Mat

Specifications

Size: 71″ x 26″
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 5.24 lbs.
Material: 100% FSC-certified rubber

Pros

Very grippy
Nice design
Ample cushioning

Cons

Heavy

The smooth top layer of the Lululemon The Mat ($98) looks like it’s more appropriate as a backyard slip-and-slide, but it’s actually got surprisingly strong traction, even when you’re most of the way through a hot yoga class.

Plus, that smoothness makes it very easy to clean, which is helpful if you’re trying to do a quick wipe-down after class, and an antimicrobial additive helps prevent mildew and mold. If you’re someone who likes to leave a rolled-up mat in the car between classes, this is a big selling point.

Another key feature is the natural rubber base on the flip side, which provides cushioning that feels more robust than its 5 mm thickness. In using the mat during an outdoor class, for example, it was placed on uneven ground with small stones and grass, and it maintained its shape and cushion.

In a restorative yoga class where you want more comfort than grip, you can flip the mat to the rubber side and use it that way. That cushioning does make it a heavier mat than many other brands, but if you want a mat that supports your knees and wrists in a meaningful way, The Mat is a solid pick.

Best Travel Yoga Mat

Specifications

Size: 72″ x 24″
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 2.4 lbs.
Material: TPE (a rubber-like material made of thermoplastic elastomers)

Pros

Durable
Lightweight

Cons

Not made of natural materials

Traveling with a yoga mat doesn’t always mean jetting off to an exotic locale (although sometimes it does). It can also describe having to walk a few blocks to your local studio with a mat over your shoulder. In that case, you’ll want a mat that’s lightweight enough to tote anywhere while still having qualities like good grip and durability. That’s where the Hugger Mugger Earth Elements Yoga Mat ($63) fits in.

This 5 mm-thick mat is made of non-toxic, biodegradable TPE, a material that’s designed to be as long-lasting as plastic but without the funky odor and non-sustainable impact.

The Hugger Mugger Earth Elements Mat is moisture-resistant and has a soft, textured grip on both sides. It is also easy to clean and latex-free. Despite its average dimensions and thickness, this mat is lighter than almost all of its competitors on this list.

If you are looking for a reliable and comfortable yoga mat at a lower price tag than most, the Earth Elements Yoga Mat could be the one for you.

Best Reversible Yoga Mat

Specifications

Size: 72″ x 24″
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 4.4 lbs.
Material: Organic jute fiber

Pros

Eco-friendly
Included carrying strap
Stylish designs

Cons

Not as grippy as natural rubber

Although almost every yoga mat can be flipped from one side to the other, it’s nice when there’s a significant difference between the two sides, and the Ajna Eco Jute Yoga Mat ($65) delivers.

One side is a rich, textured organic jute that feels especially grippy once you get a few sessions into it, and the other has a more traditional rubber-style texture that lends itself well to hot yoga classes and faster-paced classes.

The mat also boasts a good amount of sustainability: It is ethically produced with zero waste, and we love that the company plants a tree with every purchase. If you are a passionate environmentalist, this is a yoga mat you can feel good about purchasing.

This mat comes with a cotton carrying strap, a booklet on how to use it, and a guided meditation — so you can get started with your practice right away. The company provides excellent customer service.

The Jute Yoga Mat is a great option if you do several different types of classes, and it’s fairly lightweight, making it a good back-up as a travel mat when needed.

Best Yoga Mat for Alignment

Specifications

Size: 72″ x 26″
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Weight: 5.5 lbs.
Material: Rubber base and eco-polyurethane top surface

Pros

Lines for alignment
Good cushioning

Cons

Expensive

Even if you’ve been practicing for years or decades, better alignment in every pose is part of the ongoing challenge of a yoga practice. Slight shifts in foot or hand position can make a big difference in how you feel and your ability to both settle into a pose and transition from one pose to the next. That’s why the Liforme Rainbow Hope Yoga Mat ($185) can help you perfect each movement.

Liforme calls it the AlignForMe system, which includes a vertical line down the center with horizontal lines on both ends. There are several 45-degree lines as well, and all of these are useful for poses that require more focus on alignment, like warrior poses, downward-facing dog, and standing balance poses.

Because it features distinctive lines — arranged in a visually pleasing pattern — the mat is an excellent choice for leveling up your practice or for beginners who want to focus more on their form during any flow-based class. The price tag is a bit eyebrow-raising, but the mat does come with a durable carrying case and that mat bag is water resistant and zippered, with a strong strap.

In terms of grip, it’s similar to many other mats that require some break-in time before it becomes as grippy as possible. Three or four classes of using the Rainbow Hope Yoga Mat will likely be enough to take down some of the smoothness so you can feel more comfortable and stable.

Best Yoga Mat for Hot Yoga

Specifications

Size: 72″ x 24″
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 7 lbs.
Material: Cork upper layer, natural rubber lower layer

Pros

Good grip
Reversible
Sustainable materials

Cons

Heavy
Can't be rolled tightly because cork might crack
Takes time to break in

Like other cork mats, the Asivana Flux Cork Mat ($90) has robust grip, but it takes time for that to fully develop, and it can change your practice in the beginning because you may slip slightly more than you expect. However, spraying the mat lightly with water right before class is helpful, and using it at home for short sessions can also shorten the break-in time.

Once it’s at that point, though, the mat is a stunner for your yoga practice because the cork feels soft and cushioning, while providing plenty of stability and comfort. It’s particularly good for hot yoga, where all of those attributes will come into play. Another major advantage is the reversibility, because you can flip to the rubber side, which extends the life of your mat.

The mat’s weight, at 7 pounds, makes it one of the heavier options on this list but it’s balanced in a way that feels lighter when you’re carrying it, especially if you only use a strap and not a mat bag.

Aesthetically, Flux Cork Mat’s tightly packed cork is beautiful and gives you a sense of being grounded as you practice.

Best of the Rest

Specifications

Size: 72″ x 26″ (extra long is 80" x 26")
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 2.8 lbs.
Material: Cork upper layer, foam lower layer

Pros

Beautiful designs
Lightweight
Good grip

Cons

Bit challenging to roll up
Not reversible
Expensive

Many yoga mats have design elements, but they tend to be subtle and sometimes difficult to see unless you’re up close. The Yolohana Original Cork Yoga Mat ($139) is a sharp contrast to this, with breathtaking and colorful natural designs that range from the rainbow colors of the chakra system to sea turtles, koi fish, birds flying through a sunrise, watercolor flowers, and more. Unrolling it in a class is like laying out artwork, and it can certainly change your mindset by bringing that type of beauty into your space.

In terms of performance, the cork upper layer is very helpful for grip, particularly if you lightly spray it with water just before practice. Thanks to the foam lower layer — which is partially made from sustainable sugarcane — the mat stays in place as well, even during a power yoga class with fast transitions.

The lightweight material is a boon for carrying to and from class, but it also makes it more difficult to roll up and keep its shape without some type of yoga strap or carrying case.

Also, like all cork products, you have to be careful to roll the mat instead of folding it, since that can cause cracks in the mat. With proper care, though, the Original Cork Yoga Mat will likely be a durable and aesthetically pleasing choice through numerous classes.

Specifications

Size: 71″ x 26″ (79" long option)
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 6 lbs.
Material: Foam rubber composite

Pros

Super nonslip
Moisture absorptive
Durable material

Cons

On the heavy side

Because of its open-cell design, the Manduka GRP Adapt ($94) rubber mat can absorb sweat and other moisture, wicking it away from the surface and maintaining its highly sticky, nonslip qualities throughout your workout. This is very helpful in hot yoga classes but also is a bonus if you’re outdoors or just in a humid studio.

The amount of cushioning at 5 mm falls into the mid-range of mats but it feels like more due to a foam rubber composite that lets you settle in but isn’t too soft.

One drawback may be the heaviness, since it comes in at 6 pounds. That may not feel like much at first, but after you’ve toted it for a few blocks, it can start to be cumbersome. However, if you’re not carrying it for long stretches, this is likely to be less of an issue.

Another advantage is the reversibility, which is helpful if you take different types of classes and want more versatility. For example, you may opt for the smooth side of the Adapt for a hot yoga class and the more textured side for a slower practice where you hold poses for longer.

Specifications

Size: 68″ x 24″
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 3.2 lbs.
Material: PVC

Pros

Variety of designs
Lightweight
Affordable

Cons

Slightly smaller than standard
Not as durable as other brands

At its affordable price point, the Gaiam 6 mm ($30) is definitely the best yoga mat for beginners. This is a quality mat of standard thickness and a nice light weight. You will find this mat available in various fun designs, from funky and bold to modern and sleek.

It is a little smaller in both length and width than most other mats. If you are taller or like having that extra space, this might not be the mat for you. But for others looking to give yoga a try or wanting to expand their practice on a tight budget, the Gaiam 6 mm is a great selection.

One common complaint with more budget-friendly mats (like this one) is that they are not as durable as others. You may find that the mat sheds over time, particularly in the spots where you put your hands and feet. Because the mat is just one layer, you could use both sides to increase its lifespan if you notice rips or tears.

However, if you expect to use your mat multiple times a week, we would recommend a more expensive mat as an investment in durability. This Gaiam is best for beginners and casual yoga practitioners.

Specifications

Size: 68” x 24”
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 4.5 lbs.
Material: Open-cell natural rubber

Pros

Eco-friendly

Cons

Heavier
Not as slip-proof when wet

We have to give props to the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat ($92). This mat is a high-end product, and its sustainable, natural rubber construction is eco-friendly, containing no toxins or ozone-depleting gases.

On top of the eco-conscious materials, we love the slip-free surface of the rubber mat. Being one material top and bottom, the mat will stay secure on your floor as well.

Take note, however, that some testers complained that the mat becomes more slippery when wet. This mat, therefore, might not be the best option for hot yoga practitioners or those who sweat a lot, but you could also invest in a slip-free yoga mat towel like Yogitoes. Otherwise, the Harmony Yoga Mat is one of our favorites.

Specifications

Size: 72″ x 24″
Thickness: 1″ (25.4 mm)
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Material: Small-cell dense foam rubber

Pros

Extra cushioning
Good stability
Included carrying strap

Cons

Slightly smaller than standard
Bulky when rolled
Not easily portable
Questionable durability

This one-inch-thick yoga mat by Retrospec provides extra cushioning for people with joint pain or injuries. Some of us have bad knees and can tell you that the Retrospec Solana 1″ ($40) is a real game-changer. It is nearly four times thicker than the average 6 mm mat, and there is also a one-half-inch version for folks who want something in between.

With a thicker mat, you can generally expect a little less stability, but most reviewers haven’t noticed such an issue with the Solana. It is made of dense foam and nonslip rubber, ribbed on one side and smooth on the other. This mat is free of latex, heavy metals, and harsh chemicals, and it comes with a carrying strap.

Some testers have questioned its durability, noting that it is too stretchy and prone to rips. For such an affordable yoga mat, though, that is probably a risk worth taking.

The extra thickness leads to a lot of added bulk when stored, making this a tough sell for a travel mat. One reviewer found it embarrassing to bring to yoga class because it was so large when rolled up. In this case, the half-inch version will be more portable and still much more cushioned than standard-sized mats. However, if you are looking for an at-home mat that reduces pressure on joints, the Solana 1″ is an excellent option.

Specifications

Size: 68″ x 24″
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 1.8 lbs.
Material: PVC

Pros

Compact
Portable

Cons

Minimal cushioning
Smaller than average
Retains creases

If you’re looking for a travel yoga mat, the Gaiam Foldable Mat ($25) is an excellent option. The mat is extremely lightweight and made of a sticky PVC material that will prevent you from sliding on the floor.

Compared to the Hugger Mugger Earth Elements Yoga Mat, this Gaiam is even lighter — 1.8 pounds vs. 2.4 pounds — and a slightly shorter length at 68 inches plus it’s only 2 mm thick instead of 5 mm. Ultimately, this mat is the leanest and most packable but if you want a mat that balances plushness with travel, scope out the Hugger Mugger.

This 2 mm mat has integrated seams that allow it to be easily folded into a rectangle no bigger than your laptop. It will fit in a backpack or tote bag so that you can travel with it easily.

While our experience with the Gaiam Foldable Mat is overwhelmingly positive, some testers note that the folding seams prevent the mat from lying perfectly flat. This can be a problem with many yoga mats, but the nature of this design makes it even more difficult.

The seams also create added texture to the mat that can be problematic. Unlike other smooth mats, these creases appear in many places and could interrupt your flow when you need to readjust during a pose. But for travel, the Foldable Mat is a great option especially if space is limited.

Specifications

Size: 71″ x 24″
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 4.5 lbs.
Material: Natural tree rubber

Pros

Great grip
Lightweight compared to other Manduka mats

Cons

Less cushion
Potential lasting odor

Another fabulous Manduka yoga mat to make our list is the Manduka eKO Lite 4 mm ($84). Made of biodegradable tree rubber, this yoga mat is eco-friendly, free of dyes, and 99% latex-free. The top layer is nonslip and resists stretching for a reliable surface to practice your yoga.

This design comes in at only 4.5 pounds, while the Manduka PRO — with a 6 mm density and 26-inch width — weighs in at 7.5 pounds. If you’d like a mat that covers more area and lifts you higher off the floor with additional cushion, check out the Pro.

The eKO Lite 4 mm is an upgrade but at only 4 mm thick, you may find that you want a little more cushion, especially if you practice at home on hardwood floors. The rubber scent is a bit persistent, so the company suggests airing it out for a couple of days.

Yoga Mats Comparison Chart

Yoga Mats	Price	Size	Thickness	Material
Manduka PRO	$138	71″ x 26″	6 mm	100% latex-free high-density PVC
Lolë Iglow Yoga Mat	$24	70″ x 24″	4 mm	PVC- and latex-free closed-cell TPE
Lululemon The Mat	$98	71″ x 26″	5 mm	100% FSC Certified Rubber
Hugger Mugger Earth Elements	$63	72″ x 24″	5 mm	TPE
Ajna Organic Mat	$60	72″ x 24″	5 mm	Organic jute fiber
Liforme Rainbow Hope Yoga Mat	$185	72″ x 26″	4.2 mm	Rubber base and eco-polyurethane top surface
Asivana Flux Cork Mat	$90	72″ x 24″	5 mm	Cork upper layer, natural rubber lower layer
Yoloha Original Cork Yoga Mat	$139	72″ x 26″	6 mm	Cork upper layer, foam lower layer
Manduka GRP Adapt	$94	71″ x 26″	5 mm	Foam rubber composite
Gaiam 6 mm	$30	68″ x 24″	6 mm	PVC
JadeYoga Harmony	$92	68” x 24”	5 mm	Open-cell natural rubber
Retrospec Solana 1″	$40	72″ x 24″	1″ (25.4 mm)	Small-cell dense foam rubber
Gaiam Foldable Mat	$25	68″ x 24″	2 mm	PVC
Manduka eKO Lite	$84	71″ x 24″	4 mm	Natural rubber

Women doing Downward-facing Dog Yoga Pose on a mat — (Photo/Manduka)

How We Tested the Best Yoga Mats

Our Expert Testers

Elizabeth Millard, our lead tester, has been a yoga teacher for 15 years and leads classes from the art gallery to summer camps and breweries. She’s guided students with numerous types of injuries through modifications that can make their yoga more accessible and helped first responders use yoga as a way to address and work through trauma and stress from their work. Like every yoga student, she’s still learning — and will be her entire life — but her experience with yoga and the breadth of mats she’s used and seen students use gives her valuable insight into the nuances of the mats tested here.

Our Testing Grounds

Our Testing Process

Testing the Ajna Eco Jute; (photo/Elizabeth Millard)

Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Yoga Mat

Material

PVC

FSC Rubber

Jute

Cork

Blend of Materials

Elizabeth Millard testing yoga mats; (photo/Elizabeth Millard)

Thickness

Gaiam Foldable Mat: 2 mm
Lolë Iglow: 4 mm
Manduka eKO Lite: 4 mm
Liforme Rainbow Hope Yoga Mat: 4.2 mm
Lululemon The Mat: 5 mm
Hugger Mugger Earth Elements: 5 mm
Ajna Eco Jute Yoga Mat: 5 mm
Jade Harmony: 5 mm
Asivana Flux Cork Mat: 5 mm
Manduka GRP Adapt: 5 mm
Gaiam 6 mm: 6 mm
Manduka Pro: 6 mm
Yoloha B Natural Non Slip Cork: 6 mm
Retrospec Solana: 25.4 mm

Testing the Hugger Mugger Earth Elements yoga mat; (photo/Elizabeth Millard)

Firmness or Density

Women carrying yoga mat — (Photo/ **Ajna**)

Length

Width

Gaiam Foldable Mat: 24″
Gaiam 6 mm: 24″
Jade Harmony: 24″
Lolë Iglow: 24″
Manduka eKO Lite: 24″
Retrospec Solana: 24″
Hugger Mugger Earth Elements: 24″
Ajna Eco Jute Yoga Mat: 24″
Asivana Flux Cork Mat: 24″
Yoloha B Natural Non Slip Cork: 26″
Manduka GRP Adapt: 26″
Manduka Pro: 26″
Lululemon The Mat: 26″
Liforme Rainbow Hope Yoga Mat: 26″

Testing the Yoloha B Natural; (photo/Elizabeth Millard)

Grip

Grip is a very important feature of a yoga mat, and for many people, it’s the top consideration when choosing a mat. You want to choose a yoga mat that is textured enough not to be slippery, yet smooth enough to be comfortable. When holding a pose — on your forearms, for example — an overly textured mat could prove uncomfortable and irritating to your skin. Overall, the grip of a mat can also change your sensory experience of a yoga class. For instance, if you feel like your mat is not grippy enough, it can sabotage your confidence in getting into different poses.

Sustainability

Testing the Liforme Rainbow yoga mat; (photo/Elizabeth Millard)

Portability

Yoga Mat Accessories

Apart from a carrying case or strap that can fit securely on your mat, you usually don’t need much more for a class. However, one accessory that some people like for a hot yoga class is the Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel ($68). This might seem spendy for a towel, but it’s more than an option for wiping away sweat. The towel has a grippy side that is put down on your mat, as well as an absorbent side for your practice. Not only does it assist with helping you maintain your poses, but it can also spare you from having to clean your mat thoroughly after every hot yoga class.

Testing the Asivana Flux; (photo/Elizabeth Millard)

How to Clean

Manduka Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh ($12)
Calia Yoga Mat Wash ($15)
Jade Yoga Best Natural Yoga Mat Cleaner ($13)
Asutra Yoga Mat Cleaner ($17)

Testing the Lululemon The Mat; (photo/Elizabeth Millard)

Price & Value

Budget

Mid-Tier

Premium

Testing the Manduka 5mm GRP Adapt; (photo/Elizabeth Millard)

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a lot of great brands of yoga mats out there, and it can be difficult to choose. The most important factors for quality are durability and stickiness. This is because a mat that has a slippery surface will be dangerous and frustrating to use, and one that flakes or rips apart is just a waste of money.

Based on our list, you can see that Manduka’s products are featured three times, and it is because their mats are always high quality. They have a great stickiness factor, and users regard them as durable, reliable, and solidly constructed.

Each of Manduka’s three mats recommended above is a different thickness — 4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm — so you can experience the great quality of a Manduka mat at your preferred cushion level. For a more affordable option, Gaiam mats are quite popular — and made this list twice

The more budget-friendly options on this list are all good yoga mats for beginners. It is a good idea to stick with a cheaper yoga mat at first. You could even borrow a yoga mat from a friend or use the mats provided at your gym when you go in for yoga classes.

If you are just getting into yoga, Gaiam’s 6 mm Yoga Mat is a great option, as it is affordable and provides a good experience for users. Once you are more familiar with your practice, you can invest in a quality mat that provides more grip or cushion, or portability, depending on your preference.

Most yoga mats are 5 mm or 6 mm thick, though you will see even this list features some 2mm mats and a one-inch-thick mat. In my personal opinion, the 6mm standard is the perfect balance of cushiony support and rigid sturdiness.

When yoga mats are too thick, they tend to decrease your stability because you sink into the mat. That said, thick and sturdy mats are a great option for people with chronic joint pain who need a bit of extra cushioning.

When they are too thin, you may find that you do not have enough support for holding restorative yoga poses or practicing on uneven surfaces, like outdoors.

It is a good idea to clean your yoga mat after each use. You can wipe the mat down with a damp cloth and hang it up to dry.

Keep in mind that you should always let your yoga mat dry thoroughly before rolling it up for storage. Otherwise, you will likely come back to find a foul odor and potentially even some mold.

You can use an antibacterial wipe for some mats, while others suggest soapy water. It is essential to read the instructions for your particular mat, as cleaning procedures depend significantly on its materials. Some brands, like Manduka, sell cleaning solutions for their yoga mats and do not recommend using any other cleaning products.

Depending on the frequency of your practice, buying a higher-quality mat may make sense for you. If you know you love yoga and expect to keep up with your practice, investing in a durable mat like the Manduka Pro will have a longer life. At this level of quality, you can expect to pay around $80-140.

If you are a beginner, we do not recommend spending this much at first. You can find a decent, comfortable mat in the range of $20-50, and we recommend the Gaiam 6 mm as the best yoga mat for beginners.

Be sure to also check out package deals. Some mats may come with accessories like carrying straps or yoga towels. This can help get you fully equipped at a lower cost.