What to look for?

Dimensions

The majority of yoga mats are 24 inches wide and 68 to 72 inches long. If you purchase a mat from this collection, it should fit perfectly in your studio's rows. If you're tall, you might want to seek for a mat that's on the higher end of this spectrum, or even higher, to ensure you have adequate space. Wider mats provide a little more space from side to side, but be aware that some yoga studios do not allow these mats since they can affect the number of individuals who can fit in each row of the classroom. A few of the mats on our list exist in various sizes, which we've listed below. (All measurements below are listed in the order of length by width.) <

Thickness

Yoga mats come in a variety of thicknesses, from pancake thin to super thick and plush. Thinner mats provide more ground contact, which some yogis prefer to feel beneath their feet (especially in standing poses when you want a firm foundation). Thicker ones have a plusher, more supporting feel about them. You may prefer the softness of a thicker mat if you have any joint or back sensitivities. <

Weight

If you're practicing at home, the weight of your mat won't matter as much, but if you're carrying it in your bag or on your back to and from the yoga studio, you'll notice the difference. When evaluating your desires for comfort with portability, keep in mind that thicker mats tend to weigh more. <

Material

Rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic plastic polymer, are used to make most yoga mats. Rubber mats are more environmentally friendly because they're composed of organically derived and biodegradable materials, but if you're allergic to latex, they may irritate you (latex proteins are found in rubber). PVC is a lighter and less expensive material. Rubber has a better grip, although PVC is smoother and can feel slicker. <

1. Reversible 6mm Yoga Mat

✔ Brand: Gaiam

✔ Dimensions: 68 inches L x 24 inches W x 6 millimeters thick

✔ Colors: 34

Look no farther than yogi favorite Gaiam's reversible choice if you're seeking for a mat that ticks all the boxes in terms of thickness, texture, grip, pricing, and design. After the first off-gassing process (which can take 2 to 3 days), you'll appreciate the thickness and sturdy texture of this mat, which users describe as a "bright, gorgeous, and wonderful" alternative for most yoga sessions. <

2. Go Yoga Anti-Tear Yoga Mat

✔ Brand: BalanceFrom

✔ Dimensions: 71"L x 24"W x 0.5"H inches

✔ Colors: 7

This ½-inch thick mat provides lots of comfort for the pushing, which 55,000 five-star reviews don't seem to mind. Fans of this soft, comfortable option, on the other hand, adore how the extra thickness makes it easier for older bones to get into the more difficult spine, hip, elbow, and knee poses.

Its ridges provide traction while while being simple to clean. This basic yet helpful mat also has an always-useful Velcro carrying strap, making it ideal for a variety of physical therapy exercises. <

3. PROlite Yoga Mat

✔ Brand: Manduka

✔ Dimensions: 71"L x 24"W x 0.2"H inches

✔ Colors: 3

Teachers, pros, and even beginners all across the world have vetted a Manduka for durability and performance, and chances are your favorite yoga studio employs these German-helmed champions in-house as well.

Its PROlite line, which is well-known for its dense, supporting material, lightens the load a little at only 1.8 kilograms — ideal for us home and on-the-go yogis — and its closed-cell texture ensures a moisture- and sweat-repellent surface every time (Note: Topping off with their yoga mats makes things even grippier for hardcore hot yoga practitioners.). <

4. Instructional Yoga Mat

✔ Brand: NewMe Fitness

✔ Dimensions: 68"L x 24"W x 0.2"H inches

✔ Colors: 8

Even without the incredibly helpful asana pictures — seriously, why didn't we think of this sooner? — this is an excellent yoga mat with comfortable yet stable padding (an optimal 5 millimeters) and phthalate-free PVC.

The simple, uncomplicated drawings that illustrate each posture, all of which are labeled with both their Hindu and Western names, will appeal to complete beginners, kids, and self-studied yogis. <

5. Unity Cork Yoga Mat

✔ Brand: Yoloha Yoga

✔ Dimensions: 72"L x 28"W x 0.24"H inches

✔ Colors: 2

Because of its seamless blend of cork and rubber, the "Unity" mat is highly gripping and durable – consumers say it "provides an uninterrupted, positive hold in the hottest, wettest conditions."

It's constructed of 100% renewable and recyclable cork that's also obtained sustainably. It also has the uncommon virtue of laying flat outside of the box, which is a great plus when unfurling a mat – if you know what I mean!

The Unity is one of the more expensive yoga mats on Amazon, but it's worth it for serious practitioners looking for a minimalistic, distinctive, nonslip, and eco-conscious mat for their practice. <

6. Travel Yoga Mat

✔ Brand: Jade Yoga

✔ Dimensions: 68.11"L x 24.02"W x 0.06"H inches

✔ Colors: 4+

If planting nearly 2 million trees as part of Jade Yoga's environmental efforts isn't enough to pique your interest, perhaps this travel-friendly mat will.

The Travel Yoga Mat is durable, grippy, and — drumroll please – foldable. At only 1.3 kg, it fits comfortably in a carry-on or backpack. It also doesn't skimp on comfort; even at a little more than 3 millimeters thick, it feels plush, and several customers commend its nonslip properties. <

7. Original Yoga Mat

✔ Brand: LIFORME

✔ Dimensions: 70.87"L x 25.98"W x 0.39"H inches

✔ Colors: 7+

A Liforme mat might be the thing to add to your basket if you're not one for intricate pose drawings but still want a little alignment aid to square yourself up correctly.

The "AlignForMe" method, which consists of a series of intelligent recommendations printed on the mat, is a perfectionist's dream: Simply align your hands and feet on the marks and leave the rest to muscle memory for the next time.

Its ground-breaking gripping surface is another element that explains its high price. It's silky smooth while also being almost slip-proof, which is ideal for those trying to get the most out of their positions. It also includes a carry bag. <