Yoga mat

Is it worth buying a yoga mat? 

From your first sun salutation to the moment you can hold Pincha Mayurasana for an entire episode of Euphoria, a yoga mat will either be your best friend or your worst enemy. 

Get one that’s too thin and you’ll feel like you’re exercising on concrete. Too soft and you’ll feel like Indiana Jones in Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. 

The best yoga mat is one that’s perfectly designed to fit the movements and poses of your favorite yoga style. From 95 degree Bikram to oh-so-relaxing Yin, your yoga mat is there to see you through it all. 

But the very best reason for buying your own yoga mat online is this: You’ll never have to use a shared exercise mat again. Who knows where those things have been. 

Now that you have a fresh, clean mat to look forward to, let’s break down how to shop for one and help you find the best size. 

What to look for when buying a yoga mat 

When it comes to getting a yoga mat, don’t let the array of colors and patterns keep you from what’s important: Dimension, thickness, weight, material, and how easy it is to carry to class. 

Yoga mat material 

Most yoga mats are made from either rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is a synthetic plastic polymer. You may know it better as vinyl. 

Natural rubber is more sustainable, especially if it comes from ethically-sourced rubber. If you have a latex allergy, avoid rubber mats because natural rubber comes from latex.

While PVC yoga mats are lighter and usually much less expensive, they are also prone to slipping. Polyurethane mats are famous for their extra stickiness that won't slip.

Other yoga mat materials include TPE, hessian, and cork.  

Yoga mat weight and portability 

If you’re traveling for a yoga class, a thinner mat is going to be your friend. Thicker, longer mats weigh more. That’s something to consider when picking out your next mat. If traveling or taking it with you on holiday, find one with a carry strap to help you transport it easier. 

Yoga mat dimensions 

We’ll dive deeper into yoga mat dimensions later, but the basic gist is this: Most are 24” wide and 68-72” long. 

Several mats in our selection come in different sizes. Check the product before clicking buy. And check with your favorite yoga studio. Some studios have rules on mat sizes to make sure the studio can hold the correct amount of participants. 

Yoga mat thickness 

Yoga mats vary from mattress-like soft to hard-as-a-rock firm. The thinner the mat, the more contact you’ll feel under your feet – the more connection to the ground you’ll have. 

The softer the mat, the happier your joints will be… but you may feel bogged down and find transitions difficult. 

Eco-friendly and non-toxic yoga mats

In addition to PVC, most yoga mats have chemicals such as lead, cadmium, dioxin or phthalates added to give the mat a sticky surface.

The problem with chemicals like these is that they might be able to enter your skin through skin exposure. Off-gassing is another problem with traditional PVC yoga mats. That’s where the chemicals in the material slowly evaporate into the air where you breathe them in. 

Scared yet? The good news is that there are options for PVC yoga mats. 

If you’re after an environmentally-friendly yoga mat (you know, one that won't slowly kill you and the planet), look for mats made from natural rubber, hemp, or cotton. 

All of these are sustainable and renewable. And (drumroll, please) they are biodegradable, meaning they won’t take up landfill space for the next 1,000 years. 

Another new, safer alternative to PVC and polyurethane mats is Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). Yoga mats made from TPE combine the characteristics of rubber mats with the recyclability of plastics. They’re biodegradable, offer great traction, and they decompose in a landfill, making them eco-friendly. 

How long should your yoga mat be? Quick size guide for yoga mats

A runner has the right shoes. A cyclist has the perfect helmet. A swimmer has goggles that won’t fog up. You know where we’re going with this… your equipment matters. 

Yoga is no exception. To do it right, you need the right equipment – the best yoga mat you can find. 

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best length based on your height:

• 6 feet tall and under – Mat length: 68 - 72” (173 - 183 cm) / Width: 24” (61 cm)

• Over 6 feet tall – Mat length: 84” (213 cm) / Width: 24 - 36” (61 - 91 cm)

Yoga mats for beginners 

Most beginner yoga mats are 5 ½ feet (170 cm) in length. 

If you have a longer commute with your mat, go for something shorter. As far as thickness goes, go for ⅛” (4-5 mm) for maximum comfort and connection to the floor. 

What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?

Let's start with what looks comfortable – a big ol’ squishy ¼” yoga mat. It feels like a luxuriously thick, soft mattress… So surely that’s got to be comfortable. Right? 

Most yoga practitioners find a thick mat to be uncomfortable when it comes to holding poses for longer periods. You’ll end up fighting with the mat as you press into downward dog and try to transition to the next set of standing poses

The goal of yoga is for you to feel grounded. That’s not easily done when the actual ground is ¼” (6 mm) away from your hands and feet.

Since a closer connection to the ground is more comfortable, let’s look at thinner mats.

Natural rubber or cork mats aren’t too thick, and they help you stay in control of your core during all floor-based and standing poses. Plus, you’ll have a superior grip – ideal for translations in a hot yoga class. 

Is a ⅛” or ¼” yoga mat better? (3 mm or 5 mm)

Just like with running shoes and bike helmets, the best yoga mat thickness is a matter of personal choice. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. 

But that won't help you decide. So, we asked our favorite yoga instructor for their input on the perfect yoga mat thickness. 

According to our expert, avoid any mat that’s super thin or too thick. 

• Too thin = ⅛” 2 - 3 mm

• Too thick = ¼” (6 mm) and over 

The best yoga mats are ⅛” (4 to 5 mm) thick. This gives you the ideal connection to the floor and the perfect amount of protection for your joints. It's the right amount of supportive cushioning and ground connection. And it's perfect for a travel mat and at home practice, too.

With that said, our experts agreed that you should always check with your yoga instructor before buying your mat. They’ll know more about your actual physical needs and can help guide you in choosing the best yoga mats online. 

Can you use any mat for hot yoga?

Hot yoga is known for sweat. And sweat is known to make a slippery mat and a pool of danger. 

There’s an easy way to turn any mat into an instant hot yoga mat. A microfiber towel. 

Laying a towel over your yoga mat will absorb sweat and prevent your hands and feet from slipping. If you’re new to Bikram yoga and/or you sweat a lot, bring an extra towel to use for the second half of the class. 

How thick should a hot yoga mat be?

Your hot yoga mat should be the same thickness as the one you use for other types of yoga – ⅛” (4 - 5 mm). Anything too dense or thick will make you feel off-balance and disconnected with the floor. 

Choose a mat that is non-slip with the best grip possible. Because when the temperature gets up to 95 degrees F, you’ll be glad you did. 

Some brands offer a reversible mat. These have a top layer with extra grip or even a towel-like texture that absorbs sweat.  

What’s the difference between an exercise mat and a yoga mat?

Fitness mats and yoga mats look the same. But are they?

• Exercise or fitness mats are thicker and more durable than yoga mats. They have to have extra durability to handle a dropped kettlebell, a dirty sneaker, and the WOD. Exercise mats are almost always made from PVC or foam. 

• Yoga mats are typically thinner and made from lightweight materials. The surface is usually stickier to provide more grip for your feet and hands. Yoga mats are also created for bare feet – not sneakers. Yoga mats are made from everything from cork or TPE to PVC. 

Getting started with your yoga mat

Yoga and pilates don't require much equipment other than a good surface. If your primary goal is to lose weight, then give power yoga, ashtanga, and vinyasa a try.  

Hatha yoga is an idea for stress management. If you’re recovering from injury or find yourself very inflexible, check out Iyengar yoga. 

Kundalini yoga encourages your spiritual energy, the shakti, located at the base of the spine. While stress relief is most often found with restorative yoga. 

Whatever style of yoga you practice, you’ll need a yoga mat. And you’ll need to keep it clean.

How to clean a yoga mat?

From sweaty hands and feet to staying rolled up way too long, your yoga mat will need a good clean every now and then. 

But don't worry. It’s easy to clean your mat and keep it as healthy as your spine. 

1. Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with 2 cups of warm water in a spray bottle. 

2. Clean both sides of the mat by spraying the mix on.  

3. Use a clean cloth to give the mat a quick wipe.

4. Wash off the soapy mixture with a damp cloth in clean water. You want the cloth to be damp, not wet. 

5. To dry, hang the mat over a chair to completely dry. Make sure it’s totally dry before rolling it back up.

How often should you clean a yoga mat?

This depends on you. If you’re sweating out buckets of water in hot yoga, you’ll obviously need to clean your mat more often than the person sitting in Yin yoga. 

On average, your yoga mat can go a week or 2 before it needs a good wipe down. If it starts to smell, please, on behalf of everyone else in class, clean it more often. 

This applies to mats made from natural rubber, ones with a polyurethane top layer, and even super eco-friendly mats made from recycled plastic bottles.

General care tips for yoga mats 

• Avoid direct sunlight. Yoga mats can fade and even become brittle and lose their durability if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.

• Never use harsh chemicals. Stick to mild dishwashing liquid to keep your yoga mat fresh. 

• Never put essential oils on your yoga mat. They may smell good, but the oils break down the mat material. 

• Stay fresh by drying your mat before rolling it up. It's totally fine to roll up your mat after class. But as soon as you’re home, unroll it and allow it to air dry properly. This goes for natural rubber mats, too.

• Go easy on hand and body lotions. Lotions, moisturizers, creams and even sunscreen can stain your yoga mat and, depending on the material, ruin it. 

Shop the best yoga mats at ShapeNation

Our evolving selection of yoga mats is available in ⅛” - ¼” (3, 4, 6 or 8 mm) thickness, and in every color under the rainbow. 

From wide, thick mats to travel, eco-friendly, and beginner mats for daily practice, we have your next favorite here. 

Most of our yoga mats are slip-free and offer the superior grip and resistance your pilates and yoga practice want. Plus, the insulation and cushioning will give you the joint protection you need.

If you’re looking for even more equipment to help you get in shape and stay that way, check out our selection of dumbbells and kettlebells. And for more ways to increase your flexibility and range of motion (in case yoga isn’t enough), shop foam rollers and massage guns here. 

At ShapeNation, we’ve helped beginner yogis get their start, and we’ve helped well-established yoga instructors and studios provide their students with the very best mats available. It’s our privilege to be a part of every fitness journey. And we’re excited that yours is next. 

Are you looking for more products to take your training to the next level? Our most popular categories are dumbbells, kettlebells, exercise mats, resistance bands, protein powder, workout clothes, headphones, massage guns, foam rollers, and exercise balls. Find all the best exercise equipment on ShapeNation