Your yoga mat can drastically influence your practice, and depending on your style preferences, you may prefer a different kind of mat. There’s no one-size-fits-all yoga mat, just like there’s no one way to practice yoga. Sometimes, you need time to experiment and see what feels best for your body. Feel free to customize your mat as much as you do your practice. You can choose.
But searching can be overwhelming. I get it—there are lots of numbers and diameters in such fun colors! If you’d like a little guidance in your search for your new yoga mat, maybe try one of these variations. If any of these options is calling to you, click the picture to link to the brand’s page.
For the Sustainable Yogi: Oko Living Cotton Yoga Rug
Our number one recommendation is always Oko Living. These organic cotton yoga rugs are more traditional, eco-friendly, and wellness-boosting. They’re made of organic cotton, so you don’t get any of that gross peeling like you do with plastic mats. Plus, the longevity of the mat means I don’t have to throw away my mat after it gets too worn. This makes the Oko Living Yoga Rug much more eco–friendly. We’ve even partnered with Oko Living to offer a special discount for East+West readers; use the code yogaeastwest to save $10 on your new yoga rug from Oko Living.
For the Budding Yogis: Jade Yoga Harmony Mat
Jade mats are made of sustainable, all-natural rubber with no synthetics. The Harmony Mat is their most popular choice. It’s pretty moderately priced and comes in lots of fabulous colors. This is an excellent option if you’re just beginning to deepen your practice. However, I’ve heard they don’t last as long if you have a more rigorous daily practice. You can expect 2 – 3 good years out of this mat if you practice more than 3x a week.
For the Die-Hard Yogis: Manduka PROlite
Mandukas PROlites are like the Fords of yoga mats: strong, durable, and will probably last you a lifetime. These high-density mats have a lifetime guarantee that they’ll never wear out. They maintain their color well and prevent bacteria growth with a closed-cell surface. They’re more of an investment, and the price reflects that. One complaint about the Mandukas is that they take a while to break in, and their firm surface can make some of them heavy. I recommend feeling the weight for yourself before committing to lugging one around everywhere.
For Extra Cushion: Aurorae Classic
If you need some extra padding beneath your joints while you practice, consider getting a thicker mat. The Aurorae Classic is 6 mm thick, a comfier option than others. The trick with mat thickness is to find a medium that’s comfortable for your joints but not so plush that it makes it difficult for you to stand up and balance. Aurorae also offers different lengths if you need some extra wiggle room.
For the Budget: Gaiam Yoga Mat
Maybe you’re not ready to drop that much on a mat. Perhaps you only practice once every few weeks and seek a low-investment option. That’s cool! Gaiam is the budget-yogi’s best friend. They have tons of cool designs listed on Amazon for under 30 bucks. There are no real options for you to customize your size or thickness here, and I wouldn’t expect a mat to last you more than a year or so. But it’s a great option if you’re just getting into yoga and want something fun and worry-free.
For No-Slip Grip: Gurus Natural Cork Mat
Cork mats are the new craze in the yoga biz, but they’ve been gaining a lot of traction for their handy, non-slip surface. The cork in Guru’s mat is sustainably sourced and acts as a natural antimicrobial. This means your mat will stay fresh longer without cleaning products. I have heard that the feel of the cork can take some getting used to, and if you’re an old-school mat lover, you may not be crazy about it. The good thing is the Gurus’ mat is reversible! Just flip it over if you’re craving a more traditional mat feel.
For Lightweight Travel: Jade Voyager yoga mat
If your practice begins to follow you in your journeys, consider getting a second, lightweight mat. Firstly, if your daily mat is hefty, you don’t want to carry it throughout the airport or onto buses with you. Secondly, if you’re stowing your mat while you fly, it will probably get pretty dirty in the overhead compartment or under the seat. That’s why a thinner, easily stowable mat is a great option, like the Jade Voyager. However, their thinness can be uncomfortable. If you’re at a studio with free mat rentals, throw this one on top for extra cushion.
For Ultimate Alignment: Liforme Yoga Mat
If you practice Ashtanga, Anusara, or any alignment-driven style of yoga, the Liforme mat is an innovative option for you. Their unique alignment marker system adds helpful guides to the surface of your mat in a clean and minimalistic way. I’ve heard rave reviews about their grip and durability. It also has extra space, both in length and width, to give yogis more space to play. It’s a higher price tag, but this listing also comes with a mat bag for you.
For the Creative: Yoga Zeal
If the nitty-gritty details don’t interest you and you’re looking for a more expressive option, Yoga Zeal has many creative options. Their designs all have a mystic flair, but I’m partial to the moon phase option here. Beyond their looks, they’re also made of natural tree rubber and have a layer of faux-suede towel sewn into the top. There’s no need for an additional towel on top of your mat during heated practices.
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