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Stretch out in style, from just £24.99 different types of yoga mats
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We’ve all been there: rushing off for extra cushioning to protect our knees in the middle of a low lunge, or slipping into plank instead of a downward dog because your mat won’t stay in place — it's not quite the zen experience you were hoping for, is it?
Whether you’re a dedicated yogi who wants to remain steady throughout your asanas, or a HIIT junkie in need of a soft surface for chest-to-floor burpees, a yoga mat is a workout essential.
'Although many studios offer mats, it’s a great idea to have your own,' says Rain Maher, Senior Teacher at triyoga. 'Owning your own mat is going to encourage you to practice more regularly, with the bonus that you know its true cleanliness, which brings peace of mind, and it will be the type that suits your expectations.'
Those expectations may differ depending on what style of yoga you practice and the simple fact of your anatomy (knobbly kneed gals, unite!). But it's a given that the best yoga mats can make your practice easier, with everything from super grip that stops you sliding around to added thickness for a comfier savasana. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Fortunately, our WH Lab experts and editors have done the hard work for you, alongside some tips from Maher. Read on for everything you need to know about yoga mats, including our edit of the ones worth buying.
There are key questions to ask yourself before you add a yoga mat to your cart.
The level of grip your yoga mat has can truly make or break your practice — you've probably slid around on enough sub-par studio mats to know that first-hand. 'A mat’s grippiness is something to take into account,' says Maher. 'Whether you are practicing a strong sweaty style or more into a relaxing restorative practice, the grip of your mat is important. Does it stay in place on the ground surface? Do you stay in place on the mat?'
The grip level usually comes down to material and, to an extent, texture. Rubber is generally considered the grippiest material, but some others — like cork or even suede — come into their own when damp (either from sweat or a quick spritz of water). Some may like a textured surface to aid grip, while some might prefer the stability of a smooth, sticky surface — at this point it really comes down to personal preference.
'The thickness of the mat is another important consideration,' says Maher. 'Too thin you may as well not have a mat. Too thick and you will find your balance starts to be compromised. Thickness will also impact the weight of the mat. If you are going to travel around with it, is the weight going to become a hindrance.'
No, yoga mats don't come replete with the levels of bells and whistles we expect from more technical kit. But there are some bonus features you might benefit from. 'Newbies may want to have little extras like alignment lines on the mat, or a strap that doubles as a mat carry strap,' says Maher. 'Others may wish to have a pattern or colour that instils a sense of calm.'
Some other considerations to bear in mind include:
It's also worth considering longevity and durability when shopping for a yoga mat. If you're going to use it frequently, you want something that not only you love, but that will last, too. 'The saying you get what you pay for definitely applies to yoga mats,' says Maher. 'Investing in a good quality mat will improve your practice and encourage your decision to practice.'
How thick your mat should be depends on personal preference. If you have joints that tend to ache after exercise (or just generally), choose one with a thickness over 3mm. This will ensure there's enough cushion to support you while you move. If you like to feel the floor beneath you (some do for extra sturdy vibes), plump for a thickness of 3mm or less. Bear in mind that the thicker you go, the less stability you'll have in balances — but if you're sticking to floor moves, this won't be a problem.
Our editors put a number of mats through their paces, seeing how each one performed during various yoga flow styles, yoga nidra (a form of deep rest), HIIT and even weights sessions (most yoga mats double up as exercise mats).
We took sweat levels and joint pressure into account, and tested them out on carpets as well as wooden, stone and tiled hard floors to check they didn't slide around.
The yoga mats were scored based on how grippy, comfortable, portable and stable they were (with bonus points for eco credentials), and only our favourite few made it on to this list.
Who we are: We're all writers and editors for Women's Health UK, who have tested dozens of yoga mats (amongst other fitness equipment) both in our roles at WH and our everyday active lives. We practice various styles of yoga regularly, including Vinyasa, Nidra, Jivamukti, Hatha, Ashtanga, Restorative/Yin and Bikram/hot yoga, both at home and at our favourite studios.
Liforme mats are perhaps the yoga world's worst-kept secret. Grippy, gorgeous to look at (this one comes in a whopping 11 designs) and helpfully marked with asana guides, it's no wonder they're a firm favourite with yogis around the world (and in the WH office).
The alignment suggestions are the best we've tried, helping poses feel natural and comfortable, and it's not too heavy, which is rare for mats of this quality. It doesn't move around on the floor either — we tested it on hard wood, stone tiles and carpet, and it stayed put throughout.
As well as helping you absolutely nail your downward dog, warrior and lizard pose, this beauty is sweat-resistant (so you can bring the heat), pleasingly thick to protect your joints (although if you have really sensitive knees you might need something thicker) and even comes with a free (and very comfy to wear) yoga bag. Plus it comes in a bunch of different colours. Sold.
Is there anything lululemon can't do? We think not, and this yoga mat acts as proof. It's incredibly, incredibly hard to find fault with this — the grip is outstanding (yes, including when things get sweaty), the cushioning is perfect, even on hard floors, it rolls out flat every time despite it being stored rolled up, and the various designs all look absolutely beaut.
Yes, it's pricey, but our Health and Fitness Ecommerce Editor, who's had hers for over five years, feels it's totally justified, as her mat is still as grippy and gorgeous as when she first unrolled it.
If we had to quibble? There aren't alignment guides, so if you're after those then you're better off opting for the Liforme mat, and it might be a little heavy for some to carry to the studio if you're travelling far — but we still do as we can't bear to practice on anything else.
If leopard print's not your thing (unlikely), this also comes in plain/block colours and calming marbled patterns which add an extra dose of zen to your flow.
Yogi Bare is well known for creating beautiful, grippy mats that both perform and look the part. But their latest innovation, the 'Ever Grip' mat, is easily the best mat the brand has ever released.
The latest tech delivers the grippiest mat surface we've ever tested, for amazing support and the confidence boost you need to tackle that tricky pose you've been trying to nail. The even better news? Sweat stains don't even show up on this baby.
The alignment guides aren't as detailed as some other offerings, but this all plays into the minimalist aesthetic — speaking of, it comes in four gorgeous muted hues, this sandy colour being our fave — and it truly looks gorgeous when rolled out.
It's truly a hit with the WH team; here's what our Health and Fitness Ecommerce Editor Hattie had to say: 'I didn’t think anything could sway me from my lululemon mat but this has forced me to find space for another yoga mat in my life/home. It’s just an absolute joy to move on, the calming colour palette brings balance to my practice and the grip is phenomenal.'
One of the thickest mats tested, this one is ideal if you're looking for plenty of comfy cushioning. Lightweight with a bumpy texture, it had good grip when tested with yoga and high intensity exercise, as well as with shoes on or off.
Cleaning it is a painless experience too, as all you have to do is give it a wipe! Available in a range of pretty colours and designs.
Yes, you can have it all! If by 'all' you mean grip, cushioning, comprehensive alignment guides and a gorgeous design to boot. Enter this beautiful (I mean, just look at it) mat from wellness specialists Omala.
Two sets of hand/foot markers, diagonal markers (great for warrior foot positioning) and a central line make up the Asana guides, covering you for pretty much any and all poses, and you've got plenty of space to play with at 183 x 68 cm (that's larger than most, FYI).
The grip is good but there is better — e.g. from Liforme, lululemon and Yogi Bare — but it's still very supportive and we did find it increased the longer we practiced. There's also a great level of cushioning at 5mm, to the extent that when tested this on hard floors we found we could bump down onto joints with some force and be perfectly protected. However this does mean it doesn't roll up as neatly as some other mats.
There’s nothing more irritating than buying a brand new yoga mat only for it to fall apart after a few vinyasa classes. Fortunately, there’s no such problem with this durable offering from the experts at Complete Unity. It’s crafted from sustainably harvested tree rubber and natural jute fibres, which means the surface isn’t the smoothest, but it is resistant to wear and tear and, crucially, it’s uber sturdy – trust us, it won’t budge, whether you’re flowing on carpet, hard wood or tiles.
Our yogi was mega impressed with the mat’s CompleteGrip technology, which provided a brilliantly stable surface to get their zen on. The brand is so confident about its grip, it even offers a 30-day ‘grip guarantee’ – so if you do find yourself slipping around mid-flow, you can get your money back. Neat. The mat earned bonus points for its eco creds. The manufacturing process is zero waste, the materials are non-toxic and vegan-friendly, and the packaging is plastic-free. A word to the wise, though, there’s no carry strap and it is on the heavy side, so it’s not one for bringing on hols.
Like Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber and Victoria Beckham, we’re sold on Alo’s gorj sports bras and leggings, so it’s no surprise the brand’s popular yoga mat passed our tests with flying colours.
Coming in a range of calming colours including powder pink and jungle green, it has a non-slip surface to wick away moisture and stop you sliding around, even during the sweatiest of flows and HIIT sessions.
Our expert said the smooth, plush material felt comfortable for all positions and at 5mm thickness, it offered serious comfort and top-notch joint protection. Plus, the anti-odour finish means you don’t need to worry about this mat smelling bad, no matter how hard you work on it.
Our tester appreciated the detailed care instructions (you can find them on the Alo site) but take note, the mat is on the heavier side so it’s best suited to home workouts. If you do want to carry it around you with, the brand offers a durable carry strap.
Oh Decathlon, yet again you've given us just what we need before we even realised we needed it, and at a price we can absolutely stomach. This time, it’s a yoga mat made for restorative sessions such as yin yoga.
When you’re holding poses for longer periods of time, you want a mat that can keep you comfortable and your joints happy. Thankfully, at a generous 8mm thick, this one does just that.
After using this mat for a few weeks for our home yoga sessions, we can say we're firm fans. The mat is fairly thick at 4.2mm but it still feels lightweight enough to cart around the house to take a quiet half an hour to yourself to do some much needed yoga nidra.
Keep in mind that if you go for a lighter colour you can see sweat stains. Although the mat is moisture-wicking that doesn't happen instantly, and if you're into sweatier workouts we'd recommend picking up the mat in black.
Lighter and easier to roll out than traditional yoga mats, this travel mat is ideal for taking on holiday (poolside yoga anyone?). The bag with a shoulder pad is a particularly nice touch, making keeping fit on the go stress free.
Extremely grippy, even when sweaty, this mat would suit yogis and general fitness fanatics alike. Our expert enjoyed the alignment system feature that helped with positioning and technique, and WH Fitness Director Bridie has used hers almost every day since investing in it two years ago.
If a mat has any green credentials, it’s a big bonus in our book. So, when we found out this one is partly made from algae (yep, the stuff from lakes and ponds), we knew we had to give it a try.
Our expert said it was one of the most comfortable mats they tested, offering mattress-levels of cushioning, and it felt soothing on their hands and feet. It was surprisingly lightweight and portable too, handy if you fancy some Pilates in the park.
Our only niggle: it wasn’t amazingly grippy, so we’d reserve it for more relaxed practices.
Do you just love leaving your mat dripping in sweat? Are you a die-hard hot yoga fan? If so, you're probably all too aware that not all yoga mats are designed for a good sweat sesh, and as such you need a specialist mat for the job.
Cork, as well as being one of the most sustainable materials out there, makes a brilliant hot yoga partner, as its grip increases as things heat up, it’s antibacterial so can banish any odour-causing bacteria brought on by Bikram, and because it’s 100% natural (and in this case, free from dyes) no toxins are released during your practice, no matter how much moisture you douse it in. Want to boost the grip pre-flow? Simply spritz with water.
It’s not just the cork that can boast eco credentials, as this baby is backed with ethically-sourced natural rubber, giving ample cushioning for joints. It feels lovely under foot and — we know this sounds weird — smells lovely too. Plus it’s fairly light and rolls up nice and small, making it easy to store and take to the studio.
Is it a bit plain in terms of design? Yes. But if you like a no-frills, natural approach then this is a winner.
At just 85g we challenge you to find a lighter yoga mat than this one. You can toss it up in the air and catch it with one hand with zero dramas — that’s how light it is. But, happily, light on features it is not, with a central line to aid alignment, ridged sections at the top and bottom to increase grip and 5mm cushioning to protect joints.
The grip is pretty good, particularly for this price point, but being made from polymers it can’t compete with premium rubber mats from the likes of Liforme, lululemon and Yogi Bare. It is a little narrower than most mats too, and initially left a light, tacky film on our hands, but this did dissipate after a few flows.
It’s an excellent option for those just starting out who want something simple they can cart to the studio, or if you need cushioning for basic flows it does the job at a great price point and is light enough to take everywhere. However, if you’re working with poses that require a lot of grip or heavy sweat flows, it may be best to invest in something a little more luxe.
Available in three speckled colourways — the dark blue looks like a starry night sky!
If you’re after a mat for vigorous exercise, you can’t beat this lululemon offering. As the name suggests, it’s designed for training, and we found it the dream for sweaty HIIT circuits and weights sessions. It proved durable enough to withstand dropped dumbbells and our trainers didn’t leave any scuff marks. The plush base was thick enough for our abs workouts (and post-workout power naps) and it didn’t slip around on any surface.
You know you’re getting quality with a lululemon product and this one didn’t disappoint. It delivers on good looks and performance, it’s easy to clean (just give it a wipe down with a damp cloth) and it doesn’t have that unpleasant rubbery smell that many mats do. However, it’s not the one for hot yoga – our hands and feet slid around during sweaty sun salutations.
Wipes or a cleaning spray applied in circular motions to both sides of the mat with a towel are a good call for a quick fix between classes, but at some stage you’re going to want to give it a deep clean.
'Best practice is to follow the guide of the manufacturer,' says Maher. 'Some will have mat cleaner, others may suggest machine washing.' In which case, giving it a thorough clean is as easy as throwing it in the machine, putting it on a cold gentle cycle with mild detergent and air drying it afterwards. 'If your mat is machine washable, avoid fabric softener as this will coat the mat making it slippery,' advises Maher.
Others require just a bit more effort (always check the label). The safest way to deep clean a yoga mat is by using a gentle cloth and warm water with either dishwashing soap, a mild detergent, or a specialist yoga mat cleaner. Different yoga mat surfaces require different care, so check the label and consult our guide on how to clean your yoga mat, plus the best yoga mat cleaners for the job.
But for everyday refreshes? 'A regular spritz of water with some eucalyptus or tea tree oil will help keep bugs at bay between deep cleans,' says Maher.
Women's Health UK found the lululemon The Mat 5mm the best all-round yoga mat. After five years of use it still performs as it did when it was first unrolled, the designs are beautiful, the grip hard to match and the cushioning is ideal for everything from long-held restorative poses to fast, sweaty flows.
The Liforme Original Yoga Mat is also worth a mention for grip and brilliant asana guides, while the Yogi Bare Ever Grip Mat is peerless in terms of grip and stability — trust us, even in the most precarious poses your hands and feet will not budge.
For a more budget option it's hard to find better than the Gaiam Yoga Mat, which offers excellent cushioning as well as pretty designs, and if you're looking on the more luxe end of the spectrum, the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat delivers on all fronts in terms of performance and boasts minimal, chic aesthetics.
Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones. Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges.
She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more.
Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Bridie is Fitness Director at Women's Health UK. She spends her days sweating over new workouts, fitness launches and the best home gym kit so you have all that you need to get fit done. Her work has been published in Stylist, Glamour, Cosmopolitan and more. She’s also a part-time yoga teacher with a habit of nodding off mid savasana (not when she’s teaching, promise).
Hattie Parish is the Health and Fitness Ecommerce Editor for Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World, covering the best gym wear, latest fitness tech and wellness launches worth investing in, plus the best deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. As well as clocking up the miles in myriad running socks, pummelling her muscles with massage guns, testing out fitness mirrors and donning dry robes every other weekend, Hattie consults leading experts in the health and fitness industry to help readers make informed decisions when shopping online. Brought up by two medics, Hattie worked in health clinics before completing a BA in English at King’s College London. She qualified as a journalist in 2015 and has since written for titles such as Healthy magazine, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and Red, as well as worked commercially with health and wellness clients such as Holland & Barrett, Lloyds Pharmacy and Superdrug. Hattie is passionate about arming readers with honest, unbiased product reviews and has a particular interest in the role of technology in our wellbeing, as well as gender-based inequalities in healthcare. When she’s not putting gym wear through its paces on the Pilates reformer or kitting out her home gym (garage) with the latest equipment, she’s attempting to make progress on her teetering pile of bedside books, cycling round South East London or sampling wellness retreats for the Women’s Health travel pages.
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