Choosing your ideal mat will depend on a few things, so we spoke to yoga teacher Eloise Skinner to find out more. We also cover some basics below that you should factor into your decision-making. From our drive to push the edges of sustainable technology comes our Performance Jute Yoga Mat. Made partly from the natural fibers of the jute plant, the lightweight, 5mm mat is durable, sustainable and absorbs moisture, making it comfortable for even your sweatiest yoga pursuits.

Performance Jute Yoga Mat (5mm) - Gaiam Performance Jute Yoga Mat (5mm) - Gaiam

If life has you traveling here, there, and everywhere then you’ll want a lightweight mat that’s easy to stow in a suitcase or throw under your arm. Anything under 2kg is ideal, but it depends on what you personally consider ‘heavy-duty.’ The standard length for a yoga mat is 68 x 24 inches. People over 5-feet-5-inches tall may want to consider sizing up for a bit more room on both ends of the mat, allowing for full-body stretching. To test out the length of a yoga mat, move into a Downward-Facing Dog and make sure your hands and feet are firmly planted on the mat. If both fit without hitting the edges, the mat is the proper size for you. Many brands now combine synthetic with natural materials that are all recyclable. Brands like JadeYoga and Yogi Bare have even partnered up to plant trees or recycle mats on your behalf when you buy with the brand.During heated vinyasa or Bikram, you’re likely to get sweaty. We recommend prioritizing grip, including rougher textured mats that will keep you stable during long holds and transitions – like the Jade Harmony yoga mat or most Lululemon mats. The best yoga mats can help turn a good stretch into a full body workout, and that’s why it’s worth taking your time when it comes to shopping for one. At Live Science we know just how overwhelming it can be to find the right mat, especially when there’s so many to choose from. So allow us to cut through the noise - our testers have put the best yoga mats through their paces, trying out a range of different poses and workouts, so that you can make an informed buying decision.

The best yoga mats of 2023 - tested by our experts

The level of support a yoga mat provides can impact your comfort and stability during your practice. A 3mm mat offers a firmer surface, providing better stability for balancing poses and dynamic movements. This mat feels a bit thinner than other mats we tested, so it would be better for faster-paced classes rather than restorative yoga. It would not be well suited for practices or exercises that require you to rest on your joints for a long period of time. It’s way more than that: your mat is that one essential piece of workout equipment that helps you feel grounded, supported and gives you the right protection for your joints - in addition to being beautiful and inspiring for your practice.Yoga mats are an incredibly versatile piece of fitness equipment and an integral part of many home workout routines. Whether you’re going to a local studio or practicing at home, having a quality yoga mat that provides the right amount of grip and support is critically important. JadeYoga Travel yoga mats and the Gaiam brands are hugely popular. We also rate the Primasole folding yoga mat because it folds like paper into a compact and easy-to-carry parcel. If you’re reading this, it's likely that you know that a mat is not just something to place between your body and the floor when you work out. As it’s designed specifically for yoga and is susceptible to scratches, the brand says to avoid wearing shoes on the mat and to take off any jewellery that could get caught on the fabric.

Best Yoga Mats of 2023, Tested by Verywell Fit The 18 Best Yoga Mats of 2023, Tested by Verywell Fit

The generous length and width provide plenty of space to move about freely, allowing you to stay focused during flows. We also love the beautiful color range and overall style, as well as easy spot clean care instructions. What sets the Liforme mat apart from all the others is the alignment guide that's etched on the polyurethane top layer. While this can come in handy during studio classes, it’s really a distinguishing feature for at-home practiceswhen you don’t have the benefit ofan experienced yoga instructorto help adjust your form. There is a small guidebook attached to the carrying bag that further explains the alignment system, so you can get started using it right away. The ideal mat should match your needs in such a way that you are able to get better and better at your yoga or Pilates practice in the 1+ years of using it – so committing to choose the right one now will most definitely help upgrade your practice in the long term. Compared to thinner options, a 5mm mat can be heavier and less portable, making it less ideal for frequent travelers or outdoor practice. Less Stability Yoga mats are made from a variety of materials, both eco-friendly and synthetic. The most common materials used are PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), and natural rubber. PVC mats are easy to clean, durable, and long-lasting, but they aren’t considered eco-friendly. TPE mats feel more like rubber and can be recycled after use, whereas natural rubber mats like IUGA's Pro Non Slip Yoga Matare favored for their traction and slip resistance.

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The XW Fusion mat is made from sustainable, natural rubber, and we like that Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat sold. In testing, we found that the mat provided substantial cushioning but still had some give to it to allow for stability. The grip is solid even when sweating, and the texture feels pleasant and kept us from sliding around. A 3mm mat is thinner and provides a firmer surface, ideal for practitioners who prefer a more stable foundation for their poses. On our quest to find the best on the market, we also considered sustainability, style and any original features before naming our favourites. How we tested the best yoga mats We tested the long version of this mat (it’s available in two lengths), and with length comes weight. At 8.8 pounds, the Manduka PRO was easily the heaviest mat we tested—notably, the manufacturer states that it weighs 9.5 pounds. For such a heavy mat, and at this higher price point, we wish it came with a bag or carrying strap. For these reasons, this mat had some of the lowest portability, storage, and care scores of the entire test, at a 3 out of 5.

Yoga Mat - Premium 5mm Print Thick Non Slip Exercise Gaiam Yoga Mat - Premium 5mm Print Thick Non Slip Exercise

Some 5mm mats may be made of synthetic materials, which may have a higher environmental impact than natural or eco-friendly options. 3mm vs 5mm Yoga Mat The extra cushioning may reduce the mat’s stability, making it slightly less firm compared to thinner mats, which may affect balance and alignment in some poses. Environmental ImpactWe think SISYAMA's Circle Round Yoga Matcould be good for certain practices and for people who need a mat with extra surface area. But overall we think its odd, round shape, and the fact that it felt quite slippery during practice doesn't make it worth the higher price. Consider how and where you plan to use your yoga mat. If you primarily practice at home on a soft surface such as a carpet, a thinner 3mm mat may be sufficient. The vegan top layer provides a fantastically grippy platform for all your high-energy, fast-paced sessions, yet the plush rubber base means it’s also the dream for slower, most focused sessions when you need some extra cushioning. The top performers offered great grip, even when wet, and kept us comfortable as we flowed between poses. Those with the highest scores are featured below, identified by our trusty RW Lab logo. The 100% latex-free, recyclable, and OEKO-TEX certified PVC (free from hazardous chemicals) Manduka Prolite Yoga Mat is a favorite among yoga teachers and students.