THE
YOGA MAT
GUIDE

  • THICKNESS
  • SIZE
  • MATERIAL
  • STYLE
Yoga mat thickness

YOGA MAT THICKNESS

Learn about yoga mat thickness
  • 2mm
  • 3-4mm
  • 5-6mm
  • 8mm

FOR YOGA
ON-THE-Go

2mm is the ideal thickness for a mat you want travel with or layer on top of mats at the gym or studio for added cushion and protection



FOR CLASSIC
CUSHIONING

3-4mm thick yoga mats are ideal for travel and cushion, thin enough to bring with you but thick enough to add more comfort to your practice



FOR PREMIUM
CUSHION

5-6mm thick premium yoga mats are ideal for a little extra cushion during your practice, protecting your joints and adding comfort to even the toughest of yoga poses



FOR THE ULTIMATE
CUSHION & PERFORMANCE

8mm is the thickness yoga mat, offering premium grip
and performance to protect your joints and keep
you comfortable


What to consider when browsing yoga mat thicknesses

The thickness of your yoga mat has a lot to do with how comfortable it is — too thin, and your knee may get banged up during crescent lunge. The trade-off is that thick yoga mats (some as thick as 1/4 inch) can make it harder for you to feel a strong connection to the floor, making you more wobbly in Tree Pose, for example.

Options: A standard yoga mat is about 1/8 inch thick, while the thickest are about 1/4 inch. There are also wafer-thin yoga mats, often called “travel yoga mats,” that are 1/16 inch thick. They fold easily and don’t weigh much, making them a cinch to fit in a suitcase and great for layering on top of those icky gym mats. Thicker yoga mats, up to 1/4 inch, provide the most cushion and support, ideal for floor workouts and restorative yoga practices.

Basic buying guide: Consider how much room you have to stow your yoga mat, how important portability is, and where your sweet spot is on comfort versus being able to feel a direct connection to the floor. If you're short on storage space, have a long schlep to the studio, and like the feel of just a little padding, opt for a standard-depth mat, in the 1/8 inch range.

If you don’t mind carrying and storing a little more heft for the sake of more cushioning, consider a premium yoga mat that's about 1/4 inch thick. And if you absolutely must be able to pack your yoga mat in a suitcase or carry-on, get yourself a foldable travel yoga mat in the 1/16 inch range.

Yoga mat size

YOGA MAT SIZE

What to know about yoga mat sizes
  • Standard
  • Extra Long
  • Kids

FOR THE
EVERYDAY YOGI

Standard sized yoga mats are 68" long by 24" wide, designed for any yoga practice from beginner to advanced and will support you during any practice



FOR ADDED
SPACE & REACH

These yoga mats are 10" longer and 2" wider than standard sized mats, giving you more space and reach during your practice



FOR THE
LITTLE YOGIS

These kid-sized yoga mats will keep your little yogi active with all-grip and no-slip in a variety of colors and patterns. Ideal for ages 5-8.


Yoga mat material

YOGA MAT MATERIAL

What to know about yoga mat materials
  • PVC
  • Rubber
  • Cork
  • Jute
  • TPE

Classic
PVC

Most yoga mats are made out of PVC, otherwise known as vinyl, are lightweight. latex free, and feature the most cushioning with long-lasting durability



EXTRA GRIPPY
RUBBER

Yoga mats made out of rubber are heavier, more durable and have the most grip, preventing you from slipping and sliding during your yoga practice

Be Free Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat (2mm)

Be Free Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat (2mm)

Be Free Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat (2mm)



PERFORMANCE
CORK

These yoga mats are lightweight and eco-friendly, made from sustainable natural cork that is antimicrobial to repel germs and odor



ALL-NATURAL
JUTE

These mats are made from natural fibers of the jute plant which is non-toxic, latex and silicone free. These mats are lightweight, yet durable, non-slip and absorb moisture making them ideal for hot yoga practices



ECO-FRIENDLY
TPE

TPE is eco-friendly and resistant to germs, odor and bacteria, keeping you (and the plant) safe. These yoga mats are also naturally cushioned and ultra-lightweight.

Be Free Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat (2mm)

Be Free Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat (2mm)

Be Free Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat (2mm)


What to consider when browsing yoga mat materials

The material your yoga mat is made of dictates its texture, stickiness, eco-friendliness, and sponginess (how much it yields to pressure), and how it wears over time.

Options: Most standard yoga mats are made of PVC, otherwise known as vinyl. Newer, more earth-friendly options include natural and recycled rubber, jute, cork and organic cotton or natural cotton (which means the fabric is not treated with synthetic finishes during manufacturing).

Basic buying guidelines: If you're allergic to latex, avoid yoga mats made of natural rubber. If you want to stick with the tried and true sticky mat, choose a yoga mat made out of PVC, which can endure your use and abuse for more than a decade. Sponginess can vary widely with different blends of materials, but in general, PVC has the most "give" of any yoga mat material; jute, cork and cotton have the least.

Beyond these fundamentals, let your other priorities — texture, stickiness, and eco-friendliness — be your guides.

Yoga mat styles

YOGA MAT STYLE

  • Printed
  • Metallic
  • Reversible
  • Solid Color

ADD STYLE WITH
PRINTED YOGA MATS

Choose from a variety of prints and colors to match your mat to your personal style, complimenting any practice



ADD SOME SHINE WITH
METALLIC YOGA MATS

These metallic infused printed mats add a little extra style to your practice while still maintaining a no-slip grip and lightweight, yet durable, design



MIX IT UP WITH
REVERSIBLE YOGA MATS

These yoga mats feature two designs on each side, letting you mix it up depending on your mood with 6mm of comfortable cushioning and a no-slip grip



CLASSIC
SOLID COLOR MATS

Match your mat to anything with these classic solid color options. Each mat is lightweight, yet durable, with 3 to 8mm of cushioning and a no-slip grip