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
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
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
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.
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
These yoga mats are 10" longer and 2" wider than standard sized mats, giving you more space and reach during your practice
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.
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
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
These yoga mats are lightweight and eco-friendly, made from sustainable natural cork that is antimicrobial to repel germs and odor
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.
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.
Choose from a variety of prints and colors to match your mat to your personal style, complimenting any practice
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
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
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