How to choose the best yoga mat

There are key questions to ask yourself before you add a yoga mat to your cart.

Grip

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.

Thickness and weight

‘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.’

Extra features

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:

• How much cleaning does it require?
• Do you want an antimicrobial yoga mat?
• How long is your mat? Will it work for yoga flows?
• Are you looking for a sustainable yoga mat?

Longevity

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.’

What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?

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.

How we test the best yoga mats

“/>