Choosing a Yoga Mat: Recommendations for Grip and Comfort

A quality yoga mat is the foundation for almost any floor-based exercise. Whether you're finding your balance in a yoga pose, training your core with Pilates, or doing an intense fitness workout, the right surface makes all the difference. But with so many choices in material, thickness, and texture, it can be challenging to find the mat that's right for you.

This guide is designed to help. We'll explore the key features of different mats, so you can make a choice that aligns with your training style and preferences.

What to Look for When Buying a Yoga Mat

Before we dive into specific products, here are a few key considerations to help you choose the right exercise mat.

1. The Material: Cork, TPE, or PVC?

The material largely determines your mat's grip, comfort, and durability.

• Cork: This is a popular choice for an eco-friendly yoga mat. Cork is a natural and renewable material. A unique feature is that its grip often improves as the mat gets damper from sweat, making it an excellent option for more intense yoga styles like hot yoga.
• TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): TPE is a blend of plastic and rubber. The material is lightweight, offers excellent cushioning, and is often recyclable. TPE mats feel soft and typically have a good non-slip texture on both sides.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC is a highly durable and wear-resistant material. These mats last a long time and are easy to clean. They provide a stable surface, making them a solid choice for both a fitness mat and a yoga mat for beginners.

2. The Thickness: Comfort vs. Stability

A mat's thickness is usually measured in millimetres (mm) and directly impacts your workout.

• Thin (3-5 mm): Offers more contact with the floor, providing extra stability for balance poses. They are lighter and easier to carry.
• Standard (6 mm): A great all-rounder that strikes a balance between comfort and stability. Suitable for most forms of yoga and Pilates.
• Thick (8-10 mm or more): A thick yoga mat provides maximum cushioning and is comfortable for your joints, such as knees and hips. This is ideal for a Pilates mat, floor exercises, or if you have sensitive joints.

3. Grip and Portability

A non-slip yoga mat is essential for safety. Pay attention to the surface texture. A mat with a textured pattern often provides more grip than a completely smooth one. If you plan to take your mat to the gym or on your travels, a yoga mat with a carrying strap is a practical addition.

Our Recommended Yoga Mats

Based on the criteria above, we've selected some popular mats with different features.

Capelli Sport Cork & TPE Yoga Mat

Why it stands out: This mat combines a natural cork top layer with a TPE base. This combination creates a unique user experience: the natural grip of cork, which improves with perspiration, and the cushioning stability of TPE.

Key Features:

• Top layer of natural cork, a renewable material.
• Grip increases as the mat gets damper, ideal for hot yoga.
• The 5 mm thickness offers a good balance between cushioning and ground-contact.
• The TPE base ensures it stays firmly in place on the floor.

Best for: The eco-conscious user and anyone with an intense or hot yoga practice. If you find yourself slipping on other mats due to sweat, this could be an excellent solution.

Capelli Sport 6mm Printed Yoga Mat

Why it stands out: This mat is a practical all-rounder with a focus on durability and style. The PVC material is wear-resistant, and the textured surface provides reliable stability for a variety of exercises.

Key Features:

• Made from durable PVC that resists wear and tear.
• The textured surface provides a stable, non-slip base.
• The 6 mm thickness is a versatile choice for yoga, Pilates, and fitness.
• Easy to clean and maintain.

Best for: The all-around athlete looking for a single mat for various workouts, from yoga to core exercises. It's also a great choice as a yoga mat for beginners who want a reliable, low-maintenance mat.

MISS LULU Good Nite Thick Yoga Mat (10mm)

Why it stands out: With a thickness of 10 mm, this mat's primary focus is comfort. The high-density TPE material offers maximum cushioning, which is easy on the joints during floor exercises.

Key Features:

• Extra thick yoga mat (10 mm) for superior cushioning.
• Double-sided non-slip surface for excellent grip on various floors.
• Made from TPE with a quick rebound.
• Comes with a yoga mat with a carrying strap for easy transport.

Best for: Ideal for users seeking extra comfort, for instance, those with sensitive knees or back pain. It's highly suitable as a Pilates mat, for stretching, and for slower-paced yoga styles that involve a lot of sitting or lying down.

Haven't Found What You're Looking For?

These recommendations are a starting point. You might be looking for a different colour, an ultra-light travel mat, or a specific material not mentioned here. Everyone has different needs for their ideal exercise mat.

Explore our full range of exercise mats and find the perfect match for your workout.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga Mats

What is the difference between a yoga mat and a fitness mat?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a functional difference. A yoga mat is typically thinner and focuses on grip and stability to prevent slipping during poses. A fitness mat is often thicker and designed to absorb shock during high-impact exercises. They are also frequently made of material that is more resistant to wear from athletic shoes.

How do I clean my yoga mat?

For most mats (TPE and PVC), wiping them down with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution after use is sufficient. Rinse off any soap residue thoroughly and let the mat air dry completely before rolling it up. Avoid harsh cleaning agents. For a cork mat, a damp cloth is usually enough. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions.

How thick should my yoga mat be?

This depends on your personal preference and the type of workout.

• 3-5 mm: Good for active, standing yoga styles where stability is key.
• 6 mm: A good middle ground for general use, from yoga to Pilates.
• 8 mm or thicker: Recommended if you need extra cushioning for your joints, for example, during Pilates or recovery exercises. This is a typical thick yoga mat.