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The best yoga mats for every practice, according to experts

Thickness, texture and grip are top considerations when buying a yoga mat.
Not all yoga mats are created equal, shop these expert-recommended mats from Lululemon, Alo, Gaiam and more.
Not all yoga mats are created equal, shop these expert-recommended mats from Lululemon, Alo, Gaiam and more.Kara Birnbaum / NBC

A yoga mat may not seem super complex, but there’s a lot to consider before buying one, according to experts we spoke with. A good mat should be comfortable and supportive and provide enough cushioning that you feel good when laying, sitting or standing on it. 

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best yoga mats | The best yoga mats | How to shop for a yoga mat

With many options to choose from — including ones that are extra-padded and super-gripping  — you might have trouble deciding which mat to invest in. To help you prepare for your next at-home or on-the-road sweat session, we talked to yoga instructors to find out exactly what you should look for in a mat and the best ones to shop right now.

Selected.Our top picks

How we picked the best yoga mats

Not all yoga mats are created equal. Our experts recommend keeping the following in mind when shopping to help you find the right option for your practice:. 

  • Cushioning: Foamier mats with extra padding and thickness tend to be more comfortable and can also help alleviate joint pain as you workout, says Gustavo Padron, a Texas-based yoga and meditation teacher. 
  • Sweat-resistant: Though yoga may seem slow and gentle, it can also induce some serious sweat — and if it pools on your mat, it could get slippery. Opt for a sweat-proof mat, according to Padron, who says that vinyl tends to be both sweat-resistant and very durable. 
  • Texture: For increased grip, which helps provide stability, Padron recommends looking for a mat that has some texture to it. This can mean a mat that feels slightly bumpy or rippled.  

Best yoga mats

Not only can yoga mats provide cushioning and grip as you move from Downward- facing Dog to Child’s Pose, yoga mats are also great for a variety of other workouts including stretching and Pilates. Below are top picks from experts, along with some highly rated options we chose based on their guidance and favorites from NBC Select staffers.

JadeYoga Harmony Mat

“This is one of my favorite mats for everyday use,” says Kendra Thomas, a certified yoga instructor in New York City. “It’s lightly textured to provide a nonslip base for your yoga practice.” That mat is made from natural rubber and measures just under 0.2 inch thick and 68 inches long. It is available in eight different colors and also comes in a version that is 74 inches long.

Feetlu Yoga Mat

This two-toned yoga mat is flexible, tear-resistant and durable, according to the brand. The mat, which has a 4.7-star average rating from 1,193 reviews on Amazon, has 10mm of extra-thick cushioning and is covered in slightly raised ridges for grip. It weighs 2.5 pounds and comes with a carrying strap for easy transport to and from your yoga sessions.

Alo Yoga Warrior Mat

An NBC Select Wellness Award winner for the best mat for hot yoga, ​​Alo Yoga’s Warrior Mat is a thick, sturdy yoga mat our editors loved for its moisture-wicking ability. It is made from 100% formaldehyde-free polyurethane leather and rubber that you can clean with just soap and water. At 0.2 inch thick, 6 pounds and 74 inches, Alo’s Warrior mat is on the larger side, though. “This is the best yoga mat I’ve ever used,” says NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin, who uses it during daily workouts and weekly hot yoga classes. “The material is soft, cushioned and absorbent, so if you sweat on it, the surface isn’t slippery at all —even in hot yoga.”

Liforme Original Yoga Mat

This mat comes in two lengths — 70 inches and 82 inches — and includes a bag for storage. At 4.2mm thick, it’s on the thinner side and has markings on the mat to help guide you on where to place your feet during your practice for better body alignment, according to the brand. It weighs 3.5 pounds and has a 4.7-star average rating from over 2,500 reviews on Amazon.

Lululemon Reversible Mat 5MM

Another NBC Select Wellness Award winner for best overall yoga mat, this thick, reversible yoga mat from Lululemon is made with a mix of synthetic and natural materials, according to the brand. “This yoga mat does exactly what it was intended to do: It has a great amount of grippiness so I wasn’t slipping and sliding during my yoga class, and has an adequate amount of cushioning where I didn’t feel stiff when laying on it,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio, who typically practices yoga twice a week and used this mat at the gym and at home on hard vinyl flooring.

Stakt Folding Yoga Mat 

“Unlike traditional yoga mats that roll up, Stakt’s is foldable, making it incredibly versatile,” says Malin. “I like that I can fold it to be three different heights, allowing it to function as a flat mat or provide elevated support for my hands, knees and feet while working out. I love using it for Pilates and barre workouts to support my joints in different positions, and during HIIT workouts I often use it as a step.” The mat is made from vinyl, is 69 inches long and weighs just under three pounds.

Gaiam Classic Solid Color Yoga Mat

The most affordable option on our list, this yoga mat from Gaiam is 6mm thick and 68 inches long. “This is my go-to yoga mat,” says NBC Select contributor Bethany Heitman. “It almost feels slightly sticky, so I never worry about slipping when I’m holding Tree Pose for a long time.” This mat comes in a variety of patterns and colors, including metallic, Celestial Blue, Lily Shadows and more.


How to shop for a yoga mat

Buying the best mat for you should come down to your yoga habits and personal preference, says Padron. To help guide you, the experts we spoke with recommend asking yourself the following questions: 

  • Do you suffer from joint pain? A standard yoga mat is about 2mm thick, while they can go all the way up to 6mm in thickness. The thicker the mat, the more comfortable it will be on your joints. That said, thick mats are best for gentle or restorative yoga, which involve less moving. For more active yoga — like Vinyasa or Ashtanga — you’ll want a thinner mat, which provides more stability.
  • Do you practice frequently? “It might be best to invest in a couple of mats,” Thomas says. “It will extend the life of your yoga mats overall.” While you’re at it, consider the aesthetics of whatever you choose. Yoga is about calming and clearing the mind and body, and if you find the bright color or busy pattern of your mat irritating, you may not be able to relax. Finally, keep your mat clean and in good condition by wiping it down with soap and water after each use.
  • Will you be traveling with your mat? A rolled up, heavy mat can be hard to pack in a suitcase, says Thomas. “Foldable mats tend to be lightweight and they’re more compact to pack.” On the flip side, if you don’t travel far with your mat but have to carry it to and from class, an option that rolls up or has a carrying case can be useful.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

  • Gustavo Padron is a Texas-based teacher of yoga and meditation.
  • Kendra Thomas is a yoga, meditation and fitness instructor based in New York City.

Why trust NBC Select?

Lori Zaino is a freelance writer covering travel, finance, lifestyle, technology, wellness, education, parenting, and more from her home base in Madrid, Spain.

Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. 


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