Whether you opt to do yoga on a flat surface like a floor or an uneven one like the grass, the problem would be the same. This may help you get into the flow. However, practicing yoga on such surfaces may hurt your joints and prevent you from focusing on posture. That’s why you should invest in yoga mats. These are multi-purpose mats that you can use for various exercises, meditate, and even sunbathe when required, apart from practicing yoga.

However, choosing the best mat for yourself isn’t as easy. You have to realize your personal preferences and the kind of exercises you intend to do on the mat. Such as, if you are into hot yoga, you’ll need a mat that’s made of grippy and quick-drying material. In this buying guide, we will share the top tips for buying the perfect yoga mat and our top five picks for yoga mats this year.

Helpful Tips to Consider Before Investing in a Yoga Mat

1. Go for No-Slip material

You should definitely consider buying a mat made from grippy material. If you buy a slippery mat the entire time you are exercising or participating in a yoga class, you will feel like you will fall at any time. Slippery mats are a strict no, especially if you want to practice challenging postures like the handstand or crow. Therefore, opt for a mat made from no-slip material like polyurethane. This is basically a coating applied on top of high-quality yoga mats to make them non-slippery. Apart from that, polyurethane makes the mat more grippy and comfortable. So, your feet and hands stay rooted firmly into the yoga mat. Moreover, polyurethane makes the mat durable and long-lasting.

2. Check the Mat’s Thickness

There’s no specific formula to determine the ideal thickness of a yoga mat, and it is a matter of personal choice. You can check different mats and buy the one that you find most comfortable. If you have sensitive joints, go for 6mm or more thickness to get extra cushioning and support. Conversely, beginners can use a 3mm to 5mm yoga mat. Don’t think that the thicker the mat, the squishier it would be while you practice because it doesn’t feel so.

But, keep in mind that thick mats are more expensive too. So, if you want to stick to the budget, we recommend you invest in a 1.5mm or more polyurethane mat and layer it atop a communal mat available at your gym or yoga studio.

3. Carefully Select the Design

We know people generally like bright colors considering them more festive and fun. However, the downside of bright shades is that after some time, these become tiresome and are prone to getting dirty quickly. The mat should last at least a few years, so choose a design and color that remains clean longer and is more durable. If you cannot make up your mind, go for black.

Let’s now check out our top picks in Yoga Mats for 2022

Editor’s Choice:

Kulae ECOmat Reversible Mat 4mm

Kulae ECOmat Reversible Mat 4mm

​This mat is made from natural biodegradable rubber, polyurethane, nylon, synthetic rubber, polyester and 100% latex free. Kulae has created a beautiful reversible mat featuring 4mm thickness, weighs a total of 2.2lbs and measures 72″x24″. Kulae is known for creating the industry’s best yoga mats, but its most famous and sought-after product is the reversible yoga mat. This mat features a polyurethane topcoat and allows the perfect grip on your feet and hands. This mat ensures you can do yoga poses and other exercises from bang-out burpees to vinyasa flow because all you need to do is switch the sides. Apart from its highly competitive price tag of $68, this mat has been antimicrobial treated to prevent bacterial accumulation that causes odor and mildew due to sweat.

Maximum Cushioning and Softness:

Manduka Pro Yoga Mat 6mm

Maximum Cushioning and Softness: Manduka Pro Yoga Mat 6mm

​The Manduka Pro Yoga mat features 6mm thickness, and it is made from PVC certified by OEKO-TEX. Its unique selling point is the superior cushioning that’s hard to find in average yoga mats. Manduka has created this mat keeping in mind the demands of yoga practitioners as they have to kneel a lot, which is why this mat offers 6mm thickness. This product is beneficial for people with extra sensitive joints since the extra cushioning allows maximum support and comfort. Another fantastic feature is the dotted texture that prevents slips. However, it is a high-end yoga mat and not as budget-friendly as it costs $129.

Budget Buy:

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Mat

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Mat

​This multi-purpose yoga mat from BalanceFrom GoYoga features high-density, top-quality foam with 12mm thickness. This double-sided yoga mat promises to offer a fully non-slippery surface. However, contrary to your perception that due to 12mm thickness, it would be heavier than other mats, the BalanceForm yoga mat is lightweight and has a handy strap. Furthermore, this all-purpose yoga mat is moisture-resistant and easy to wash with soap. At an attractive starting price of $23.99, this yoga mat is ideal for beginner yogis and those searching for the perfect stretching mat. To enhance the grip, you may add a thin layer of polyurethane on the top. Often times, the mat is sold with a knee pad or a couple of yoga blocks. This is really the best deal in the market for yoga mats.

Sustainability and Durability:

Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat

Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat

​This professional yoga mat from Jade Harmony is made from natural rubber and features a 5mm thickness with a slip-resistant grip. Jade Harmony creations are loved worldwide because the company uses rubber trees for its mats that are fully renewable. This mat is non-PVC and free of environmentally hazardous materials. Priced at $79.95, this yoga mat falls in the medium-range category. However, we would suggest it because its excellent no-slip property and 5mm thickness allow you maximum comfort during an intense Bikram class. The yoga mat comes in 3 different lengths: 68″, 71″ and 74 inches.

Travel-Friendly:

Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat 1.5mm

Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat 1.5mm

​Manduka EKO yoga mat is your perfect travel companion. It is not too thick with just 1.5mm thickness, and is made from 100% non-Amazon tree rubber. This mat is easy to fold, which is an excellent feature as it makes reaching the office from a yoga class completely hassle-free. You can take it wherever you go, from camping to international travel. It neatly fits into a tiny space and gets folded within seconds. Furthermore, its bottom is grippy enough to prevent slips regardless of how intensely you work out. Another key feature of the Manduka EKO Superfile yoga mat is its open-cell surface that doesn’t allow sweat to be absorbed, so you won’t need to pack a soggy mat.