Yoga and Exercise Mats

The best yoga mats create a designated space for yoga practice, providing a cushioned, grippy surface that enhances comfort, stability, and focus during poses and exercises. Yoga mats cushion and support the joints, particularly the knees and wrists. The non-slip surface of a yoga mat helps maintain grip and stability. Yoga mats also offer a sanitary barrier between the practitioner and the floor. These mats aren’t just for yoga, either. They can also be useful as a surface for meditation, basic stretching, or to perform bodyweight exercises like pushups, planks, or sit-ups.

The best yoga mat depends on your needs and preferences, but the key factors are material, thickness, and length. Material affects the mat’s texture, stickiness, eco-friendliness, and durability. Common materials include cork, rubber, foam, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). Each has benefits and drawbacks. Thickness influences cushioning and stability. Thicker mats provide more comfort for sensitive joints but can make balancing poses more challenging. Texture impacts grip and how much the mat "grips" the floor to prevent sliding. Consider how much you sweat during practice and whether you prefer a smooth or textured surface. Finally, length matters, especially if you're taller or need extra space for certain poses. Standard yoga mats are around 68 inches long, but longer and wider options are available. Beyond these basics, consider your yoga style, budget, and personal preferences. If you practice hot yoga, look for a mat with excellent moisture absorption. If you travel frequently or practice yoga outside your home, a thin, lightweight mat is essential.

The “best” thickness for a yoga mat depends on your individual needs and preferences. We offer four different yoga mats of varying thickness: Solana (1”), Solana (0.5”), Pismo (0.25”/6mm), and Laguna (0.2”/5mm). The thickest yoga mats (1”) provide maximum cushioning and support, and are best for those with joint pain, beginner yogis, or those looking for comfort. Because these mats are so thick and squishy, they can feel unstable for advanced balancing poses and may make it difficult to feel grounded and connected to the floor. Thicker yoga mats are also harder to store and transport. (It’s almost impossible to take a 1” yoga mat with you on the go.) On the other end of the spectrum, the thinnest yoga mats (6mm to 5mm) provide an intimate connection to the floor, and will offer a stable, grounded feeling. They’re also typically much lighter and are easier to store and travel with. Experienced yoga practitioners usually prefer thinner mats.

Both rubber and foam offer pros and cons. Rubber yoga mats provide excellent grip and durability. They are usually eco-friendly, provide a stable surface for standing poses, and tend to be more durable than foam mats. However, they are less cushioned. Our thinnest yoga mat, Laguna, is primarily made from rubber with a polyurethane (PU) top coating for grip. Foam mats provide more cushioning for joints, and come in a wider range of colors and styles. Our Solana (1”), Solana (0.5”), and Pismo are all foam yoga mats. If grip and durability are your top priorities, a rubber mat might be a good choice. If you prefer thick cushioning, a foam mat could be a better fit.

The price of the best yoga mats ranges from just $20 to $150 or more, depending on factors like material, thickness, and name brand. Consider your budget and how often you plan to use the mat. Ultimately, the “right” price balances affordability and features that will enhance your practice. The good news is that yoga mats are pretty simple. These mats serve a basic purpose: they keep you from coming into contact with the floor and provide grip and cushion for your practice. That’s why many people practice yoga on towels and don’t even use mats! So there aren’t many reasons to pay more than $50 for a yoga mat, at least until you’ve become an experienced yogi and can understand the nuances offered by different material builds, toppings, and thicknesses.

While not strictly necessary, choosing a yoga mat that's slightly longer than your height will offer several advantages. A longer mat provides extra space to stretch out fully in poses like downward-facing dog or forward lunges without feeling constricted. A longer mat will also prevent your hands or feet from slipping off during transitions or dynamic movements. If you're taller or have a longer stride, a longer mat will make a noticeable difference in your comfort and overall yoga experience. All of our yoga mats are 72 inches long, so there’s plenty of space for practitioners of all heights!

Whether you fold or roll your yoga mat will likely depend on its thickness. Thicker yoga mats simply will not fold, and will need to be rolled. Thinner mats will give you more options. In general, rolling is always the best option to preserve the mat's integrity and longevity. (Folding creates creases that can weaken the mat's material over time, potentially leading to cracks or tears.) Rolling maintains the mat's natural shape and prevents this creasing. Folding a yoga mat before you roll it, however, is technically more hygienic, preventing the top surface of the mat from coming into contact with the bottom (i.e. the floor). That’s why some yoga practitioners prefer folding.

The lifespan of a yoga mat depends on several factors, including the quality of materials, how often you use it, and how well it’s cared for. A well-maintained, high-quality yoga mat made from durable materials like rubber or polyurethane will last for several years, even with daily use. Cheaper mats made with lower quality materials may show wear and tear sooner, potentially needing replacement within a year or two. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to tell when it’s time to replace your yoga mat. Look for noticeable thinning, loss of grip, or a persistent odor even after cleaning.

How often you wash your yoga mat depends on how often you use it and the intensity of your practice. A good rule of thumb is to give it a quick wipe after each session, using a damp cloth and a gentle cleaner specifically designed for yoga mats. For a deeper clean, aim to wash your mat thoroughly at least once a month, or more frequently if you practice hot yoga or tend to sweat heavily. Regular cleaning not only maintains the hygiene of your mat, but it also prolongs its lifespan.

No, it’s not a good idea to put your yoga mat in the dryer. The high heat can damage the mat, causing it to shrink, warp, or even melt, depending on the material. This is especially true for mats made from synthetics like foam, rubber, PVC, or TPE. Even if the dryer has a low-heat or air-dry setting, it's still risky. The tumbling action can also cause wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of your mat. After you wash your yoga mat, it's best to stick with air drying by hanging it over a shower rod or clothesline or laying it flat in a well-ventilated area.

If you’re using one of our yoga mats, it’s easy to tell which side is which, because all our mats have the retrospec logo on the top side! If you’re using another yoga mat without a clear indicator, look for the side with a more pronounced texture. Usually one side is designed for grip, while the other is smoother. The grippy side should face up to prevent slipping during your practice. If all else fails, try both sides and see which feels more stable and secure during your poses.

For yoga, you'll want to wear clothes that are comfortable, breathable, and allow for a full range of motion. Opt for stretchy, form-fitting fabrics that wick away moisture, such as leggings or yoga pants, and a comfortable top that won't ride up during poses. Avoid clothing that is too loose or restrictive, as it can get in the way or hinder your movement. Choose fabrics that feel good against your skin and won't irritate you during practice. It's also a good idea to dress in layers so you can adjust to the temperature of the room. Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable so you can focus on your practice!

In most cases, no. Socks make your feet more slippery, making it harder to find grip and ground yourself in yoga poses. However, if you have cold feet or concerns about hygiene in a shared studio space, socks can provide warmth and comfort. Those with certain medical conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or neuropathy, may also find socks provide needed support or cushioning. If you choose to wear socks, opt for dedicated yoga socks, which have textured grips on the soles to prevent sliding.

There are a few reasons why someone might choose to put a towel over their yoga mat. For one, if using a shared yoga mat, placing a towel over the mat provides an extra layer of cleanliness, preventing direct contact with germs and bacteria. During sweaty practices like hot yoga or vinyasa flow, a towel can also absorb excess moisture and prevent you from slipping and sliding on your mat. A towel can also add a layer of cushioning and softness, especially if your mat is thin or you have sensitive joints.

Sharing yoga mats is generally not a good idea due to hygiene concerns. Sweat, bacteria, and fungi will accumulate on a mat's surface over time, and if shared, this can lead to skin infections or other health issues. While some studios offer communal mats, they may not be cleaned thoroughly between uses. If you must share a mat, consider placing a towel on top for an extra layer of protection, but ideally, bringing your own mat will ensure cleanliness and hygiene.

While the terms “yoga mat” and “exercise mat” are often used interchangeably, there are some key distinctions. Dedicated yoga mats are typically thinner and designed specifically for yoga practice. They prioritize grip and stability to help you maintain poses, with a textured surface that prevents slipping even during sweaty flows. They're also lightweight and easy to roll up for portability. Exercise mats, on the other hand, tend to be thicker and offer more cushioning. This makes them suitable for a wider range of activities, such as floor exercises, Pilates, and general workouts where impact absorption is important. They may not have the same level of grip as a yoga mat, as slipping isn't as much of a concern for these activities.