Looking to buy a yoga mat? Here are some top things you may wish to consider and recommendations, whether buying new or second hand.
A great way to 'try before you buy' is to try a few studio and gym yoga classes and see if they have mats that you particularly like.
Note that this post is not sponsored in any way by any of the brands mentioned below.
Budget
Yoga mats vary in cost from about £5 to £150. A £5 mat is unlikely to offer good grip and may wear away more quickly, but there are some good options out there without breaking the bank. Buying second hand is a great option for getting a premium mat at a more affordable price.
Grip
This is the most important one for me and could be a post of its own! For me, the absolute best mats for grip are those with a rubber base and PU upper, like the Liforme mats that are so prevalent in the yoga world. However, if Liforme mats break the bank, there are more affordable alternatives, like Yogi Bare and Yoga Studio. I have also heard good things about natural rubber mats that don't have the PU upper, like Jade yoga mats (although I haven't tried it myself).
I emphatically do not recommend thick, foamy exercise mats for Asana, as they tend to be quite slippy, especially when you get a sweat on. They also tend to stretch out of shape in poses such as lunges, warriors and downward-facing dog.
Thinner but foamy, bobbly yoga mats (like the middle photo above) tend to be a bit better and more budget-friendly than rubber/PU mats. Bear in mind that they aren't as grippy and in particular can get quite slippy when wet.
If you're into hot yoga, some mats come with a microfibre layer on top, such as With Every Atom - I've not tried these myself but have a friend who is a big fan. You might find it helpful to spray these mats down with water before practicing, as the moisture can enhance the grip.
Environmental footprint
The most sustainable yoga mat is a second hand yoga mat. You should have no trouble finding one in charity shops or on second hand sites such as Gumtree or Facebook (check out both buying and selling groups, such as Yoga Secondhand UK, and Marketplace) - just bear in mind my comments above regarding materials.
If you are buying new, beware of greenwashing. For example, many mats are now marketed as being biodegradable. Surprisingly, this is an ambiguous word so make sure you research or ask how they should be disposed of once they reach the end of their life. Also look for reassurances that workers throughout the supply chain are fairly treated.
Cork yoga mats have grown in popularity as an eco-friendly option, but bear in mind these are not pure cork (and therefore may be meshed with less eco friendly materials) and also tend to be less durable.
Most importantly, one long-lasting mat that you use frequently is better than many short-lived mats.
Padding
Some mats are much thicker and more padded than others. If you will be laying your mat on a hard floor, you may want more padding (although beware the foamy exercise mat, as discussed above). If you want to carry your mat all over, a 'travel mat' is likely to be a better choice as they are thin and lightweight.
Size and shape
Not all mats are the same shape. If you are very tall, look out for extra-long mats. If you like to move around the mat, for example if you practice a lot of Mandala yoga, a round mat may be best for you. However, if you plan to take a round mat to a class, do check with the teacher that there will be space for it first!
What mat do I use?
I use a Yogi Bare Wild Paws mat for my home practice. I love it, as it's long and grippy but sometimes I layer a bobbly foam mat underneath, as it is not very padded. I use an ultra thin travel mat that I bought second hand for taking with me when I teach and when I go away.