The Best Yoga Mats for Every Type of Practice

You’ll know you’ve found the best yoga mat for your practice when it keeps you so steady and comfortable on your feet that you barely notice it. Whether you prefer classes at home or at a local studio, a mat will be the backbone of your routine—so we asked fitness experts how to choose a great one.

Our top picks:

Best Yoga Mat Overall: Manduka Pro Yoga Mat
Best for Hot Yoga: Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat
Best for Versatility: Lululemon The Mat
Best for Asana Yoga: Alo Yoga Chakra Warrior Mat
Best Budget-Friendly Pick: BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Exercise Yoga Mat
Best for Taller and Bigger Bodies: JadeYoga XW Fusion
Best for Beginners: Halfmoon Essential Yoga Mat
Best for Heavy Sweaters: Yoga Strong Yoga Mat
Best for Home Use: Bala The Play Mat
Best for Pilates: All in Motion Premium Fitness Mat

How to choose the right yoga mat

Thickness

A thicker mat is ideal if you’re practicing on hardwood or primarily using it for floor poses and stretching. With enough supportive cushioning, you can focus on your yoga practice rather than on any uncomfortable pressure points. On the other hand, some people may find it easier to balance and flow more dynamically on a thinner mat (typically under four millimeters). “Listen to your body: A thicker mat might feel way more comfortable for your sensitive knees, or you might find that you’re sinking too much and need something flatter,” Annie Moves, a registered yoga instructor at Alo Moves, tells SELF.

Length

Most standard yoga mats are 71 or 72 inches long, but you can find options that are both shorter (68 inches) and longer (80 inches). If you’re on the taller side, it may be worth seeking out a longer mat that’ll accommodate your body, since many yoga poses involve a wide stance (think warrior II, downward dog, and goddess pose).

Texture and Material

If you sweat a lot or frequently go to hot yoga classes, using a mat with a nonslip surface can help keep you from sliding around. Those made with open-celled materials like polyurethane foam are particularly absorbent, which should help remove excess moisture and reduce the risk of slipping. (Of course, you’ll still want to regularly clean your mat to prevent bacteria buildup.) Bringing a yoga towel is another way to avoid practicing in sweat puddles.

There are also textured yoga mats, which feature grippy nubs along the top that can give you more stability. “You can also get mats with dual surfaces, featuring a smooth surface on one side and textured grip on the other,” Chelsea Jackson Roberts, a yoga instructor at Peloton in NYC, tells SELF. If you practice both hot, fast-paced yoga and slow, flow yoga, a versatile option like that might be your best choice.

Portability

A thinner, lightweight mat is a great option if you often take your mat on the go because it can pack away easily. Thinner mats should be able to fit in carrying straps, roll up into your yoga-mat carrier, or even fold down into compact squares.

The best yoga mats

We’ve highlighted the best yoga mats for all types of practices and bodies, whether you’re a relative beginner who’s just getting used to the postures or a seasoned yogi. We included budget-friendly bestsellers along with top picks from yoga instructors and fitness pros. And once you find a mat that works for you, consider adding yoga blocks and other helpful props to your practice.