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Though the best yoga mats are a common fitness staple, you need to find the right style of mat for the way you practice. "We suggest selecting a mat based on what features are most important to the individual, as each person’s practice is so personal and can vary widely," certified yoga teacher and Manduka expert Shawna Barr tells Bazaar.
If you've been on the hunt for a new mat for a while, there's a good chance you're wondering what their individual measurements stand for. According to yoga expert and Alo Moves instructor Christa Janine, the lower a mat's millimeter number, the thinner it is, and vice versa.
"Thinner mats that are 1.5 to 2 millimeters are typically best for travel, since they're lighter and more compact," she says. "5 or 6 millimeter mats are thicker, and more ideal for regular use, especially for those needed a little more cushion to protect their knees." Janine also notes to look for mats with built-in slip resistance, since they're designed to become grippier and more sturdy as you sweat.
For the best yoga mats editors, experts, and shoppers are giving gold stars, read on for our short list of favorites worthy of any type of flow.
Related: The Best Meditation Cushions to Ground Your Practice
Janine counts the Alo Warrior Mat as her favorite for regular practice, which also comes in extra long for taller enthusiasts. "It has the perfect amount of grip and non-slippage in the design," she explains. "I don’t need the extra long version of it, but I know people who do and they love it as well, so this one is my go-to."
This 5 millimeter-thick option from Gaiam has a top coat that's made to stay dry, providing consistent traction for even the most difficult poses.
One satisfied customer writes: "Bought this mat to use at hot yoga and it is amazing!! The mat has a great amount of cushion for yoga and the design is so cute! The mat rolls out and rolls up very easily and it’s easy to transport. Highly recommend this mat for yoga of any sort!" —A.T.
Lululemon's Big Mat is made extra long and wide to accommodate any yoga lover. It's also reversible—featuring a smooth side and a cushioned rubber one—and coated with a special antimicrobial additive to prevent mold and mildew.
One satisfied customer writes: "Love the big mat! Lots of space to explore movement." —Michi
Not only can you enhance your practice with this popular 3/16-inch thick mat, but you can help the environment too. As part of Jade Yoga's ongoing initiative with nonprofit Trees for the Future, the brand plants one tree for every mat sold.
One satisfied customer writes: "I've had this mat for three years of regular use and the grip is unparalleled, it's very portable (which is amazing because I have to bike around with it every day), it doesn't get stinky, it's super durable and still seems like new, and it has way more cushioning than you'd expect for a light, thin mat." —Katya
Barr says that Manduka yoga mats are built to last, since they're guaranteed for a lifetime of practice. "The Manduka Pro features ultra-dense cushioning and a supportive grip that gets better with time," she explains. "It also adapts to your body over time."
Bazaar editors consider this mat from Prada one of the best fitness gifts worth giving (or receiving). Not only is the mat itself supremely stylish, but it also nicely includes a branded harness carrier and detachable shoulder strap.
Here's a versatile mat that works for yoga, pilates, and more. Since it's designed with a lightweight rubber, the mat is easy to carry from home to the studio, and has a sturdy base to prevent it from sliding.
This lighter version of Manduka's best-selling eKO mat is ideal for daily use, and has a natural rubber top layer to keep you grounded. "The eKO mat features a naturally grippy surface combined with a springy, cushioned core for superior joint protection and easy transitions," Barr adds.
Here's a cushy mat pick to keep you feeling supported through sun salutations and cat-cow pose. Plus, the mat's one-inch thick foam design helps minimize stress on your joints, hips, and hands as you use it.
One satisfied customer writes: "This is the perfect amount of cushion to protect the knees while still allowing the support to exercise and not get off balance. Super easy to roll up with a durable strap to hold it together for storage. For the parts of the body that need more cushion, this is definitely a great option." —Rachelle D.
Make your yoga mat as stylish as your outfit with this exclusive rubber mat created by Sporty and Rich for SSENSE. Its minimal, classic design won't stick out like a sore thumb.
Hot yoga enthusiasts, this mat's for you: This pick combines the absorption of a microfiber towel with the stability of a traditional mat, making it perfect for your next class.
One satisfied customer writes: "Beautiful color and design. Comfortable with a lovely texture so no slipping. This was exactly what I wanted as I can use it both at home or in the studio." —MicaelaDonnelly
This versatile mat makes it easy to hold your form, and wipes clean with a damp cloth and a little soap. And as an added bonus, it even features pattern points that align to different yoga poses.
One satisfied customer writes: "One of the very very best out there. I have sweaty balms and I don't ever slip." —Sybil888
Whether you deal with frequent knee pain or are just looking for maximum support for your flow, this .5-inch foam mat from Amazon is a must-have. Over 12,000 shoppers are raving about its cushy support for their practices.
One satisfied customer writes: "This yoga mat is very comfortable and helps you keep stable with out slipping." —Anonymous
This mat from the yoga experts at Prana contains a cotton scrim that helps it retain its shape and prevent overstretching. It also features a woodgrain texture and grippy surface that prevents you from slipping in downward dog pose.
One satisfied customer writes: "I love this mat and so do my yoga students! It has the right amount of cushion and doesn't slip on the floor or on my hands." —Leah T.
If you're new to yoga, we recommend trying out this mat from Jade Yoga. At 4 millimeters thick, it's thick enough to provide great support without feeling cumbersome, and made from renewable rubber trees.
One satisfied customer writes: "I really love my mat level one. It's perfect for my yoga; it has super grip, and great cushion for my joints! Love the price, and it does not smell as strong as I read in other reviews... so buy it! :)" —Gaia
"There are solutions available from brands like Alo and Lululemon, but you can also just mix lemon water and a tad of vinegar in a bottle and spray down your mat," Janine says. "Then wipe it down thoroughly to get rid of any lingering smells, germs, or bacteria."
She adds that using harsh ingredients may lead to removing your mat's coating, which is designed to prevent slippage while you sweat. Once your mat is clean, allow it to air dry before rolling it up, so now moisture remains, which can interfere with your mat's overall grip.
Barr says once your yoga mat is clean and dry, roll it together with the top surface facing out, and store the mat in a cool, dry area. She advises not to leave rubber mats exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight, as it may cause them to oxidize and fade.
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.
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