These Are the 8 Best Yoga Mats to Buy Now for Sweaty Sessions, Cushioned Support, and Mindful Flows
Invest in your zen time
Amelia Yeomans
Whether it's as a means of upping your chances of squeezing in those home workouts you'd planned or you just want to treat yourself to some mindful movement, one of the best yoga mats makes for a very wise investment.
But why do you need one? Think of it this way: you wouldn't do jumping jacks without a sports bra, so why do a floor-based yoga class without exercise mat support for your joints? Yoga mats are specifically designed to provide your workouts with adequate ground cushioning to support your muscles, tendons, and joints and prevent you from getting injured. And unlike walking pads - which have their own benefits - yoga mats can be very easily folded up and transported.
Whether you’re a dedicated yogi who starts every day in your yoga clothes with a sun salutation or a runner using yin to stretch out your stressed hips, there’s a mat for every type of flow. We'll talk you through our picks of the best, for every type of yoga class and every budget, big or small. Oh, and do check out the different types of yoga, the benefits of yoga and yoga poses to make you feel good, while you're here.
Best yoga mats: Quick shopping links
- Best overall: £88 at lululemon
- Most affordable: £15.63 at Amazon
- Best for sweaty sessions: £37.85 at Amazon
- Best for grip: £75 at Sweaty Betty
- Best non-toxic: £95 at Amazon
8 best yoga mats available to buy now
Best yoga mat overall
Fun fact: team lululemon made this mat with natural rubber for an extra cushioned and supportive feel. It's perfect for those times when you just really feel like a good stretch. As well as juicy cushioning, the polyurethane top layer also absorbs any moisture (read: sweat) to make sure you can still get a good grip during the hottest of flows. Extra big, extra cushioned yoga base? Don't mind if we do.
Best yoga mat for grip
First up: this mat will go with anything thanks to the beige colourway. Secondly, it's got a particularly sturdy grip thanks to the latex material and a strong rubber base, too, which means you won't be slipping anytime soon. You also have the option of two different types of grip on either side. Plus, it's lightweight at just 2kg, and boasts eco wins, being both biodegradable and eco-friendly. The floor is yours.
Best yoga mat for bad knees
This mat is on the higher end of the price points, but you can see why. A household name in the yoga brand sphere, Manduka has been making premium yoga mats since 1997 that, they say, boast 'superior performance and an elevated practice'. Buy for supportive cushioning, top-end joint support and protection, and serious comfort, plus a product lifetime guarantee.
Best yoga mat for sweaty hands
If you're a hot yoga fan or someone who sweats a lot during exercise (which, FYI, is totally normal) then you'll love this Gaiam mat. It's 6mm thick (aka, thick) meaning loads of cushioned support, plus topped with a sticky non-slip textured surface to make sure you've got the best grip. Plus, you'll get a lifetime guarantee with every purchase so needn't worry about having to buy again in a few years. Your bank balance - and the environment - are thanking you.
Best Liforme yoga mat
The clue is in the name. Similar to Manduka, Liforme have been serving the yogi community making great yoga mats for yonks. This is their OG mat, which is generously sized and features their special 'GripForMe' material, making it great for hot yoga and power flows. Fun fact: all Liforme mats come printed with their unique AlignForMe system, which are basically alignment markers to help guide you through your practice. Plus, it's got thousands of 5* reviews.
Most affordable yoga mat
If you want a yoga mat delivered to your door ASAP, AmazonBasics is the place. Sure, it may not be the highest of quality, but it'll be with you in no time and do the job. It's got a textured non-slip surface and is thick enough to provide good support, particularly if you're newer to yoga and just want something more affordable to start off with. Plus, it comes with easy carry straps for sleek transportation.
Best non-toxic yoga mat
Like the sound of a soft and comfortable mat that also allows superior grip, too? Then you'll love the Thalassa mat from Kati Kaia. Not only are they effective, but they're beautiful, too. The natural rubber base has excellent grip and the soft textured top makes for a comfortable workout. It's also machine washable and very easy to wipe clean - plus, the top won't mark from practice even if you wear trainers. What's more, for every mat sold, the brand make sa donation to the Rainforest Trust UK conservation fund, saving bio-diversity and land projects worldwide.
Best yoga mat with carry strap
This 10mm yoga mat from Meglio is a double win: thick enough to support the sweatiest flow and support your joints, but also light enough to carry from class to class. It comes with a handy carry strap, too, and a 90 day guarantee so you can see how well it works for you before committing. If you want a thicker mat that can still be carried around, this is it.
What’s the difference between a yoga mat and an exercise mat?
A fair question. Yoga mats, generally speaking, are thinner than exercise mats. They're designed for floor-based flows, crows, and vinyasa, rather than higher intensity exercise, which needs a little more cushioning.
Your standard yoga mats also normally have more grip on their undersides, to make sure they stay put whilst you're flowing from downward to upward dog. These are small technicalities, but if you practice home workouts and yoga a lot (and can afford two mats), it may be worth investing.
Which yoga mat is best for me?
This depends on what you’ll be using your mat for, and how often. If you’re a keen yogi who’ll be regularly practicing yoga for sleep insomnia, power, and hot flows on your new purchase, spending a little more and investing in one of the pricier mats will probably be worth your money.
On the other hand, if you have recurring weaknesses or injury problems (work from home posture, we're looking at you), more padded, specialist mats could save you from pain. Whatever your need, there's a mat for everyone.
