Most of us have asked ourselves this question at some point during our yoga journey. Most of us choose our first mat based on:
- Price and this is probably one of the biggest factors of consideration at the start.
- Thickness of the mat, for proper cushioning.
- Size of the mat, to ensure we fit inside the mat
- Design or colour.
But have you ever considered the material of Yoga mats before making a choice? Or the importance of a good grip? Let me make things a bit easier for you to help you find a mat that not only assists you in your workout but one that ensures a higher degree of comfort and will last you longer. Here are a few things to remember before buying a mat:
What is my Yoga mat made of?
Yoga mats are commonly made of
- PVC (Poly-Vinyl Chloride)
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate)
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
- Natural Rubber, Jute, and Cotton. Sounds complicated?
PVC mats are the ones that are probably the cheapest, they start withering and chipping away after 5 workouts and last for a very short time. To add to it the plastic PVC and EVA mats are made from synthetic materials that may be damaging to the environment and are not biodegradable.
TPE mats are a mix of rubber and plastic but are plasticizer-free and completely recyclable hence considered better than PVC.
Natural Rubber or Jute and cotton Yoga mats lined with natural rubber are very popular amongst Yoga practitioners considering they are made from natural renewable sources. The one that I use is made of Natural Rubber, it has great grip and has lasted me for 2 years so far but the price is 3 to 4 times more than a PVC mat.
So if you occasionally pull out your Yoga mat for a workout choose TPE but if you want a good quality long lasting one and you are willing to shell out some money choose Rubber.
How thick should my Yoga mat be?
Yoga mats are available in varying thicknesses from 4 mm to 16 mm. If you workout regularly then you may choose a standard thickness of 6 mm to 8 mm to cushion your bones.
Thicker mats of 10 mm to 16 mm offer better cushioning but the thicker mats are heavier to carry. On the other hand, if you have to travel but do not want to miss your Yoga workouts, then you may prefer the thinner travel-friendly mats that are about 5 to 6mm.
Personally, I prefer a mat that is around 8mm to 12 mm so that it gives good cushioning to my spine during my yoga practice. It is heavier to travel with but I would rather carry a heavier mat and have my spine intact.
Stickiness and Grip!
A mat that keeps sliding on the ground may increase the chances of injury and affect the alignments. Yoga mats made of PVC and Rubber are usually good choices as they tend to stick to the ground. One of the drawbacks of the TPE mats is sometimes they do not have a good stickiness and keep moving all over the floor during a practice.
A good grip on the yoga mat is another important factor to consider. Someone who sweats a lot during their practice would do better with a textured Yoga mat or one with a moisture-wicking surface that offers a good grip. Natural Rubber blended with Jute offers added traction along with anti-microbial properties.
High on Recycling?
Mats made of natural materials are biodegradable and are less harmful to the environment. Jute, Natural rubber, or cotton mats would be some options to choose from. So my pick would be the microfibre mats that are good for conscious Yogis.
On a Tight Budget?
Yoga mats made of natural materials such as jute and natural rubber, are usually expensive. Considering the impact on the environment, one can consider eco-friendly TPE or recyclable EVA mats compared to inexpensive PVC mats. Cotton mats may also be a good option but can get slippery. Even though TPE mats at times don’t have a good grip on the floor, they are not a bad option if your budget does not allow for Rubber or more eco friendly options.
Short Term vs Long Term?
This for me is the deciding factor when I choose my Yoga mats apart from all the other criteria. Cheaper mats like PVC may tend to crack in areas where the hands and feet rub against the mat and will not last more than 4 to 5 months depending on use whereas the more expensive, eco friendly, great grip, non slippery mats may be expensive but will last for years even with an intense practice. So if you have a low budget, a better option would be the eco-friendly and recyclable TPE or EVA mats. Cons of EVA mats are that they tend to flatten and stretch out with regular use. If you have a big budget then don’t think twice and pick the microfibre or rubber mats. However, check for any allergies as a rubber mat may not be good for you if you are allergic to latex.
| Stickiness | Eco Friendly | Grip | Pocket Friendliness | Durability | |
| PVC | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| EVA | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| TPE | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Natural Rubber | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Jute with Rubber Base | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Cotton with Rubber Base | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Now that your homework with the pros and cons of various Yoga mats is done, I would love to hear from you about which mat you chose and why? Comment below!