How to pick a yoga mat?

written by Aishwarya V

A yoga mat may seem like a simple purchase, but for anyone who practices regularly, it is a constant and dependable companion that can significantly enhance the experience of yoga. It bolsters your alignment, stability, comfort, and mindfulness. Most yoga teachers think of their mats as an extension of themselves in practice. Choosing the right yoga mat isn't just about aesthetics or price points; it is about finding support for you. When you find a mat that feels grounded, secure, and comfortable, your practice naturally deepens. After all, a good mat doesn’t just hold your postures - it holds space for your being!

There are many types yoga mats available in the market. With a wide range of materials and price points available, choosing the right yoga mat depends on your priorities — comfort, grip, sustainability, or budget. Here’s what you need to consider when picking the right yoga mat for your needs:

Choosing the right yoga mat will support your body, enhance your flow, and make your yoga class more fun. Take a moment to reflect on your needs, try out a few textures and thicknesses if possible, and pick a mat that feels like home.

Here's a deep dive into the different kinds of yoga mats available.

PVC MATS

The most common and budget-friendly mats are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is a synthetic plastic material. These offer good grip, but are not durable or eco-friendly. They usually cost between ₹500 and ₹1500, making them a popular choice for beginners.

Pros	Cons
PVC mats are very affordable and widely available.	PVC mats are not eco-friendly and cannot be recycled easily, and are not to be preferred when doing sweaty practices.
They are durable and can last a long time with proper care.	They are not biodegradable and can emit a strong odour whennew.
PVC mats are lightweight, making them easy to carry to and from yoga classes.	PVC mats can be slippery when wet or sweaty. They smell of chemical plastic when sweaty exercises are done on them.
They provide good grip and traction, making them ideal for beginners.	These mats do not absorb moisture very well and are heavier than foam or EVA mats.
PVC mats are easy to clean and maintain. It is also water and sweat-resistant.	They start to powder and splinter upon prolonged use, unless the PVC is premium quality

If you'd like to buy one:

1. You can buy one on Swiggy. Its easy to order.

2. Decathlon has a very durable and thick, but slightly heavy good quality PVC mat.

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TPE MATS

TPE, or thermoplastic elastomer, is a newer material that is becoming increasingly popular  for those seeking a balance between performance, comfort, and environmental consciousness. Made from a blend of plastic and rubber polymers, they are soft and rubbery and are often used in household objects like toothbrush grips, sippy cup lids, and phone cases. TPE mats are free from PVC, latex, and other harmful chemicals, making them a safer, more sustainable alternative.

Pros	Cons
TPE mats are somewhat eco-friendly and can be recycled.	They may not last as long as other types of mats and break apart
They are lightweight and easy to carry.	They can be slippery when wet or sweaty.
TPE mats are hypoallergenic and free from harmful chemicals.	The edge of the mats may often curl up and affect your practice, they are not grounding.
They are comfortable and provide good cushioning.	They may not provide as much grip or support as other types of yoga mats due to lighter bases.

Check out:

1. Wiselife's TPE Mat

2. TEGOfits CORE yoga mat - which also has alignment aids printed on it.

3. BoldFit also a TPE Mat thats a crowd favourite at ABY!

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Rubber Mats

Natural rubber yoga mats are a top choice for eco-conscious practitioners who prioritise both sustainability and performance. Sourced from renewable rubber trees, these mats are biodegradable and free from toxic materials like PVC, EVA, and synthetic latex—making them a healthier option for both the planet and your practice.

Known for their excellent grip and cushioning, natural rubber mats provide a stable, non-slip surface even during sweaty or intense sessions. Their dense composition offers great joint support, making them ideal for dynamic styles like Vinyasa or Ashtanga. Many natural rubber mats also feature dual layers to enhance durability and traction.

While they can be heavier and may have a strong initial scent, their durability and performance make them a reliable long-term choice. However, they are not suitable for those with latex allergies. Overall, natural rubber mats offer a grounding, eco-friendly foundation for a committed yoga practice.

Pros	Cons
These mats provide good grip and traction when sweaty.	The natural rubber component of these yoga mats can wear down over time with use, especially on wooden textured floors.
They are comfortable and provide good cushioning.	Natural rubber and PU yoga mats tend to be more expensive than other materials
They are easy to clean and maintain after practice sessions. They are very durable	They can collect every bit of dust if left out on the floor or pet hairs etc.

Here are some great rubber mats:

1. Decathlon's rubber mat

2. Kosha Yoga's aesthetic mats are not only supremely pleasant, but also very durable

3. Shakti Warrior has a good collection, too.

4. Wiselife has an eco-friendly rubber mat.

5. There's the all time favourite: Manduka Yoga Mats

6. Jade Yoga offer rubber mats that feel great and last forever.

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Jute, Cotton & Hemp Mats

Yoga mats made of jute, hemp and cotton are airy, natural, and environmentally beneficial substitutes for synthetic ones. Traditionally, they have been used in yoga, particularly in India, and offer a soft, absorbent surface that is ideal for floor-based postures, meditation, and gentle yoga.

Pros	Cons
These mats are soft & comfortable – cotton mats offer a gentle surface that feels great underfoot and is ideal for seated poses, meditation, and restorative yoga.	They provide less grip on hard floors and slippery surfaces. They may become slippery after frequent usage.
These mats are eco-friendly and biodegradable	These mats are thin and firm and lack cushioning, which may not be ideal for those needing extra support for joints.
They are highly sweat-absorbent and are machine-washable	Since they are lightweight, they mats may move or bunch/curl up on smooth floors unless secured. Thus, standing and balancing asanas are difficult to perform on these.
Jute and cotton are non-toxic and hypoallergenic, and is good for people with allergic skin.	Jute has a rough texture that can be uncomfortable and scratchy for some practitioners.

We don't recommend these for our regular classes since they do not provide the adequate grip needed, especially if you're a beginner.

If you'd like to buy them, here are the links:

1. Jute mats

2. Cotton mats

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Cork Mats

Cork yoga mats are made with a natural cork surface and typically have a rubber base for stability. Made from the bark of cork oak trees, these mats are renewable, biodegradable, and naturally antimicrobial—resisting odours and bacteria without the need for synthetic cleaners. Cork provides a smooth yet grippy surface that actually improves in traction as you sweat, making it ideal for hot yoga or intense practices. Lightweight and easy to maintain, cork mats offer a firm, stable base, though they may feel less cushioned than rubber or foam alternatives. An excellent choice for mindful movement.

Pros	Cons
This kind of mat is eco-friendly & sustainable.	The mat’s top surface can crack easily and flake off if not well cared for.
These mats are antimicrobial & odour-resistant, preventing the buildup of bacteria, mould, and odours.	This mat can trap oils and dirt from the skin, and will need cleaning after each session.
This is a mat that provides excellent grip and traction	Cork mats tend to be denser and heavier, making them less convenient for travel.
Feels natural and is easy to maintain.	These mats may be rough on the skin and not provide enough cushioning and padding for sensitive joints like the knee.

1. Spiritual Warrior's Ahimsa Pro Mat.

2. Orae's Cork Yoga Mat

3. Satori Concept's aesthetic Cork Mats

   
   

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Ultimately, your yoga mat should support your practice—physically and ethically. Whether you go for comfort, grip, sustainability, or affordability, we hope you find a mat that aligns with your needs and values. This is simply the first step. Next, (and more important, some would argue), is to show up to practice and class!