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The best yoga mats to get the most from your flow
Roll up! Roll up! These are the best yoga mats on the market to take you from downward-facing dog to warrior II without a slip
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You can lift as many weights as you like, but there are still a ton of benefits that come with dedicating time to yoga too. Whether you're prepping for your first time in a yoga studio or are an experienced yoga teacher, you'll want to ensure you've got the best yoga mat for the job.
Like the lightweight and free-moving yoga clothes that'll see you through even the most intense downward dog, a yoga exercise mat is a worthwhile investment to make. Picking something that’s a good fit for your body shape like an extra-long mat will also let you make the most of your sessions. Some mats will better accommodate more dynamic poses, while others can offer more in the way of cushioning or give you some extra grip to help hold your poses.
So make sure you find the yoga mat that sounds like it will work best for you and then roll on to GQ's top picks of the best yoga mats you can buy.
What are the best yoga mats?
Aesthetics are subjective, but you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone put off by the handsome appearance of Nike's yoga mat. Made from recycled materials and with plenty of grip, its function happily matches its form.
For less than 20 quid, Reebok's mat offers a simple design, with a reasonable 4mm-thick surface and decent grip to prevent slips. Its 173cm length might not suit tall users, but for most people, this is a great (and affordable) place to start.
Manduka's travel-focused mat is just 1.5mm thin, and weighs a paltry 1kg. This combination makes for a mat that can easily fold/roll its way into practically any bag, making it a top-tier choice for practising yoga while you're out and about, or on holiday.
- Best premium yoga mat: Lululemon Take Form, £118 at lululemon.co.uk
- Best designer yoga mat: Nike Studio, £89.97 at amazon.co.uk
- Best budget yoga mat: Reebok Studio, £18.99 at amazon.co.uk
- Best lightweight yoga mat: Manduka Eko Superlight, £50 at amazon.co.uk
- Best sustainable yoga mat: Yogamatters Reclaim Sticky Yoga Mat, £30 at amazon.co.uk
Why do you need a yoga mat?
For starters, mats are grippy and offer more padding than a hard floor. More importantly, they're much easier on the knees and joints, regardless of which form of yoga you practice. From hot yoga sessions to morning warm-ups, a non-slip yoga mat will offer more support. Since many come with straps for easy portability, you can happily pick up a mat that'll allow you to keep up with your routine when travelling.
What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?
Want something that’s easy to roll up and carry around with you? Opt for a thinner mat that’s less than five millimetres thick for balancing poses and exercises in which you need to keep close contact with the ground. Go for a thicker mat – around five millimetres and above – and you’ll get more in the way of cushioning to support your knees and elbows. If you tend to get aches in those joints, a mat with a little extra density will be a much better fit.
What’s the best material for a yoga mat?
Many yoga mats use PVC foam that offers strong durability and a solid grip while also being easy to clean. The downside to this excellent grip? Many plastic options aren't as absorbent and this can prove problematic when things get sweaty. A mat made with natural materials such as rubber, jute or cotton is a more sustainable pick although they can give you less grip against the floor compared to PVC mats.
What do you need to know about mat texture?
Going for a mat with the right type of texture can help you maintain your balance and deliver the correct alignment for poses. This feeds into picking the right material. A natural rubber mat, for example, can help prevent slipping, thanks to the raised texture or pattern in the surface. Pick a mat made from PVC if you prefer something that offers a more comfortable base – just be prepared to deal with a more rigorous wipe down to get rid of moisture and sweat.
When will Lululemon be launching its Mylo Mushroom yoga mats?
As one of the leading yoga brands at the forefront of innovation, Lululemon’s new releases never fail to build hype. While the Mylo Mushroom yoga mats you may have seen on social media were only conceptual and won't actually be released, the brand will also be launching two bags created with the vegan alternative to leather in 2023; a Yoga Bag and Duffel Bag. If you're after a new Lululemon yoga mat however, check out the Take Form mat, which incorporates 3D textures in order to help support your practice.
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Shop GQ’s edit of the best yoga mats you can buy…
1/17Lululemon
Pros: Durable | Grippy
Cons: Pricey- Weight: 2.38kg
- Length: 180cm
- Thickness: 5mm
Featuring a natural rubber base with some extra cushioning for even more comfort, the aptly-named Mat is a reversible affair, with a smooth, grippy finish on one side, and a cushioned, natural rubber facade on the other. An antimicrobial additive helps prevent mould and mildew, while a clever top layer absorbs moisture to prevent slipping. £88. At lululemon.co.uk
2/17Nike
Pros: Stunning design | Made from recycled fibres
Cons: Expensive- Weight: 1.4kg
- Length: 180cm
- Thickness: 5mm
Nike's gorgeous 5mm-thick mat is made from natural rubber, with an attractive stone-like finish. With plenty of grip and a build that's made from at least 20% recycled materials, its lightweight and easy-to-carry design both make it a winner too.
£95.95£89.97. nike.com
3/17Adidas
Pros: Available in multiple colours | Thick
Cons: Pricey- Weight: Info N/A
- Length: 176cm
- Thickness: 8mm
Available in a variety of colours ranging from grey and white to pink and green, Adidas' mat should appeal to practically anyone — especially if they're looking to take advantage of its plush 8mm-thick cushioning, which is more generous than most mats on this list. An ideal choice for those looing for a stronger base for more rooted poses. £22.99. At decathlon.co.uk
4/17Y1Pro
Pros: Carry strap | Affordable
Cons: May be too thin for some- Weight: 1kg
- Length: 183cm
- Thickness: 3mm
While a little on the thin side, this mat still offers a great non-bulky, grippy surface to get your poses on. Crafted from an eco-friendly TPE foam material, its anti-slip, latex-free, non-toxic nature is further bolstered by antibacterial and waterproofing powers. A sturdy little number that looks the part to boot.. £15.95. At amazon.co.uk
5/17Core Balance
Pros: Affordable | Carry strap included
Cons: None at this price- Weight: 900g
- Length: 183cm
- Thickness: 6mm
Available in a plethora of bright and pastel colours (along with plain black and grey for less adventurous contortionists), this affordable mat from Core Balance offers everything beginners need to get started. This includes a nonslip surface, a carry strap, and a generous length.
£23.99£19.99. At amazon.co.uk
6/17Gaiam
Pros: Striking design | Latex-free PVC
Cons: May be too short for taller users- Weight: Info N/A
- Length: 172cm
- Thickness: 6mm
This stunning black and gold mat from Gaiam adds a touch of elegance to your yoga proceedings, while offering a delightfully sticky surface for ultimate stability and grip. Taller users who are pushing six-foot and over might need a little more length, but apart from that, there's plenty to love about this chic mat. £44.99. At johnlewis.com
7/17Lululemon Take Form
Pros: Eye-catching design | 3D texture
Cons: Very expensive- Weight: 2.24kg
- Length: 180cm
- Thickness: 5mm
Once you try one you'll never question why Lululemon's yoga mats have a cult following of sorts, and now the brand has come through again with its latest release. Somehow doing the impossible and innovating one of the simplest pieces of fitness kit you can buy, Lululemon has changed the game with this mat. As yoga focuses on your senses, this mat provides you with the tools to do just that. With an exciting new 3D texture, you can position yourself on the mat without even looking, using it as a reference point for different poses. It is also made from sustainably sourced natural rubber and is easy to clean after each practice. We'd even say it looks pretty cool too. From
£118£99. At lululemon.co.uk
8/17Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Mat
Pros: Lightweight | Strong grip
Cons: Less cushioning than non-travel mats- Weight: 1kg
- Length: 180cm
- Thickness: 3mm
Being on the go can make it difficult to fit in your workouts, especially if you’ve got a busy schedule or don’t have access to a gym. The easy solution? A travel yoga mat. Just as good for taking on the road and using for a quick session in your hotel room as it is for trips to the gym, Manduka’s Superlite Travel Mat weighs only 1kg and folds easily into a travel bag to allow you to keep it with you on the move. As far as the mat itself goes, it has a strong grip to keep you grounded during your practice, does well against tearing, and is made from biodegradable rubber. A great investment for on-the-go yoga. A great investment for on-the-go yoga, especially as all Manduka mats have a lifetime guarantee £50. At amazon.co.uk
9/17Manduka Prolite
Pros: Sweat-resistant | Light
Cons: Expensive- Weight: 1.9kg
- Length: 180cm
- Thickness: 4.7mm
While a heavier yoga mat can be great if you only ever work out and practice yoga from your living room, for anyone who wants to take their yoga mat with them on the go or to the gym, a lightweight option is often a better long-term investment. This lighter version of Manduka’s Pro yoga mat maintains the features of the Pro, but in a smaller, medium size, making it easier to transport should you wish to. The grip isn’t the strongest we’ve seen, but it will still keep you in place, with a high-density cushion to keep you comfortable when striking more challenging poses. Easy to keep clean and durable, this is your new favourite yoga companion. From
£82.80. At amazon.co.uk
10/17Reebok Studio
Pros: Affordable | Anti-slip
Cons: Could be a little longer- Weight: 1.04g
- Length: 173cm
- Thickness: 4mm
Durable and well-formed, Reebok’s studio yoga mat is a reliable choice that will last you for years of regular use. The mat is built to prevent slipping, allowing you to focus on your positions and poses with minimal distraction. This is a premium yoga mat that does the job well. £18.99. At amazon.co.uk
11/17Manduka Pro
Pros: Wonderfully thick | Well-made
Cons: Heavy- Weight: 3.18kg
- Length: 180cm
- Thickness: 6mm
This polyester mat offers nice, thick body to give you a level of cushioning to absorb the most demanding yoga poses and offer better protection for joints. The nonslip finish on the surface should help keep you in place even for those more challenging movements. A closed cell surface will also do its very best to keep sweat at bay so it doesn’t interfere with your workout. From £94. At amazon.co.uk
12/17Proworks
Pros: Plenty of colour options | Affordable price
Cons: None at this price- Weight: 850g
- Length: 183cm
- Thickness: 10mm
If you’re someone who likes to carry their yoga mat around, whether it be to the park or gym, this will make your life plenty easier. With a convenient strap holder, you’ll be able to roll your mat up and keep it tightly in place while out and about. Designed for comfort and support with premium-quality latex-free and phthalate-free foam, it’s an easy win at a low price.
£15.99£14.99. At amazon.co.uk
13/17Gaiam
Pros: Thick | Eye-catching design
Cons: Could be a little longer- Weight: N/A
- Length: 172cm
- Thickness: 6mm
Gaiam uses latex-free PVC in its mat, which at six millimetres thick offers ample cushioning and support for your joints as they go through the motions. A sticky, nonslip surface ensures you have a nice grip and it’s a good fit for both yoga and Pilates workouts. It’s not heavy or cumbersome to live with, which makes it a strong option to consider if you don’t like to work out in the same places. £62.49. At johnlewis.com
- 14/17
With Every Atom
Pros: Biodegradable tree rubber | Becomes grippier as you sweat
Cons: Expensive- Weight: Info N/A
- Length: 183cm
- Thickness: 5mm
This natural rubber alignment yoga mat looks extremely slick. Wicking away moisture, it manages becomes grippier the more you sweat making it an excellent companion for hot yoga workouts. It's extra-long too, making it a perfect choice for taller users, and reassuringly free from harmful toxins, latex and phthalates. £
112£68. At wolfandbadger.com 
15/17Sundried
Pros: Affordable price | Handy carry strap
Cons: None at this price- Weight: 1.6kg
- Length: 180cm
- Thickness: 6mm
This wallet-friendly jute yoga mat stands out with its rough, non-rubbery texture and promises never to fray or break. Its thick-padded base is soft and comfortable, while the included strap is a handy accessory for easy mobility. It even comes with a free downloadable yoga guide to get you started. At this price, it's a solid choice for beginners looking to test the waters without parting with a hefty pile of cash. £18.90. At amazon.co.uk
16/17Yogamatters
Pros: Long | Made from 50% post-production waste
Cons: More colour options would be nice- Weight: 1.6kg
- Length: 190cm
- Thickness: 4mm
This German-made mat is made from 50 per cent post-production PVC waste, making it a more sustainable option. Called the Reclaim Sticky Mat, it's built to last, with a lightweight build and, as its name suggests, has a very sticky grip to help prevent any distracting slipping or sliding. That grip will get better with use too, making this a formidable mat that will last you for years. £30. At amazon.co.uk
17/17Jaxjox
Pros: Antimicrobial | Grippy
Cons: Undercut by some rivals- Weight: 2.42kg
- Length: 183cm
- Thickness: 5mm
JaxJox makes connected gym equipment but also covers the essentials, such as this mat made from polyurethane and natural rubber. The polyurethane layer on top is designed to prevent you from slipping around and do a better job of absorbing moisture. An antimicrobial additive will also fight off mould and mildew buildup to extend lifespan. When it’s time to take it for a trip, there’s a shoulder strap to sling it on and get moving. £49.99. At amazon.co.uk
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