Finding the right yoga mat sounds simple.
Suddenly you're comparing thickness, grip, cushioning, weight, materials, sweat resistance...and wondering why buying a rectangle for stretching feels like choosing a mattress.
The truth? A yoga mat can completely change how your practice feels.
Too thin, and your knees complain immediately. Too slippery, and downward dog becomes an accidental core workout. Too bulky, and carrying it to class feels like transporting a rolled-up carpet.
So we rounded up four practical yoga mats (plus one yoga bag we genuinely think is worth having) for different styles of practice, spaces, and budgets.
Whether you're doing gentle stretching in your bedroom, flowing through hot yoga at the studio, or rolling out your mat at the park—there’s something here for you.
Quick Picks
- Beginners Pick: 20mm Thick Yoga Mat for Beginners, £41.06 £41
- Mat Travel: Ultra-Thin PU Natural Rubber Mat for Travel, £67.40 £53.89
- Carry Bag Essential: Durable Canvas Yoga Mat Carry Bag, £17.14 £23.22
- Shock Absorption: Eco-Friendly TPE Yoga Mat with Shock Absorption, £56.33 £79.01
- Alignment Guide Mat: Wide Natural Rubber Mat with Alignment Lines, £63.52 £54.71
20mm Thick Yoga Mat for Beginners
£41.06 £61.19
Why We Like It
This 20mm thick yoga mat is built for comfort first. The ultra-cushioned foam creates a soft supportive surface that helps reduce pressure on knees, elbows, wrists, and hips.
Compared with standard mats, it feels noticeably softer under the body, which makes longer stretches much more enjoyable.
Training Use
Suitable for yoga, Pilates, and general floor exercises. The anti-skid design helps prevent slipping during sweaty sessions.
Fit / Capacity / Resistance
Material: Natural Rubber, TPE, Cotton & Linen. Thickness: 20mm
Ultra-Thin PU Natural Rubber Mat for Travel
£67.40
Why We Like It
Unlike bulky traditional mats, this travel yoga mat folds flat and slides into a suitcase or tote without drama.
Its PU top layer offers excellent sweat absorption, while the natural rubber base keeps it grounded—even during fast transitions.
The alignment lines are especially useful for positioning hands and feet during poses like Warrior II, Triangle, or Plank.
Training Use
Best for travel, studio classes, or as a top layer on a thicker mat. Not recommended for hard floors alone due to minimal padding.
Fit / Capacity / Resistance
Material: PU and natural rubber. Thickness: 1.5mm.
Durable Canvas Yoga Mat Carry Bag
£17.14 £23.30
Why We Like It
A sturdy canvas tote that makes carrying your yoga mat easy. With a comfortable shoulder strap, it keeps your hands free and your mat secure.
Best For
Ideal for yogis, Pilates enthusiasts, and gym-goers who need a convenient way to transport their mat. Also works as a stylish gym bag.
Capacity / Fit
Fits standard yoga mats. Material: durable canvas. Colors available: Grey, Khaki, Apricot, Green, Black. Lightweight design.
Care Note
Canvas can be spot cleaned with mild soap and water. Avoid machine washing to preserve shape.
Eco-Friendly TPE Yoga Mat with Shock Absorption
£56.33 £79.28
Why We Like It
TPE yoga mats are popular for a reason—they’re lightweight, supportive, low odor, and budget-friendly.
This version has textured grip on one side for stability and enough cushioning for daily practice without feeling overly soft.
Training Use
Great for yoga, Pilates, dance, and floor exercises. The non-slip surface provides secure footing during dynamic movements.
Fit / Capacity / Resistance
Material: TPE. Thickness: 6mm Color: Pink One-sided anti-slip.
Wide Natural Rubber Mat with Alignment Lines
£63.52 £54.89
Why We Like It
This mat is designed for those who value both performance and aesthetics.
The surface is designed to provide grip, and the bottom is made of natural rubber, offering a firm grip and excellent durability.
Training Use
Excellent for yoga practitioners who want visual guidance for proper alignment. Suitable for home practice and studio use.
Yoga Mat Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right One
1. Thickness Matters
1–2mm → travel yoga mat, foldable, lightweight
4–6mm → standard thickness, best for most users
8–10mm+ → extra cushioning
20mm → maximum support and joint protection
If you need knee support → go thicker.
If you need balance and stability → go thinner.
2. Material Makes a Difference
TPE
lightweight
eco-friendlier than PVC
soft and affordable
Natural Rubber
excellent grip
durable
heavier
Cork
sweat-friendly
antimicrobial
premium feel
NBR Foam
extra soft
ideal for cushioning
less stable for balance-heavy poses
3. Grip vs Cushioning
This is where many buyers choose wrong.
More cushioning doesn't always mean better performance.
If you practice:
hot yoga → prioritize grip
restorative yoga → prioritize cushioning
daily home yoga → balance both
4. Portability
Ask yourself:
Will this mat mostly stay at home?
Or will you carry it to class every week?
A heavy rubber mat feels amazing on the floor—but not necessarily on your shoulder walking three blocks.
At the end of the day, the best yoga mat is the one that makes you actually want to roll it out.
Whether that's a thick cushioned mat for bedtime stretching… or a grippy cork mat for sweaty vinyasa flows… the right one makes practice feel easier, more comfortable, and a lot more enjoyable.
And if your mat also looks good leaning in the corner of your room?
That’s a bonus.
Yoga Mat Buying FAQ
What thickness yoga mat should a beginner choose?
For beginners, a thicker mat (10mm or more) provides extra cushioning for joints and helps with balance. The 20mm thick mat in our guide is a good choice for those starting out.
Are tpe yoga mats eco-friendly?
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is recyclable and often considered more environmentally friendly than PVC. However, the eco-friendliness also depends on manufacturing practices. The TPE mat featured is marketed as eco-friendly.
How do I clean my yoga mat?
Most mats can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals. For natural rubber mats, use a gentle cleaner to preserve the surface. Always air dry completely.
What is the difference between natural rubber and tpe mats?
Natural rubber mats offer excellent grip and durability but can be heavier and have a distinct smell. TPE mats are lighter, often more portable, and are latex-free. Both are good options, but natural rubber may be preferred for high-grip needs.
