7 Best Yoga Mats For All Practices And Poses, According To Yoga Teachers

When you hear the phrase “never skimp on things that come between you and the ground,” you likely think of shoes, tires, or mattresses. But there’s another key item that deserves a proper investment: yoga mats.

A yoga mat is a central part of any yoga practice, says Steph Armijo, an E-RYT-500 certified yoga instructor and founder of Yoga 42. “It’s the one piece of equipment you will need for yourself, it signifies the space you will be using for your practice, and it offers support from the ground underneath you.”

On top of that, a good yoga mat gives you the confidence to practice and stay present in your flow, explains Armijo. “I’ve practiced on mats with poor conditions, and it can feel unstable and slippery,” she adds. "And, sometimes the materials come off on your hands and feet, which can be a big distraction."

When shopping for the perfect yoga mat, you want to keep a few key factors in mind. First, Armijo recommends making note of the mat’s thickness and dimensions. “A 5mm thickness is enough support so you won’t feel the hardwood floor underneath you, and a 71”L x 26”W mat is standard size,” she explains.

Meet the experts: Steph Armijo is an E-RYT-500 certified yoga instructor and founder of Yoga 42. Alex Sabbag is an E-RYT-500 certified yoga instructor and founder of Soul Dive Yoga.

Then, you also want to think about the type of yoga mat, which is much more personal. You want to pick a mat that matches your needs and your practice. “Thinner mats are typically used for travel and to take to and from yoga studios, and thicker mats can be stored at yoga studios, gyms, or for a home practice,” Armijo says. It’s also helpful to test a few mats at your local studio to determine your preferred grippiness since everyone has a preference on texture and material, she adds.

Whether you prefer to flow at home or in a hot studio, here are the seven best yoga mats, tested and recommended by yoga instructors.