6 of the best yoga mats for every kind of practice

Whether you’re looking for grip, cushioning or environmentally friendly materials, these yoga mats will get you in the mood to stretch. 

The best yoga mats should be the place you turn to in order to get calm and re-centre, with the journey to zen beginning the second you roll out your mat. But, let’s be honest, sometimes a mat can make your practice more stress-inducing than stress relieving.

If you’re left slipping and sliding into your first downward dog, or flimsy materials mean your knees press against the hardwood floor in child’s pose, it might be time for an upgrade. Yoga mats can be an investment, but getting the right one is crucial to maximise your practice. After all, there’s nothing like the fear of falling over to distract you from your mindfulness.

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To help, we’ve rounded up our favourite mats that will get you in the zone and help you relax without worrying about being properly supported. No matter what you want from your yoga, there’s a mat to help. 

The best yoga mats 

• Yogi Bare Paws mat

  

  This grippy surface keeps you feeling safe during inversions, and also comes with a handy alignment guide so you know where you are on your mat as you stretch. Made from natural rubber with an PU top layer, it’s just as good for the environment as it is your practice.

  Shop Yogi Bare Paws mat, £74.95

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• Kin Travel Mat

  

  The lightweight material of this 2mm travel mat means you can roll it up and take it to class with you, wherever you are in the world. With a grippy underside and soft, vegan suede top that absorbs moisture, you’ll still be stable. 

  Shop Kin travel mat, £55

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• Fable Yoga Mat

  

  Fable mats are wider and longer than most so that you can benefit from extra padding in those poses that really stretch out your whole body, like supine spinal twists. The upper layer is non-slip, even when you’re sweating from the palms, and the 4mm sponge is super comfy to rest on. 

  Shop Fable yoga mat, £69

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• Liforme Yoga Mat

  

  Dubbed ‘the magic carpet’ by yogis including Cat Meffan, this mat claims to be the most grippy on the market while also providing enough cushioning for comfort. It’s made from biodegradable material and printed with an align system for perfect form.

  Shop Liforme yoga mat, £110

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• Yoga Matters Eco Cork Yoga Mat

  

  Opt for cork if you want to really connect to the earth during your practice. This waterproof mat is perfect for even the sweatiest sessions and is spongy enough to protect joints during practice.

  Shop Yoga Matters cork yoga mat, £65

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• Wuufly Studio Mat

  

  Wuufly are a UK-based brand with sustainability at heart. Made from biodegradable materials (including microfibre that gets grippier the more you sweat) and topped gorgeous patterns that stimulate relaxation. We love this ocean print, with 10% of each sale goes to conservation charity Sea Shepherd UK. 

  Shop Wuufly yoga mat, £60

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• Lululemon The Mat Yoga Mat

  

  Lululemon’s known for its buttery soft fabrics, and the materials of it’s yoga mats are no different. The super soft top layer still manages to maintain grip so you won’t end up sliding, and at 5mm is a little thicket than most. This mat is also easy-to-clean and made with antimicrobial materials to keep your practice fresh. 

  Shop Lululemon The Mat yoga mat, £88

  shop now

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