Each product is independently selected by our editors. Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
For more fashion, beauty and home news from Cut, sign up for the weekly Cut Shop newsletter.
Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast or a Pilates expert, you need a high-quality yoga mat. Just like buying essentials like a jacket and a briefcase, buying a yoga mat can enhance your practice, protect your body, and allow you to achieve optimal results.
Instead of heading to your local TJ Maxx and buying the first yoga mat you see (no shame!), we spoke to the experts to find out the best yoga mats on the market.
Anderson’s favorite thick pillow is from Solana. Available in more than a dozen colors and just one inch thick, the foam provides the perfect cushioning for joints and muscles throughout the body.
Manduka is one of the most popular yoga brands on the market, and its Eko yoga mat is a must-have for yoga enthusiasts. If you don’t believe me, listen to what Kada O’Connor, regional yoga and projects manager at CorePower, has to say. “I bought my first Manduka yoga mat in 2015 when I enrolled in a yoga teacher training course,” said O’Connor. “I chose Manduka for its durability; I wanted a mat that would last me for years to come. I love the size and density of the mat, which supports my joints whether I’m lifting weights or taking a C2 class. I also love that it has a ‘closed cell’ design, which makes it easy to clean. Ten years later, my first Manduka mat is still with me and still in great condition!”
The fan-favorite Samurai mat also features a chakra alignment option, which is popular with yoga instructors like Tochi Anuayagu. “I found that the thick, grippy mat allowed me to stretch better, especially when doing downward dog. Plus, the lines on the mat are a good guide for body posture and foot placement,” she says.
There’s nothing worse than lugging a thick old yoga mat to a trendy hot yoga class, which is why this thinner (but still supportive) yoga mat from Gaiam is so popular. The top layer stays dry and provides traction, even when you’re sweating.
Content creator (and yoga and Pilates enthusiast) Tyra Booker loves the Alo Yoga Warrior mat for more than just its aesthetics. “It’s non-slip and has a lot of room,” Booker shared. The yoga mat is lightweight and comfortable, and is 100 percent formaldehyde- and PVC-free, ensuring a odor- and slip-free workout.
Levy’s favorite yoga mat is from Lululemon, because it’s lightweight and comfortable. “For a lightweight yoga mat, it has pretty good cushioning. Plus, it’s easy to clean,” she says. When doing hot yoga, she likes to place a manduca towel on her mat, which improves traction and absorbs sweat.
Pilates instructor (and The Blind Side star) Raven Ross loves this pale pink Bala mat. “It’s still soft and comfortable for knees and other bony areas that need extra support,” she says. Plus, Ross typically uses this mat with his shoes on, so he can be confident in its durability and longevity. I’ve used this mat myself and love the tactile feel and interesting portal shape.
If you’re looking for a durable mat that can withstand the most intense workouts, try this reversible mat from Peloton. This reversible mat has a grippy side for intense workouts and a textured side that allows you to focus more on the workout.
This black and white Prada bag cover features a nylon strap that mimics the design of the brand’s popular bags and a small coin purse with Prada’s signature metal triangle logo.
Not only are these Jollie mats cute enough for adults, but they also come in kid-sized sizes, making it easy for you and your kids to pursue this hobby together. A favorite of fitness trainer Megan Rope, this plush mat embodies Jollie’s mission to make products that are mother-centered and to continually contribute to cancer and environmental causes through its products.
Buying a yoga mat can be tricky if you’re not sure you really enjoy doing yoga, so consider a cheaper option. But unlike most cheap options, this lightweight yoga mat from Target still has all the features you’d expect from a high-quality yoga mat, like a grippy surface, a strap, and 4mm thickness for comfort.
If you prefer Nike sports bras and leggings, you should also pay attention to the brand’s fitness accessories. This yoga mat is double-sided, so no matter which side you place it on the floor, it will not slide.
The main aspects to consider when choosing a mat are thickness and durability. For Heather Andersen, founder of New York Pilates, thickness is one of the most important aspects, especially if you plan to use the mat for Pilates rather than yoga. “You’ll want a thicker mat for Pilates because Pilates is a core exercise and you’re often on your back. The extra cushioning that a thicker mat provides is more comfortable for your tailbone, spine, and pelvis,” Andersen shares. The thickness of the mat also helps resist wear and tear, thereby increasing its durability. You just want to make sure it’s thin enough to roll up easily. Luckily, there are a variety of mat thicknesses available for yoga and Pilates.
often! This means you need to wipe it down after each use. Wiping down your mat after each use is key to its longevity. Y7 founder Sarah Larson Levy uses a 1:4 mixture of vinegar and witch hazel with a few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle to clean her mats. Larson also recommends storing your mats in a dark place to extend their life.
By submitting your email address, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Statement and consent to receive emails from us.
Each product is independently selected by our editors. Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission.