When it comes to yoga, having the right yoga mat can make or break your yoga practice. One important factor to consider is the thickness of your yoga mat. But with so many options available, how do you know which thickness is best for you? Here are the top 5 factors to consider when selecting the best yoga mat thickness for your needs.
The style of yoga you practice is an important factor to consider when choosing the thickness of your yoga mat. If you practice a more gentle form of yoga, such as restorative or yin yoga, a thicker mat will be more comfortable for the longer holds and restorative poses. When I practice Yin Yoga and restorative yoga I like to put my yoga mat on top of our big comforting rug for some extra cushioning. Online you can find specific restorative yoga mats made from wool for an extra luxurious soft comforting feel.
However, if you practice a more vigorous form of yoga, such as hatha yoga, power yoga, vinyasa yoga, ashtanga yoga or hot yoga, a thinner denser yoga mat (3mm - 4mm yoga mat thickness) will be better for stability and balance. As these yoga styles have many dynamic movements you also need to find a yoga mat with good grip and a non-slip surface.
Another important factor to consider when choosing the thickness of your yoga mat is your body type and comfort level. If you have sensitive joints or prefer more cushioning, a thicker mat will be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer surface and a closer connection to the earth, a thinner yoga mat may be more suitable. It's important to choose a yoga mat thickness that allows you to comfortably hold poses without feeling unstable or uncomfortable.
One common issue with thick yoga mats (yoga mats over 5mm thick) is that they don't give enough support during balancing poses. This can make you feel unstable and as if you are wobbling all over the place.
When selecting the best yoga mat thickness, it's important to consider the durability and longevity of the yoga mat. A thinner yoga mat (yoga mats 1mm to 2mm thick) may be lighter and more transportable, but it may also wear out more quickly than a thicker yoga mat e.g a 4mm yoga mat.
Look for mats made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand regular use and last for a long time. Like the saying goes 'buy cheap buy twice' its definitely better to save in the long run by investing in a high quality yoga mat.
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Another important factor to consider when choosing the best yoga mat thickness is portability and storage. If you plan on taking your mat to and from yoga classes or traveling with it, you will want to opt for a thinner yoga mat that is easier to roll up and carry.
Another option is to go for a travel specific yoga mat that can easily fold into a square to fit inside your suitcase or backpack. Thicker yoga mats can be bulkier and heavier, making them more difficult to transport. Additionally, consider where you will store your mat when not in use. Thicker yoga mats take up more space and require more storage room than thinner yoga mats.
When choosing the best yoga mat thickness, it's important to consider your budget and price range. Thicker mats tend to be more expensive than thinner mats, so it's important to determine how much you are willing to spend. Keep in mind that investing in a high-quality mat can be worth the cost in the long run, as it can provide better support and much last longer. However, if you are on a tight budget, a high quality thin yoga mat may be a more affordable option.
Travel Yoga Mats
1mm to 2mmEveryday Yoga Mats
3mm to 5mm Thick Yoga Mats 5mm to 8mm1mm - 2mm are the most common travel yoga mat thicknesses. With 2mm being the more comfortable and durable yoga mat for travel.
Click here to view the popular Complete Unity Yoga Travel Yoga Mat.
4mm is the most common yoga mat thickness for everyday use. Everyday yoga mat thicknesses range from 3mm to 5mm.
Click here to view the bestselling Complete Unity Yoga 4mm Yoga Mat.
5mm - 8mm are options however I would recommend looking for a dense 5mm yoga mat if you feel like you need some extra cushioning. Anything thicker that 5mm will make the yoga poses more challenging. A soft 8mm yoga mat may actually give the same amount of cushioning as a dense 5mm yoga mat.
There is no one size fits all. 4mm is the best yoga mat thickness for most people practicing yoga at home or in the yoga studio. If you often travel or prefer a lightweight yoga mat the best yoga mat thickness will be 2mm. And if you feel like you need a little bit of extra cushioning 5mm is likely the best yoga mat thickness for you.
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I remember meeting a woman named Emily at yoga camp where we bonded over vegan garlic butter, broken hearts and the mutual last minute acceptance into the month-long Aruba yoga teacher training. At 23 years old with 9 years of yoga under her belt, she quit her job at lululemon in order to meet me, become my assistant and of course, a yoga teacher. Just kidding' sort of. Emily is, in all seriousness, the Goddess, Keeper, and Knower of all things yoga mats, yoga clothes, and yoga leggings. Since embarking on The Road Les Traveled, she has schooled me on all the need-to-knows for yoga and is also to blame for most of my lululemon purchases' oops. #NOTANAD
Most mats will vary between 2mm-7mm (that's in millimeters, y'all). The thicker the mat, the more cushion to protect your joints. A 2mm mat may lead you to a throbbing knee in crescent lunge and a 7mm mat may have you craving more connection with the ground below your mat during tree pose. A pretty safe bet is the middle ground 5mm mat. But do not be fooled'not all 5mm mats are made equal. Read on yogis'
PVC, aka vinyl, is what the old age, tried-and-true yoga mats are made of. The newer eco friendly mats come in everything from recycled rubber to cotton. Natural rubber is great, don't get me wrong. I urge you to save the ozone if you're not allergic to latex, BUT air that baby out properly before being that girl in the studio.
Go into any luluemon and they will school you on this terminology that sounds straight out of a high school biology textbook. Let me break it down for you. 'Open cell' means you can sweat your heart out and the mat can handle/absorb it. In fact, if you opt for open cell tech, your mat will absorb anything that drips on it. So avoid the mat cleaners/oils to wipe down post-flow. Closed cell technology means your mat will not absorb moisture but needs to be wiped clean. Open cell tech is great for hot yoga, but it needs a warm soap and water rinse to refresh. Closed cell tech is great for those who don't plan on dripping sweat every use and want to spray and wipe your mat clean.
Sticky, grippy, smooth, rough, grainy. All words to describe the texture of the (wind beneath your wings) mat below your feet. I say- to each their own. Personally, though they may seem mutually exclusive, I tend toward a smooth but sticky mat.
I still have my very first yoga mat stored in my childhood closet for no particular reason other than nostalgia and that it was $20 from Marshalls. It served its purpose as a surface to move on, but let me be the first to advise you' invest in your yoga mat. The surface you move on can affect your practice, and the right tools really do make a difference. A good yoga mat should offer you up to 5 years of a non-slip, supported surface. Invest wherever your heart desires, but here's my recommendations based on how you like to flow!
Mastectomy tattoo artist David Allen collaborated with Manduka to produce the beautiful mat above with open cell technology where 100% of all net profits from this mat will directly benefit Susan G. Komen until December 31st, . It's like a yoga towel and a yoga mat had a baby and BOOM! This beauty was born.
Tried and true. It's never too early to start loving your joints. So say hello to this 5mm thick reversible Lululemon mat. With open cell technology, you can confidently power flow your ass off in a hot room. Bonus ' due to the antimicrobial treatment you do not have to wash it every time. Sorry clean freaks, it's the truth. I would hose mine down with soap and warm water then hang to dry. Note to all dirty hippies out there (hi Emily): throw a yoga towel down for added absorption and you can wait another few sessions before the hose down.
To be honest, I haven't carried a 'travel yoga mat' with me in the past year. Since I got certified, I try to practice every day no matter where I am in the world. I lug my 5mm mat around every airport through every TSA check and smile at the flight attendants when I carry it on the plane accompanied by my personal item(s) & carry on.. Half hiding it, half praying they see it and say nothing.
Because The Road Les Traveled may take you to a yin class post-Patagonia trek or a power vinyasa flow in a Balinese hut, you can opt for the slightly thinner version of the Lululemon reversible mat. With the same exact reliable characteristics as its 5mm big sis, you can pack an extra few yoga pants with the 2 lb difference!
This mat is thin, but boy is it light. With the classic Manduka grip, you can count on flowing without slipping. Would I practice on this mat everyday for a month? No. But I would suggest it as a packing essential if you don't want to lug around your 5mm mat.
Manduka has become the go-to yoga mat brand worldwide and for good reason. This is one of the most popular Manduka mats you will see. The closed cell technology makes it super easy to clean. If you plan on sweating, you can lay a Yogi Toes towel over your mat to accompany those extra sweaty vinyasas. Plus, it is made from sustainably harvested rubber contributing zero waste to the world in the process.
Grippy & reversible with an alignment strip down the middle. We gifted this mat to all of our LimitLes in Bali babes. The lower price point, beginner friendly features, and eco friendly manufacturing will be an investment you can feel good about making. Plus, if your yoga practice becomes more frequent, this lightweight reliable mat can become your go-to travel mat.
For me, the lack of love for this mat is simply a texture preference. It's a little too grainy for my linking. I've never slipped, but I did get calluses on my palms with frequent practice (TMI?!). BUT I love all that Jade is and does. Jade plants a tree for every mat sold and the purchase of certain color mats contributes $5 to charity. Plus, they are made in the good ole USA!
So yogis, weather you're a plant eating, daily practicing yogi or your practice is slow, sporadic, and followed by a glass of wine with friends (btw I'm both of these depending on the day)' there's a yoga mat out there for you.
Are you in a committed relationship with a mat I haven't mentioned above? Drop a comment below so I can expand my horizons. Happy flowing!
If you want to learn more, please visit our website 5mm Non-Slip Yoga Mat.