How to Choose the Right Yoga Mat for You

Which yoga mat should I buy?

This is a question I'm often asked... and I get it. If you’ve ever gone online to buy a yoga mat, you’ll know how overwhelming it can feel — there are hundreds of options ranging from £10 supermarket mats to £100+ professional ones. So how do you know which is right for you? And is the additional cost worth it?

The truth is, it depends on you — your practice, your body, and where you’ll be using it.

Let’s break it down.

1. Cushioning – how soft do you like your landing?

Mats usually range from 2mm (travel mats) to 6mm (extra cushioned).

• Thinner mats (2–3mm) often lighter for travel and these give great stability for balance poses like half moon, but they lack cushioning and this can feel really tough on knees or wrists.

• Thicker mats (6+mm) offer exceptional comfort for seated or restorative practices, but there is a pay off! The extra soft squishy base is super unstable for standing balances, hand balances, and even for the humble high crescent lunge! Where we gain comfort, we lose stability and this can really play havoc with your practice. Feeling wobbly on your mat can really knock your confidence too and makes many transitions tricky.

• Mid-range (around 4-5mm) is a good all-rounder for most people.

If you have sensitive joints or like to add an extra layer of padding for savasana, choose something thicker — or layer a blanket under your knees when needed.

That said - thickness isn't the only factor that affects stability & cushioning. 5mm of soft foam is far less stable than 5mm of heavy natural rubber... but the rubber will weigh kg's heavier!

2. Grip – how “sticky” should it be?

That sticky feeling helps stop your hands and feet from sliding in poses like Down Dog, especially if practicing hot yoga, where maybe we get a lil sweaty.

• Foam or PVC mats often start sticky but lose grip as they wear down.

• Natural rubber mats (like the Manduka GRP Adapt) tend to have excellent traction and stay reliable even when you sweat.

• Jute or cork mats can feel lovely and natural underfoot, though they’re also slightly less grippy until you warm up and can break down prematurely.

Tip: if you often slip on your mat, it might not be you — it might be the material.

3. Size – not all mats are created equal

Standard mats are about 173cm long (68 inches) — perfect for most people under 5’9”.If you’re taller or just prefer more space, look for extra-long mats (around 200cm). I personally use an extra-long Manduka GRP Adapt, which gives me a little more room to move and settle. I'm a long human!

4. Material – eco, natural, or budget-friendly?

There’s no right or wrong here — it’s about your priorities.

• Foam mats are light and affordable, great for starting out.

• Natural rubber offers fantastic grip and cushioning but can be heavier to carry.

• Jute or cork are sustainable options with a lovely natural feel, though slightly less padded and I've found they don't last as long as natural rubber.

5. A note on “squishy” foam exercise mats

You might have seen those thick, soft foam exercise mats sold in sports shops or supermarkets. We actually keep a few of these in the studio — we bring them out for stillness practices. However, they’re not recommended for regular asana practice. The surface is often too soft and unstable, which can make standing poses really wobbly. Know that if you're rocking your Half Moon with your foot on one of these, you really are a rock star! They can also be slippery, especially if

you sweat a lil.

If comfort is your priority, you’re better off choosing a supportive, non-slip yoga mat and adding a blanket or thin layer underneath for padding under your knees when needed.

6. Studio mats – what we use at Wild Soul Studio

The good news is, if you come to class here, you don’t need to buy a mat! We provide high-quality Yoga Store Studio Mats and blocks to support your practice, which are supportive, hygienic, and perfect for regular practice. But if you prefer to bring your own, that’s absolutely welcome too.

💬 Final thoughts

Choosing a mat is like choosing shoes — the “best” one is the one that feels right for you. Think about where you’ll use it (home, studio, outdoors), how much cushioning your joints like, and whether easy cleaning or eco-materials matter most.

And remember, it doesn’t have to be fancy — consistency matters far more than kit. The mat is simply the space where you meet yourself.

What do I use:

Personally I use the Manduka GRP Adapt (Extra Long). It's my personal favourite — stable, supportive, super grippy, and built to go the distance. But if you’re just starting out, one of our studio mats will serve you beautifully.