There is a very wide variety of yoga mats on the market. You will find both synthetic and natural yoga mats, and they come in many different sizes and colors. Which is best?

Natural or synthetic?

There two main types of yoga mat made from natural materials. The first is mats manufactured from natural fibers such as cotton. These can be good if you are in a power yoga class such as ashtanga yoga (or astanga yoga) where you will move quickly from one pose to another. You may be more comfortable on natural fibers if you are sweating. Check that the mat has a non-slip surface on the underside if you will be placing it directly on a hard floor.

You may also see some rubber mats. Rubber is of course a natural material. These will grip well on the floor but can become slippery if your feet and hands are perspiring.

The most popular form of yoga mat today is the sticky yoga mat which is made from synthetic materials. These are designed so that the mat will not slip on the floor while also providing good grip and cushioning for your feet and hands. Sticky yoga mats give good security for balances and stretch poses. They are also lightweight and easy to roll and carry.

Size

Yoga mats come in various sizes but you will want to be sure that it is longer than your height so that you can lie stretched out with both your head and heels on the mat. For most women a 6 ft mat will be long enough but some men will need an extra long size.

The width depends on the poses that you will do and how you use the mat. Usually if the mat is 1.5 times the width of your shoulders, that is fine. Keep in mind that a wider mat will make a longer roll and may be more awkward to carry.

If your yoga style includes a lot of sitting and lying relaxation and breathing exercises, you may want a thicker mat for comfort.

Color

The color may not seem important but it is! Your yoga mat should be a color that you like, that helps you feel calm and relaxed when you are practicing. Avoid very bright colors. Blue or green mats are best for most people. If you always practice in the same room, it is good if the color of your mat harmonizes with the room. Any clash of colors will affect your mood.

Some yoga mats have a grid pattern printed onto them. This can help you check that your feet and hands are correctly positioned in the yoga poses.

Caring for your yoga mat

A yoga mat should be easy to clean and care for. Remember that your mat is used on the floor and often in public spaces, so for hygiene you should wash it regularly. Some mats are machine washable, but keep it at low temperatures and do not spin or tumble dry. Others you can simply wipe down with a mild antiseptic household cleaning product. After cleaning the mat, leave it out to dry thoroughly. Never roll or store yoga mats when they are wet.

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