WHICH YOGA MAT TO CHOOSE: THE 6 PERMANENT QUESTIONS ON THE INTERNET
Which yoga mat should you choose? This is often the first question , and sometimes the most difficult. Between materials, thicknesses, grip, and respect for the environment, it's not always easy to find your way around. However, this research speaks volumes: it reflects the desire to practice in good conditions , on a support worthy of your commitment.
At Yogaterrae, we've listened, observed, practiced, and gathered here the six biggest questions that internet users ask all year long. Each one comes with an informed, compassionate, and experience-based answer.
Written by TINA - July 2025
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About 10 minutes
WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO DISCOVER
- Which yoga mat should you choose when you start out , without making a mistake about the material or the use.
- The ideal thickness for a balance between joint comfort and stability in postures.
- The different materials (TPE, cork, natural rubber, etc.) and their impact on practice and on the planet.
- The right size or format according to your body shape, your yoga style or your mobility needs.
- Simple maintenance steps to preserve your carpet over time.
- And finally, a delicate but frequent question: why do some rugs slip , how to find a truly non-slip model.
"Let's take a look"!
WHICH YOGA MAT TO CHOOSE WHEN YOU'RE STARTING OUT
When you start yoga, you don't always know what you're looking for, but you know what you want to avoid: a mat that slips, that tears, that is more uncomfortable than supportive. The right mat is one that makes you feel comfortable from the first pose , without making you doubt each time you move.
But starting out also means not yet knowing your style. Perhaps you'll try a gentle Hatha class at home, then a dynamic Vinyasa in the studio... That's why you need to choose a versatile mat that offers comfort, stability, and safety.
If you practice at home, on a hard floor , or if you need to protect your knees and wrists, opt for a soft mat, around 6 mm thick. Our STUDIO ORIGIN models, in two-tone TPE foam, are perfect for first explorations: they are light, thick, easy to store , and their soft texture is reassuring. It is the ideal companion for discovering postures without pressure.
If you sweat easily , or if you are aiming for slightly more invigorating practices (Vinyasa, Power Yoga), choose a mat with a very non-slip coating . You have two choices:
- natural rubber with PU surface, as in our MAUNA KEA range: exceptional grip even when dry, perfect stability for warriors, planks and inversions, with a firm and elegant touch.
- Suede microfiber, soft to the touch when dry, but becomes grippy when wet : ideal for those who sweat a lot or practice barefoot. Our NIRVANA VOYAGE collection in microfiber + rubber even offers foldable and washable models, perfect for beginners without compromise.
And if you are looking for a more natural, more sensory material , our TERRES DE LIÈGE range could appeal to you: warm surface, good grip for bare feet, and eco-responsible support.
In summary:
- For a comfortable start → TPE (STUDIO ORIGIN)
- For maximum dry grip → PU + natural rubber (MAUNA KEA)
- For practice with perspiration → Sueded microfiber + natural rubber (NIRVANA VOYAGE or COMFORT)
- For a natural, textured feel → Cork + natural rubber (TERRES DE RIÈGE)
The best mat to start on is one that supports you wherever you are and inspires you to start again tomorrow. Yours doesn't need to be perfect, just one that fits your swing.
THE IDEAL THICKNESS OF YOGA MAT FOR A PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN COMFORT AND STABILITY
It is often thought that a yoga mat is “just a question of material.” But thickness plays a decisive role, especially when you’re starting out. Too thin , the mat can quickly become a source of discomfort: knees hitting the floor, wrists getting hot, lower back struggling to land. Too thick , it becomes unstable and makes it harder to anchor yourself in balancing postures. The ideal thickness therefore depends on several criteria : your body shape, how your joints feel, your yoga style and the type of flooring you practice on.
If you're starting with gentle sessions like Hatha or Yin Yoga, it's best to choose a mat around 6 mm thick. This is what the STUDIO ORIGIN range offers, in two-tone TPE: good cushioning , ideal lightness for transport, and a soft texture that provides secure support. This type of mat is also ideal for people with sensitive knees or those returning to activity.
For a more dynamic practice like Vinyasa or Pilates, stability is a priority. A mat between 3 and 4 mm allows for a better connection to the ground, without loss of balance. This is the case with our MAUNA KEA range, made of natural rubber with a PU surface, which offers a firm density and excellent grip. This type of mat allows for quick sequences and good support in demanding postures.
If you're practicing on a floor that's already soft—carpet, rug, or laminate flooring—a mat that's too thick can actually increase instability. A thinner, but denser, model will be preferable for regaining secure footing.
Finally, if you're often on the move or looking for a compact mat, the NIRVANA VOYAGE 1 MM models, made of suede microfiber and natural rubber, are foldable, washable, and easy to carry. For added comfort, while maintaining the non-slip properties of microfiber, the NIRVANA CONFORT 3.5 MM version will provide you with better support for more regular practice.
Note that thickness isn't everything . The density of the material plays a key role in the feeling of comfort and the quality of anchoring. Two mats of the same thickness can offer a very different experience depending on their composition.
DIFFERENT MATERIALS AND THEIR IMPACT ON PRACTICE AND THE PLANET
Behind the word “ yoga mat ”, there are actually a multitude of materials. And each of them influences the quality of your practice, the sensation underfoot, the stability in postures, and the environmental impact of your choice. The material is the soul of your mat. It determines everything: comfort, grip, maintenance, longevity… and even ethics.
Entry-level models are often made of PVC . While it has the advantage of being inexpensive and moisture-resistant, this material is neither recyclable nor biodegradable . It sometimes contains controversial substances, making it an increasingly less recommended choice—especially when you're trying to align your practice with values of respect for your body and the planet.
A softer alternative is TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), a lightweight foam that is latex- and phthalate-free and recyclable in some sectors. It offers a good compromise between comfort and safety for beginners. This is the material used in the STUDIO ORIGIN range, with its two-tone mats that are light, soft, and easy to transport.
If you're looking for a more premium, high-performance mat, consider natural rubber . It's one of the most popular materials for demanding yogis: dense, robust, with good ground anchoring and great durability. In the MAUNA KEA range, this rubber is combined with a PU (polyurethane) surface, for exceptional grip even when dry. This combo is perfect for a dynamic, fluid practice, where the mat becomes a true movement partner.
Another remarkable material: cork . Derived from the bark of the cork oak, it is naturally non-slip, antimicrobial, and very pleasant to the touch. It is suitable for both gentle practices and tonic sequences. Our TERRES DE LIÈGE models combine this plant-based surface with a natural rubber base for perfect stability.
Finally, the soft and absorbent suede microfiber is suitable for those who sweat a lot or who practice in a heated studio. It is designed to gain grip with humidity . This is the case of the NIRVANA VOYAGE 1 mm mats for a thin, foldable and washable version, or NIRVANA CONFORT 3.5 mm for better support while maintaining this textile feel.
Every material has its truth, and none is universal. Choose according to what you feel under your feet, according to your way of moving , according to your way of inhabiting the posture. And if possible, also choose according to your way of respecting the living.
THE RIGHT SIZE OR FORMAT ACCORDING TO YOUR BODY SHAPE, YOUR YOGA STYLE OR YOUR MOBILITY DESIRES
We often talk about material, grip, thickness... but the size is just as essential. Choosing a mat with the right dimensions means avoiding unnecessary adjustments, feet sticking out, wrists dangling, or constant discomfort during your session. A good mat should move with you, not restrict it.
The so-called “standard” format measures approximately 60 cm wide by 180 cm long . It is suitable for the majority of users, especially if you are less than 1.75 m tall and you practice indoors, on a neutral floor. This is the format adopted in our STUDIO ORIGIN (183 x 61 cm) or TERRES DE LIÈGE (183 x 66 cm) collections, designed for comfortable and balanced practice.
In the MAUNA KEA range (183 x 68 cm) , these larger models allow you to perform postures without feeling limited by space. This type of mat is particularly popular with larger men, but also with those who perform dynamic salutations or practice with accessories.
Width is also important. If you enjoy lying down, twisting, or relaxation exercises, a slightly wider mat (66 or 68 cm) can provide a real sense of openness. That said, be aware of space constraints: in studios or gyms, standard dimensions are often required to avoid disturbing neighbors on the mat.
Some specific practices also require specific formats. The NIRVANA VOYAGE 1 mm mats, for example, are designed to be ultra-light, foldable, and space-saving . They measure 183 × 61 cm but can easily be slipped into a backpack. This format is ideal for those who travel often, or who wish to practice on a rental mat covered with their own hygienic support.
Finally, if you are looking for a space of your own at home to create a real practice ritual , you can even opt for a round mat from the TERRES DE LIÈGE range (diameter 135 cm). It invites a different freedom of movement, and is particularly suitable for intuitive yoga, meditation or multidirectional stretching. These circular mats also exist at Yogaterrae, with a design designed to reorient the practice around the center of the body.
In short, adapt the size of your mat to your body type , your environment, and your way of moving. A mat that is too small will hold you back. A mat that is too large and poorly chosen will become cumbersome. Ideally, it should disappear under your practice , while being exactly your size.
SIMPLE MAINTENANCE STEPS TO PRESERVE YOUR YOGA MAT OVER TIME
A yoga mat is like a second skin: you breathe on it, you sweat on it, you rest on it. It therefore deserves special attention. Not only for hygiene, but also to extend its lifespan and maintain a pleasant practice, without odor, slippage, or alteration of texture. And good news: there is no need to buy expensive sprays or specialized products to maintain it properly.
It all starts with consistency. A light cleaning after each session is often enough: wiping with a damp cloth or a small microfiber towel soaked in warm water will remove sweat and skin residue. You can add a few drops of white vinegar or mild soap for a natural cleaning and disinfecting effect. The important thing is to avoid harsh products, chemical wipes, or alcohol-based solutions, which can damage materials, especially natural rubber, microfiber, or PU.
Once or twice a month, plan a more thorough cleaning. Again, there's no need to invest: a mixture of warm water, white vinegar (or lemon juice), and antibacterial essential oils like lavender or tea tree is more than enough. Spray, let it sit for a few moments, then wipe carefully. Never completely submerge your rug in water, unless it's designed for it (like some very fine microfiber models in the machine-washable NIRVANA VOYAGE range). Stagnant moisture is one of the rug's biggest enemies: it can cause mold or irreversible deformation.
Drying is just as important. Always lay your rug flat or loosely rolled up in a dry, ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. UV rays can damage natural materials, cause colors to fade, or weaken non-slip surfaces. Also, avoid folding it while it's still wet: this creates marks and weak points.
Finally, remember that proper maintenance also involves proper use. Don't walk on your mat with shoes on, don't store it loose in a damp corner, and use a strap or carrying bag to protect it when traveling. A well-maintained mat can last for years. And often, the simplest actions are the most effective.
Maintaining your mat means taking care of your practice tool—but also of your space, your body, and your consciousness. It's neither a constraint nor an obsession: just a small ritual that extends the intention with which you began.
WHY SOME YOGA MATS SLIP AND HOW TO FIND A REAL NON-SLIP MODEL
This is undoubtedly one of the most common complaints from users: “My mat is slipping, I'm losing my balance, I can't get a grip.” This slipping problem can turn a pleasant session into a tense one. It has several causes, and fortunately, several solutions—as long as you understand the source of the problem.
First, there are two types of slippage. The first involves the rug sliding on the floor. This often happens on tiles or smooth parquet floors, especially with very light or old rugs. In this case, the problem often comes from the underside of the rug. A material like TPE can sometimes lack grip if it is too worn. Conversely, natural rubber offers a much more reliable anchor to the floor thanks to its density and slightly rough texture.
The other type of slipping is the one felt on the surface of the mat , when the hands or feet slip in posture. This phenomenon depends on several factors: the material , humidity , ambient temperature ... and especially your perspiration . Paradoxically, some mats slip more when they are dry, while they become very grippy once wet, this is the case of suede microfiber , used in our NIRVANA VOYAGE 1 mm or NIRVANA CONFORT 3.5 mm range. This type of surface is ideal if you tend to sweat or if you practice in a heated room.
If you sweat little and are looking for immediate dry grip , turn to PU (polyurethane) surfaces like those in the MAUNA KEA range. These mats have been designed to offer optimal grip from the start of the session, without waiting for moisture to build up. The grip is clean, precise, and secure, even in the most demanding postures.
Finally, remember that cleaning plays a vital role. Dust, moisturizer, or perspiration residue can create an invisible film that impairs grip. A well-maintained mat, cleaned with warm water and mild soap, will often regain its original grip. It's also helpful to practice with bare feet and clean hands to prevent the mat's surface from becoming saturated.
If, despite everything, you experience persistent slippage, adding an absorbent towel or a thin layer of fabric can temporarily compensate, while you wait to find a mat more suited to your body shape and your practice intensity.
A slippery mat is a slow mat. And sometimes, it's not your posture that's the problem, but simply the surface you're resting on. Find the material that works for you, and let it become an extension of your grounding.
Thank you TINA for this post
Thank you for taking the time to read these answers. We hope they help you move forward with greater clarity, comfort, and confidence on your mat—whatever it may be.
TINA's Bio
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TINA
1994, Reunion Island & Mauritius, a Life driven by the Indian Ocean and Yoga
Since childhood, this intrepid traveler has traveled the globe, leaving her footprints on beaches around the world.Passionate about surfing, scuba diving and sailing, she has made the ocean her playground and source of inspiration.
The freedom of the waves, the serenity of the ocean depths and the wind in his sails have punctuated his journey, always guided by a quest for connection with nature.
It was through her explorations that yoga became more than a practice for her – it was a way of life.
Between early morning surf sessions and meditative sunsets, she found in yoga a perfect balance of strength, flow and self-awareness.
Today, she combines her passion for water sports with teaching yoga and is part of the Yogaterrae team, here in France, in the South West and often remotely :)
This adventurer is a true source of inspiration for anyone who aspires to live in harmony with their body and nature.
Through her stories of incredible experiences, she invites everyone to open up to a world where every wave, every breath and every posture is a celebration of life.
