WHICH YOGA MAT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE WITH SUMMER A FEW WEEKS LEFT?
Summer is approaching , and with it the desire to reconnect with oneself in the light.
Whether you're taking up yoga on your deck, by a lake, or in a studio, choosing the right mat is essential to support your practice with comfort, grip, and serenity.
Discover our tips for finding the ideal companion for your summer sessions, non-slip, ethical, lightweight... and perfectly aligned with your breathing for this coming summer of 2025.
Written by TINA - May 2025
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About 10 minutes
WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO DISCOVER
• Which yoga mat should you choose to practice in summer, indoors or outdoors?
• What thickness should you choose depending on your yoga style (gentle, dynamic, hot, etc.)?
• What materials are non-slip, ethical and sustainable?
• Why is natural rubber popular with demanding yogis ?
• How do you know if a mat is suitable for beginners or advanced users ?
• Is a good yoga mat a myth?
"Let's take a look"!
SUMMER = SWEAT: OPT FOR AN ABSOLUTELY NON-SLIP MAT
As summer approaches, yoga practice becomes more intense. Temperatures rise, sessions move outdoors, and sweating becomes a reality . When hands or feet become sweaty, an ill-fitting mat can turn your flow into a source of instability, even frustration. The risk of slipping is real, especially in weight-bearing poses like downward dog, warrior II, or handstands.
To ensure the safety and comfort of your practice, it is best to choose a non-slip yoga mat , capable of remaining stable whatever the conditions. The most efficient models combine a natural rubber base, which ensures excellent grip on the ground, with a polyurethane (PU) surface, known for its ability to remain adherent even in humidity. This duo is today considered a reference among demanding practitioners and professional studios.
Other materials exist, but their effectiveness varies. TPE , often used for its lightness, remains limited as soon as sweat appears: it loses grip and becomes slippery. Cork , appreciated for its natural side, offers good grip when dry, but can be less reliable in summer or in humid heat. As for microfiber , it works the opposite: slippery when dry, it becomes grippy with sweat, provided you practice intense yoga or deliberately wet the surface.
Yogaterrae offers a complete range of yoga mat designed to meet the diverse needs of each practitioner . Whether you're a fan of dynamic sessions under the sun, gentle indoor flows, meditative practices or hot yoga, our mats have been designed to offer grip, comfort and ethics . Each model is the result of rigorous research, combining responsible materials , technical performance and inspiring aesthetics , so that everyone can find the mat that supports their practice... and elevates their experience.
SOFT OR DYNAMIC PRACTICE? THE RIGHT THICKNESS CHOICE
The thickness of your yoga mat directly influences your comfort, stability and the fluidity of your transitions.
Too thin, it may lack support.
Too thick, it can hinder anchoring in certain standing postures.
This is why choosing the right thickness for your yoga style is essential for a practice that is both safe and enjoyable.
For gentle practices like Yin Yoga, Hatha, or meditation, a 5- to 6-mm thick mat is often recommended. It offers a soft feel, ideal for prolonged resting on the knees, pelvis, or elbows. This type of mat provides welcome joint protection , especially for beginners or those returning to activity.
Conversely, dynamic yogas—Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Power Yoga—require greater stability . In this case, a yoga mat 3 to 4 mm thick allows for better contact with the ground, which promotes balance, precision, and the fluid flow of postures. It supports movement without creating imbalance.
Nomadic practitioners , those who travel or go from studio to studio, can turn to thin and light mats (1 to 2 mm), easy to fold or roll up, slip into a bag, and take everywhere. These models are also popular as over-mats to place on a studio mat, for increased hygiene and personal comfort.
At Yogaterrae, we believe that the right yoga mat is one that matches your rhythm, respects your body, and supports your progress. The ideal thickness depends on you , your practice, your sensations... and sometimes even the season.
NON-SLIP, ETHICAL, LONGEVITY, WELL-BEING: THE MOST RELIABLE MATERIALS IN THEIR DIVERSITY FOR YOUR YOGA MAT
Today, more and more practitioners are looking for an eco-friendly yoga mat , without compromising on performance. This requirement is legitimate: our equipment must respect our body , our practice , and the environment in which we evolve. But not all materials are equal.
Natural rubber is considered one of the most complete materials. Derived from the sap of the rubber tree, it offers exceptional grip , even on smooth surfaces, and remarkable durability . Its density guarantees excellent stability when standing, while its flexibility absorbs pressure without sagging. Biodegradable and naturally non-slip, rubber is a responsible choice... provided it comes from sustainably managed plantations, without harmful treatments.
Combined with polyurethane (PU) , it forms a highly technical surface. PU is used for its grip properties under perspiration , which makes it an ideal ally for intense or summer practices. It allows constant grip to be maintained, even in wet conditions. When treated without solvents and without PVC, this material remains perfectly compatible with an ethical approach.
Other alternatives exist. Cork , for example, is naturally antibacterial, renewable, and pleasant to the touch. It has good dry grip , but can become slippery depending on ambient humidity or sweat. It is best suited for gentle practices, or at moderate temperatures.
TPE , on the other hand, is a lighter and more economical synthetic material. It may be suitable for casual or beginner use, but offers limited grip when sweating , and less durability.
Finally, microfiber is a material often used on surfaces, especially in mats designed for hot yoga . It works the opposite of others: slippery when dry , but adheres well when wet . It only becomes non-slip if the body sweats enough or if the surface is deliberately moistened with a spray. Microfiber is soft and pleasant to the touch, but requires active perspiration from the start of the session , which is not suitable for all practices.
At Yogaterrae, we select our materials to offer a balance between performance, ethics and sustainability . Our high-end natural rubber + PU , cork , or TPE mats meet the requirements of every yogi, from the most nomadic to the most grounded, for an aligned, fluid and conscious practice.
THIS IS WHY NATURAL RUBBER IS PRIZED BY EXPERT AND DEMANDING YOGIS AND YOGINIS
Natural rubber deserves a dedicated chapter , both educational , technical , and SEO-friendly , because it corresponds to the high-end core marked MAUNA KEA of Yogaterrae mats.
Natural rubber is now considered one of the most advanced materials for regular, intensive, or ethical yoga practitioners. Unlike synthetic materials more common in entry-level ranges, rubber offers a rare combination of stability, grip, and environmental friendliness .
Derived directly from the sap of the rubber tree, natural rubber is a renewable resource that does not require heavy chemical processing to be exploited. It contains no PVC, synthetic latex, or phthalates, which makes it a popular choice for people concerned about their health and the toxicity of their equipment . It is a dense, yet flexible material, capable of supporting the joints while ensuring excellent anchoring in static postures as well as in rapid sequences.
What experienced yogis particularly appreciate is its ability to remain non-slip even under demanding conditions : dynamic practices, heavy sweating, or uneven floors. A natural rubber mat does not slip or curl at the edges, and provides a stable and quiet surface, which promotes concentration and fluidity of movement.
So, it's true that natural rubber can give off a raw, plant-like odor when opened. This scent is completely natural—it reflects the absence of chemical perfumes or masking treatments. It fades quickly with use, especially if the mat is aired for a few hours in a ventilated area. It's a marker of authenticity that many practitioners associate with the quality of the material.
Beyond the technical qualities, this material also has a more subtle dimension: it gives the sensation of being connected to a living material , slightly textured, absorbent, natural under the hands and feet. It is not uncommon for those who switch to natural rubber to never go back, as the quality of the practice is transformed.
At Yogaterrae, we use responsibly sourced natural rubber from sustainably managed forests, without harsh solvents or heavy chemical treatments. It forms the basis of our high-end mats, designed for advanced practitioners, teachers, and anyone who wants equipment that lives up to their commitment .
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A MAT IS SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS OR ADVANCED PRACTICES?
All the yoga mat are not equal, and it's not just a question of budget. Between a first mat bought to discover the practice and a model designed to accompany a demanding daily training, expectations are not the same. It is therefore essential to choose a yoga mat adapted to your level , your progress... and your ambitions.
For a beginner, the main criterion is often comfort . A thicker mat, around 6 mm , will provide more softness under the joints, which is reassuring and pleasant during the first sessions. It can also reduce discomfort in postures held for a long time, and make transitions smoother. A yoga mat for beginners must also be easy to maintain , light to carry , and above all stable enough not to hinder learning postures.
Conversely, an advanced practitioner is looking for a more technical mat , with better grip , uncompromising stability , and a thickness optimized for anchoring . A non-slip surface, capable of resisting perspiration, becomes essential. The ideal thickness is then around 3 to 4 mm , to guarantee a good feeling of the ground without sacrificing comfort. Natural rubber + PU mats are particularly appreciated for this: they allow a fluid, precise, and secure practice, whatever the intensity of the flow.
But level alone isn't enough. A suitable yoga mat is also one that matches your style, your body, and your development. Some beginners immediately equip themselves with a high-end mat to progress in good conditions. Other experienced practitioners prefer a minimalist model to reconnect with the essentials.
At Yogaterrae, each mat is designed to support each person in their own style of yoga. Our models combine technicality, ethics and design , so that everyone can choose not “the best mat”, but their own – the one that supports their practice and respects their rhythm.
THE RIGHT YOGA MAT IS NOT A MYTH: THERE IS A RIGHT ONE FOR EVERYONE
Whether you're starting out in a local gym, taking an intensive course in the great outdoors, or practicing regularly at home, choosing a yoga mat is a key moment. This mat becomes more than just a support: it's a true personal space , a surface for anchoring, transformation, and confidence.
But there's no one-size-fits-all mat. There's the right mat for every yogi or yogini . Some need maximum grip for powerful flows. Others are looking for a soft touch for their yin sessions. Still others want a thin, compact mat to slip into a carry-on suitcase.
At Yogaterrae , we believe that a well-chosen yoga mat can make all the difference . That's why we offer a complete collection , designed around hand-picked materials— natural rubber , technical PU , natural cork , entry-level TPE, 2-ply microfiber —and adapted to all yoga styles , all levels , and all aspirations .
Each of our models is carefully designed, tested in real conditions, and accompanied by clear recommendations to find the mat that suits your practice . Non-slip, durable, eco-responsible, they embody the philosophy of Yogaterrae: combining beauty, fairness, and utility.
Still unsure? Explore our selection of yoga mat categorized by material and theme, in the graphic style typical of Studio Yogaterrae since its beginnings at the ends of the earth: beginner, expert, nomadic, intense, gentle, or ethical.
There is already a carpet waiting for you, and it may be the beginning of a long journey.
Help your little companion find his too!
Relax! It might be the perfect companion for your summer sessions :)
Thank you TINA for this post
Thank you for sharing this reading moment with us.
Explore our collection of yoga mat and find the one that will accompany you correctly in your practice.
At Yogaterrae, we believe that a good mat can transform a session, and sometimes much more. Yours may already be waiting for you.
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 oceans 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.
