Yoga Mat Buyers Guide
Yoga Mat Prices
If you’ve been searching for a yoga mat, it’s likely you have already noticed there can be a big difference in yoga mat prices. So, why are some yoga mats more expensive than others? There are a few different factors which impact on the price of a yoga mat, but these are the standout points in favour of a middle to top range yoga mat:Ethical & Eco Matters
The cheapest mats on the market are made from a type of plastic that can’t be recycled. Furthermore, the kind of yoga mat you’d buy in a supermarket, for example, is unlikely to come with any environmental initiatives. Top brands such as Manduka, allow you to trade in your old mat when you purchase a new one, along with other recycling programmes.On Brand!
While yoga is all about feeling good, it doesn’t hurt to have some fabulous gear to boost your confidence! A factor which can impact on price is demand, social media exposure and celebrity favourites. Some mats have a distinctive pattern or instantly recognisable design. It only takes one influencer to show case the mat on their platforms and drive the popularity of the mat (and the brand) through the roof!It’s important to note that while we love our online yoga IT girls and boys, the quality of the mat is what matters. This is why Manduka yoga mats are beloved for their style and function, and our own Yoga Studio mats are so popular for the same reasons but at a reasonable price. Find the place where style meets function and smash your next practice!
Longevity and Durability
As the saying goes, ‘buy cheap, buy twice’. Yogi instructors favour brands such as Manduka and Jade due to their long-wearing properties. They can with stand regular and intense practice without tearing or deteriorating. The antibacterial properties also mean that as long as they are cleaned and stored correctly, you can avoid unpleasant smells from your yoga mat after a sweaty class!So, Should I Buy an Expensive Yoga Mat?
Lower priced mats absolutely serve a purpose in the yoga world. For beginners who aren’t sure if they are ready to commit to regular practice, a cheap yoga mat is the perfect first step. Yoga is for everyone and is not restricted to those who can afford an expensive yoga mat. Even the most skilled yogis know that anything that offers reasonable support between you and the ground can act as a yoga mat.If you fall in love with yoga, it is likely you will want to upgrade your yoga mat for better support as your abilities develop, and for the assurance that your mat will last you a long time.
Which Yoga Mat Brand is Best?
There are a few fan favourites in the yoga world; Manduka and Jade yoga mats tend to come out on top. But everyone’s practice is different and finding the right yoga mat is largely down to personal preference.Here is a little insight into the popular yoga mat brands so you can decide which one best suits your needs.
Manduka Yoga Mats
Jade Yoga Mats
Gaiam Yoga Mats
Kurma Yoga Mats
Olie Yoga Mats
Yoga Studio Sticky Yoga Mat
Why it's Great! This Yoga Studio sticky yoga mat is a fantastic choice for first time yogis and people who want a long lasting mat. The mat has 6mm cushioning which is fantastic for supporting you knees and joints.
Material: PVC
Thickness: 6mm
Best Attributes: Long Lasting, Great for Beginners, Extra Cushioning, Machine Washable.
This best selling sticky mat is most widely used yoga mat around the world and can be found in most studios.
It comes in a large range of different colours and designed prints.
Yoga Studio Oeko-Tex Mat
Why it's Great! This Yoga Studio sticky yoga mat is a fantastic choice for first time yogis and people who want a long lasting mat. The mat has 6mm cushioning which is fantastic for supporting you knees and joints.
Material: PVC
Thickness: 6mm
Best Attributes: Long Lasting, Great for Beginners, Extra Cushioning, Machine Washable.
This best selling sticky mat is most widely used yoga mat around the world and can be found in most studios.
It comes in a large range of different colours and designed prints.
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
Why it's Great! The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat is a fantastic choice for all yogis and is known as one of the best mats in the yoga market. The mat will last a lifetime and comes with Manduka's lifetime gaurentee. Manduka is one of the top international brands in the yoga industry.
Material: High Density PVC
Thickness: 6mm
Best Attributes: Long Lasting, Comes With A Lifetime Guarantee, Extra Cushioning, Machine Washable.
The PRO comes in many different colours and sizes. If you are looking for a slightly thinner and lighweight version, you can checkout the Manduka PROLite.
Yoga Studio Cork Yoga Mat
Why it's Great! The cork side of the yoga Studio cork mat is all natural and sustainably sourced. The rubber side is an open-cell natural rubber bottom providing excellent grip.
Material: Cork
Thickness: 4mm
Best Attributes: Eco-Friendly, Rubber backing for great grip.
Both sides of the mat can be used for your practice. The antimicrobial properties of cork help to repel mould and mildew away, which means it’s basically self-cleaning and doesn’t smell.
Cork naturally kills bacteria, germs and odours.
EcoYoga Rubber Yoga Mat
Why it's Great! The hessian fabric gives a durable, tactile and pleasantly natural surface to work on whilst providing that GRIP so sought after.
Material: Natural Tree Rubber & Jute
Thickness: 6mm
Best Attributes: Natural Eco Friendly Material, Unparalleled Grip.
The 6mm thickness gives extra support and cushioning whilst still maintaining a firmness for good practice.
The hessian/jute fabric is specially selected for the ecoYoga mat. The hessian/jute fabric is specially selected for the ecoYoga mat.
Manduka eKO Yoga Mat
Why it's Great! The eKO Mat is new and improved, and now offers an unparalleled grip to perform even in the sweatiest of conditions
This eco-friendly yoga mat made from biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested, natural tree rubber provides cushion and support for your practice while protecting the planet.
Manduka's renowned eKO mat is new and improved, and now offers an unparalleled grip to perform even in the sweatiest of conditions.
Material: Natural Rubber.
Thickness: 5mm
Best Attributes: Natural Eco Friendly Material, Unparalleled Grip.
Yoga Studio Grip Yoga Mat
Why it's Great! Brand New and Revolutionary Top Surface Coat offers unparalleled Grip.
Material: PU (Polyurethane)
Thickness: 6mm
Best Attributes: Very Grippy, Extra Cushioning
Yoga Studio's PU Yoga Mat has an innovative moisture-absorbing design made to increase the grip with increased moisture.
The mat features double sided technology. The top side of the mat, the “sticky” side, is made of an Eco-polyurethane (PU) material which absorbs moisture (hence the grip).
The bottom side is made from clean Natural Responsibly sourced rubber which provides more cushion and unparalleled grip on the floor.
Yoga Studio Alignment Mat
Why it's Great! Align Yourself and your practice with The Alignment Grip Mat! Brand New and Revolutionary Top Surface Coat offers unparalleled Grip.
Material: PU (Polyurethane)
Thickness: 6mm
Best Attributes: Very Grippy, Extra Cushioning.
Yoga Studio's PU Yoga Mat has an innovative moisture-absorbing design made to increase the grip with increased moisture. The mat features double sided technology. The top side of the mat, the “sticky” side, is made of an Eco-polyurethane (PU) material which absorbs moisture (hence the grip).
The bottom side is made from clean Natural Responsibly sourced rubber which provides more cushion and unparalleled grip on the floor.
Manduka GRP Yoga Mat
Why it's Great! Bring the heat. Lose the towel. No matter how much you sweat, The Manduka GRP delivers supreme traction with no slip.
Material: PU (Polyurethane)
Thickness: 6mm
Best Attributes: Very Grippy, Extra Cushioning.
From the leather-like surface to the charcoal-infused rubber core, this is our most innovative mat to date.
The Manduka GRP series is simply one of the grippiest mats on the market, and is favoured by yogis who do hot yoga.
The underside of the GRP mats are made from natural tree rubber. This ensures that the mat stays firmly on the floor and doesn't bunch up during practise.
Yoga Mat FAQ’s
We’ve been doing this a long time, so we know what questions often come up when it comes to yoga mats! Here are some FAQs to help you.Can I take my yoga mat to practice?
It may seem obvious to a practiced yogi that a yoga mat can be taken anywhere, but we know that for beginners the idea of juggling a giant yoga mat on the way to a packed yoga class can feel a little scary! Fortunately, yoga mats are designed to be rolled up and carried with a yoga mat strap or yoga mat bag for easy transportation from home, to class or wherever else you want to practice.
Can I use a Towel Instead of a Yoga Mat?
Even if you’re just starting out on your yoga journey, we recommend using a beginners yoga mat to lower the risk of injury, stumbling, slipping and tripping! You can find affordable yoga mats across the Yoga Studio Store website so if you aren’t ready to make a big financial commitment, you can still practice yoga safely.
How Do I Clean my Yoga Mat?
You can find special yoga mat cleaning sprays which quickly keep your mat fresh. Alternatively, diluted white vinegar with a few drops of tea-tree or peppermint oil is a great option. It’s important not to use soap on your yoga mat, as the residue can cause slipping.
Can I get my Yoga Mat Wet?
Yes! Quality yoga mats are able to withstand moisture. You will find that some mats are better geared towards intense, hot yoga and are specially designed to keep their grip even in the heat and wet.
Which Yoga Mat Thickness is Best?
Like all things with yoga, choosing a thickness is personal and your body will tell you which thickness feel better during your practice. As a guideline, 4mm-5mm mats tend to be the sweet spot between balance, grounding and comfort.
For those doing restorative yoga, yogis with joint pain, beginners and children a thicker mat may be more suitable as it provides cushioning during resting poses and meditation.
Help! I Need an Affordable Yoga Mat
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Our yoga mat sales offer some great savings on the leading names. You can also search our full selection of yoga mats priced low to high and find the perfect mat within your price range.
Our Yoga Studio Store blog has some fantastic information about yoga mats, along with tips for practice and advice for experienced yogis. Whatever your skill level, get great advice and quality yoga mats and accessories and Yoga Studio Store.
