Life gets busy, and sometimes, there’s just not enough time for a full hour at the gym. That’s when a quick yoga session or resistance band workout at home saves the day.
As I’ve learned more about microplastics and their impact on the environment and our health, I think it’s time to upgrade my home workout gear. I’m searching for a durable, sustainable yoga mat made from natural fibers—one perfect for my practice and kind to the planet.
Read on if you’re also looking for the best yoga mat that balances performance with eco-friendliness. This guide will help you find the ideal mat to suit your needs, whether you’re a beginner, a hot yoga enthusiast, or someone who loves travel-friendly options.
Why Choosing the Right Yoga Mat Matters
Grip.
Having the right yoga mat for your practice can enhance or ruin it. If your mat has no grip and you don’t feel stable, you cannot perform the poses accurately. A slippy yoga mat can also be dangerous as you can fall and slip into the wrong positions. The grip is also essential for enjoying and improving your practice as yoga poses keep you still and focused for a long time; if you are sliding all over the place, it will be hard to master your down dog.
Thickness and density.
How thick should a yoga mat be? There are many thicknesses of yoga mats, from 1,5mm travel mats to 12mm soft and cushiony yoga mats. There is no perfect thickness for everyone, but a sweet spot tends to be 4-5mm yoga mat thickness. This thickness feels cushiony, but you don’t feel like you are sinking into it. If your knees suffer on a 4mm yoga mat, bend it or use a cushion to support certain poses.
One thing to remember if you go for a thicker yoga mat is that they are usually made from synthetic materials. Yoga mats made of natural fibers above 6mm would not fold or be very heavy. That leads us to another point.
| 1.5mm | Ultra-thin, lightweight | Travel; layering over studio mats | Easy to carry; space-saving | Minimal cushioning; not ideal for joint support | Natural rubber, TPE |
| 3mm | Thin | Experienced practitioners; stability focus | Lightweight; good for balance | Less support for knees/joints | Natural rubber, PVC, cork |
| 4-5mm | Medium (sweet spot) | General use; all skill levels | Balanced cushioning and stability | May not be cushioned enough for sensitive knees | Natural rubber, TPE, cork |
| 6mm | Thick | Beginners; joint support | Extra cushioning for joints | Heavier; less portable | PVC, recycled materials, cork |
| 8-12mm | Extra thick | Restorative yoga; meditation | Maximum comfort and joint protection | Bulky; not suitable for balance poses | PVC, synthetic foam |
Material.
Most of the yoga mats are made from PVC, otherwise known as vinyl. Bad-quality yoga mats tend to shed and peel; after a few uses, I had a yoga mat that started peeling. PVC production is awful for the environment.
“PVC production has significant environmental impacts such as fossil fuel depletion, climate change, and human toxicity due to the large quantity of crude oil extracted, emissions released into the atmosphere, and toxic substances involved.”(1)
As well as polluting the environment during production processes, PVC mats are tricky to recycle and shed microplastics after they are discarded for a very long time.(2)
When choosing your yoga mat, try to go for one of these eco-friendly options:
Cork
Harvesting cork doesn’t harm the tree, making it very sustainable; bonus points: Cork is naturally antimicrobial, non-slip even when wet (often gets grippier with sweat), and lightweight.
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber is biodegradable and renewable and is sourced from rubber trees. Natural Rubber has good grip, cushioning, and durability in dry and wet conditions.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is used for yoga mats and more gentle practices. It has a soft feel and is easy to clean.
Jute
A natural, biodegradable plant fiber often combined with natural rubber for added durability. This breathable material is fully compostable and has a nice texture for grip. Just keep in mind that Jute mats feel more textured and can feel slightly scratchy.
Hemp
Hemp is usually blended with other natural fibers to create durable yoga mats. It does not need much water to grow, making it a sustainable option. It is also naturally antimicrobial.
If you need help with natural fibers and find this kind of yoga mats too thin or heavy, you can opt for recycled material mats (mostly recycled plastic bottles). Or go for TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), a synthetic material that is recyclable and free from harmful chemicals like PVC, phthalates, and latex. It is lightweight and durable and offers good cushioning and grip.
The Best Yoga Mat Brands (Sustainable And Durable)
manduka
Manduka is known for its durable, high-performance yoga mats. Designed to last and provide good cushioning, they’re a great choice for serious yogis looking for a long-lasting quality yoga mat.
Liforme
Liforme mats stand out with their unique alignment guides, making them perfect for anyone looking to perfect their poses. They’re eco-friendly, and you can even customize your mat.
Jade Yoga
Jade Yoga combines sustainability with functionality. Their mats are made from natural rubber, and they plant a tree for every purchase. They also offer a helpful chatbot to guide you to the right product.
YOLOHA
YOLOHA specializes in cork yoga mats that are naturally antimicrobial and slip-resistant. Their mats are lightweight and sustainable for yogis who value both performance and sustanability.
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The Best Yoga Mats for Beginners:
Jade Yoga Level One Yoga Mat For Beginners
- Price:$48.95
- Material: natural rubber
- Durability: high
- Grip: very high
- Thickness: 4mm
- Sustainability: very high
A great all-rounder yoga mat suitable for all levels and kinds of yoga. Keep in mind natural materials like natural rubber may fade slightly over time. It comes in many beautiful colors. Although I like this brand, you need to be cautious of their wording as some of the products they call “eco” are made from PER or PVC.
Yune Yoga Level One Yoga Mat For Beginners
- Price:$83.95
- Material: natural rubber
- Durability: high
- Grip: high
- Thickness: 6mm
- Sustainability: high
Yune Yoga offers amazing options with eco-friendly prints. If you want to stand out in your yoga class or want your yoga mat to be a bright detail of your interior, you will be spoilt with choice.
Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga:
Manduka eKO® Yoga Mat 5mm
- Price:$100
- Material: natural rubber
- Durability: very high
- Grip: very high
- Thickness: 5mm
- Sustainability: very high
Naturally harvested from non-Amazon rubber trees, the eKO mat is made from natural rubber for mindful movers.
Jade Cork Yoga Mat – Hot Yoga
- Price:$97.95
- Material: cork/ natural rubber
- Durability: very high
- Grip: very high
- Thickness: 4.5mm
- Sustainability: very high
Naturally harvested from non-Amazon rubber trees, the eKO mat is made from natural rubber for mindful movers.
Best Yoga Mats for Joint Support:
Alo Yoga Chakra Warrior Mat
- Price:$160
- Material: Natural Rubber
- Durability: very high
- Grip: high
- Thickness: 5mm
- Sustainability: very high
This Alo Yoga mat is made of natural rubber and is 5mm, perfect for joint support. If you opt for an Alo Yoga mat, read the material list, as some Alo Yoga mats are made with polyurethane leather. It is costly, but you are paying for the brand logo. A great added feature is alignment lines to help you with posses. The only downside is it only comes in black.
YOLOHA Aura Cork Yoga Mat
- Price:$129
- Material: Cork and plant foam
- Durability: very high
- Grip: high
- Thickness: 6mm
- Sustainability: very high
It’s a good option if you like more cushioning, love creative spiritual designs, and want to stand out.
The Best Yoga Mats For Traveling
manduka eKO® Superlite Travel Yoga Mat 1.5mm
- Price:$52
- Material: natural rubber
- Durability: very high
- Grip: very high
- Thickness: 1,5mm
- Sustainability: very high
This mat is thin, light, and flexible, offering little cushioning. I recommend buying this mat if you have strong knee joints and wrists and travel often. If you join a yoga class on your travels, add this mat to the provided mat for extra grip and hygiene.
Liforme Classic Travel Yoga Mat
- Price:$115
- Material: Natural Rubber base and Liforme’s unique eco-polyurethane top surface
- Durability: very high
- Grip: very high
- Thickness: 2 mm
- Sustainability: high
With a unique alignment system and design, this mat is excellent for perfecting your pozes and is also a beautiful art piece that you can take with you everywhere. It also comes with a travel bag. It comes in many designs and colors, and you can personalize it.
How to Care for Your Yoga Mat
To ensure your yoga mat lasts long and is hygienic, you must take care of it. To protect your mat, avoid using lotions or sharp objects that might stain or puncture it. Rotate your mat and use different areas to prevent wear and tear due to repetitive moves on your mat’s exact location.
How To Clean Yoga Mat
To clean, use a 1:20 solution of oil-free soap or vinegar and warm water. Apply cleaner to a microfiber cloth. Do not apply cleaner directly to the mat.
You can also use a premade yoga mat cleaner; just make sure to choose a nontoxic one that is suitable for the specific material your yoga mat is made from
How To Store Yoga Mat
Try not to bend your yoga mat to avoid cracks and bend marks. Don’t store it in a damp place to avoid mold. Avoid direct sunlight when storing to prevent color fading. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures like a hot car in summer or a cold garage in winter.
Bonus tip for pet owners- keep your mat away from your pets’ reach, especially if you have a cat- they love sharpening their nails in soft textures like yoga mats.
To summarise:
It would help if you answered a few key questions when choosing the right yoga mat.
How much do you want to spend on it?
How much will you be using it?
Do you like more stability and grip or more cushioning?
Will you be carrying it around, so it needs to be light, or practice mainly at home and don’t need to worry about the weight and how much space it takes up?
Are materials used to make the mat natural and sustainable?
It’s essential to verify product claims rather than rely solely on marketing, as some brands might state that their yoga mats are made from sustainable materials. Still, they also add synthetic ones, making the yoga mats even more challenging to recycle.
Try a pair of good-quality grip socks if your mat does not provide enough grip. They protect your feet from cold and bacteria, keeping you more stable on the mat.
Have you used any of these mats mentioned, or do you have your favorite one that you would love to share? Leave a comment below.
Namaste 🙏
- Bottausci, S., Ungureanu-Comanita, E., Gavrilescu, M., & Bonoli, A. (2021). ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS QUANTIFICATION OF PVC PRODUCTION. Environmental Engineering and Management Journal. https://doi.org/10.30638/eemj.2021.158
- Kudzin, M., Piwowarska, D., Festinger, N., & Chruściel, J. (2023). Risks Associated with the Presence of Polyvinyl Chloride in the Environment and Methods for Its Disposal and Utilization. Materials, 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17010173.
Silvija Meilunaite PN1-NC, is a certified nutrition coach and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field with a passion for exploring science-based knowledge focusing on holistic health and plant-based nutrition.
Featured in the Wellness on Time magazine.
This blog provides an excellent guide to choosing yoga mats that prioritize both durability and sustainability. It’s a thoughtful resource for eco-conscious practitioners seeking long-lasting, high-quality mats for their practice.
Thank you 🙏