A Few Things To Consider Before Buying A Mat
There comes a time in most yogis’ lives when it’s time to get your very own yoga mat. With so many options out there, it can feel a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a quick guide to help you figure out what to consider before making your purchase.
About You
Start by thinking about yourself off the mat. Consider your height, your reasons for practicing yoga, and any special needs you might have. For example, if you’re taller than 1.80m (about 6 feet), you’ll want to look for an extra-long mat. We offer PRO mats in XLong sizes (215cm vs. the standard 180cm) to give you the extra length you need.
If sweaty palms are your challenge, a GRP Adapt mat or adding a yoga towel to any mat can help keep you steady.
And if you’re just starting out, keep it simple and choose a mat that matches your beginner level. For more tips, check out our guide for beginners: New to Yoga: First Essentials.
Your Body
Do you have achy joints or allergies to certain materials? If you’re dealing with discomfort, look for a mat that offers extra cushioning and support our PRO 6mm and eKO 5mm mats are great choices for that.
If you have allergies, don’t worry we offer both synthetic and natural options across our range to suit most needs. Just be sure to check the material labels or ask us if you’re unsure before you start practicing.
Your Practice
Think about the kind of yoga you enjoy most. Choose a mat that supports your style and makes you excited to get on the mat. Do you flow through Vinyasa or power yoga? Prefer hot yoga or restorative sessions? Maybe you do a bit of everything.
Also consider how often you practice daily or just a few times a week and whether your mat will be used exclusively for yoga or for other workouts too.
If you enjoy multiple types of yoga, a mat and yoga towel combo or the GRP Adapt might be just right. It’s versatile enough to handle slow flows and sweaty sessions alike, and light enough to take wherever you go.
For a regular practice, look for a durable, easy-to-clean mat like the PRO Series. Just a heads-up: natural rubber mats tend to show wear faster and need a bit more care.
And if you want a mat that can keep up with yoga and cross-training, the Manduka X is a solid choice.
Your Preferences
The more you tune into your own yoga journey, the easier it becomes to find the mat that’s right for you. Think about how you move do you like to flow smoothly between poses, or do you prefer to pause and find your balance with precision?
Our PRO Series is designed for experienced yogis who rely on their posture and strength to find grip, rather than depending on the mat itself.
If you like to feel the mat holding you steady and prefer extra comfort, natural rubber mats like the eKO Series or using a performance yoga towel might be your go-to.
And if you want a reliable mat with great grip whether your hands are dry or sweaty the GRP Adapt could be the perfect fit.
Your Commitment
Do you want a mat that feels perfect the moment you roll it out, or are you okay with breaking it in and letting it develop a grip that’s unique to your practice?
The PRO Series mats need a little time to break in this process is different for everyone but once it’s done, you’ll have a mat that feels custom-made just for you and can last a lifetime.
Other mats might feel great from day one but often need more care over time and might not be as durable in the long run.
Your Journey
Are you always on the move or love practicing yoga wherever life takes you? A travel-friendly mat might just be your perfect companion. These mats are lightweight, foldable, and built for easy portability without sacrificing performance.
Our Manduka PRO Travel mat combines the durability and cushioning of the PRO Series with a compact, travel-ready size ideal for yogis who want premium support on the go.
If you’re after something even lighter, the eKO Superlite offers natural grip and ultra-portability.
Whether you’re hopping between studios, heading to a yoga retreat, or just want to roll out in the park, a travel mat is a must-have.
For those who want a versatile option, the GRP Adapt Travel mat strikes a great balance between lightness and grip, perfect for practicing different styles wherever you are.
No matter where your practice takes you home, hotel room, or mountaintop a travel mat means you’re always ready to roll.
Your Style
How much do you like to express yourself? The classic Prolite Mat is definitely a favorite for many but does it reflect who you are? If you’re someone who loves a bit of creativity and color in your gear, check out our range of alternative colors and prints. We’re always releasing new shades every season!
It might seem simple, but the color of your mat can actually be a big motivator to keep you coming back to your practice. Our eKO Series offers a beautiful variety of colors and even unique marbled designs that stand out.
At Manduka, we put our hearts and souls into every product so you can focus on your practice without distractions. Once you know what you want and need, finding the perfect mat becomes so much easier.
We make mats to last. This might just be the last mat you’ll ever need to buy and we’re here to help you find your perfect match.