How to Choose a Yoga Mat When You're New to Yoga

When you’re just beginning your yoga journey, every step can feel like a decision. Which style of yoga should I try? How often should I practice? And one of the most foundational questions: What’s the best yoga mat for beginners?

Your mat will become your partner in practice, and it's important to pick a yoga mat that supports your body, needs, and the style of yoga you will practice the most. Choosing the right yoga can make your introduction to yoga feel more easeful. 

Today, we go over the basics of choosing a yoga mat, what to know, and what to avoid, to help you kick start your yoga practice with confidence. 

Top 5 Tips You Should Know Before Buying a Yoga Mat

1. Start With the Basics: Grip and Stability

As a beginner, you're learning how to build strength, find balance, and stay present in poses. A mat with solid grip can help. Look for a yoga mat that offers a non-slip surface to support your transitions and standing postures—especially if you're taking a hot yoga class or Vinyasa class where you will be moving your body a lot. 

Pro Tip: Natural rubber mats and those with textured surfaces like jute often provide excellent traction.

2. Consider Mat Thickness for Comfort

If you're new to yoga, you aren't used to practicing on a mat, which means your joints aren't either. Extra cushioning can go a long way in supporting your hands, elbows, knees, and feet, and keeping you comfortable. The standard mat thickness is about 1/8 inch (3mm), but many beginners opt for a slightly thicker mat—closer to 1/4 inch (6mm)—for added support.

That said, a thicker mat might be heavier and more difficult to roll up and transport to class, so just keep that in mind.

Remember: You want to choose a yoga mat not a Pilates mat (these are often very thick) when practicing yoga.

3. Choose Materials That Align With Your Values

Yoga is as much about mindfulness off the mat as on it. When shopping for a yoga mat for beginners, consider the materials. PVC mats are widely available and often more affordable, but they’re not biodegradable. If sustainability matters to you, look for mats made from natural rubber, jute, cork, or recycled materials.

Not only are these better for the planet, but many of them also offer better texture and grip.

4. Know That You Don’t Need the Most Expensive Mat

You might be tempted to splurge on the best, most expensive yoga mat you can find, but that’s not necessary when you’re just starting out. The best yoga mat for beginners is one that supports your body, fits your budget, and feels good to use. As your practice evolves, you may decide to invest in a mat that better suits your style—but for now, find one you feel comfortable practicing on. 

5. Check Out Yoga Mat Brands' Sizes

Most people will be fine with a standard sized yoga mat. Some people will want an XL yoga mat - whether due to height or just wanting additional space to move on their mat. There are a few brands like Manduka, Alo, and Lululemon that offer XL yoga mats. 

The Skinny on Various Yoga Mat Brands

In the event you're looking for a quick overview on various yoga mat brands, check out the skinny on our yoga mat brand list: 

Lululemon

 

The yoga mat for fashion-forward people. They offer PVC yoga mats with style and cushion for those sweaty flows. The "I'm a trendy athleisurewear girlie choice of yoga mat." To be honest, a solid choice if you want a fashionable mat that offers a lot of support.

Pros: Their yoga mats are bold, fashionable, and comfortable. Lots of options for the level of support you'd like (choose from 3mm to 6.5mm!) for your joints.

Cons: These yoga mats are made out of PVC, which isn't very eco-friendly. Also, they don't have a lot of colors available and can be hard to roll up and travel with (especially if you get a thick one). 

Beginner yoga mat score: 7 out of 10

Jade Yoga

 

Natural rubber yoga mats with great grip and a texturized feel. The choice for your free-spirited hippie yoga friend. We love that they care about the environment - and that their yoga mats come in so many vibrant colors!

Pros: This brand is eco-friendly and gives back (they plant a tree for every mat sold).

Cons: The mat can pill over time and hold on to sweat so it tends to smell (we recommend a yoga mat towel if doing hot yoga on these mats).

Beginner yoga mat score: 5 out of 10

Manduka

Manduka yoga mats are like the gold-standard of yoga mats. They're great for tall yogis or anyone looking for extra joint support. These are the yoga mats most yoga studios offer as they're durable, offer lots of cushion, and are easy to clean.

Pros: Great for joint support, offer non-slip grip, and come in cool colors. They also have lots of XL sizes and wide yoga mats too.

Cons: These rubber and PVC mats are large and bulky, so they're not the easiest to roll up and transport (or travel with). Also, they are more expensive than other yoga mats (around $100-$130+).

Beginner yoga mat score: 8 out of 10

Gaiam

These yoga mats are known for their fun patterns, colors, and affordability. 

Pros: Affordable, come in a variety of patterns and colors, some are eco-friendly.

Cons: Depending on the mat, some are quite thin and lower quality. Also, we don't recommend their yoga essentials mat for yoga as it's made from material that's not easy to clean and holds onto odors. 

Beginner yoga mat score: 4 out of 10

Alo Yoga 

These chic yoga mats are for those who want to flow in style and comfort. Think LA girlie.

Pros: Fashionable, offers lots of support.

Cons: One of the most expensive yoga mats out there ($150), not easy to travel with (unless you get their travel-sized one which only comes in black), and the top layer of the yoga mat is made of polyurethane.

Beginner yoga mat score: 2 out of 10

Zendara Yoga

Lightweight, travel-friendly, and made from eco-conscious materials like jute and hemp, these yoga mats are versatile, comfortable, and sleek.

Pros: More eco-friendly as these mats are made from jute and hemp. The jute provides more texture, which gives these a non-slip grip. Easy to roll up and travel with, looks stylish, and offer lots of cushion and support. 

Cons: Not available in XL sizes and due to the jute fibers you need to wipe this yoga mat down by hand. 

Beginner yoga mat score: 9 out of 10