Last Updated On December 28th, 2021
As one of the most popular forms of exercise, there’s no denying that yoga is one of the most effective ways to stay fit, balanced and supple while in the comfort of your own home. Choosing the best yoga mat in the UK is the perfect way to get the most out of your practice, but if you’re a yoga newbie, it can be difficult to decide which type is right for your needs.
So, if you’re getting your chakras all out of alignment in your search for the perfect mat, take a deep breath – you’re in the right place! In this article, we take a look at ten of the leading yoga mats on the market – so you can stop wasting time and get on with mastering your downward facing dog.
The Toplus Yoga Mat is our all-round favourite and editor’s choice. Made from eco-friendly, wipe-clean TPE, it contains no harmful chemicals and provides you with 6mm of soft yet springy cushioning – ideal for protecting your knees.
If you are looking for the best cheap yoga mat, be sure to take this model by Toplus into account. It features a high-density TPE construction which is better for both your skin and the environment.
This yoga mat is lightweight and highly resilient, with just the right amount of cushioning to protect your knees and spine.
While there are other good yoga mats at higher prices that grip better, this model holds well even on wooden floors thanks to its non-skid textured wave finish. The upper surface features an anti-slip pattern to help minimise slipping in positions such as downward facing dog.
This yoga mat comes complete with a carry handle for easy transportation however, it does tend to crease so be careful how you store it. It also marks very easily and the carry handle itself is not of the best quality; being prone to fraying. However, on the whole, given its relatively low price, this budget TPE yoga mat makes a good buy.
If you’re looking for a thick yoga mat, be sure to take a look at this KG Physio model, our best value yoga mat pick. Made from a highly-resistant NBR rubber complete with a texturised, ribbed surface for added grip, this low priced yoga mat makes a great choice.
Treat yourself to the Gymbella Yoga Mat Set – our top luxury choice. This high quality yoga mat is made from recyclable and biodegradable TPE, making it a better choice for your health, as it contains no toxic chemicals, as well as the environment.
This yoga mat features an antimicrobial coating to prevent germs and perspiration from penetrating into your mat, helping to reduce slipping and keeping your yoga mat hygienically clean.
The double-sided, non-slip texture of this luxury yoga mat keeps it stable even on wooden floors. Thanks to its wider-than-average dimensions, at 66cm you won’t have to worry about stepping off the mat when doing vinyasa. Just bear in mind that this mat is not recommended for hot yoga routines.
This luxury yoga set is also extremely practical to store and carry, coming complete with a zippered hemp carry bag for superior protection and portability. The only real improvement would be to make the pocket a little larger to accommodate a bottle of water, but it’s still a great place to stash small items.
While this set doesn’t come cheap, on the whole, an excellent non-slip choice that provides superb traction for hard floors and a luxurious cushioning and finish.
The FitBeast Yoga Mat is the best yoga mat for beginners in our selection. It comes complete with a free yoga course included, allowing you to learn and progress in confidence.
Made from a non-toxic TPE construction, it is also recyclable and better for the environment than other synthetic models.
Thanks to its dual textured surfaces, the FitBeast yoga mat provides a good grip, even on hard floors. The lower side features a ripple design to prevent it from moving, while the upper surface has a discreet leaf shaped pattern to help prevent your hands and feet from slipping. This mat is easy to clean after use, simply wipe it down with the included cleaning towel. For storage and transportation, there is a handy carry strap included.
On the downside, note that this mat is for indoor use only. It weakens considerably if placed in direct sunlight, so is best used at home in your living room or at your local yoga class. Like many other models, it also smells when new. However, the main drawback to this particular mat is its lack of durability, making it unsuitable for regular intensive use.
Despite these negatives, this yoga mat does make a good choice for the beginner and average indoor use.
If you are looking for the best non-slip yoga mat, take a look at our top recommendation – the Arteesol Fitness Mat. This sticky yoga mat is manufactured from a high density TPE.
Featuring a non-slip wavy pattern that ensures it holds still even on hard floors. The front side has a special 3D slip-resistant, textured pattern, making this yoga mat a good choice, even if you tend to get sweaty hands during your routine.
Lightweight and very easy to roll up and transport, this model comes complete with an included carry strap. It is also 100% waterproof making it sweat-resistant and easy to clean after use. However, it is fairly easy to scratch, so you may want to select a different model if you have long nails.
Compared to most other yoga mats, this version has a shorter 180 day warranty as opposed to a full year. Something worth bearing in mind when making your choice. Also, despite its excellent grip, this mat is otherwise pretty standard, making it appear a little overpriced when compared to many others.
However, if you are looking for a yoga mat with a good grip that has the right amount of cushioning and firmness for balance, then this non-slip model is one of the best yoga mats on the market.
This yoga mat by Core Balance is great if you are looking for an extra wide yoga mat, making savasana much easier. At 65 cm, the extra width gives you extra flexibility and greater freedom to move.
Despite its wider than average size, this mat is also incredibly light, weighing just 850g. This makes it easy to carry to your class with the included shoulder carry strap.
Made from a double-layer TPE foam construction, this mat is easy to clean and it won’t absorb moisture or sweat, for a cleaner, more hygienic workout. The marbled non-slip upper surface helps you to maintain your position and provides greater stability. Underneath, the textured wave pattern prevents skidding and will keep your mat still even on hard floors.
On the downside, this mat can smell a little when new, although this goes after a few uses. Unfortunately, it does have a tendency to scratch fairly easily and it is not the most durable of models. So, if you are looking for a yoga mat for intensive use, then you may be better off with another model from our selection.
All in all, a good non-slip yoga mat that is very light, with extra width making it more suitable for use in a range of different classes.
If you need a long yoga mat with a body alignment system and band, then take a look at this model by Buddygo. Thanks to its lines and indicators, you’ll find it easier to achieve the correct posture and symmetry in any position. This makes this model one of the best yoga mats for both beginner and intermediate yoga classes.
Thanks to its TPE double-layer construction, this yoga mat is better for both your body and the environment than older style models. It is also easy to clean and it won’t absorb sweat or moisture for better hygiene. This mat is also very lightweight, weighing just one kilo, making it easy to carry to your class with the included carry strap.
While this mat also comes with a free yoga strap to vary your workouts, unfortunately, it offers slightly less grip than some other models. It also tends to mark fairly easily, so care will be needed to keep it looking good. Lastly, this yoga mat is not suitable for use outdoors as it is damaged by sun exposure. So, if you are looking to attend outdoor classes, you’ll need to consider a different model.
On the whole a decent yoga mat for indoor use with a body alignment system that will help you to get off to the very best start.
While this isn’t an extra long yoga mat, at just 183cm, it is more than long enough even if you are fairly tall. Made from a SGS-certified TPE construction, this model is non-toxic, odourless, and better for your skin than other synthetic versions. It is also highly durable thanks to it’s no-tear fabrication.
Lightweight and easy to roll up, simply place the included carry strap over your mat for a convenient way to carry your yoga mat to your classes. Thanks to the upper layer’s laser engraved non-slip texture, this mat provides a good amount of grip even when doing downward dog. The underside features a wave textured layer that prevents this mat from slipping out from under you, even on hard, shiny floors.
While this mat is a highly popular choice, bear in mind that it can take a while to get it flat when new. It also scratches fairly easily and the carry handle is a little flimsy, so you’ll have to take care with it to keep it looking like new.
However, on the whole, this is a good quality, basic yoga mat that will improve your comfort and stability at home and during classes.
One of the main advantages of this mat is its body alignment system. The mat’s lines help you to focus on your position, ensuring you are correctly aligned throughout different poses. While this mat has a good non-slip grip, with a tyre tread bottom for extra traction, you may find that your hands slip when they’re a little sweaty during downward facing dog and similar positions.
When new, this mat can give off a pretty unpleasant odour, but this soon dissipates after a period left unrolled. Unfortunately, while this product is a good eco choice, it is delivered in a plastic wrapper, which detracts somewhat from it’s environmentally-friendly construction.
Complete with a velcro strap for hassle-free storage, as well as a carry strap for easy transportation, this yoga mat with lines makes a great choice; combining the right amount of cushioning with an extra-wide format.
When choosing your new yoga mat, pay close attention to what it is made out of.
Thanks to advances in technology, today, most yoga mats are made from TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). This makes them spingier, offering better cushioning without needing to increase their thickness which can compromise your balance.
TPE mats are also waterproof, easy to clean and will not absorb sweat, making them much more hygienic than older models.
Most yoga mats are around 0.6cm thick. This is no coincidence, as any thinner and you risk discomfort around your spine and knee areas. Any thicker and your balance can be adversely affected, try doing yoga positions on a thick duvet and you’ll see just how difficult it is to balance with a thick mat.
However, that being said, if you have any joint pain or problems, or if you are in your later years, you may prefer a thicker yoga mat for extra comfort. Also, if you are planning to do both yoga and pilates, you will also benefit from a thicker mat unless you are going to invest in two separate models. A thicker mat can also be more suitable for general fitness routines with the occasional yoga practice session built-in.
Standard yoga mats measure approximately 183cm long by 60cm wide. These dimensions are more than sufficient for most users. However, if you are very tall, you may want to look for an extra long yoga mat.
Extra wide yoga mats are more readily available. If you use your yoga mat for a range of different workouts, you’ll find an extra wide one more useful than a standard model. They can also make vinyasa easier, as you’ll have more space on your mat.
Alignment markers are extremely useful for beginners and intermediate students of yoga alike.
If you are not intending on going to classes, then they are an invaluable aid to ensure that you have the correct posture when learning new positions. Look for centre points and lines to help to improve your symmetry, as well as horizontal guidelines and reverse points.
The best yoga mats feature upper and lower layers for non-slip textured patterns.
This is particularly important if you have hard floors at home or are planning on using your mat at classes. Wave textures and tyre treads patterns are popular non-slip designs that will help to keep your mat firmly in place.
If you tend to get sweaty hands or are thinking of trying hot yoga sessions, then you’ll want to pay particular attention to your mat’s upper surface. While most mats will have some slippage when doing positions such as downward-facing dog, looking for models with textured surfaces will help to keep this to a minimum, for a better workout and improved concentration and mindfulness.
Many cool yoga mats have poses printed on their surface. If you’re a beginner and working out in your living room, this can be an invaluable way to quickly identify which position and how to do it – without having to break your concentration too much, or to stop your practice and search online.
Most yoga mats come with a carry strap as standard. This makes it quick and easy to secure your mat for storage, as well as transporting it to your class.
However, yoga mat bags can also be a more interesting option if you always walk to classes especially in winter. Look for durable straps that you can carry over your shoulder, or attach to your gym bag.
It is better to pay a little more for a more durable, higher quality yoga mat that will last you longer.
However, if you are just trying out yoga, then you may be happy to purchase a cheap yoga mat and to replace it if you really get into it. Also, bear in mind that if you are thinking of using your yoga mat for other more intense workouts and exercises, or daily use, you will be better off opting for a more durable version from day one.
Some yoga mats are not suitable for outdoor use, with their durability seriously reduced via exposure to direct sunlight. If you are looking for the best yoga mats for outdoor use, be sure to check a model’s compatibility before purchasing.
Being waterproof, virtually all TPE yoga mats are very easy to clean. No need to worry about spills from your water bottle. This also makes them sweat resistant, so they won’t absorb your perspiration which could otherwise lead to bacteria growth and odours.
Some yoga mats even come with their own towel to facilitate cleaning. However, a quick wipe down with any damp soft household cloth will suffice.
Each of the yoga mats we have reviewed make great choices in their own right. But if we had to choose the best yoga mat in the UK, it would have to be the Toplus TPE Classic.
The worthy winner of our editor’s choice award; this mat features a springy 6mm thick TPE construction that cushions and absorbs, without impeding your sense of balance. It is also a great non-slip yoga mat thanks to its textured double-layer structure, so you can use it on hard or soft floors alike.
Lightweight and easy to roll up, simply attach the included carry handle and take it with you wherever you want to work on your yoga skills!
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