The best yoga mat will be one that is comfortable, functional, and fits into your budget. There are different types of yoga mats that are made of synthetic and natural materials. Different styles of yoga call for different characteristics of the yoga mat, making it very important to consider your yoga style before making a purchase. Some of the things to consider when choosing a yoga mat would be the thickness, stickiness, size, type of material, and ease of washing.

Typically, a yoga mat is 0.125 inches thick. Travel yoga mats are even thinner, as little as 0.0625 inches thick. Even though thinner mats are lighter and easier to pack, they do not offer the comfort provided by thicker mats. If you feel uncomfortable during your yoga routine because of excessive pressure on your elbows, knees, or hips, then you probably need a thicker mat. It should not exceed 0.25 inches, however, since thicker mats will affect connection to the floor or cause instability while holding yoga positions.