Best Yoga Mats for Your Practice: Tips for Choosing the Right Mat in the UK

One of the questions I’m asked most often, especially by beginners, is, “What kind of yoga mat should I buy?” It’s such a good question, because your mat really is your little island of calm. The right one can make your practice feel safer, more stable and more enjoyable, while the wrong one can leave you slipping, wobbling, or feeling uncomfortable.

If you’re in the UK and feeling overwhelmed by all the options online, eco mats, travel mats, thick mats, thin mats, you’re definitely not alone. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the key things to look for and share some friendly tips so you can choose a mat that truly supports your practice.

Why Your Yoga Mat Matters

Your mat is much more than just a piece of rubber or foam on the floor. It affects:

• How stable do you feel in standing poses

• How comfortable you are on your knees, wrists and spine

• How connected do you feel to the ground beneath you

  
  

If your mat is too spongy, it can make balancing feel harder and strain your joints because your feet and hands sink in too much. If it’s too thin, you might feel every little bump in the floor and end up avoiding poses that put pressure on your knees. Finding that sweet spot can transform the way your yoga feels.

Thickness: How Much Cushion Do You Really Need?

Most standard yoga mats are somewhere between 3 mm and 6 mm thick. As a general guide:

• Thinner mats (around 3–4 mm)

  • Great for balance and standing poses

  • Help you feel more grounded and stable

  • Ideal if you have a solid floor and don’t need much cushioning

• Medium to thicker mats (around 5–6 mm or slightly more)

  • Offer extra comfort for knees, hips and spine

  • Helpful if you practise Yin, restorative yoga or spend more time on the floor

  • Good for people with sensitive joints

  
  

For many of my students, a medium thickness is a lovely compromise: enough cushioning to feel supported, but not so soft that you lose stability.

If you’re unsure, think about the style of yoga you do most. If you love gentle Yin Yoga by candlelight, you’ll probably appreciate more padding. If you’re drawn to standing flows and balance work, you may prefer something a bit thinner.

Grip: No More Slipping and Sliding

There’s nothing more distracting than slipping in Downward Dog. A good grip is absolutely essential, especially if your hands tend to get a little warm or if you practise in a heated room.

When choosing a mat, look for:

• A non-slip surface that feels slightly textured rather than shiny and smooth

• A stable base that grips the floor so the mat doesn’t bunch up or move around

  
  

When you get your mat, try a few simple poses at home, Downward Dog, a lunge, maybe a plank, and notice how your hands and feet feel. If you’re sliding immediately, it might not be the one for you. Over time, some mats improve in grip as you break them in, but you should still feel reasonably secure from the start.

Material: Eco-Friendly or Easy-Care?

In the UK, you’ll find mats made from a variety of materials. Each has its own feel and personality.

Common options include:

• PVC

  • Often more affordable

  • Durable and easy to wipe clean

  • Not the most eco-friendly choice, but widely available

• TPE or similar foams

  • Lightweight and usually softer under the joints

  • Can be a good budget-friendly option

  • May not last as long if you practise very frequently

• Natural rubber or cork

  • Offer excellent grip and a more “earthy” feel

  • Often chosen by those looking for more sustainable options

  • Rubber can be heavier and may have a slight smell at first; cork usually feels dry and secure even when you’re a bit sweaty

    
    

If being eco-conscious is important to you, a natural rubber or cork mat might feel more aligned with your values. If budget and easy cleaning come first, a good-quality PVC or TPE mat could work beautifully.

Size and Weight: Will You Be Carrying It Around Birmingham?

Another practical consideration is how you’ll be using your mat day to day.

Ask yourself:

• Will you mainly practise at home, or will you bring your mat to classes around Birmingham?

• Do you walk or travel on public transport to the studio?

  
  

If you’ll be carrying your mat often, choose one that’s:

• Not too heavy

• Easy to roll up

• Ideally comes with a strap or fits into a simple mat bag

  
  

Most mats are a standard length, but if you’re particularly tall, you might want to look for a longer version so your head and feet don’t end up off the end in Savasana. Comfort at the end of class is just as important as comfort at the beginning.

Budget: Investing in Your Practice

There’s a wide price range for yoga mats in the UK. You don’t have to buy the most expensive one, but very cheap mats can wear out quickly, stretch, or lose their grip after a short time. Think of your mat as an investment in your wellbeing.

A few tips:

• Start with a mid-range mat if you’re just beginning and see how often you practise.

• If you fall in love with yoga (which happens often!), you can always upgrade later to a mat that feels even more tailored to your body and style.

• Look out for seasonal offers or local UK retailers that specialise in yoga equipment; sometimes you can find really good quality at a reasonable price.

My Personal Advice for Happy Mat Yogis

For students coming to Happy Mat Yoga, I usually recommend:

• A mat that is specifically labelled as a “yoga mat,” not an exercise or gym mat.

• Medium thickness (around 4–6 mm), unless you know you need extra cushioning.

• A non-slip surface and a stable base, so you feel safe moving between poses.

  
  

Most importantly, choose a mat you like the feel of. You’re more likely to roll it out if it feels inviting. Some people love a simple, calming colour; others enjoy something bright and cheerful. Let it reflect a little bit of your personality.

Final Thoughts: Your Mat, Your Space

Your yoga mat becomes a very personal space, a place where you breathe, move, rest and reset. Whether you’re practising in our cosy Sutton Coldfield studio, joining an online class from your living room, or rolling your mat out in a quiet corner of your home, the right mat can make that time feel special.

If you’re ever unsure, you’re always welcome to ask me before or after class. I’m very happy to chat about what might suit your body, your practice and your lifestyle here in the UK.