You are here, which means you don’t just want an average slab of rubber. Certainly, you could grab any yoga mat you find on Amazon, but if you’re looking to lean into your vinyasa practice, you don’t want some slippery number that will have you sliding into all fours during your downward-facing dog or will dim down your sun salutations. From extra cushioning to cork yoga mats to the cushy numbers that yoga teachers say have great grip, we’ve rounded up the coolest yoga mats to suit your fancy without compromising on function. By consulting instructors and yogis along the way, we’ve ensured that these options help you in your asanas, whether working on home practice, or heading into the studio.
If you’ve seen us cover the best yoga mats, you know that they excel in comfort, weight, and grip (some are even extra long)—but the coolest mats also offer an extra edge that sets them apart for hot yoga classes or Pilates classes. Think integrated thermal technology, impactful sustainability practices, multi-functional capabilities, or just overall being the “It” mat in the yoga world (cough, cough: the Manduka mat or Jade mat). No matter what stage you are in your yoga practice, from beginner to veteran, there’s something “cool” for everyone.
- The Coolest Yoga Mat for Pros — Manduka Pro, $138
- The Coolest Yoga Mat for Beginners — Omala Aurora Color-Changing Yoga Mat, $130
- The Coolest Customizable Yoga Mat — Liforme x You, from $220
- The Coolest Budget Yoga Mat — Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat, $25
- The Coolest Yoga Mat for the Eco-Conscious — Jade Harmony Yoga Mat, $92
- The Coolest Yoga Mat for the Style-Savvy — Alo Warrior Mat, $128
- The Coolest Yoga Mat for Hot Yoga — 42 Birds “The Robin,” $74
- The Coolest Travel Yoga Mat — Manduka eKO Superlite, $52
- The Coolest Two-in-One Yoga Mat and Towel — Yoga Design Lab Combo Yoga Mat, $105
- The Coolest Reversible Yoga Mat — Lululemon The Mat 5mm, $98
Chances are, if you ask any yoga instructor or veteran yogi which yoga mat reigns supreme, they’ll point to the Manduka PRO, a thicker mat that gives you ample features. The 6mm mat provides ultra-dense cushioning for joint support for kneeling postures, while the textured bottom layer creates a strong grip to make transitions between postures easy. If you break a sweat during your session, the open-cell, textured surface works to prevent moisture from seeping in, which also makes it easy to clean (a key selling point). The high quality and durability alone make it worth the price point —and it only becomes more worth it when you learn that there’s a lifetime guarantee (note: the lifetime of a mat is quantified as 10 years). Beyond being the “It” mat among the pros, the brand recently launched a limited-edition collection with surf legend Gerry Lopez, otherwise known as “Mr. Pipeline,” in tempting colorways. Now, you can find the PRO and the PROlite in oceanic hues such as Midnight and Matcha. Complement your mat with a yoga towel featuring a whimsical wave-like print or vibrant forest green.
Pros:
- 10-year guarantee
- Thick, cushy surface
- Nonslippery design if you sweat a lot
- Rainbow of colors to choose from
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavier than some other mats
When you’re just starting out your yoga practice, the main draw of heading to an in-studio class is receiving guidance from an instructor, especially when it comes to alignment. One ill-positioned foot can be the difference between an empowering workout and a trip to the ortho. Now imagine a yoga mat that can provide live feedback on your positioning with simple visual cues, no matter where you practice. The Omala Aurora Color-Changing Yoga Mat does exactly that with an intelligent, thermal-responsive material that changes hues as you flow. Think of it as your real-time support that provides a reflection of your body placement with each pose (in other words, where you’ve been and where you should be.) The material responds to your body temperature, movement, and pressure to create a visual of your alignment and symmetry—or lack thereof. Perfect for beginners, the mat earns high praise for its premium comfort and innovative design.
Pros:
- Thick, cushy surface
- Temperature-changing materials
- Rainbow of colors to choose from
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as long as many other mats
Yoga, with its emphasis on tuning in with your body and mind, deserves gear that reflects that personal connection. Enter the Liforme x You mat: a customizable yoga mat that you can tailor to your exact preferences and style in under five minutes. Choose from a range of base colors like Olive, Dusk Blue, and Grey, and design alignment lines that cater to your body and practice needs. The alignment lines are a signature of Liforme mats, featuring precise markings to guide your session. You can even add your name or a personalized mantra to keep you inspired during every flow. This innovative design ensures you maintain perfect form, especially when nailing that Warrior 1 pose. With the Liforme x You mat, your yoga practice becomes a true reflection of your personal style and commitment to well-being. Though the price is steep, the customization factor makes this product a keepsake—plus the coveted grippy surface, non-toxic sustainable material, and comforting three-layer construction.
Pros:
- Mat gives visual cues to help you align your posture
- Medium-cushy surface
- A nice range of colors and design
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavier than some mats
Whether you’re darting from work to the yoga studio or jetting off to a far-flung destination, there’s one thing for certain: portability is key. The Gaiam Travel can fold flat into a compact 10” x 12” square, effortlessly fitting into a carry-on, tote, or even your briefcase. You might expect a mere two-pound mat that packs down so small to compromise on quality, but it surprisingly ticks off boxes for durability, stabilization, and grip. Bottom line? You’re not sacrificing performance for convenience. With over 25 years of trusted quality, Colorado-based Gaiam consistently earns high marks for its products, and the travel mat is no exception. Available in unique, vibrant colorways and backed by a lifetime guarantee, this mat stands out not just for its functionality but for its style. At just over $20, it’s arguably the most affordable travel mat on the market, with its foldable design solidifying its “cool” factor.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Foldable and easy to stow
- Available in multiple colors
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- Not great for taller people
When you buy a mat from JadeYoga, you’re not just scoring an all-natural, strong-grip mat—you’re also joining a mission that’s as cool as it is impactful. With every mat sold, JadeYoga plants a tree in partnership with Trees for the Future, helping to restore the environment, grow more food, and build sustainable futures in rural communities across the world. Over 2 million trees have been planted thus far, and the number keeps climbing. The popular Jade Harmony Yoga Mat is made with natural rubber, ensuring a strong grip, supreme comfort, and zero slippage. The material is non-toxic, free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and other synthetics. With JadeYoga, you’re elevating your practice, while also making a positive impact on the planet. And honestly, what’s cooler than that?
Pros:
- Eco-friendly, non-toxic mat
- Extra cushy
- Nice grip
- Available in multiple colors
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons:
You’ve seen just about every celebrity, influencer, and pro athlete—from Jimmy Butler to Shawn Mendes, Gigi Hadid, and Nick Jonas—rocking a set from Alo, the Los Angeles-based brand famed for its sleek athleisure aesthetic, aptly dubbed “studio-to-street.” It’s become Hollywood’s go-to label for everyday wear, boasting coveted leggings, shorts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. With a founding mission to bring yoga to the world, it’s no surprise that Alo’s minimalist yoga mat is a hot commodity. Yes, celebs are donning the brand’s athleisure fits to buy their $20 Erewhon smoothies, but they’re also notably carrying the Alo Warrior Mat to their yoga sessions—and frankly, so are instructors and yoga vets. The Alo Warrior Mat offers cushiony joint support with its 5mm thick material crafted from ethically sourced, all-natural rubber. Designed to be anti-odor, dry-wicking, and slip-free, the mat can withstand a high-intensity, sweat-filled session. Plus, it’s 100% formaldehyde-free, non-toxic, and PVC-free. Stylish colorways range from a bold highlighter hue to smoky quartz and jungle green.
Pros:
- Incredibly stylish
- Extra cushy
- Dry-wicking design that keeps you from slipping
- Anti-odor
- Made from non-toxic materials
Cons:
When you step into a 95-degree hot yoga studio, there’s a strong chance you’ll start sweating before you even roll out your mat. To withstand the heat and inevitable moisture throughout your session, you need a yoga mat that offers superior grip and stability to keep you grounded. This one is designed with natural antimicrobial properties to resist mold, mildew, and odors. It’s lightweight and smooth, boasting a minimalist design that enhances both your practice and your aesthetic.
Pros:
- Antimicrobial
- Lightweight
- Minimalist design
Cons:
- Harder to fold and travel with than some other mats
When you’re slinging a yoga mat over your shoulder, the last thing you want is a heavy burden weighing you down—especially with a long voyage ahead. To put it plainly, you don’t need a workout before your workout. Whether you’re heading outdoors for an hour-long session or venturing on a multi-day retreat, yoga lovers on-the-go swear by the eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat. The mat checks off all the boxes for ease of portability (weighing just two pounds), while still maintaining the pro-approved Manduka quality. With a thickness of 1.5mm, the mat is easily foldable and perfect for packing. The Catch-Grip technology and sustainably harvested, natural rubber material ensure a supportive grip throughout your flow. While the foldable design is eye-candy enough, the cheerful hues (orange, lime, calming blue) are certainly an appreciated touch. It’s the perfect blend of portability, performance, and style.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Thin and lightweight
- Foldable
- Lots of colors to choose from
- Comes in two lengths
Cons:
- Could feel slightly cushier on palms
If you’re breaking a serious sweat during your flow, especially in hot yoga, you’ve probably seen fellow yogis unfurling their towels to keep from slipping. With Yoga Design Lab’s Combo Mat, thanks to its microfiber towel top layer and natural tree rubber base, you no longer need that extra step (or the extra gear). This ingenious fusion offers unparalleled grip and absorbency, ensuring excellent traction and keeping you dry throughout your practice. Beyond its unique two-in-one design, the brand also embodies an eco-friendly mission, crafting its top layer from recycled water bottles—15 to be exact. Over 750,000 water bottles have been used throughout YDL’s collection of mats, bolsters, and towels. Choose from a selection of vibrant, psychedelic patterns to fit your style, along with thickness options of 3.5mm or 5.5mm for premium comfort.
Pros:
- Catches your sweat to keep you from slipping
- Towel made from recycled water bottles
- Two thicknesses to choose from
Cons:
- Not as wide as some mats we’ve tested
For years, activewear brand Lululemon has established itself as an authority on athleisure style—but beyond trendy leggings and hoodies, it’s also firmly rooted itself in the yoga world as a go-to brand for high-quality yoga mats. Earning praise from instructors and veterans alike, The Mat boasts a cushiony 5mm material made of FSC-Certified natural rubber, providing a supportive foundation for your practice. The mat’s grippy top layer keeps you grounded and stable, even in the most challenging poses. What truly sets The Mat apart is its reversible design, which caters to your practice needs with two distinct sides. Choose between a smooth, grippy surface for enhanced stability or a cushioned, natural rubber side for added comfort during longer sessions.
Pros:
- Choose from two finishes to aid you with your practice
- Extra cushy width
- Design-forward
Cons:
- Not great for taller people
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