How to choose the right yoga mat for you?

Your own yoga mat is like a small island in the middle of the hustle and bustle, it's a place where you can relax. Another reason to invest in your own yoga mat is that it's easy to keep clean and hygienic. Your own island... or the yoga mat feels like home once you get to know it and your practice always runs as smoothly on your trusty mat.

A mat is a long-term partner, so it's worth the effort to find the right one. To help you find the right mat, we compared different ethically and ecologically made yoga mats.

Things to consider when choosing a yoga mat:

• How often do you train? If your training is regular and frequent, it's worth investing in a durable mat, as it will pay for itself quickly. If you're just starting out, a cheaper mat is a good place to start.
• Do you practice at home or in a yoga studio? A thick mat may not be easy to carry around, so a slightly thinner mat may suit a mobile yogi's lifestyle better if it feels good while doing yoga. At home, a slightly thicker mat can feel wonderfully luxurious.
• Do you practice flow or yin? In more dynamic yoga, a thinner mat works better and helps with balance and grounding. In a lighter Yin or Hatha class, a thicker mat may be more comfortable for long static asanas.
• Is the carpet ethically and ecologically produced? When choosing a carpet, it is a good idea to make sure that it is made under ethical conditions and with respect for the environment. A good quality carpet is also an environmental act, as it will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Here you can see all the yoga mats and accessories in our range.

Manduka PRO yoga mat

The Manduka PRO yoga mat is a classic choice for active use. With a lifetime guarantee, this companion will stay by your side for a long time.

The PRO mat is available in two thicknesses, 6mm and 4,7mm. For yogis looking for more flexibility, choose the 6mm mat and for those looking for a more dynamic and grounding grip, choose the thinner 4,7mm mat.

The mat's dense surface keeps moisture and bacteria at bay, increases longevity and makes after-hours cleaning easy.

The mid-level grip helps exercise and movement flow on the mat without sticking the skin to the mat

Manduka's PRO mat is one of the world's most popular yoga mats, even for yoga hall use, making it a safe choice for any yogi.

Manduka PRO mat features in a nutshell:

• Made in Germany
• Lifetime warranty
• The carpet is made without toxic chemicals
• The dense surface is long-lasting and hygienic
• Medium grip, suitable for most all-round yoga practitioners

Manduka EKO yoga mat

The Manduka EKO yoga mat is a sure choice for those looking for a yoga mat made of natural materials. The EKO yoga mat is made from ecologically harvested, biodegradable natural rubber.

The EKO yoga mat is available in different thicknesses of 6mm, 5mm and 4mm. Yogis looking for more flexibility should choose the 6mm mat and those looking for a more dynamic and grounding grip should choose the thinner 4mm mat.

Manduka's EKO yoga mat is the most durable natural rubber mat on the market due to its special sealed surface structure, which prevents the mat from absorbing moisture and bacteria.

If you practice hot yoga or other particularly sweaty forms of yoga, we recommend using a yoga towel with the natural rubber mat, as the mat will not absorb moisture.

The EKO mat has no lifetime guarantee and its longevity requires proper use and maintenance.

Manduka EKO mat features in a nutshell:

• Made from biodegradable natural rubber collected from outside the Amazon rainforest
• Made in Taiwan
• Non-toxic, PVC-free, does not contain harmful AZO dyes
• The most durable natural rubber yoga mat on the market
• Medium grip, rubber is a slightly stiffer and heavier carpet material

Manduka BEGIN yoga mat

As its name suggests, Manduka Begin is a particularly great product for beginners. With a thickness of 5mm, it is suitable for a wide range of activities in addition to yoga, such as home exercise or stretching.

The centre line of the mat helps the beginner yogi to perceive straight lines for asanas.

The mat is lighter than traditional yoga mats, so it is also easy to carry with you to yoga classes when you want to ensure the hygiene of your practice.

Made from TPE thermoplastic, the Begin mat is a long-lasting companion, made without chemical solvents or toxic adhesives.

Manduka BEGIN mat features in a nutshell:

• made of durable and lightweight TPE plastic without chemical solvents or toxic adhesives
• lightweight to carry around
• especially suitable for beginners
• medium grip and mat centre line to help the beginner yogi find the right alignment in asanas

Manduka YOGITOES® 

Although the main topic of this comparison was yoga mats, we also want to introduce a few popular yoga products. With yoga towels, you can extend the life of your yoga mat and make your yoga practice more comfortable.

A yoga towel is also a very good way to increase the hygiene of your practice if you use a yoga studio mat.

Manduka's yogitoes® yoga towel is the size of a full-size yoga mat. It absorbs moisture well and prevents slipping on the mat.

The yogitoes® towel features Skidless® technology, where tiny silicone nystyrene fingers grip the mat and hold you in place. The towel can also be used when travelling and, for example, as a normal towel on the beach.

The Manduka yogitoes® yoga towel features in a nutshell:

• yoga mat sized towel
• absorbs moisture well and is light to carry around
• prolongs the life of the yoga mat
• increases the hygiene and comfort of your workout, especially for dynamic exercises

Manduka EQUA® handtowel

Another popular alternative to a yoga towel is a hand towel, which is placed at the front of the yoga mat, under the hands.

A yoga towel the size of a hand towel is also a very good way to increase the hygiene of your practice if you are using a yoga studio's mat. Yoga towels will also extend the life of your yoga mat and make your own yoga practice more comfortable.

Manduka's eQua® hand towel is highly absorbent, durable and versatile. You can dry your hands, your face and your whole body on the towel. The wetter the towel, the better support it provides and some yogis like to pre-moisten it before class.

Features of the Manduka eQua® Yoga Towel in a nutshell:

• hand towel size yoga towel
• absorbent, durable, multifunctional
• prolongs the life of your yoga mat
• increases the hygiene and comfort of your workout, especially for dynamic exercises