A guide to help you choose the perfect mat for you
The first thing to consider when choosing a yoga mat is its size . A properly selected mat should be at least 10 cm longer than your height. Most available mats are standardly 180 cm long and 60 cm wide. There are also longer mats available - great for tall people and for dynamic practice, in which you jump from one asana to another (so it's good if you land on the mat, not the floor) - and wider. It is worth choosing one that will provide you with full comfort of practice, even if it means a mat 80 cm wide, which may be a little less handy.
The basic criterion for selecting a mat is also its stability and grip . If you sweat a lot, you'll need a non-slip mat. Highly sensitive people will love mats that are soft to the touch. Thickness and softness are also important, as they cushion the body (and especially the joints!) in more demanding asanas. Read about the materials you can choose from.
What to pay attention to?
Even more important is the thickness of the mat . Here, the decision is yours – whether you prefer to practice on a soft or hard surface. A soft mat cushions the joints well, but works better for a gentle practice. More dynamic yoga requires stable support and a hard surface.
PVC mats , or polyvinyl chloride, are the most popular mats available on the market. They may slip at first, but they will definitely wear out over time. Their smooth surface also makes them suitable for dynamic yoga variations, allowing for smooth transitions from asana to asana, e.g. in sun salutations. Note: Be sure to check if the mat is certified (e.g. Oeko Test) to be sure that the PVC is free of toxic substances.
Rubber mats are appreciated by fans of ecology. Rubber is a natural material after all. They are quite rough, so they provide excellent anti-slip properties, which at the same time makes them unsuitable for dynamic practice. Unfortunately, they are also very heavy, so they are not necessarily suitable for travel or if you want to take it to your yoga school every day. They also have a very characteristic, "rubbery" smell, which should, however, soften over time.
Polyurethane mats are versatile, but they are particularly suitable for more dynamic practice. They are very smooth and pleasant to the touch, while providing excellent anti-slip properties. However, they are heavy, especially since the polyurethane coating is applied to a rubber base. They also do not allow for maintaining a perfectly clean surface - they leave fingerprints and footprints on them, and stains from creams or oils remain on them for longer.
Thermoplastic foam mats were created for people who love practicing on a soft surface or have very sensitive knees or ankles and need proper support, e.g. in a supported kneeling position. Such mats are also very light, and at the same time provide great anti-slip action.
Microfiber mats have recently taken the yoga market by storm. The soft microfiber makes them incredibly comfortable to practice on. They absorb sweat, providing a non-slip effect (the wetter they get, the better their grip), so they’re perfect for dynamic yoga or Bikram yoga. For a more gentle practice, just spritz the mat with a little water to stop it from slipping. Microfiber is also velvety to the touch, enhancing the sensory experience and helping you stay in the here and now.
Discover the perfect mats
Fortunately, the days are long gone when a yoga mat resembled a sleeping mat, completely devoid of charm. Today, mats are available in many beautiful colors, and on some (e.g. polyurethane) you can also engrave subtle patterns. However, real madness was allowed only by microfiber mats, on which you can print any, most spectacular pattern. No wonder they are so popular on Instagram. But in reality, they provide one hundred percent pleasure to every person who exercises on them. After all, it is easier to persevere, for example, in a difficult plank position, when you can look at a beautiful mat under your hands. Discover our collection of unique Sun Rays Yoga Retreatment mats , the colors of which are inspired by the rays of the sun, their soothing effect on our well-being. The colors in a beautiful gradient gently transition from one to another, giving the impression of softness. They are made of delicate microfiber, which is so pleasant to the touch that it gives the impression as if you were exercising on a velvet carpet.