Whether you're just getting started with yoga or are simply in the market for a new mat, it's an essential choice as you'll be looking for comfort, grip, and support.
With so many yoga mats available in New Zealand, it can be hard to choose the right one. Here, we'll walk you through what you must think about when choosing your yoga mat, whether for a yoga studio, practising at home, or on the go!
Material Matters: What Your Yoga Mat Is Made Of
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a yoga mat is the material, which will help you greatly narrow down your choices. As seen in yoga documentaries, yoga is for everyone, but not all mats are made equal.
The material affects how the mat feels, how much grip it has, how easy it is to clean, and how eco-friendly it is.
Common Yoga Mat Materials
- Natural Rubber: Great grip, eco-friendly, and durable, but can be heavier and may have a slight rubber smell when new. Perfect for anyone looking for an eco-conscious option that performs well in sweaty classes.
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): A synthetic material that’s often PVC-free, lightweight, and recyclable. It offers decent grip and softness, making it a good middle-ground option.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Often the cheapest option, with excellent grip and durability. However, it’s not eco-friendly and contains chemicals that some people prefer to avoid. Many yogis are now moving away from PVC mats for environmental reasons.
- Cork: Naturally anti-microbial, eco-friendly, and great for sweaty practices as the grip improves when wet. Often backed with natural rubber for extra stability.
- Cotton or Hemp: Traditional and natural options, often used for Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga. They're soft but don't provide as much grip as rubber or TPE mats. Better for gentle practices or layering on top of another mat.
Our Pick: Liforme Original Yoga Mat
If you value the material of your yoga mat, we recommend the Liforme Original Yoga Mat. There are plenty of other high-quality mats, but this would be a great place to start your search, especially if you're new to yoga and meditation.
- Material: Eco-friendly natural rubber with polyurethane top layer
- Grip: Excellent, even when sweaty
- Price (NZD): Approx. $230-$260 (premium price, but built to last)
- Where to shop: Available from NZ yoga specialty stores and online shops like Amazon NZ and Mighty Ape
Finding the Right Thickness for Comfort and Stability
It's not just the material that matters. It's how much of it you have. The proper thickness is the difference between ending a session feeling good or sore, particularly for poses on your knees, elbows, or wrists.
Thickness affects balance, too. For balancing, thinness helps with your stability, so you must find the trade-off between comfort and stability.
Yoga Mat Thicknesses Explained
1mm to 3mm
Travel Mats
Super thin and lightweight, perfect if you’re always on the move or like to take your mat to a studio. These mats fold easily, fit in a bag, and are ideal for travel, but they don’t offer much cushioning. Best for those who want to stay connected to the ground and don’t need extra joint support.
4mm to 5mm
Standard Mats
This is the regular thickness for most yoga mats, which offers a great balance of comfort, grip, and stability. Suitable for most styles of yoga, from slow Hatha to dynamic Vinyasa. They offer enough padding for general use but are still thin enough to keep you steady in standing poses.
6mm to 8mm
Thicker Mats
If comfort is your top priority, especially for gentle or restorative yoga, a thicker mat can provide extra cushioning for your joints. These are great for home practice but can be a bit bulky to carry around.
Anything over 8mm is generally too thick for regular yoga, as it can affect balance and stability during standing poses.
Our Pick: Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat (6mm)
This comfortable, thicker mat is affordable. The Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat (6mm) is extra cushioned to protect your joints while light enough to carry to yoga classes.
- Thickness: 6mm. Ideal for comfort and everyday use
- Material: Lightweight, non-toxic PVC (free from harmful phthalates)
- Grip: Good for gentle and moderate flows
- Price (NZD): Around $60-$80, depending on design and shop
- Where to shop: Available at The Warehouse NZ, Rebel Sport NZ, and Mighty Ape
Size and Width: Make Sure It Fits You and Your Space
Yoga mats come in different sizes. A small mat could result in your hands and feet slipping off the edges when you do a downward dog.
The size of mat you should get is likely one of your first questions about yoga. The right size and width allow you to do yoga comfortably without the distraction of constantly ensuring that your body will fit comfortably on the mat.
What to Consider for Size and Width
- Length: Most standard yoga mats are around 173cm (68 inches) long. But if you're taller than 180cm (5'11"), you'll probably want a longer mat so you don't have to adjust or shorten your poses. Extra-long mats (up to 200cm/80 inches) give you the space to fully extend.
- Width: The standard width is about 61cm (24 inches), but wider mats (up to 80cm/32 inches) give you more room to move. This is especially useful for broader poses and anyone who likes a bit of extra space.
- Space at Home/Studio: If you're practising at home, think about the space where you'll unroll your mat. Extra-wide mats are great if you have the room, but a regular-size mat will be easier to manage if you're in a tight space.
If you're practising at a studio, standard-sized mats are often easier since you'll have limited space between other yogis. But don't be afraid to go for something longer or wider if you need more room for home practice.
Our Pick: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat (Extra Long)
The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat (Extra Long) is an excellent option for those who need more space to flow, significantly taller yogis. It's one of the best yoga mats, but those who need it will appreciate substantially its length and width.
- Size: Available in extra long (216cm / 85 inches) and standard versions
- Width: 66cm (26 inches), giving you a little extra space compared to regular mats
- Material: High-density PVC (OEKO-TEX certified, non-toxic, latex-free)
- Grip: Excellent once broken in. Perfect for all styles, including hot yoga
- Price (NZD): Around $240-$270, depending on size and colour
- Where to shop: Available from Bodhi Yoga NZ, Amazon NZ, and selected premium yoga shops
Grip and Texture: Stay Grounded in Every Pose
Nobody wants their yoga mat to slide about while trying to hold a pose, especially when doing yoga at home. This is particularly true in hot yoga classes, but if you tend to sweat a lot, the surface texture and stickiness will help.
What to Look for in Grip and Texture
- Sticky Mats: Some mats are designed to be super sticky, so your hands and feet stay put, even in sweaty conditions. These are perfect if you struggle with sliding in poses like downward dog. Look for mats labelled "non-slip" or "sticky surface".
- Textured Surface: Mats with a natural texture (like rubber or cork) or an added grip layer help keep you grounded. Cork mats, for instance, increase grip as you sweat. Ideal for sweaty or dynamic sessions.
- Sweat-Friendly Grip: If you do hot yoga or tend to sweat a lot, look for mats that perform better when wet, like rubber or cork, rather than smooth plastic-based mats that can get slippery.
- Surface Feel: Some people prefer a smooth mat for flowing movements, while others like a textured surface for extra grip. It's all about what feels comfortable under your hands and feet.
If you practice hot yoga or sweat during practice, add a yoga towel for extra grip and to keep your mat dry.
Our Pick: Lululemon The Reversible Mat (5mm)
The Lululemon The Reversible Mat (5mm) gives excellent grip and has a dual-texture surface to flip the mat over. One side is smooth, while the other is textured. This is particularly good if you're going to break into a sweat, which will definitely happen if you combine yoga and running, a potent combination.
- Surface: Polyurethane top layer for superior grip, natural rubber base for cushioning
- Grip: Excellent dry or sweaty, non-slip
- Thickness: 5mm for outstanding balance of comfort and stability
- Size: Standard (180cm x 66cm). Good width and length for most people
- Price (NZD): Around $120-$140
- Where to shop: Available in Lululemon NZ stores, online NZ shop, and sometimes via The Iconic NZ
Portability: Travel and Studio-Friendly Yoga Mats
The mat you need will depend on where you practice yoga. Are you going to a local studio, an outdoor space, or on holiday?
Consider looking for a lightweight, travel-friendly yoga mat to make your life easier.
Thicker mats are great for at home, but portable yoga mats can go anywhere with you without the need for carrying a heavy roll.
Just remember that there's a trade-off with portable mats: You have to sacrifice some comfort for convenience.
What to Look for in a Portable Yoga Mat
- Lightweight and Thin: Travel mats are usually between 1mm and 3mm thick, so they’re easy to fold or roll up and fit in a bag. Some even fold into squares to slide into a backpack or suitcase. Perfect for yogis on the go.
- Durable but Light Materials: Look for mats made from TPE or natural rubber that are strong but light. These materials offer better grip and surface texture compared to cheap foam options.
- Easy to Clean and Quick Drying: A mat that dries quickly and doesn't hold onto sweat or moisture is essential if you're practising in different studios or outdoors.
- Mat Bags or Straps: Many travel mats add a strap or carry bag so you can sling it over your shoulder and head to class. It is super convenient if you walk or bike to a studio.
Quick Tip: If you already have a thick mat for home, consider adding a second travel mat to your yoga gear. That way, you don't have to drag a bulky mat to every class!
Our Pick: Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat
The Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat is an excellent and super portable option. It folds flat, so you can pack it into a suitcase or a gym bag. Its sticky surface also means you're still stable while using it!
- Thickness: 2mm - thin and ultra-lightweight
- Material: Non-toxic PVC (light and easy to fold)
- Grip: Good sticky surface for basic practices
- Size: Standard length (173cm x 61cm), folds to fit in most bags
- Price (NZD): Around $40-$60, depending on design and retailer
- Where to shop: Available at Rebel Sport NZ, Mighty Ape, and The Warehouse NZ
Price and Value: What to Expect and Where to Shop in NZ
Last but not least, the price. Remember that your choice of yoga mat will ultimately come down to what you can afford or are willing to pay.
Like any investment, the amount you spend should be relative to what you need, your level, and how much you'll use it.
To give you a better idea, here's how much we recommend spending according to your level.
| Type of Mat | Average NZD Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic PVC or Foam Mats | $20 - $40 | Beginners, occasional use, home practice |
| TPE / Mid-Range Non-Slip Mats | $50 - $80 | Regular practice, eco-conscious beginners |
| Natural Rubber, Cork, Eco-Friendly Mats | $90 - $160 | Daily practice, hot yoga, non-toxic materials |
| Premium Studio-Quality Mats (Manduka, Liforme, Lululemon) | $180 - $270 | Serious yogis, professional use, durability |
Sometimes, sales and discounts pop up on major NZ fitness sites or local shops, so keep an eye out, especially during seasonal sales!
If you need help with yoga or choosing a yoga mat, why not search for a private yoga tutor on Superprof?
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
