Best Yoga Mats UK (2026)
A yoga mat's grip and thickness matter more than price for how a class actually feels underfoot. This guide compares mats tested by Women's Running's team through real yoga classes, from budget studio staples to premium mats built for dynamic practice.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Lululemon The Mat
Most versatile
Available in multiple thicknesses so you can dial in exactly the feel you want. Women's Running's tester found the rubber top layer nicely grippy without being too sticky to move, with no visible alignment markings, though wear patterns build up over time to show where you consistently place hands and feet.
- Choice of thicknesses to suit preference
- Grippy without feeling too sticky
- Reversible design
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lululemon The Mat | Most versatile | 3-5mm thickness options, latex and FSC-certified natural rubber, reversible | Check price |
| Onyx Yoga Mat 8mm | Best for comfort | 5mm or 8mm thickness, high-grade polyurethane and natural rubber | Check price |
| Liforme Yoga Mat | Best for dynamic classes | 4.2mm thickness, eco polyurethane and natural rubber, extensive alignment lines | Check price |
| YoGo Ultralight Folding Yoga Mat | Best for travel | 1.5mm thickness, folds into a rectangle with built-in strap and handle, under 1kg | Check price |
| Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat | Best budget | 4.5mm thickness, high-grade PVC, 6-P free | Check price |
| Yogi Bare Paws Extreme Grip Yoga Mat | Best for sweaty sessions | 4mm thickness, natural rubber and non-slip PU, extra-long/wide option available | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Most versatile
Lululemon The Mat
Available in multiple thicknesses so you can dial in exactly the feel you want. Women's Running's tester found the rubber top layer nicely grippy without being too sticky to move, with no visible alignment markings, though wear patterns build up over time to show where you consistently place hands and feet.
- Thickness
- 3mm-5mm
- Dimensions
- 66cm x 180cm (71cm x 213cm option available)
- Material
- Latex and FSC-certified natural rubber
Pros
- Choice of thicknesses to suit preference
- Grippy without feeling too sticky
- Reversible design
- Non-slip surface stable for balance poses
Cons
- No alignment markings
- Premium price
Best for comfort
Onyx Yoga Mat 8mm
Women's Running's tester was 'obsessed' with how comfortable this mat feels, even in its thinner 5mm option, without sacrificing the solid support needed for balances and transitions. The super-grippy top layer felt comparable to pricier mats, though it runs a little shorter than some rivals, which may not suit taller yogis.
- Thickness
- 5mm or 8mm
- Dimensions
- 180cm x 65cm
- Material
- High-grade polyurethane and natural rubber
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable, even at 5mm
- Solid support for balances and transitions
- Super-grippy top layer at a lower price than rivals
- Distinctive curved design
Cons
- Shorter than some other mats, may not suit taller users
Best for dynamic classes
Liforme Yoga Mat
Known as 'the queen of yoga mats', Women's Running's tester found the quality exceptional: sturdy, totally non-slip and lying completely flat when unrolled. Extensive alignment lines adapt well to any size practitioner, and it's comfy without being too soft, though it carries a hefty price tag to match.
- Thickness
- 4.2mm
- Dimensions
- 185cm x 68cm
- Material
- Eco polyurethane and natural rubber
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Totally non-slip, lies flat when unrolled
- Extensive alignment lines suit any size
- Comfortable without being too soft
Cons
- Expensive
Best for travel
YoGo Ultralight Folding Yoga Mat
Women's Running's tester made this their go-to holiday mat, since it cleverly folds down into a compact rectangle with a built-in strap and handle, rather than rolling up like most mats. A textured rubbery surface grips well for a travel mat, and a water-resistant underside prevents grass or sand moisture seeping through.
- Thickness
- 1.5mm
- Dimensions
- 61cm x 173cm
- Weight
- Under 1kg
- Material
- Natural tree rubber and cotton
Pros
- Folds compactly with built-in strap and handle
- Grippier than other travel mats tried
- Water-resistant underside
- Incredibly lightweight for luggage
Cons
- Too thin to use as a standalone mat for sensitive knees
Best budget
Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat
The mat you've almost certainly already used at a yoga studio, and Women's Running's tester found it performs well on grip even at this price, noting it seems to get grippier the more it's used. Supportive for knees without being too thick or heavy, and available in plenty of colours.
- Thickness
- 4.5mm
- Dimensions
- 61cm x 183cm
- Material
- High-grade PVC, 6-P free
Pros
- Excellent grip for the price
- Grip improves with use
- Supportive for knees without excess bulk
- Wide range of colours
Cons
- PVC construction rather than natural rubber
Best for sweaty sessions
Yogi Bare Paws Extreme Grip Yoga Mat
A 'mega grippy' mat that Women's Running's tester found sees even the sweatiest yogis through any class without sliding. Made by a UK-based, sustainability-focused brand using non-toxic dyes and recycled materials, with a tree planted for every mat sold, and an extra-long/wide version for taller users.
- Thickness
- 4mm
- Dimensions
- 180cm x 66cm
- Material
- Natural rubber and non-slip PU
Pros
- Excellent grip even when sweating heavily
- Sustainable, non-toxic materials
- Tree planted per mat sold
- Extra-long/wide version available
Cons
- Grippy feel may not suit those who prefer to slide into poses
Buying guide
Yoga mat or exercise mat?
Exercise mats are thicker and more foamy, protecting joints during explosive movements like squat jumps. Yoga mats are thinner, longer, and prioritise traction and grip over cushioning, better suited to full-body poses like Downward Dog. If you mainly do post-workout stretches, an exercise mat is fine; for a proper yoga class, a dedicated yoga mat works better.
How thick should a yoga mat be?
Most yoga mats run 4mm to 6mm thick. A thinner mat helps you feel more connected to the floor, useful for standing and arm balances, while a thicker mat suits anyone with sensitive knees or joints. Very thin mats (1-2mm) are designed as toppers for studio mats or for travel, not as a sole mat.
How important is grip?
Very, especially for beginners or anyone who sweats during practice. A grippy mat prevents sliding during poses, which matters most for balance work. More advanced practitioners working on things like handstands sometimes prefer a less grippy surface, since they rely on finger grip rather than mat traction.
Do I need alignment markings on my mat?
Alignment lines, like those on the Liforme mat here, help with consistency in poses such as lunges and Warrior poses, which some practitioners find genuinely useful. Others find them distracting and prefer a plain mat to relax into their practice without visual cues.
Sources
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