The best yoga mats to shop in Australia
1. Bahe Synergy regular mat, $89.99, Rebel Sport
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Made from eco-friendly rubber with an absorbent top layer and non-slip grip that activates when you sweat, this mat is ideal for Hatha, Yin and even Bikram yoga. With a thickness of 3.5mm, you'll be able to get your sweat on knowing you have a solid foundation supporting your practice.
2. YogiPup cork yoga mat with travel strap, $30, eBay
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Are you a newcomer to yoga? If so, a mat with alignment lines to guide and centre your practice (like this one) could be the one for you. As it has a top layer of cork, this mat provides great stability, grip and repels odour due to the material's natural antimicrobial properties.
3. Gaiam soft grip 4mm yoga mat, $20.29 (usually $28.99), Catch.com.au
Shop now at Catch.com.au
If you're looking to level up, this soft grip mat from Gaiam is ideal for intermediate yogis during slow to moderately paced practices. Made with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) that are 100 per cent recyclable, this mat's closed-cell structure provides a tacky yet soft base - as well as locking out odour and moisture.
4. Ajna jute extra long yoga mat, $49.99 (usually $79.99), Amazon
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Designed in Australia, this lightweight yoga mat with a cotton carry strap is easy to bring with you from A to B. Available in five shades and made with the sustainable fibre jute, this design features dual layers (amounting to a 5mm thickness) for optimal functionality, comfort and grip.
5. Super grip sustainable mat, $105, Sweaty Betty
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London-based Sweaty Betty has you covered when it comes to grounded, slip-free yoga practice. Made with biodegradable latex in cornflour blue, its sustainable Super Grip mat is 4mm thick and is easily transportable.
6. Gaiam Performance Earth-saver 3mm mat, $74.95, The Iconic
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There's just no way you can lose with a cork yoga mat - that's why this one's the second to make the list. Perfect for intermediate to advanced yogis, this recycled cork top mat includes a carry strap and features a rubber backing for optimised grip and stability.
7. Avoalre foldable yoga mat, $32.99, Amazon
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The unique foldable design of this yoga mat means it can conveniently fit into your suitcase or backpack when on-the-go. Made with three layers of durable PVC, this mat will endure the wear and tear that comes with travelling.
8. Camping Along the River yoga mat, $110, Jarin Street
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This detailed yoga mat is sustainably made and features artwork depicting camping along the Galari River by Wiradjuri artist Joanne Cassady. The mat from ethical brand Jarin Street (founded by Wiradjuri woman Jarin Baigent) is made from naturally sourced, high quality rubber and features a faux suede top lay for ultimate comfort. (Weights not included.)
9. Canyon yoga mat, $119, Seek Solitude
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This Australian-designed yoga mat from Seek Solitude is made with eco-friendly water-based inks, biodegradable natural rubber and buttery soft microsuede. As the microsuede top lay becomes grippier with moisture, the sleek mat is ideal for rigorous practices like ashtanga, hot yoga and vinyasa flow.
The best yoga mat towels to shop in Australia
1. Yoga Design Lab yoga towel, $72, Amazon
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The extra soft microfibre of this yoga towel from Yoga Design Lab is made from recycled plastic bottles and comes in 11 colourful designs.
2. Gaiam yoga towel, $14.99, Catch.com.au
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This towel's microfibre supposedly absorbs twice as much moisture as cotton towels, and dries in half the time. With corner flaps to secure to your mat, this towel from Gaiam makes the perfect accessory to any hot yoga session.
3. Yogitoes yoga mat towel, $45 (usually $99.99), The Iconic
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This sweat-wicking, highly absorbent towel from Manduka's Yogitoes features silicone nubs that will prevent slippage no matter how sweaty your practice gets.
What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?
When choosing the thickness of your yoga mat, it really comes down to what you want to achieve within your practice. 5-8mm thick mats are ideal for restorative yoga sessions with longer held poses, while thinner mats of 3-4mm can help to provide stability for active poses that often require top notch balance.
What is a yoga towel used for?
A yoga towel sits atop the yoga mat and will absorb any sweat that comes its way - making it a very handy accessory for the inevitable onslaught of sweat during hot yoga. By acting as a layer between you and the mat, cleanliness and grip are promoted. Plus, you can always use one of these towels as a fast-drying beach towel!
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