Practical and supportive, a yoga mat is one of the most versatile items to have in your arsenal of home exercise gear.
Whether it be yoga, pilates, circuits or meditation – a mat will provide you with the foundation you need to feel grounded and poised on any surface, helping you to get the most out of your workout.
With grip, support and sustainability in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best yoga mats and towels currently available for yogis of every skill level.
The best yoga mats to shop in Australia
DOIY Navajo yoga mat, $99.95, Hardtofind
Thick, yet lightweight and portable. This yoga mat from Hardtofind features a pattern inspired by Navajo textiles and is perfect to take to your weekly yoga class or to use at home.
Gaiam Performance Earth-saver 3mm mat, $56.21 (usually $74.95), THE ICONIC
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.
Bahe Synergy regular mat, $89.99, Rebel Sport
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.
YogiPup cork yoga mat with travel strap, $30, eBay
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.
Grey yoga mat, $52.90, Hardtofind
If you’re looking to level up, this soft yoga mat from Hardtofind is ideal for yogis of all levels. With a 4mm thickness and a natural jute string carrier, practising your favourite flows has never been more zen.
Avoalre foldable yoga mat, $32.99, Amazon
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.
The Reversible Mat, $79, Lululemon
With a generous 5mm of thickness, the Reversible Yoga mat by Lululemon provides that little bit of extra cushioning for your knees, arms, elbows and beyond. Plus, it has an antimicrobial additive that helps prevent mould and mildew on the mat.
Canyon yoga mat, $119, Seek Solitude
This Australian-designed yoga mat from Seek Solitude is made with eco-friendly water-based inks, biodegradable natural rubber and buttery soft micro suede. 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
Yoga Design Lab yoga towel, $36 (usually $72), Amazon
The extra soft microfibre of this yoga towel from Yoga Design Lab is made from recycled plastic bottles and comes in four colourful designs.
Gaiam microfibre yoga mat towel, $21.44, Amazon
This towel’s microfibre supposedly absorbs twice as much moisture as cotton towels, and dries in half the time – the perfect accessory to any hot yoga session.
Yoga Design Lab recycled microfibre yoga mat towel, $54 (usually $72), THE ICONIC
This sweat-wicking and highly absorbent towel from Yoga Design Lab features an eye-catching sunset-inspired design. Simply place on top of your yoga mat to absorb sweat and prevent slipping.
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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