10 Best Yoga Mats For Hot Yoga in 2026

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For hot yoga, the Liforme Evolve Yoga Mat is our best overall pick for its unmatched non-slip grip that holds steady even when drenched in sweat, paired with PVC-free, eco-friendly materials. The Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat earns our award for best eco-friendly natural material, while the Retrospec Laguna 5mm Yoga Mat takes the top spot as our budget pick for its moisture-absorbing top.

The real challenge in hot yoga isn’t the temperature, it’s staying planted in your pose when your palms are slick and the mat beneath you turns into a slip-and-slide. You need a surface that grips more as you sweat, not less, and that can handle the moisture and heat without breaking down.

We researched specifications, manufacturer claims, and patterns in owner feedback to find the mats that actually deliver on their grip promises for sweaty sessions, covering everything from eco-friendly materials to extra-large sizes.

Top 10 Yoga Mats For Hot Yoga in the Market

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The Best Yoga Mats For Hot Yoga, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

Liforme Evolve Yoga Mat

Liforme Evolve Yoga Mat
Length72.8 inches
Width26.8 inches
Thickness4.2 mm
Weight5.5 pounds
MaterialEco-polyurethane + rubber
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What We Like

  • Non-slip grip even when sweaty-wet
  • PVC-free, non-toxic eco-friendly materials

Trade-offs

  • At 5.5 lb, heavier than some travel mats
  • 4.2 mm thickness offers less cushion than thicker mats

The Liforme Evolve’s “GripForMe” material stays grippy even when drenched in sweat, which is the single most important thing for hot yoga, no slipping mid-downward dog. That non-slip surface pairs with a pared-back alignment system that helps you keep your feet and hands placed correctly, so you can focus on breathing instead of sliding around. It’s longer and wider than standard mats (72.8 by 26.8 inches), giving taller yogis or anyone who likes to spread out plenty of room without feeling cramped. Made from eco-polyurethane and natural rubber, it’s PVC-free and non-toxic, so you’re not breathing in chemicals while you sweat.

The trade-off is that 4.2 mm thickness sits on the thinner side, which might matter if you have sensitive knees or spend a lot of time on your back. It’s also 5.5 pounds, which is heavier than some travel mats but still manageable for carrying to the studio. Still, for hot yoga where grip is everything, the Liforme Evolve delivers exactly what you need: a stable, aligned, sweat-proof surface that won’t let you down when the room gets steamy.

Best for: Yogis who prioritize non-slip grip and alignment guidance in hot yoga, and don't mind a moderately heavy mat. Not ideal for those who prefer extra cushioning or a very lightweight mat for travel.
#2Best Sweat-Absorbent Grip

Wimwum Professional PU & Natural Rubber Yoga Mat

Wimwum Professional PU & Natural Rubber Yoga Mat
Thickness5 mm
Weight6.8 lbs
Dimensions72" x 27"
Top LayerPU (sweat-absorbent)
Base LayerNatural rubber
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What We Like

  • Sweat-activated grip strengthens as you perspire
  • Dense 6.8 lb natural rubber base stays flat

Trade-offs

  • At 6.8 lbs, it's heavy to carry daily
  • Natural rubber smell lingers for several days

A 6.8-pound natural rubber core means this mat refuses to slide, bunch, or curl, even when you’re dripping through a Bikram sequence. The dense construction anchors firmly to the floor, providing a stable foundation for dynamic movements like Ashtanga flows or HIIT intervals. Many lightweight foam mats shift under pressure, but this one stays put. The weight is a trade-off for that rock-solid feel, so portability takes a back seat to performance. Owners note that the mat rolls up easily with the included carrying strap for occasional transport. It is designed for home gym or studio use where stability matters more than tossing it in a bag.

The trade-off is weight: at nearly seven pounds, this is a mat you’ll leave at the studio or home gym, not toss in a backpack for a quick class. Compared to the Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat at 2 pounds, it’s a commitment to carry. But if your priority is a stable, sweat-absorbing surface that won’t shift under pressure, the Wimwum delivers exactly that, no towel, no slipping, just grip that works harder the wetter it gets.

Best for: Hot yoga practitioners who want a sweat-activated grip and a stable, non-slip base for intense sessions. Not ideal for yogis who need a lightweight mat for frequent travel or commuting.

Product photos

#3Best Eco-Friendly Natural Material

Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat

Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat
MaterialNatural cork top / TPE bottom
Dimensions68 x 24 x 0.2 in
Weight2.0 lb
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What We Like

  • Natural cork resists sweat and odor
  • Eco-friendly TPE backing
  • Lightweight at 2.0 pounds
  • Grip improves when slightly damp

Trade-offs

  • Narrower and shorter than many hot yoga mats
  • Cork surface requires dampness for best grip

At 2.0 pounds, this cork mat is noticeably lighter than most other yoga mats on the market. The Liforme Evolve weighs 5.5 pounds, for comparison, so carrying it to class or storing it in a small bag is genuinely easy. The natural cork top resists sweat and odor, and when it gets slightly damp from hot yoga, the surface becomes softer and easier to grip. For anyone who wants a sustainable, clean-feeling practice without lugging a heavy mat, this one delivers.

This mat comes down to size and cushioning. At 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, it is shorter and narrower than the Liforme Evolve, which offers nearly five extra inches of length and about three more inches of width for sprawling poses. The 0.2-inch thickness provides a thin profile that keeps you close to the floor. Some practitioners prefer that for stability, though it offers less padding than thicker mats. If portability and eco-friendly materials are your top priorities, this Gaiam mat keeps things simple and light.

Best for: Yogis who want a lightweight, eco-friendly mat with natural sweat-activated grip for hot classes. Not ideal for taller practitioners or those needing thick joint cushioning.
#4Best Moisture-Wicking Performance

Gaiam Dry-Grip Yoga Mat

Gaiam Dry-Grip Yoga Mat
Weight4.8 lb
Surface MaterialDry-Grip moisture-wicking topcoat
Base MaterialRubber
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What We Like

  • Moisture-wicking topcoat for sweaty sessions
  • Lightweight at 4.8 lb for easy carrying
  • Cushions hands, knees, and joints
  • Suitable for hot yoga, Vinyasa, Bikram

Trade-offs

  • At 4.8 lb, lighter but less stable than heavier mats
  • No thickness spec listed for joint comfort

A moisture-wicking topcoat that actively pulls sweat away from your hands and feet is the standout feature here, so you can hold Downward Dog without that dreaded slip when things get steamy. That dry-grip surface also means you can often skip the towel, which simplifies your gear bag. At 4.8 pounds, this mat is noticeably lighter than many hot yoga options, making it a practical pick if you carry your mat to the studio or gym. The rubber base provides decent cushioning for wrists and knees during floor poses, and the whole package is built for sweaty styles like Bikram and Vinyasa where grip matters most.

The trade-off is size: the mat measures 24.1 inches in length and 4.5 inches in width, which is shorter and narrower than many standard yoga mats. The Liforme Evolve, for example, gives you 72.8 inches of length and 26.8 inches of width, which matters if you’re taller or like spreading out in wide-legged poses. That compact size keeps the Gaiam easy to roll and carry, but it also means your feet or hands might wander off the edges during a flow. For someone who prioritizes portability and sweat-handling over maximum real estate, this mat hits a sweet spot.

Best for: Yogis who want a lightweight, moisture-wicking mat for hot yoga and value portability. Not ideal for those who need a longer or wider mat than the 24.1-inch width and unspecified length provide.
#5Best Extra-Large Size

Ellylife Yoga Mat

Ellylife Yoga Mat
Dimensions74.8 x 26.8 in
Thickness5 mm
Weight7.3 lb
MaterialPU top / natural rubber bottom
Alignment linesYes
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What We Like

  • Extra-large 74.8 x 26.8 in surface
  • Sweat-resistant PU top for hot yoga
  • Natural rubber bottom stays put
  • Alignment lines for form check

Trade-offs

  • At 7.3 lb, heavier to carry than many mats
  • 5 mm thickness less cushioning for sensitive joints

With a generous 74.8 by 26.8 inch surface, this mat gives you nearly two extra inches of width and several inches more length than standard mats. You get room to spread your limbs wide in warrior poses or stretch out fully without your hands or feet slipping off the edge. That extra real estate, paired with a PU top that maintains excellent grip even when you sweat, makes it a natural fit for hot yoga where you’re moving through flows and dripping onto the mat. The alignment lines printed on the surface help you check your hip and foot angles mid-pose, handy for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Weighing 7.3 pounds, this mat is noticeably heavier than the Liforme Evolve (5.5 lb) or the Gaiam Cork mat (2 lb). If you walk to the studio or stash your mat in a backpack, you’ll feel the difference. The 5 mm thickness offers decent ground feel for balance poses but less cushion for your knees in kneeling postures than a thicker mat might. Still, for hot yoga where grip and space matter most, this mat’s size and sweat-resistance are hard to beat, just be ready to haul it.

Best for: Tall or broad-shouldered yogis who want extra room and reliable sweat grip in hot classes. Not ideal for those who need a lightweight mat for commuting or prefer thick cushioning for sensitive knees.

Product photos

#6Best Budget Pick

Retrospec Laguna 5mm Yoga Mat

Retrospec Laguna 5mm Yoga Mat
Thickness5 mm
Top layerPU (polyurethane)
Weight7.0 pounds
Material claimPVC free
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What We Like

  • Moisture-absorbing PU top for hot yoga
  • Non-slip even when sweaty
  • Easy to clean with soap and water
  • PVC-free construction

Trade-offs

  • At 7.0 lb, heavier than many travel mats
  • Dimensions listed as 25x5x5 inches, verify full size

A moisture-absorbing polyurethane top layer is the key feature here: it wicks sweat away during hot yoga so you can hold poses without sliding around. That makes this mat a smart pick if you want a dedicated hot-practice surface without spending a lot. Cleaning is straightforward too, gentle soap and water, wipe it down, hang to dry.

At 7.0 pounds, this mat is noticeably heavier than something like the Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat (2.0 lb). It’s less convenient to carry to a studio or pack for travel. If you mostly practice at home and want a stable, sweat-resistant surface for the money, the Retrospec Laguna does the job well. But if you’re commuting to a hot yoga class every day, the extra heft might make you look at a lighter option instead.

Best for: Home practitioners who want a mat with a moisture-absorbing PU top for hot yoga and don't mind a heavier mat. Not ideal for those who need a lightweight mat to carry daily.
#7Best Sweat-Activated Grip

Flaè Athletics Premium PU Yoga Mat

Flaè Athletics Premium PU Yoga Mat
SurfacePU (polyurethane)
BaseNatural rubber
Dimensions72 x 26 x 0.1 in
Weight5.5 lb
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What We Like

  • Sweat-activated grip improves with moisture
  • Natural rubber base for stability
  • 2-in-1 carry and stretch strap included
  • Non-toxic materials

Trade-offs

  • At 0.1 inches, very thin for joint comfort
  • Requires careful cleaning after each use
  • No alignment guides or markings

A surface that grips more as you sweat is the key feature here, and that’s exactly what this mat’s PU top layer does. It’s designed to respond to moisture, so during a hot class you get better traction instead of slipping. A natural rubber base keeps the mat stable on the floor, and at 5.5 pounds it’s light enough to carry with the included strap. This mat suits yogis who sweat heavily and want a surface that works with them.

At just 0.1 inches, this is a very thin mat. If you have sensitive knees or wrists, you might feel the floor more than you’d like, especially compared to the Wimwum Professional PU and Natural Rubber Yoga Mat, which is 0.2 inches thick and offers more cushion. You also need to wipe it down after every session and avoid oils or lotions to keep the grip working. For someone who prioritizes traction over padding and doesn’t mind a little extra care, this mat makes a lot of sense.

Best for: Hot yoga practitioners who want a mat that grips better as they sweat and don't mind a thin profile. Not ideal for those needing extra cushioning for joints or preferring a low-maintenance mat.

Product photos

#8Best Balanced Cushioning

FFLLOOWW Premium Non Slip PU Yoga Mat

FFLLOOWW Premium Non Slip PU Yoga Mat
Thickness4.5mm
Dimensions72.8" x 26.8"
Weight7.5 lb
MaterialsPU + natural rubber
Eco-friendlyPVC-free
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What We Like

  • PU top grips more when wet
  • Natural rubber base stays flat
  • 4.5mm cushion protects joints
  • Extra long and wide for taller users

Trade-offs

  • At 7.5 lb, heavier to carry than some
  • No alignment lines for pose guidance

A 4.5mm thickness strikes a smart middle ground: enough padding to take the sting out of kneeling poses and wrist-heavy planks, without turning standing balances into a wobble fest. That balanced cushioning is the reason this mat suits hot yoga, where you need both joint protection and steady footing as sweat kicks in. The PU top layer becomes grippier as you sweat, so downward dog stays stable during a humid session. Taller practitioners will appreciate the extra length and width, which gives room to stretch out without hanging off the edges.

The mat weighs 7.5 pounds, which is noticeably heavier than the Liforme Evolve at 5.5 pounds. If you walk or bike to class, you’ll feel the difference over your shoulder. The natural rubber base stays put on the floor, no curling edges or sliding, which is great for studio floors but adds to the heft. If portability is your top priority, the lighter Liforme is easier to haul; if you want sturdy grip that improves with sweat and a little more cushion under your knees, this one earns its place in your bag.

Best for: Yogis who want joint-friendly cushioning and a grippy surface that improves with sweat, especially taller practitioners. Not ideal for those who need the lightest mat for commuting or prefer minimal ground feel for advanced balance work.

Product photos

#9Best Sweat-Adaptive Grip

Plyopic All In One Yoga Mat

Plyopic All In One Yoga Mat
Dimensions71 x 25.5 x 0.1 inches
Weight5.1 pounds
Thickness3.5mm rubber base
DesignLimited edition patterns
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What We Like

  • Dual-sided use for yoga or fitness
  • Grip designed for sweaty hands
  • Flip-over design for gym use

Trade-offs

  • Thin 3.5mm base offers less cushioning
  • Narrower than some premium mats at 25.5 inches
  • Limited edition designs sell out quickly

Flipping the mat over reveals a surface designed for use with footwear, so it transitions easily from a hot yoga session to gym exercises like strength training or cardio. This dual-sided functionality means one mat can serve both purposes, eliminating the need to carry separate gear for different workouts. The rubber base that grips the floor during yoga also provides stability when you’re moving through dynamic exercises in sneakers. Reviewers appreciate the convenience of having a single mat that adapts to their routine, whether they’re flowing through sun salutations or lifting weights.

If your knees or hips need extra cushioning on hard studio floors, the base won’t give you the comfort a thicker mat like the Wimwum’s 5mm offers. You also get a slightly narrower 25.5-inch width, which means taller or broader practitioners might find their hands or feet creeping off the edges during wide poses. But for sweaty sessions where grip is everything, this mat’s design makes it a smart, eco-friendly choice.

Best for: Yoga practitioners who want a mat that grips when they sweat and works for both yoga and gym workouts. Not ideal for those who need extra padding for sensitive joints or prefer a wider surface for expansive poses.

Product photos

#10Best Complete Set

STAASH Premium Yoga Set

STAASH Premium Yoga Set
MaterialPU + Natural Rubber
Dimensions72 x 26.8 x 0.2 in
Weight6.6 lb
Included ItemsMat, Towel, Strap, Knee Pad
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What We Like

  • Complete 4-in-1 set with towel, strap, knee pad
  • PU surface for non-slip grip in hot yoga
  • Eco-friendly natural rubber and non-toxic PU
  • Knee pad adds cushioning for joint comfort

Trade-offs

  • At 6.6 lb, heavier than some single mats
  • 0.2-inch thickness is thin for hard floors

The STAASH Premium Yoga Set bundles four pieces, mat, microfiber towel, strap, and knee pad, so you walk into a hot yoga class with everything but the water bottle. The PU top layer is designed to stay grippy when sweat hits, which matters when you’re holding a Warrior II in a hot studio, and the natural rubber base keeps the mat from sliding on the studio floor. That knee pad is a quiet lifesaver for anyone who’s ever winced during a low lunge or kneeling pose; it gives a little extra padding right where joints need it most. This set suits someone who wants a single purchase to cover the basics, especially if you’re new to hot yoga and don’t want to hunt down accessories separately.

This mat is thin at 0.2 inches, fine for a carpeted studio or a gym floor. But on a hard tile or wood surface, your hips and knees will feel the floor through it. The knee pad helps, but for all-over comfort, a thicker mat like the Wimwum Professional (5mm) offers more cushion without needing an add-on. At 6.6 pounds, the STAASH is also heavier than a standard mat, so if you walk or bike to class, that extra weight plus the accessories adds up. Still, if you value having a coordinated kit that’s ready to go, this set delivers a clean, eco-friendly package that covers the essentials without guesswork.

Best for: Someone wanting a complete hot yoga kit with mat, towel, strap, and knee pad in one eco-friendly purchase. Not ideal for those who prefer a thicker mat for hard floors or need the lightest possible carry weight.

How We Evaluated Yoga Mats For Hot Yoga

This guide is built on an evaluation of specifications, manufacturer documentation, and patterns in owner feedback for the most popular hot yoga mats on the market. We focused on what matters most when the room is hot and you’re dripping onto your mat. That includes grip performance when wet, material durability under heat and moisture, and the practical trade-offs that come with each design. Our goal was to separate the marketing claims from the mats that actually work.

The three criteria that mattered most were grip technology (how the surface behaves when wet), material composition (PVC-free vs natural rubber vs cork), and weight for portability. A mat that grips like glue but weighs eight pounds is a different choice than a two-pound cork mat that needs a little dampness to work. We also looked at thickness for joint comfort, length for taller practitioners, and any extras like alignment lines or included accessories.

A research-led evaluation has limits, we haven’t tested these mats ourselves, so we rely on what owners consistently report across hundreds of reviews and expert round-ups. That means we can tell you which mats people say hold up best and which have recurring complaints, but we can’t give you our own sweat-dripping experience. What we can do is help you match your priorities to the mat that fits them.

What To Look For In Yoga Mats For Hot Yoga

Finding the right mat for a sweaty practice means understanding how different materials behave when wet. The key is matching your grip preference, weight tolerance, and cushioning needs.

Look for a mat with a top layer that grips when wet. PU leather, natural rubber, or cork are the main options. Avoid standard PVC mats, which get slippery with sweat. Consider weight if you carry your mat to class, and thickness if you have sensitive knees or practice on hard floors.

Grip Technology: PU Leather vs Natural Rubber vs Cork

The top layer material is the single most important factor for hot yoga. Polyurethane (PU) leather tops, like those on the Liforme Evolve and Wimwum Professional, are designed to grip more as they get wet. They absorb moisture and create friction rather than letting it pool on the surface.

Natural rubber bases provide stability and grip against the floor, but some people are sensitive to the smell. Cork mats, like the Gaiam Cork, use a different approach: the cork surface is naturally antimicrobial and resists odor, but it actually needs some dampness to reach its best grip. Dry cork can feel slick, so these mats work best once you’ve started sweating.

Thickness and Cushioning

Thicker mats (5mm and above) offer more joint protection for knees, wrists, and elbows during floor poses, but they can feel less stable for balance poses like tree or warrior III. Thinner mats (3-4mm) give you better ground connection for balance work but offer less padding.

The Liforme Evolve sits at 4.2mm, a middle ground that works for most practitioners. If you have sensitive joints, look for 5mm or more; the FFLLOOWW Premium offers 4.5mm, and the Ellylife comes in at 5mm. For hard studio floors, a thin mat like the Flaè Athletics (0.1 inches) may leave your knees unhappy.

Size and Portability

Standard yoga mats are about 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, but hot yoga often involves wider stances and longer bodies. The Ellylife measures 74.8 x 26.8 inches, making it a strong choice for taller or broader practitioners. The Gaiam Cork is narrower and shorter than average, which may be fine for smaller frames but restrictive for others.

Weight matters too: a mat like the Gaiam Cork at 2.0 pounds is easy to carry to class, while the FFLLOOWW at 7.5 pounds is a commitment. Consider how you’ll transport it and whether your studio has storage.

  • Check the mat’s length against your height, add a few inches above and below your frame.
  • Feel the top layer material: PU leather feels different from natural rubber or cork.
  • Test the weight by lifting a similar object: heavier mats add up if you walk to class.
  • Look for alignment lines if you practice without mirrors or rely on visual cues.

A good rule of thumb: if the mat’s grip technology requires moisture to work (cork, some PU tops), it’s designed for hot yoga. If it gets slippery when wet, it’s not.

Yoga Mats For Hot Yoga Compared

The table below compares all ten mats across key specs like grip material, weight, thickness, and dimensions so you can see at a glance which one fits your practice.

ProductMaterialThicknessWeightDimensions
Liforme Evolve Yoga MatEco-polyurethane + rubber4.2 mm5.5 pounds72.8 x 26.8 in
Wimwum Professional PU & Natural Rubber Yoga MatPU + natural rubber5 mm6.8 lbs72 x 27 in
Gaiam Cork Yoga MatNatural cork / TPE0.2 in2.0 lb68 x 24 in
Gaiam Dry-Grip Yoga MatDry-Grip / rubberN/A4.8 lbN/A
Ellylife Yoga MatPU / natural rubber5 mm7.3 lb74.8 x 26.8 in
Retrospec Laguna 5mm Yoga MatPU / rubber5 mm7.0 poundsN/A
Flaè Athletics Premium PU Yoga MatPU / natural rubber0.1 in5.5 lb72 x 26 in
FFLLOOWW Premium Non Slip PU Yoga MatPU + natural rubber4.5mm7.5 lb72.8 x 26.8 in
Plyopic All In One Yoga MatNatural rubber3.5mm5.1 pounds71 x 25.5 in
STAASH Premium Yoga SetPU + natural rubber0.2 in6.6 lb72 x 26.8 in

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a yoga mat good for hot yoga?

The top layer must grip more when wet, not less. Materials like polyurethane (PU) leather, natural rubber, and cork are designed to absorb moisture and create friction as you sweat. Standard PVC mats become dangerously slippery in hot yoga conditions.

How thick should a hot yoga mat be?

Most hot yoga mats range from thin to thick. Thinner mats offer better ground connection for balance poses, while thicker mats protect knees and wrists during floor work. If you practice on hard studio floors, aim for a mat with more cushioning.

Do cork yoga mats work for hot yoga?

Yes, but with a catch: cork mats need some dampness to reach their best grip. Dry cork can feel slick at first, but as you sweat, the cork surface becomes tacky. They’re also naturally antimicrobial and resist odor, which is a plus for hot yoga.

How do I clean a hot yoga mat after use?

Most PU and natural rubber mats can be wiped down with a mild soap and water solution after each use. Avoid soaking the mat or using harsh chemicals, which can break down the grip layer. Some mats, like the Flaè Athletics, require more careful cleaning to maintain the sweat-activated surface.

What is the difference between a yoga towel and a hot yoga mat?

A yoga towel sits on top of a standard mat to absorb sweat and provide grip, while a hot yoga mat is designed to grip on its own without a towel. Some practitioners use both for extra moisture management, but a dedicated hot yoga towel can extend the life of your mat.

The Bottom Line

For most hot yoga practitioners, the Liforme Evolve Yoga Mat is the best overall choice. Its PU top grips reliably when wet, it’s made from eco-friendly materials, and the alignment lines help you check your form without looking. It’s a moderate weight at 5.5 pounds, not the lightest, but not a burden for weekly classes.

If you’re on a tighter budget, the Retrospec Laguna 5mm Yoga Mat offers a moisture-absorbing PU top at a fraction of the cost, though it’s heavier at 7 pounds. For those who want a natural, lightweight option, the Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat is a strong eco-friendly pick that gets grippier as you sweat.

The single most important factor is matching the grip technology to your practice, a mat that works for one person may feel wrong for another, so prioritize how the surface behaves when you’re dripping.