Non-slip yoga mat
Find the right yoga mat for you
© Vadim Guzhva / Adobe Stock
Are you looking for a non-slip yoga mat? We have compared different models and selected the best for you.
Yoga exercises can be performed much better on a high-quality, non-slip yoga mat. Most fitness and yoga studios provide yoga mats, but you need your own and high quality mat owning one that caters to your needs is often a better choice. But what should you consider when buying? What different materials are there and which yoga mats are really non-slip? Here you will find all the answers and our purchase recommendations.
Yoga mat: What you should consider when buying one
So that you can optimally concentrate on the exercises, your yoga mat should be non-slip and have cushioning to protect the joints. It should also be free from harmful chemicals. When it comes to size, you should make sure that the mat is at least shoulder-width and body-length. If you want to take the yoga mat with you to the studio, we recommend that you choose a light model or a model with a carrying bag.
Yoga mat: which material is the best?
There are yoga mats made of different materials. You can choose between yoga mats made of plastic or yoga mats made of natural material. These are the most common materials with their advantages and disadvantages:
- PVC: Yoga mats made of PVC plastic are non-slip, light and often very cheap. They are also insensitive and easy to clean. It is problematic if the mats contain toxic plasticizers and dyes. Therefore, look out for an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification. The material is ecologically problematic because it is not biodegradable.
- TPE: Yoga mats made of TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) are made from a foam that is free of toxic plasticizers. Although it is plastic, the material is 100 percent recyclable and is therefore better than PVC in terms of environmental friendliness. The material is also non-slip, extremely light and soft. Yoga mats made of TPE are not quite as robust as PVC mats.
- natural rubber: The natural material rubber is obtained from the rubber tree. The material is a very good choice for the skin and the environment. In addition, yoga mats made of natural rubber are particularly non-slip. However, they are a bit heavier than PVC mats and unfortunately the material is a bit more expensive. Attention: Some mats made of natural rubber contain latex and are unsuitable for allergy sufferers.
- cork: Cork is obtained from the bark of the cork oak tree. The material is non-slip, breathable and antibacterial, especially when wet. However, yoga mats made of cork are also very sensitive and relatively expensive.
- Wool: Virgin wool yoga mats are made from the wool of sheep. The material is warm and soft and well suited for quiet yoga styles such as Yin Yoga or Kundalini Yoga or meditation. For more dynamic exercises, the mat must be rubberized to prevent it from slipping.
Which yoga mat is non-slip?
Almost all manufacturers promise that their yoga mats are non-slip. They are mostly dry when they are dry, but some lose their grip when they get wet with sweat. Here are some tips for better grip:
- PVC mats are sometimes slippery, if they are new. Here it helps to degrease the mat. You can use a mild cleaning agent, such as shampoo or washing-up liquid, and a damp cloth, then rinse the mat well and let it dry. If you keep sliding on it, you can yoga towel lay on the mat that absorbs the sweat.
- Mats made of TPE or natural rubber are less slippery, since the material can absorb water. If you sweat your hands easily or practice a particularly sweaty style of yoga, you should choose a mat made from one of these materials.
- Cork mats become even more grippy when wet and are therefore perfect for Bikram Yoga, for example.
Yoga mat: test winner at Stiftung Warentest
Stiftung Warentest tested 16 mats. Among other things, the testers assessed the slip resistance, cushioning and dimensional stability of the mats. The material was also checked for harmful substances in the laboratory. These mats scored top marks:
JadeYoga: Jade Harmony yoga mat
With an overall grade of 2.1, the Yoga mat by JadeYoga Test winner at Stiftung Warentest. The mat made of natural rubber proved to be particularly non-slip and dimensionally stable even with intensive use. With a diameter of almost 2 centimeters, the mat has sufficient cushioning. Environmental plus: Through the partnership with “Trees for the Future”, JadeYoga plants a tree for every yoga mat sold.
Amazon: Eono Yoga Mat
The Yoga mat from Amazon’s own brand Eono is made of TPE and convinces with good slip resistance and comfort for knees, elbows and hips. With a result of 2.2, the mat performs almost as well as the test winner from JadeYoga. However, the Eono mat is significantly cheaper.
Yogistar: Yogi Mat Pro
Also rated as good with a score of 2.2: Die Yoga Mat Pro by Yogistar is made of TPE, non-slip, stable and well cushioned. With beautiful colors and its special surface finish, the yoga mat is also a real eye-catcher.
Cleaning the yoga mat: you should pay attention to this
PVC yoga mats are hard-wearing and can be easily cleaned with water and a mild detergent. The same applies to yoga mats made of TPE. A yoga mat made of natural rubber is a little more sensitive. You can wipe them regularly with a damp cloth, but do not soak them in water or treat them with soap, oil or salt as this will make the mat slippery. The same applies to cork mats. Wool yoga mats can be washed in the washing machine on the wool program.
Our tip: There is also a special one for yoga mats cleaning spray, which also has a disinfecting effect. You are doing everything right with this.
Sources: Yogamatte.net, Stiftung Warentest 02/2023