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So… you’ve decided to start yoga.
Amazing. Welcome 👏
Now comes the slightly overwhelming part:
choosing a yoga mat.
Because suddenly you’re faced with:
- Cork? Rubber? Jute?
- Thick or thin?
- Cheap or “investment piece”?
- Why are some $20 and others $150+?
It’s a lot.
The good news?
It’s actually much simpler than it looks.
This guide will walk you through exactly what matters—so you can choose a mat that feels right from day one.
First Things First: What Actually Matters?
Forget the marketing for a second.
When it comes to choosing the right yoga mat, there are really only a few things that make a difference:
- Grip - so you’re not slipping everywhere
- Comfort - support without feeling unstable
- Material - this is the big one
- Durability - you don’t want to replace it in 6 months
Everything else? Nice to have.
Let’s Talk Materials (This Is the Big One)
If there’s one decision that matters most, it’s this.
🚫 PVC (The Common Starting Point)
Most budget mats are made from PVC.
They’re:
- Cheap
- Easy to find
But also they're:
- Slippery
- Not eco-friendly
- Made from synthetic plastics
- Linked to major health concerns
👉 If you want to understand why many people move away from PVC, read:
The environmental impact of PVC yoga mats
Looking for a non-toxic yoga mat? Explore our award-winning 2E Connected Eco Yoga Mat, independently tested for harmful substances and crafted from biodegradable natural rubber and jute.
🌿 Natural Materials (The Upgrade)
More people are choosing non-toxic yoga mats made from natural materials—and for good reason.
Here are the two best options:
1. Natural Rubber + Cork (Grip + Performance)
If you want something that just works, this is a great option.
- Incredible grip (especially when you sweat)
- Naturally antimicrobial
- Smooth, premium feel
- Long-lasting
💡 The more you sweat, the better it grips.
Perfect if you:
- Do regular yoga
- Sweat during practice
- Want a premium, reliable mat
Explore our cork yoga mats
2. Natural Rubber + Jute (Grounded + Natural Feel)
A slightly different experience—but equally good.
- Textured, earthy surface
- Great all-round grip
- Durable natural fibres
- More grounded connection
Perfect if you:
- Prefer a tactile feel
- Want a versatile mat
- Enjoy a grounding practice
Explore our natural rubber and jute yoga mats
🆚 Quick Comparison: Which Yoga Mat Is Right for You?
| Feature | PVC Mats | Cork + Natural Rubber | Jute + Natural Rubber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grip | ❌ Poor | ✅ Excellent (better with sweat) | ✅ Very good (textured) |
| Comfort | ❌ None | ✅ Balanced | ✅ Slightly firmer |
| Sustainability | ❌ None | ✅ High | ✅ High |
| Durability | ❌ Poor | ✅ Long-lasting | ✅ Long-lasting |
| Feel | Plastic-like | Smooth & premium | Textured & natural |
| Best For | Beginners only | All styles / hot yoga | Grounding / all-round |
👉 Want a deeper breakdown?
Read: Best non-toxic yoga mats in Australia
Thickness: Do You Need a Thick Mat?
Quick answer:
- Too thin (<3mm) → hard on joints
- Too thick (6mm+) → unstable and can be heavy to lug around
👉 Sweet spot: 4–5mm
This gives you:
- Enough cushioning
- Good balance and stability
Grip: The Thing You’ll Notice First
Nothing ruins a session faster than slipping.
- PVC → often slippery
- Cork → grips more with sweat
- Jute → naturally textured and grippy
- Rubber → strong base grip so your mat doesn't slide around
👉 If in doubt, prioritise grip.
Do You Need an Expensive Yoga Mat?
Not necessarily.
But here’s what usually happens:
- Cheap mat → wears out → gets replaced
- Quality mat → lasts years → better experience
💡 It’s not about price—it’s about long-term value.
👉 If you are debating whether a more expensive yoga mat is a good investment, check out our blog Are Expensive Yoga Mats Worth It? (What You're Really Paying For)
A Simple Way to Choose
If you just want the quick answer:
👉 Go for jute + natural rubber if you want:
- Natural, textured feel
- A grounded grippy connection
- A great all-rounder
👉 Go for cork + natural rubber if you want:
- Maximum grip when you sweat
- Smooth, premium feel
- Best performance (especially for sweaty sessions)
👉 If you are still deciding, check out our blog - Cork vs Jute Yoga Mats: Which One Should You Choose?
If you're looking for exceptional grip without PVC, TPE or plasticisers, our award-winning Connected Eco Yoga Mat was designed specifically for this. Prefer cork? Our Affinity Cork Yoga Mat combines a natural cork surface with a supportive natural rubber base, offering a non-toxic alternative with excellent grip and comfort.
Common Beginner Mistakes (Quick Heads Up)
Avoid these and you’ll save yourself time (and money):
- Choosing based on price alone
- Ignoring grip
- Buying overly thick mats
- Not considering material
Final Thoughts
Choosing a yoga mat doesn’t need to be complicated.
Focus on:
- Grip
- Natural materials
- Something you actually want to use
Because the best yoga mat is the one you’ll keep coming back to.
Want to know exactly what our mats are made from? Explore our Transparency & Materials page to learn about our materials, independent testing and sustainability commitments.
🌿 Ready to Find Your Mat?
If you’re looking for a mat that feels good, performs well, and is made from natural materials, our range is designed to support your practice from day one.
👉 Explore our range of sustainable yoga mats.
👉 If you’re still learning about materials, check out our guide on how safe your yoga mat really is
Why thousands of Australian yogis choose Second Earth
⭐ 350+ verified 5-star reviews
🧪 Independently tested for harmful substances
🌿 Biodegradable natural rubber & jute or cork
🏆 Clean + Conscious Award Winner