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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
🌿 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?
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.
🌿 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