Which Material is Best for Yoga Mat

Do you want to know about the materials the yoga mats are made of, before you decide to buy a new one Which Material is Best for Yoga Mat?

I think this is the most important aspect because your safety & protection, and performance depend on the yoga mat material. A few years ago, yoga mats came in a few basic materials with specific colors. But now, the world has changed with the tech.

Now you can find yoga mats in lots of colors and materials and all the materials have their advantages. The popularity of Yoga is increasing daily as it has a good impact on our physical & mental health. By understanding the real benefits of different materials, you can finalize the right one for you. So,

Let’s take a look a little deeper regarding which material is best for yoga mat

There are several types of materials for yoga mats

PVC Yoga Mat Material:

Polyvinyl Chloride is the most common material used to make yoga mats. This was the first material in which yoga mats came across the market. The PVC is built with organochlorides, they are toxic or dangerous. This chemical is used to build sewage pipes, shower curtains etc. This material is opened cells that’s why they absorb germs easily for a long time and are not suitable or eco-friendly for the environment.

Pros & Cons of PVC Yoga Mat Material:

Pros

• It’s a lightweight material so easy to carry
• A good option for beginners due to its grip and traction
• Easy to clean
• Affordable & widely available

Cons

• As I mentioned earlier in the article, not Eco-friendly and can be the cause of harm
• It becomes slippery when wet
• Are not biodegradable
• Absorb germs and can emit odor

Eco-Friendly TPE Material for Yoga Mat

TPE is also a type of plastic having elastic properties so, it’s easily molded and reused but difficult to recycle. You can say a good alternative for PVC.

Pros and Cons of TPE material for Yoga Mat

Pros

• It is lightweight and easy to carry
• TPE mats are not harmful due to non-toxic chemicals
• A good option for beginners due to its grip and traction
• TPE mats are eco-friendly and comfortable

Cons

• TPE mats are not very durable
• Expensive as compared to PVC
• Can be slippery on wet
• Not good in grip & has a light smell

NBR Synthetic Rubber Yoga Mat Material

Stands for nitrile butadiene rubber material commonly used in automotive. This material is also used to make yoga mats due to its cushioning and good insulation but it’s not eco-friendly and can release some harmful chemicals during its production which is why, most countries don’t produce mats from it.

Pros and Cons of NBR Synthetic Rubber Yoga Mat Material

Pros

• It is Durable and long-lasting
• Non-slippery
• Best for cushioning, it means best for joints
• Affordable & easy to clean

Cons

• NBR mats are not eco-friendly
• Also not biodegradable
• NBR mats are not lightweight with strong smell
• Not good for grip and traction

EVA (Ethylene Vinyl acetate) Yoga Mats Material

This material is commonly used in toys, soles of shoes, sports helmets etc. So, this means this material will be light in weight and will not be expensive. EVA Mats are good for cushioning and have different thicknesses. EVA material is anti-bacterial and water-resistant due to its closed-cell structure.

Pros and Cons of EVA Yoga Mats Material

Pros

• Light in Weight so it easy to carry
• Affordable & easy to clean due to closed-cell structure
• Durable or long-lasting with care
• Good for cushioning

Cons

• Could have an unpleasant odor
• EVA mats are not eco-friendly
• Less traction & loss cushioning with time

PU Yoga Mat Material

PU stands for Polyurethane which are synthetic polymers. Natural rubber and polyurethane (PU) mat material is popular among people who have concerned with good grip and cushioning. This material is used in coating of furniture, paints, padding, fibers and adhesives.

Pros and Cons of PU Yoga Mat Material

Pros

• PU mats are eco-friendly
• Durable & Long-lasting
• Biodegradable and good in grip and traction
• Easy to Clean
• Comfortable & providing cushioning

Cons

• Can be more expensive than other materials
• Texture may not be suitable for all
• Can be compressed with heavy use
• PU mats are not environment-friendly

Jute Yoga Mats Material

Jute yoga mats are durable and long-lasting mats due to their sustainability. These mats are eco-friendly and do not absorb moisture due to fibrous material.

Pros and Cons of Jute Yoga Mats Material

Pros

• Jute is a natural & non-toxic a highly anti-bacterial material
• Biodegradable & Eco-friendly
• Best for grip and traction
• Durable & Long-lasting

Cons

• Less cushioning compared to others
• Can be heavy after absorbing moisture
• Rough texture and not easy to wash
• Can slippery after the frequent use

Wool Yoga Mats

The wool yoga mats are considered best for indoor yoga practice due to their sustainability. The wool mats are perfect for calmer types of yoga i.e. meditation yoga, mantra etc. The wool mats are biodegradable long-lasting and offer good cushioning.

Pros and Cons of Wool Yoga Mats

Pros

• Good in grip and traction
• Biodegradable
• Durable & Long-lasting
• Best for joints due to cushioning
• Comfortable & anti-bacterial

Cons

• Can be the cause of allergies
• Not available easily
• Not suitable for too much sweaty or hot yoga
• Not easy to carry due to heaviness & not easy to clean

Cork Yoga Mat Material

This material is made from the cortex of an oak tree. Usually, cork yoga mats have different materials on both sides one side is built with cork and the other side has a different material to make it non-slippery. So it provides us better grip even in wet conditions. Normally these mat materials are mixed with PU or TPE to become eco-friendly.

Pros and Cons of Cork Yoga Mat Material

Pros

• Non-Slipper & provides good grip
• Eco-friendly and sustainable
• Durable & Long-lasting
• Best for joints due to cushioning
• Comfortable & anti-bacterial

Cons

• Expensive than the other mat types
• Not easy to carry due to heaviness & not easy to clean
• Not available easily
• The upper surface can be cracked easily

Cotton and Hemp Yoga Mat Material

Always try to go for the organic option, if you have a plan to buy a cotton yoga mat. These mats have been widely used in yoga since old age due to their grip even in wet conditions. These mats are easily washable, easy to clean and carry.

Pros and Cons of Cotton and Hemp Yoga Mat Material

Pros

• Non-toxic natural material
• Non-Slipper & provides good grip
• Eco-friendly and sustainable
• Durable & Long-lasting
• Comfortable & anti-bacterial

Cons

• Less cushioning
• Not easy to carry due to heaviness
• Not easy to clean
• Can be shrink

Which Material is Best for Yoga Mat?

So, it depends on your choice and requirements. If your first concern is comfortability and safety then TPE yoga mats can be proved good for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a price-friendly yoga mat you can choose a PVC or other plastic material mat. Again in simple words, it depends on the requirements that you have.