Best Yoga Mat for Beginners in 2026 – Top Picks

Quick Facts
  • Topic: Best yoga mat for beginners
  • Best for: New yoga practitioners
  • Key features: Grip, comfort, support
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Updated: 2026

Choosing the best yoga mat for beginners plays a major role in how comfortable and safe your practice feels. When you are new to yoga, balance, grip, and joint support matter more than advanced features or branding.

This guide focuses on beginner-friendly yoga mats that offer steady grip, proper cushioning, and long-term durability. Each option below suits different needs, whether you practice at home, attend studio classes, or travel often.

Yoga Mat Thickness Material Best For Price (UK)
Lululemon The Mat 5mm 5mm Rubber / PU All-round beginner use £78–£88
Liforme Original Yoga Mat 4.2mm Natural rubber Grip and alignment £120–£140
Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip 5mm PVC Budget beginners £40–£55
Yogamatters Sticky Mat 4mm PVC Travel use £25–£35
Alo Yoga Warrior Mat 4.2mm Rubber All-round practice £90–£110
Lululemon Take Form 6mm Rubber Extra joint support £118–£138
Yogi Bare Teddy Mat 4mm Microfiber Style and comfort £65–£80
Yoga Studio Vegan Suede 4mm Microfiber Vegan option £55–£70

Best Overall

Lululemon The Mat 5mm

The Lululemon The Mat 5mm is a reliable choice for beginners who want comfort and grip without overthinking technical details. Its double-sided surface lets you switch between a smoother or more textured feel, depending on your practice.

Lululemon The Mat 5mm
(Image taken from Amazon)

The 5mm thickness provides steady joint support during seated and kneeling poses. This makes it suitable for beginners still working on balance and alignment.

Best Non-Slip Yoga Mat for Beginners

Liforme Original

The Liforme Original Yoga Mat focuses heavily on grip, which helps beginners stay steady during standing poses. Even with light sweating, the surface remains stable.

Liforme Original
(Image taken from Amazon)

Another benefit is the printed alignment markings, which help new users understand hand and foot placement. This makes learning basic poses easier and safer.

Best Affordable Yoga Mat for Beginners

Gaiam Sol Studio Select Dry-Grip

The Gaiam Sol Studio Select Dry-Grip Yoga Mat suits beginners who want solid performance at a lower price. The PVC material keeps weight down and offers dependable traction.

Gaiam Sol Studio Select Dry-Grip
(Image taken from Amazon)

Its 5mm cushioning protects knees and wrists during floor poses. For home practice, it offers good comfort at a low cost.

Travel Yoga Mat

Yogamatters Sticky

The Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat is light and easy to carry. It fits well into backpacks or small bags, making it useful for travel or studio classes.

Yogamatters Sticky
(Image taken from Amazon)

Despite its thinner design, it still offers enough grip for basic yoga routines. This makes it a practical choice for beginners who practice in different locations.

Best All-Round Yoga Mat for Beginners

Alo Yoga Warrior Mat

The Alo Yoga Warrior Mat balances grip, comfort, and durability. It works well for beginners who expect their practice to grow beyond basic poses.

Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
(Image taken from Amazon)

The mat remains stable on smooth floors and supports both slow and moderate-paced sessions. It suits users who want one mat for long-term use.

Thick Yoga Mat

Lululemon Take Form

The Lululemon Take Form Yoga Mat offers extra thickness, which helps protect joints during longer sessions. Beginners who experience knee or wrist discomfort often prefer this added padding.

The textured surface helps guide positioning, making it easier to stay aligned during poses. The added weight keeps the mat from shifting during practice.

Best Stylish Yoga Mat for Beginners

Yogi Bare Teddy Lightweight Yoga Mat

The Yogi Bare Teddy Lightweight Yoga Mat combines comfort with visual appeal. Its soft surface feels gentle during floor poses.

Yogi Bare Teddy Lightweight Yoga Mat
(Image taken from Amazon)

This mat works well for beginners who want a lighter mat that still offers decent grip. It also folds easily for transport.

Vegan Yoga Mat

Yoga Studio Vegan Suede Microfiber Yoga Mat

The Yoga Studio Vegan Suede Microfiber Yoga Mat is made without animal-based materials. The microfiber surface becomes grippier as moisture builds.

Yoga Studio Vegan Suede Microfiber Yoga Mat
(Image taken from Amazon)

It is also machine washable, which helps beginners keep the mat clean with minimal effort.

How to Choose the Best Yoga Mat for Beginners

When selecting the best yoga mat for beginners, focus on grip, thickness, and ease of care. Thicker mats help protect joints, while stable surfaces improve balance.

If your routine includes strength or floor-based movement, you may also find the best lower ab exercises for women helpful alongside yoga practice.

For flexibility and muscle balance, pairing yoga with the best leg workouts for women can support overall fitness.

FAQs

What thickness is best for beginner yoga mats?

Most beginners feel comfortable with mats between 4mm and 6mm.

Do beginners need a non-slip yoga mat?

Yes. A good grip helps prevent slipping and improves balance.

Are thicker yoga mats better for beginners?

Thicker mats help protect joints, especially during floor poses.

Is a travel yoga mat good for beginners?

Travel mats work well if portability matters, but thicker mats offer more comfort.

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  • Anne Williams

    Anne Williams is a passionate wordsmith, blending creativity with expertise in SEO to craft captivating content. With a penchant for concise yet compelling prose, she brings stories to life and leaves readers craving more. When she's not penning her next masterpiece, you can find her exploring new coffee shops or lost in the pages of a good book.

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