Yoga mats come in all shapes, sizes, and most importantly materials. One of the most widely used mat materials is PVC because it makes a great mat due to its grip, durability and price point. Unfortunately, there is no safe way to create, use or destroy these mats. PVC can't be recycled due to the toxins embedded within it, and when it's incinerated or buried in landfills it releases dioxin, a known carcinogen. Thankfully, in today’s environmentally conscious world, yoga mats made of eco-friendly material are becoming more popular. The following list describes earth friendly materials used by both beginners and yogis alike.
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber yoga mats are good for all styles of yoga. Natural rubber mats are made sustainably with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a renewable resource. In a sense, natural rubber mat is everything a yogi want in a yoga mat – eco-friendly, incredible grip and great comfort. Rubber is comfortable on the body, and makes the perfect surface on which to perform yoga. If you’re someone who’s allergic to latex, however, rubber could cause an allergic reaction.
Good for: Hot (Bikram, Baptiste), Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa
Cork
Corks Mats are excellent for both wet and dry conditions because of its non-slip surface. The cork is harvested by stripping down the bark of trees, which naturally regrows. There’s no cutting down or wasteful residue in the process, making it an ideal renewable resource. Cork contains a waxy substance called suberin which has the property of naturally repelling small vermin and insects. This makes cork surface resistant to the growth and colonization of these organisms to promote the healthiest & clean surface for Yoga practice. It is ideal for people prone to allergic reactions.
Good for: Hot (Bikram, Baptiste), Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa
Jute
Nicknamed the “Golden Fibre,” Jute is a natural fiber plant grown primarily in India, Bangladesh and China. Highly versatile, jute combines breathability with high tensile strength. Jute has natural insulating, anti-static and antimicrobial properties and is completely biodegradable. The reason it makes such a great yoga mat is that it’s a natural fiber that’s both highly grippy and sweat absorbent. It’s often blended with rubber to reduce the abrasive surface of the natural fiber.
Microfiber
Microfiber Yoga towels absorb sweat and increase in grip to prevent sliding on the mat and risking injury. They also prevent the mat from moving by prohibiting sweat from seeping within. Additionally, towels can protect from dirty mats if you are using one from the studio.
Cotton
The mat made using cotton has a soft surface that cushions your body and does not irritate the skin. It also leaves no bad impact on the environment. Cotton Yoga Mats are light in weight, so they are easily carried wherever you go for performing yoga poses. The fabric is easy to maintain and can easily be washed and dried. Cotton is ideal for hot yoga and doesn’t get too hot under the sun.
Our yoga mat collection contains specially selected brands for each of the materials described above. Shop Yoga to find mat you desire.
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