Mat Thickness

Mat thickness is measured in millimeters and is one of the most important specifications when choosing a yoga mat. It directly determines how much cushioning the mat provides, how stable you feel, and how easy the mat is to transport.

Thickness Guide

1-2mm (Travel/Folding mats): Ultra-thin and lightweight. Designed for travel as a hygiene layer over studio mats. Not suitable as a standalone practice mat for any practice with floor contact.

3mm (Thin performance mats): Used by experienced practitioners who want maximum ground feel and stability. Common among Ashtanga practitioners and others who prefer close contact with the floor. Not recommended for those with sensitive joints.

4mm (Standard): The sweet spot for most practitioners — balances cushioning with stability. Works for a wide range of practices.

5mm (Moderate extra cushioning): Popular for beginners and those with mild joint sensitivity. Still provides good stability for balance poses.

6mm (Extra cushioning): Noticeably softer landing. Recommended for beginners, those with knee or wrist pain, and restorative/Yin yoga. Balance can be slightly compromised.

8-10mm (Maximum cushioning): Primarily for restorative yoga, physical therapy, or Pilates. Too unstable for standing yoga poses in most cases.

The Stability Trade-off

As thickness increases, stability decreases. A thick, spongy mat requires more ankle and foot engagement to stabilize in balance poses. Experienced practitioners often find this extra work makes balance poses harder — they prefer thin mats for the ground feedback they provide.

Material Affects Perception

The same thickness feels different in different materials. A 4mm natural rubber mat feels denser and more supportive than a 4mm PVC or TPE mat due to rubber's higher density.