# Best Yoga Mat UK: Non-Slip Grip for Every Practice > The best yoga mat in the UK is a natural rubber mat, offering the best grip even when damp. Everyday 6mm mats suit value seekers, cork suits hot sessions, and folding mats suit travel. URL: https://liftrepublic.com/learn/best-yoga-mat-uk · Published 2026-10-25 · Updated 2026-10-25 · By Bez, Founder & Head Coach, Lift Republic ## Key takeaways - Natural rubber mats give the best grip, even when your hands are damp, so you stay steady in every pose. - Everyday 6mm mats offer the best value, feel light to roll and wipe clean after each session. - Cork mats grip better when damp, making them the pick for hot sessions and sweaty flows. - Thick 10 to 15mm exercise mats suit home workouts, cushioning knees, hips and spine, though they are too soft for balance poses. - Yoga can improve flexibility and balance (moderate evidence). NHS guidelines advise strength, balance and flexibility activities on at least 2 days a week (strong evidence). ## The short answer The best yoga mat depends on where and how you train. For grip, pick a natural rubber mat. For everyday value, a 6mm mat is hard to beat. Yoga can improve flexibility and balance (moderate evidence). A mat that stops you sliding lets you focus on the pose. Bez picks by grip, thickness, length, weight and care. Find your type fast: - **Natural rubber yoga mat:** Best if you want the most grip, even when your hands are damp. Bez's pick: Liforme Classic Yoga Mat. - **Everyday 6mm yoga mat:** Best if you want good value. Light, easy to roll, and wipes clean. Bez's pick: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 6mm. - **Cork yoga mat:** Best for hot sessions. Cork grips better when damp. - **Thick exercise mat (10 to 15mm):** Best for home workouts. Extra cushioning for knees, hips and spine. Too soft for balance poses. - **Folding travel yoga mat:** Best for travel. Folds into a bag. Less cushioning than a full mat. Use the comparison and buttons above to find your match. ## How to choose a yoga mat Bez checks six things when he picks a mat. Work through this table before you buy. | What to check | What good looks like | Why it matters | |---|---|---| | Grip, dry and damp | Stays put when your hands and feet are dry, and when they are sweaty | Slipping ruins balance poses and can cause falls | | Thickness | 4 to 6mm for yoga. 10 to 15mm for floor workouts | Thin gives you feel and balance. Thick gives knees, hips and spine a softer landing | | Length and width | Long enough for your whole body, wide enough to move your arms | A mat that is too short leaves your heels or head hanging off | | Weight to carry | Light enough that you will actually bring it to class | The best mat is the one you use | | Material and care | Natural rubber grips well. Cork grips better when damp | Good care keeps your mat clean and grippy for longer | | How it feels on hard floors | Firm, stable and cushioned enough for knees and hips | Hard floors feel uncomfortable without enough cushioning | Yoga can improve flexibility and balance (moderate evidence). Wipe your mat after each session. Dry it flat or hanging, out of direct sun. Natural rubber can smell at first and may not suit anyone with a latex allergy. Bez's picks: the Liforme Classic Yoga Mat for grip, and the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 6mm for everyday use. ## Use your yoga mat safely and get more from every session Your mat helps you hold poses steady. Use it well, and you will get more from every session. Yoga can improve flexibility and balance (moderate evidence). Grip matters here. A mat that stays put lets you focus on your breathing and form. Match the mat to the job. Cork grips better when it's damp, so it suits hot sessions. A thick exercise mat (10 to 15mm) gives extra cushioning for knees, hips and spine, but it is too soft for balance poses. A folding travel yoga mat folds into a bag for trips. Adults should do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility on at least 2 days a week (strong evidence, NHS guidelines). Yoga fits that goal. For strength, try [simple home workouts](/learn/simple-home-workouts-no-equipment) that need no kit. Look after your mat so it lasts: - Wipe it after each session. - Dry it flat or hanging, out of direct sun. - Natural rubber can smell at first. If you have a latex allergy, choose a different type. Start with a gentle warm-up, and move slowly into new poses. You can read more in [how to warm up before a workout](/learn/how-to-warm-up-before-a-workout). General information, not medical advice. ## FAQs ### Which is the best yoga mat in the UK? Bez's top pick for grip is the Liforme Classic Yoga Mat, a natural rubber mat. Natural rubber stays grippy even when your hands are damp. For everyday value, Bez likes the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 6mm. It is light, easy to roll and cushioned for knees and hips. ### What is the best non slip yoga mat? Natural rubber is the best non slip choice. It is grippy, even when your hands are damp, and dense and stable underfoot. Prefer a cork yoga mat for hot sessions. Cork grips better when it's damp, and its rubber base stops it sliding. ### How thick should a yoga mat be? Choose 4 to 6mm for yoga. For floor workouts at home, choose 10 to 15mm. Thick exercise mats add extra cushioning for knees, hips and spine. But they are often too soft for balance poses, so keep yoga on a thinner mat. See our [home gym equipment](/learn/home-gym-equipment) guide. ### Is natural rubber OK for a latex allergy? Not always. Natural rubber may not suit people with a latex allergy. It can also smell at first. Check the material before you buy if latex affects you. If you have a latex allergy, choose a different type. ### Does yoga improve balance and flexibility? Yes, yoga can improve flexibility and balance (moderate evidence). Adults should do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility on at least 2 days a week (strong evidence, NHS guidelines). Ready to start? Try a [mobility routine for lifters](/learn/mobility-routine-for-lifters). ## Sources - [Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-guidelines/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults-aged-19-to-64/) — NHS - [Strength and flexibility exercises](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/strength-and-flexibility-exercises/) — NHS - [Exercise](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/) — NHS