Some people find themselves on the mat. We like to take it one step further and be one with the mat. Seriously though, the notion of having a heart-opening practice that helps you understand yourself better can start with simply choosing a mat that’s a reflection of who you are. Just like with colorful leggings and bold fitnesswear, we’re no longer confined to blahsé prints and basic black when it comes to our yoga mats. Whether you’re into intricate artwork and adventure-seeking or prefer LBDs all day every day, your yoga gear should reflect who you are not only on the mat, but off the mat as well. Busybody? Optimist? Addicted to sweat? There’s a mat for that. We’ve got the lowdown on 10 mats for all the personality types out there…
THE DREAMER: La Vie Boheme Yoga Dreamer Mat
THE DREAMER: La Vie Boheme Yoga Dreamer MatWe’re self-proclaimed dreamers – so it’s no surprise we’ve been lusting over this mat since it launched last year. Created by travelers, friends, and yoginis Yvette Charlton and Michaela Moryskova, this dreamcatcher-adorned mat makes sure that when you lay down for savasana, your dreams are being kept safe.
THE ADVENTURER: Grey Area x Daniel Arsham Mat
THE ADVENTURER: Grey Area x Daniel Arsham MatThrill-seeker? Horizon-gazer? Meet your spirit mat. This collab between Grey Area and New York artist Daniel Arsham’s Square Out Of The Moon series reminds you that there’s not just a whole-wied-world out there for you to conquer, but a whole universe as well.
THE SWEAT ADDICT: Gaiam Hot Yoga Mat
THE SWEAT ADDICT: Gaiam Hot Yoga MatIf hot yoga’s your thing – or if you’re just into working up a major sweat in your power flow class – this is the mat for you. Not only does this lightweight cushioned mat have a built-in microfiber top cover to keep your grip steady, it’s a cheery bright orange that’s just as hot as your asana.
THE HAUTE HIPPIE: Adidias By Stella McCartney Mat
THE HAUTE HIPPIE: Adidias By Stella McCartney MatDesigner jeans, designer sunglasses, designer…yoga mats? Why not! Just like your favorite handbag-turned-clutch, Adidas by Stella McCartney’s rubber yoga mat naturally comes with a detachable twill strap so you can easily carry it to and from class in style.
THE TRAVEL JUNKIE: La Vie Boheme Yoga Rug
THE TRAVEL JUNKIE: La Vie Boheme Yoga RugThis is our all-time favorite non-mat yoga mat. Featured in our grounding yoga flow, we’re obsessed with this tribal “yoga rug” – a mat alternative that’s been traditionally used for Mysore style Ashtanga practice in India for centuries (but works wonderfully for any flow). Whether you’re headed to practice on the sandy beach or doing Tadasana whilst trailblazing, this lightweight, flexible rug moves with you, not against you.
THE OPTIMIST: Liforme Mat
THE OPTIMIST: Liforme MatOh hello, cheery mat! Maybe it’s all the green juice we chug every day, but in our opinion, there’s not a lot cheerier than a pop of fresh-cut-grass green. If your glass is eternally half full, this cushiony Liforme mat is for you. Just try not smiling through down dog.
THE MOMMY YOGI: The Happy Yogi Children's Mat
THE MOMMY YOGI: The Happy Yogi Children's MatGot your kids on the yoga train early? You’re not alone. Created by a New York yoga instructor frustrated by the fact that there were zero eco-friendly mats for preschoolers, this toddler-friendly mat is perfect for getting your little one in on your practice alongside you.
THE ARTIST: Magic Carpet Yoga Mat
THE ARTIST: Magic Carpet Yoga MatWe love all of Magic Carpet Yoga’s handpainted motifs, but this colorful design is what recently caught our artistic eye. Fun fact: the prints are digitally transferred onto each mat using non-toxic ink, meaning you can feel just as good about your accessories as you do about your asana practice.
THE BUSYBODY: Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Mat
THE BUSYBODY: Manduka eKO Superlite Travel MatIf you’re always on the go, you can’t be bothered with a big bulky mat! Get your hands on The Manduka eKO Superlite Travel mat, which is not only made for high-performance, but is only two measly pounds. Not just that – it folds up so well, you can just stash it inside your gym bag and hit the road.
THE MINIMALIST: Gaiam Athletic Yoga Mat
THE MINIMALIST: Gaiam Athletic Yoga MatSo you’re biggest quirk is that you only own four different outfits, or your makeup routine is exactly two steps long – this is the mat for you. In a chic black-and-grey combo, it’s got more space and padding for those difficult extended poses – so the only complicated thing you need to worry about is how to actually twist your way out of them
