When doing yoga at home or in your favorite local studio, the most essential is to pick the type of mat with the right thickness. In this blog, we will discuss the various thicknesses of yoga mats, the pro's and con's of each type, and how to choose the right thickness for your needs (apart from your favorite design of course ;). 

Thicknesses of Yoga Mats

Yoga mats come in different thicknesses, ranging from as thin as 1 mm to as thick as 10 mm. The most common thicknesses are 1 mm, 3.5 mm and 5-6 mm. Here's a breakdown of the different thicknesses and their benefits:

Yoga mats of 1 mm

These ultra-thin mats are typically made of lightweight materials are often used for travel or for practicing yoga on the go. They are not recommended for daily use as they offer little support and may not provide enough cushioning for your joints during more challenging poses.  However, if you are on a trip to Ibiza, Bali or enjoying a city-trip - they are a perfect solution for bringing your practice. 

Yoga mats of 3.5 mm

This is the standard thickness for most yoga mats and for a very good reason: They provide a good balance of both cushioning and stability, making them ideal for most styles of yoga, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Power yoga. They are also lightweight and easy to transport - so you can easily roll it out in-house, as well as in your fav yoga school. Our YogaBarna mats have been launched with this thickness, to allow for different and mainly dynamic yoga types. They also are a great option for pilates by the way; soft and stable. 

Yoga mats of 5 mm or more

These thick mats provide extra cushioning and support, making them ideal for restorative yoga, Yin yoga, and other styles that involve long holds and stretches. They may also be a good option for those with joint issues or injuries. However, they tend to be heavier and bulkier than thinner mats, which can make them more difficult to carry them to the studio. Mainly used for in-house practices. 

Choosing the Right Thickness

When it comes to choosing the right thickness for your yoga mat, there are a few factors to consider:

• Your body type: If you have a heavier build or suffer from joint pain, you may want to opt for a thicker mat to provide extra cushioning and support.

• The type of yoga you practice: If you practice a more active style of yoga like Power yoga, you may want a thinner mat that provides more stability and grip. If you practice a more gentle style like Yin yoga, you may want a thicker mat that provides more cushioning and support.

• Your level of experience: If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a thicker mat to provide extra support and cushioning as you learn the poses. As you become more experienced, you may find that you prefer a thinner mat that allows for more stability and grounding.

• Portability: If you travel frequently or need to take your yoga mat to and from class, you may want to opt for a thinner mat that is lightweight and easy to transport.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right thickness for your yoga mat is important for your comfort and safety during your yoga practice. Consider your body type, the type of yoga you practice, your level of experience, and the portability of the mat when making your decision. Whether you opt for a thin mat for travel or a thick mat for extra cushioning, make sure to choose a mat that feels comfortable and supportive for your individual needs. For our first YogaBarna collection, we decided to get best of both worlds - the middle variant of 3.5 mm. Get them here!