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If you practice yoga, Pilates, or simply enjoy stretching on the floor, your mat is more than a piece of foam — it’s the foundation of your practice. Picking the right yoga mat in the UK can feel overwhelming: grip, thickness, material, and price all matter. In this guide I'll walk you through the top picks you can find in the UK — including the stylish Björn Borg mats — and explain how to choose a mat that fits your body, your practice, and your budget. Ready to roll out something that actually makes you want to stay on the mat?
A good mat does three jobs: it cushions your joints, prevents slipping, and gives you a consistent surface so your alignment and balance improve. Cheap, slippery mats can make poses feel precarious, while the wrong thickness might leave your knees complaining. Think of your mat like your running shoes: the right pair helps you perform, the wrong pair slows you down and sometimes causes pain.
Björn Borg has built a reputation for sporty, fashion-forward activewear, and their yoga mats follow that trend. If you like a combination of clean design, solid grip, and a mat that looks as good rolled up as it does unrolled, Borg’s mats are worth a look. They aim to blend everyday style with workout functionality, which appeals if your mat doubles as a gym or studio accessory.
The Borg Yoga Mat usually comes in a standard length of about 72 inches with a width near 24 inches, and thickness options around 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch. That thin-to-medium cushioning gives good floor feedback for standing poses while still offering enough padding for seated work. The top surface often features a textured pattern that enhances grip, and the dense material helps avoid a spongy feel that can compromise balance. If you want a mat that looks smart in your living room and performs well in a Vinyasa flow, Björn Borg offering hits a nice middle ground.
While Björn Borg is a standout, the UK market is full of excellent options. From premium brands with lifetime warranties to budget choices that still offer great value, here are stores and brands you’ll want to check out before committing.
Lululemon’s mats are famous for their exceptional grip and robust feel. Typically thicker than basic mats — often around 1/4 inch — they provide excellent cushioning for joints and breathe confidence in steady poses. If you practice a lot of standing balances or enjoy longer sessions, a mat from Lululemon can feel like an investment in your practice.
Sweaty Betty blends fashion with functionality, offering mats with bold colours and practical features. Their mats often strike a balance between cushion and grip, and they design with movement in mind — think classes that transition quickly from standing sequences to floor work. If you like your kit to look and perform well, they’re worth visiting.
Decathlon is where many go for reliable, no-nonsense gear that doesn’t break the bank. Their yoga mats are surprisingly solid for the price, typically in the 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch thickness range, and they often offer a range of sizes including travel-friendly options. Ideal for beginners or for people who like to keep a spare mat around the house.
John Lewis stocks a curated selection of mats from trusted brands. Buying there can feel reassuring: quality checks, clear product descriptions, and the ability to see and feel a mat in person at some locations. Prices vary across entry-level to premium, making it a good place to compare options side by side.
Argos is a go-to for affordable everyday mats. You’ll find entry-level options that are great for light use, stretching, and beginners. While these mats may not have the longevity of premium alternatives, they’re a sensible starting point if you’re trying to find out what you like without spending a lot up front.
Amazon gives you the broadest selection, from boutique brands to mass-market picks. The real advantage is user reviews: you can read firsthand how a mat performs in sweaty conditions, how it stands up to daily use, and whether it retains grip over time. Just be wary of confusing descriptions and check material details carefully.
Big sports chains and specialist stores often carry mats geared towards exercise classes, gym use, and sports training. These mats can be robust and budget-friendly, and many stores stock thicker options ideal for Pilates or general fitness work where extra cushioning matters.
Choosing a mat is part practical decision, part personal taste. Below are the key features to weigh when you pick your next mat.
Thickness is usually the first thing people notice. Thin mats around 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch are great for travel and provide excellent floor feel, which helps your balance. Mats closer to 1/4 inch or thicker work well for people who want extra joint protection, especially in seated poses or kneeling work. If you’re unsure, 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch is a good compromise for most UK practitioners.
Mats can be PVC, TPE, natural rubber, cork, or a mix. PVC gives durability and strong grip but isn’t the greenest choice. Natural rubber and cork are more eco-friendly and provide excellent traction, but can be heavier and sometimes have a distinct smell at first. If sustainability matters to you, look for mats made from natural or recycled materials and check whether the brand discloses production practices.
Grip determines how confidently you hold poses — especially in hot or sweaty conditions. Textured surfaces or materials that become grippier when wet help prevent slipping. If you flow through Vinyasa or practice hot yoga, prioritize a mat with a textured top layer or one designed specifically for high-grip performance.
Standard mats are about 68 to 72 inches long and roughly 24 inches wide, which suits most people. Taller practitioners should look for longer mats (around 74 to 80 inches). If you travel or cycle to classes, choose a lightweight mat or a foldable travel mat that fits neatly into a carry bag.
Your practice style should guide your choice. Here’s what works best depending on the way you move.
Hot yoga demands a mat with exceptional grip and sweat-handling. Look for rubber or high-grip synthetic mats with a textured surface; some brands offer towel-like top layers designed to absorb moisture. Thickness around 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch usually works well — thin enough for balance, thick enough for comfort.
Pilates often requires more cushioning because of prolonged floor work. Mats closer to 1/4 inch or thicker provide the support you need. A denser foam helps with stability during controlled movements and protects your spine and hips during repeated repetitions.
If you’re always on the move, travel mats that fold or roll into a compact bundle are invaluable. These tend to be thinner — around 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch — and weigh less, making them easy to carry in a backpack or suitcase. You sacrifice a bit of cushioning for portability, but many experienced yogis prefer the floor feedback they provide.
Keep your mat fresh and safe with a few simple steps. Wipe it down after sweaty sessions with a mild cleaner or diluted vinegar solution to avoid damaging natural-rubber mats. Air the mat out fully before rolling to prevent mildew. For deep cleaning, check the manufacturer instructions — some mats can be hand-washed, while others must never be submerged. Proper care extends a mat’s life and keeps it smelling pleasant.
How much should you spend on a yoga mat? If you practice occasionally, a budget mat from Decathlon or Argos might be perfect. For daily practice, invest in a higher-end mat from brands like Lululemon or a quality rubber mat from a specialist brand — these often last longer and maintain grip better. Think of it like a chair: if you sit on it all day, you buy the one that supports you. If you only sit occasionally, a cheaper option works fine.
Testing in person is the best way to know if a mat suits you. Stand in Warrior II and notice how your foot feels; try Downward Dog to see if your hands slip; kneel to check knee comfort. Walk through a few flow sequences if the store allows. Pay attention not just to initial cushion but to how the mat reacts under pressure and whether it compresses too much — that’s the difference between temporary comfort and long-term support.
Avoid buying solely on price or looks. A flashy pattern won’t stop you from slipping. Don’t assume a thick mat is always better — too thick can reduce balance in standing poses. Also, don’t overlook material: a cheap PVC mat might crumble over months, while a mid-range natural rubber mat could last years if cared for properly.
Choosing the right yoga mat in the UK is a personal mix of comfort, grip, eco-credentials, and budget. Björn Borg offers a stylish and solid middle option, but the market has something for everyone: Lululemon for luxury grip, Decathlon for dependable value, and many other brands to match specific needs like hot yoga or travel. Test where you can, consider how often you’ll use the mat, and pick a size and thickness that match your body and practice. With the right mat under you, your practice becomes more comfortable, more confident, and frankly more enjoyable.
Now go try a few mats out — your future self in Savasana will thank you.
| Yoga & Pilates Mats | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Borg Yoga Mat | £ 36,- |
