Thick yoga mat or thin: which choice suits you?

Standing in the shop and don’t know which yoga mat to choose? That thick yoga mat looks lovely and comfortable, but that thin mat is so convenient to take with you. We’ll compare thick vs thin yoga mat for you.

Choosing a yoga mat goes beyond just the colour or brand. The thickness determines how comfortably you practise yoga. A thick yoga mat offers different benefits than a thin mat. But then, what are those differences exactly?

Differences thick yoga mats

A thick yoga mat has a thickness of 6 to 6.5 millimetres. Think of mats like the KURMA CORE or KURMA GECO. These mats offer superior cushioning for your knees, hips, wrists and spine.

You’ll especially feel the difference when practising on hard floors like concrete or tiles. The mat insulates well against cold. Perfect for gentle yoga styles like Yin, prenatal yoga or therapeutic yoga.

The benefits of a thick yoga mat:

• Excellent joint protection
• Good insulation against cold floors
• Comfortable for long-held poses
• Ideal for restorative yoga styles

But there are also disadvantages. A thick mat is heavier to carry around. For dynamic, sweaty yoga where grip and stability are more important than cushioning, a thin mat often suits better.

The benefits of thin yoga mats

Thin yoga mats have a thickness between 1.5 and 3 millimetres. They’re lighter and you roll them up easily for transport. Ideal if you travel often or do yoga away from home.

For balance poses, thin mats offer a stable base. You feel the ground better, which helps with your posture and stability.

The benefits of thin mats:

• Light and easy to carry
• Perfect stability for balance
• Suitable for travel and outdoor yoga
• Can be used as an overlay on studio mats

The disadvantage? Minimal cushioning means less comfort for sensitive joints. On cold or hard floors you feel little insulation.

The golden middle ground: medium-thick mats

Mats of approximately 4.5 millimetres, like the KURMA SHIFT and KURMA GECO Lite, combine the best of both worlds. They offer sufficient cushioning without being too heavy.

These mats work for different yoga styles. From Hatha to flow and mixed classes. You get grip and comfort, but the mat remains portable.

For those who regularly practise different yoga styles, this is often the best choice. You don’t need to buy two different mats.

Comparing yoga mats: what do you look for?

When you’re going to compare yoga mats, look beyond just the thickness. Grip is perhaps even more important than comfort.

Natural rubber mats, like those from KURMA, offer excellent grip. Even when you sweat during intensive sessions. Cork is also becoming increasingly popular. It combines durability with good grip.

Durability plays an increasingly important role. Mats made from recycled or natural materials are gaining popularity. They’re environmentally conscious without compromising on quality.

Choose based on your yoga style

Your yoga style determines which mat suits best:

• Yin, prenatal or therapeutic yoga: choose a thick mat
• Vinyasa, Power or Ashtanga: a thin or medium-thick mat works better
• Varying styles: go for a medium-thick mat
• Only at home: comfort comes first, so thicker works
• Often on the go: portability wins, so thinner

Tips for your choice

Do you have sensitive joints or do you often do yoga on hard floors? Then a thick mat of 6+ millimetres is your best choice. The extra cushioning prevents pain and discomfort.

Are you often on the go or do you do light yoga? Then a thin travel mat suits better. You can also use this as an overlay on studio mats for extra hygiene and grip.

Want one mat for everything? Then choose approximately 4.5 millimetres thickness. These mats offer a good balance between comfort and portability.

Always pay attention to the material. Natural rubber offers the best grip, especially during sweaty sessions. KURMA mats are produced in Europe, which reduces the CO2 footprint and guarantees toxin-free products.

Your perfect mat

Your choice between a thick or thin yoga mat depends on your personal preferences and yoga style. A thick mat offers comfort and protection. A thin mat provides stability and portability.

Don’t forget to look at the material and grip. A mat with good grip keeps you safe, regardless of thickness. And if sustainability is important to you, choose natural or recycled materials.

With this information you can make an informed choice. Your yoga mat becomes your faithful companion for years of yoga practice.