What Size Yoga Mat Do I Need?

Choosing the right yoga mat size can significantly enhance your practice, providing the necessary space and comfort for various poses. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, you may have wondered, “what size yoga mat do I need?” The standard size of 24 inches wide and 68 inches long works well for many practitioners, but factors like height, body type, and preferred yoga style might require a larger or thicker mat. In this guide, we’ll explore different yoga mat sizes, helping you find the best option for your needs, whether it’s an extra wide or extra long mat for added comfort and support.

What Is the Standard Size for a Yoga Mat?

The standard size is designed to accommodate most practitioners, offering enough length for most poses, whether you’re standing or lying down. The width also provides sufficient space to spread out comfortably during your practice. This yoga mat size works well for average-sized people, giving them the support needed for a wide variety of yoga styles, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative.

However, the standard size may not work for everyone, especially if you’re taller than average or prefer more space to move. If you often feel like your hands or feet are hanging off the mat in poses like Downward Dog or Shavasana, you might want to explore other sizes. While the standard yoga mat size is portable and convenient, you may sacrifice comfort if you require additional length or width.

Larger mats also provide you more personal space within the yoga studio, so for studios that are especially crowded, a larger mat may provide the practitioner with more space to spread out and enjoy their practice.  The trade-off can be that larger mats are also heavier and bulkier to cart in and out of your yoga space.  

Is a Standard Mat Right for Your Body Type?

A standard yoga mat can work for many body types, but if you’re taller or have a broader frame, it might feel limiting. The standard yoga mat size is designed with the average practitioner in mind, which means it may fall short for people who are taller than 6 feet or have wide shoulders. If you frequently find yourself going beyond the boundaries of your mat in poses like Warrior II or Downward Dog, it might be a sign that you need a larger mat.

For taller practitioners, an extra long mat (72-84 inches in length) is a better option, offering more space to fully extend your limbs. If you have broader shoulders, consider looking into extra wide yoga mats (26-30 inches). These mats provide additional width, making it easier to stay within the boundaries during wide-legged postures.

Ultimately, your body type plays a crucial role in choosing the right mat. A standard mat may suffice for average-sized individuals, but those needing more space should explore extra long or extra wide options to ensure comfort and support during practice.

What Size Yoga Mat Do I Need for Different Practices?

The size of your yoga mat depends heavily on the type of yoga practice you engage in. For dynamic, fast-paced styles like Vinyasa or Ashtanga, a standard yoga mat size (24 inches wide, 68 inches long) works well because it provides enough space while maintaining a manageable weight. These practices often require frequent movement and transitions, so having a mat that’s easy to carry and offers good traction is more important than extra space.

On the other hand, slower practices like Yin or Restorative yoga benefit from a thicker and possibly longer or wider mat. Since these styles often involve long-held poses and floor-based postures, the extra cushioning from a thicker mat (6-10mm) can add comfort, particularly for sensitive joints. In this case, an extra wide mat might also provide additional space to stretch out without feeling confined.

For those who combine multiple styles, consider a medium-thick mat with standard dimensions, as it offers a balance of portability and comfort. Knowing the demands of your yoga practice will help you choose the right mat size that supports both your movements and postures.

Yoga Mat Length for Taller Practitioners

1. Manduka PRO Yoga Mat – 85″ Long

The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat is well-known for its durability and comfort. At 85 inches long, it’s perfect for taller yogis who need extra length for stretching out. Its dense cushioning also provides joint support, making it ideal for various yoga practices.

Link: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat – 85″ Long

2. Liforme Yoga Mat – 79″ Long

The Liforme Yoga Mat is slightly shorter than Manduka’s but still offers 79 inches of length. It’s famous for its unique alignment guide printed on the mat, which helps improve form and posture. This eco-friendly mat is great for taller practitioners and offers excellent grip, even during sweaty sessions.

Link: Liforme Yoga Mat – 79″ Long

3. Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat – 78″ Long

For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat is 78 inches long, providing ample space for taller individuals. It’s lightweight and features a 6mm thickness, offering comfort without being too bulky.

Link: Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat – 78″ Long

4. Jade Yoga Fusion Mat – 80″ Long

The Jade Yoga Fusion Mat is 80 inches long and offers incredible comfort due to its 8mm thickness. Made from natural rubber, it’s an eco-friendly option that provides excellent cushioning and grip. It’s a great choice for taller yogis who need extra room.

Link: Jade Yoga Fusion Mat – 80″ Long

5. Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat – 84″ Long

For taller yogis who want a luxury option, Lululemon’s The Reversible (Big) Mat is 84 inches long and offers a grippy, cushioned surface. This mat is designed for those who need more space and versatility in their practice.

Link: Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat – 84″ Long

Wide Yoga Mats for More Space

Here are some excellent wide yoga mat options for those who need extra space:

1. Manduka PRO Yoga Mat – 85″ x 30″

The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat offers both extra length (85 inches) and width (30 inches), making it ideal for practitioners who want more room to move. This mat is known for its superior cushioning and durability, making it a long-term investment for serious yogis.

Link: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat – 85″ x 30″

2. Gaiam Premium Extra-Wide Yoga Mat – 78″ x 30″

The Gaiam Premium Extra-Wide Yoga Mat is a fantastic, budget-friendly option that offers 30 inches of width. It provides ample space for wider stances and is 6mm thick for added cushioning and comfort during practice.

Link: Gaiam Premium Extra-Wide Yoga Mat – 78″ x 30″

3. Jade Yoga XW Fusion Mat – 80″ x 28″

The Jade Yoga XW Fusion Mat is designed for those who need both extra width and cushioning. At 28 inches wide and 80 inches long, this mat is made from eco-friendly natural rubber and offers great grip and comfort for floor-based practices or wider poses.

Link: Jade Yoga XW Fusion Mat – 80″ x 28″

4. Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat – 84″ x 28″

The Lululemon Reversible (Big) Mat is a top-tier option for those seeking extra space. Measuring 28 inches wide and 84 inches long, it provides plenty of room while offering a dual-texture surface for grip and comfort.

Link: Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat – 84″ x 28″

5. CAMBIVO Extra-Wide Yoga Mat – 84″ x 30″

The CAMBIVO Extra-Wide Yoga Mat is an affordable option that measures 30 inches wide and 84 inches long. Its 8mm thickness makes it perfect for those seeking comfort and stability in their yoga practice, with plenty of space for wide poses.

Link: CAMBIVO Extra-Wide Yoga Mat – 84″ x 30″

Yoga Mat Size Chart for Easy Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga Mat Sizes

What Size Yoga Mat Should I Get if I’m Over 6 Feet Tall?

If you’re over 6 feet tall, a standard-sized yoga mat may feel too short, leaving your feet or hands hanging off during poses like Downward Dog or when lying down in Shavasana. To ensure proper support and comfort, you should consider an extra long yoga mat, which typically ranges from 72 to 84 inches in length. This gives you more room to fully extend your limbs without worrying about running out of space.

The additional length also helps maintain better alignment in standing and seated postures, ensuring your body stays supported throughout your practice. If you consistently find yourself cramped on a standard mat, the extra inches will make a noticeable difference, especially in poses where your body stretches out lengthwise.

While longer mats are slightly heavier and less portable, the added comfort and stability they provide for taller practitioners are worth the trade-off. Taller yogis should prioritize finding a mat that accommodates their full body, ensuring that every pose is supported from head to toe.

Do I Need a Thicker or Wider Mat for Comfort?

If comfort is your main concern, a thicker yoga mat or an extra wide option may be the best choice. Thicker mats (6-10mm) offer more cushioning, which is especially helpful if you have sensitive joints or practice on hard surfaces. This extra padding reduces the impact on your knees, wrists, and hips during poses that place pressure on these areas. However, keep in mind that thicker mats may sacrifice some stability, making balance poses more challenging.

An extra wide yoga mat (26-30 inches) can also improve comfort by giving you more room to move without feeling restricted. This is particularly beneficial for people with broader shoulders or those who prefer having extra space for their poses. The additional width helps keep your hands and feet on the mat during wide-legged stances, improving your overall comfort and stability.

How Does Mat Thickness Affect My Practice?

The thickness of your yoga mat plays a critical role in how comfortable and stable you feel during practice. Thicker mats (6-10mm) provide extra cushioning, making them ideal for floor-based practices or anyone with sensitive joints. However, the trade-off is that thicker mats can reduce stability, especially in standing poses or balance-focused sequences. The extra padding can make it harder to ground your feet firmly, which is crucial for maintaining balance in postures like Tree Pose or Warrior III.

On the other hand, thinner mats (2-4mm) offer less cushioning but provide better stability and connection to the ground. This makes them a better choice for fast-paced styles like Vinyasa or Ashtanga, where grounding and flow are key. Thinner mats are also lighter and more portable, making them ideal for travel or studio use.

What Is the Best Yoga Mat Size for Beginners?

For beginners, a standard-sized yoga mat (24 inches wide, 68 inches long) is generally the best starting point. This mat size offers a good balance of portability, versatility, and comfort for most people. As you’re still exploring different yoga styles, a standard mat allows you to practice a variety of poses without the need for specialized equipment. It’s also lightweight and easy to transport, making it a convenient option for those who are new to yoga and may be attending studio classes.

Beginners typically don’t need an extra wide or extra long mat unless their height or body type requires it. The standard size provides enough space for the majority of poses, including seated, standing, and lying down postures. Once you’ve gained more experience, you can assess whether a larger or thicker mat would better suit your practice. Until then, a standard mat is versatile enough to accommodate most beginners.

Do Yoga Mat Sizes Differ Between Brands?

Yes, yoga mat sizes can vary. Some brands offer mats in wider or longer options, while others stick to standard dimensions.