If you’re new to yoga and looking to buy your first yoga mat, you may be wondering which thickness to go for. Is a thicker mat more comfortable? And will you really be able to tell the difference between a 4mm vs. 6mm yoga mat? The thickness of yoga mats does vary slightly; when shopping for yoga mats, you’ll likely come across different thicknesses, including the 4mm or the 6mm yoga mat.
Let’s look at 4mm vs. 6mm yoga mats to help you choose which thickness to go for.
4mm vs. 6mm yoga mat: Which is best?
It’s hard to say which thickness of yoga mat is best when it comes to a 4mm vs. 6mm yoga mat. After all, there is only a 2mm difference. Many people would say that you can’t feel the difference at all, while others would recommend going for a 6mm mat as they are slightly thicker and more durable.
6mm yoga mat (comfort)
Many yogis say that the ideal yoga mat thickness is 6mm. This thickness gives you enough cushioning for comfort while at the same time providing a firm surface on which to practice yoga. A 6mm yoga mat is great for those who would like slightly more cushioning in their yoga mat.
Thicker yoga mats are often made from foam, and these have been designed to help with joint pain, particularly knee pain, when doing postures that involve kneeling. Thick yoga mats that are non-slip can be beneficial as they help to protect you from being injured. A slightly thicker yoga mat is advantageous for seniors who are just starting out with yoga.
4mm yoga mat (portability)
A yoga mat with a thickness of 4mm isn’t bad as it will give you adequate cushioning and a firm surface for yoga. Many yoga mats are thin yet comfortable to use. In fact, the 6mm and 4mm yoga mat will likely be rated pretty equally when it comes to cushioning and comfort.
The benefit of a 4mm yoga mat is that it’s likely to roll up small, which means that it’s slightly lighter and more portable. Many people who do static yoga poses prefer a thin mat as it can be easier to balance on.
What affects the thickness of a yoga mat?
The main thing that affects how thick a yoga mat is the material used in its manufacture. Many yoga mats are created using natural rubber, which is dense and can’t be stretched too thinly due to its elasticity.
Conclusion
The 4 mm thick yoga mat is a very popular choice as it generally provides sufficient comfort and stability. A thin dense mat is excellent as it will allow you to balance while doing tricky postures. If you are looking for a good yoga mat, here’s our guide to the best yoga mats on the market.
If you’re looking for additional comfort or have joint issues going for a slightly thicker yoga mat that’s 6mm or above may be a wise choice. This will give you added comfort if you have painful knee or elbow joints. The downside is that thicker yoga mats will provide less stability.
Abi Latham is a freelance writer who loves writing about pretty much anything. She’s also written a few books. If you have extra time, check one out, they’re really good.