Selecting a yoga mat involves more than just finding something that matches your leggings, though WIRED acknowledges that's a valid concern. A stylish design might impress your classmates, but grip, flexibility, and easy-to-clean materials are what actually matter when you're attempting crow pose without face-planting. Health coach Maite Brines von Melle, founder of Superhealth Playbook, was called in to provide expert guidance, because apparently even yoga mat shopping requires professional help these days.
For most people, the top pick is the Lululemon mat at $118 - a price that might make you reconsider savasana. If you prefer to travel light, the Manduka eKO Superlite ($54) is your best bet, weighing less than your emotional baggage. The article also mentions that some mats double for Pilates or strength training, so you can pretend you're doing more than just pigeon pose.
Updated in May 2026, the guide now includes the Manduka Superlite, JadeYoga Harmony, and Bala Play mats. WIRED also helpfully removed out-of-stock picks and checked links, because nothing ruins a downward dog like a broken URL.