Choosing a yoga mat may seem simple, but for both beginners and advanced practitioners, the material of the mat makes a major difference in comfort, grip, durability, and overall practice experience. With so many types available—including PU, suede, cork, and natural rubber—understanding each material’s strengths and limitations helps you select a mat that matches your practice style and values.

As a professional yoga mat manufacturer with over 20 years of production experience, YupingYoga specializes in natural rubber PU mats, natural rubber suede mats, cork yoga mats, and flocking yoga mats, offering high-quality solutions for yogis and global brands. Below is a complete guide to help you choose the perfect yoga mat.

1. PU, Suede, Cork, Natural Rubber—Which Yoga Mat Material Is Best?

Different yoga mat materials offer different levels of grip, texture, comfort, and environmental performance. Here is a quick overview.

PU (Polyurethane) Yoga Mats

PU yoga mats are known for
• exceptional anti-slip performance
• strong grip in both dry and sweaty conditions
• smooth surface suitable for advanced practice

PU absorbs moisture quickly, making it ideal for hot yoga or high-intensity sessions. When bonded with natural rubber at the bottom, PU mats offer excellent floor stability and durability.

Best for
Hot yoga, vinyasa, advanced practitioners, sweaty sessions

Suede Yoga Mats

The suede yoga mat has a soft, velvety surface that becomes grippier when wet. Many practitioners love it for its texture and aesthetic appeal.

Features
• gentle surface suitable for skin contact
• grip increases with moisture
• often printed with beautiful patterns

Suede surfaces paired with natural rubber bottoms offer a great balance of comfort and traction.

Best for
Women yogis, beginners, gentle yoga, yin yoga

Cork Yoga Mats

Cork is naturally resistant to moisture, odor, and bacteria, making the cork yoga mat one of the most eco-friendly options.

Benefits
• naturally anti-slip, even when wet
• antibacterial, hypoallergenic
• durable and long-lasting
• eco-friendly and biodegradable

Cork yoga mats are especially popular for outdoor sessions as they stay cool under sunlight and remain stable on uneven surfaces.

Best for
Outdoor yoga, eco-conscious practitioners, hot yoga

Natural Rubber Yoga Mats

The natural rubber yoga mat is considered the most premium choice and widely loved by professional yogis.

Advantages
• superior grip and cushioning
• perfect balance of firmness and softness
• eco-friendly and biodegradable
• excellent floor stability

Natural rubber mats support joints effectively, making them ideal for long-term practice and high-frequency use.

Best for
Professional yogis, daily practice, strong asana practice

2. Natural Rubber Yoga Mats vs. TPE Mats—Key Differences

Many beginners wonder: should I choose natural rubber or TPE?

Natural Rubber Yoga Mats

• made from natural tree rubber
• biodegradable and eco-friendly
• excellent grip and stability
• higher durability and weight
• premium feel

TPE Yoga Mats

• lightweight and affordable
• good for beginners
• less durable over time
• not as stable for advanced practice

Conclusion:
Natural rubber = best for professionals
TPE = best for light or casual use

3. Why Natural Rubber Mats Are the Top Choice for Professionals

Professional yogis prefer natural rubber yoga mats due to
• non-slip grip under all conditions
• strong support for wrists, knees, and joints
• long lifespan even with daily practice
• eco-friendly material free from toxins

The natural elasticity of rubber helps maintain surface traction, ensuring stability during challenging poses.

For studios and advanced practitioners, a natural rubber PU mat is often considered the gold standard.

4. PU vs. Suede Mats: Which One Fits Your Practice Style?

Both PU and suede mats are popular, but they suit different needs.

Choose PU if you need

• maximum grip
• sweat-proof performance
• fast moisture absorption
• advanced asana stability

Choose Suede if you want

• soft touch comfort
• stylish printed patterns
• increased grip when wet
• gentle practice support

Practitioners who love hot yoga tend to choose PU, while those who focus on flow, yin, and daily comfort often choose suede.

5. The Complete Guide to Cork Yoga Mats—Eco-Friendly, Durable, Beautiful

Cork yoga mats are becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to environmental awareness and their natural features.

Eco-friendly

Cork is harvested from the bark of cork trees without cutting them, making it a renewable resource.

Durability

Cork resists cracks, scratches, and deformation.

Natural Anti-slip

The wetter it gets, the stronger the grip—perfect for hot yoga.

Odor-free & Antibacterial

Ideal for yogis who sweat often or practice outdoors.

Cork yoga mats are beautiful, lightweight, and sustainable—making them a perfect choice for eco-conscious users and outdoor yogis.