Unveiling The Best Yoga Mats for Naked Yoga: Tested & Loved by Instructors
JANNICA KLINGBORG, TNY Head Instructor
Embarking on your yoga journey requires the perfect mat, one that not only supports your practice but elevates it to new heights. It’s a worthwhile search for every yogi, but if you’re practicing Naked Yoga it’s particularly important to have a mat that is not only comfortable but one that also allows you to move freely without slipping and sliding. The perfect yoga mat is one that supports your efforts and causes no issues so that you don’t even think about it during a yoga session. This allows you to be fully present and engrossed in your practice, which is the true purpose of yoga.
We asked our head instructor Jannica Klingborg to sort through the crowded online marketplace of yoga merch and share her top choices for the best yoga mats for naked yoga practitioners. Let’s explore her all-time favorites, chosen by Jannica based on their features, benefits, and unique qualities that make each mat stand out.
Here are our top 6 yoga mats for naked yoga:
1. Manduka PRO™ Yoga Mat
The Manduka PRO™ Yoga Mat is a great option if your priority is durability and longevity. At a higher price point it’s definitely an investment, but luckily one that comes with a lifetime guarantee. The high quality and durability ensures you won’t need to replace it year after year, perhaps allowing you to save money over time. This mat features 6mm ultra-dense cushioning and a supportive grip that evolves with time, akin to the comfort of your favorite jeans.
Especially well-suited for naked yoga, the fabric-like surface provides a gentle, non-abrasive feel against the skin. It also has a no-slip dot pattern on the bottom layer so that it stays securely in place. I also love that it’s mindfully made in an emissions-free facility in Germany and is OEKO-TEX® certified. With many different weight and dimension variations available, this mat caters to various preferences and body sizes. Ultimately I love the Manduka PRO for its unmatched durability and eco-friendly manufacturing process that resonates with the values of many yoga enthusiasts, making it a top choice around the world.
The Lifetime Companion
Price: $138
Thickness: 6 mm
Size: 26” x 71”
2. JadeYoga Harmony Yoga Mat
In the world of eco-friendly yoga mats, the JadeYoga Harmony Mat stands out. Ideal for naked yoga enthusiasts, this mat’s natural rubber composition offers a soft, non-toxic surface that is really pleasant to practice on. I love that it’s crafted with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, and also that it provides exceptional traction, cushioning, and stability for standing poses. The color options are extensive, catering to various styles and tastes. My favorite part is the brand’s commitment to being environmentally conscious and ethical – this mat contains no PVC, EVA, or other synthetic rubber.
JadeYoga takes pride in manufacturing these mats in the United States, adhering to all US environmental, labor, and consumer protection laws. Through a partnership with Trees for the Future, Jade plants a tree for every mat sold, contributing to the planting of over two million trees. In my opinion, this commitment to sustainability aligns with the principles of yoga, creating a positive impact on both yogis and the environment.
Where Durability Meets Eco-Friendliness
Price: $91.95
Thickness: 4.76 mm
Size: 24” x 68”
3. Liforme Original Yoga Mat
Enter a true yoga mat classic, the Liforme Original Yoga Mat. Perfect for naked yoga, the Liforme Original’s extra length and width create a spacious practice area that is inclusive for all body sizes, while the GripForMe material ensures a secure, non-slip surface for uninhibited movements that is both planet-friendly and body-kind. The unique AlignForMe system, with practical alignment markers on the mat, intelligently facilitates proper form for yogis of all skill levels. I love that it’s longer and wider than standard mats, providing the space yogis like myself crave, striking a perfect balance between firm stability and comfortable cushioning.
Revolutionizing Your Practice
Price: $126
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Size: 26.75” x 73”
4. lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat
As a long-time Lululemon fan, I love their Reversible (Big) Mat, a testament to innovation and sustainability. Adaptable to various practices, lululemon’s Reversible (Big) Mat is particularly well-suited for naked yoga, offering a moisture-absorbing surface that supports a confident and slip-free practice. The mat’s grippy top layer absorbs moisture, ensuring a grounded practice in high-sweat sessions. With a sustainably sourced and FSC™-certified natural rubber base, this mat also provides cushioning and textured grip for low-sweat practices.
What sets it apart is the reversible design, allowing you to flip between a smooth, grippy side and a cushioned, natural rubber side. I love using the grippy side for hot and power yoga classes, and the cushiony side for more relaxing, restorative programs.
Innovation Meets Sustainability
Price: $124
Thickness: 5 mm
Size: 28” x 84”
5. Clever Yoga High Density Starter Yoga Mat
One of my budget-friendly favorites is the Clever Yoga High Density Starter Yoga Mat. This mat is both comfortable and supportive for all levels of yogis, whether you’re an expert or just starting out on your yoga journey. At 6mm, it's thick and cushiony, while also being very stable and sturdy, allowing you to feel grounded and secure through many different types of yoga and challenging poses. The non-slip surface helps the mat stay in place while also giving a nice amount of grip during naked yoga or sweatier programs, such as hot yoga or power Vinyasas. I love that it’s also bigger than your average yoga mat, giving you the space to move freely during your practice. Even though it’s a lower cost option, the quality is great and its anti-tear technology ensures it will be your yoga buddy for years to come.
Innovation Meets Sustainability
Price: $39.99
Thickness: 6 mm
Size: 24” x 72”
6. prAna Verde Large Yoga Mat
The prAna Verde Large Yoga Mat is another favorite for its comfort and environmental consciousness. I love that it’s crafted from soft, skin-friendly TPE material, and is also free from PVC, latex, and any harmful chemicals. The closed-cell construction provides excellent durability and prevents sweat from penetrating the mat, making it a reliable companion for your yoga practice over many years.
With a lightly textured surface, the prAna Verde mat is super comfy and offers excellent grip for various poses and styles of yoga. Its spacious size allows more comfort and freedom for yogis of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. It stands out as one of my favorites for its practicality, versatility, and eco-consciousness.
Earth-Friendly Comfort
Price: $110
Thickness: 4 mm
Size: 26” x 78”
The journey to finding the perfect yoga mat involves more than just thickness and material. Each of these mats brings a unique blend of features, from lifetime guarantees to eco-friendly initiatives and innovative design. When choosing your perfect mat, it's important to take into consideration your yoga style preferences, whether you’re using it for naked or clothed yoga, and also the impact you want to make with your purchase.
For styles of yoga that are more on the sweaty and powerful side, you’ll want to invest in a durable, grippy mat that can stand up to wear and tear. Naked Yoga practitioners may want to consider mats that are not only non-slip but are also made of skin-friendly materials that are soft and comfortable. And lastly, you may wish to purchase from brands that are prioritizing the environment and ethical manufacturing. With all these favorites, you can’t really go wrong. Namaste!
