Yogasana Thick Cotton Yoga Mat

Important note on category

Yoga mats are one of those items where our skin is in constant contact, we tend to sweat, and we’re breathing close to the surface during practice. That’s why material choice and potential off-gassing are things I pay attention to. This is a manufactured product, so it falls into the compromise category for me. In a highly processed world, I focus on reducing avoidable exposure where it’s realistic to do so.

What I avoid / What I look for

I avoid PVC/vinyl mats, polyurethane foams, and heavily synthetic materials commonly used in traditional yoga mats. These tend to have stronger odors and rely on more chemical processing.

I look for mats with simpler material profiles and surfaces that feel more breathable and grounded. When possible, I lean toward mats made with natural fibers like cotton, jute, or cork, understanding that every option still involves trade-offs.

Product description

The Yogasana Thick Cotton Yoga Mat is a fabric-style mat made primarily from cotton. Compared to standard foam mats, this style offers a more breathable, lower-odor surface that feels different from synthetic rubber or PVC. It provides cushioning while maintaining a grounded, stable feel for yoga, stretching, or floor-based practices.

This type of mat is often chosen by people who prefer a textile surface to a dense foam mat, especially for slower or more deliberate movement.

Materials

Cotton

What I like

I like that this mat moves away from PVC and foam-based materials and instead uses a cotton surface. For people who are sensitive to strong “new mat” smells or prefer natural fibers against their skin, this can feel like a more comfortable option.

Fabric-style mats tend to feel breathable and familiar, which many people appreciate for gentle yoga, stretching, meditation, or grounding practices.

Things to keep in mind

Grip will feel different than rubber or foam. This style may slide on very smooth flooring and often works best on carpet, textured surfaces, or layered over another mat if additional traction is needed.

Choosing a yoga mat is personal. This option works well for those prioritizing material exposure and comfort, but it may not be the best fit for high-sweat or fast-paced practices that require maximum grip.