--- source_url: "https://www.gq.com/story/lululemon-yoga-mat-review?utm_source=openai" title: "Lululemon Yoga Mat Review 2025: Worth the Splurge? | GQ" mirrored_at: 2026-08-12T01:03:33.684Z host: www.gq.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.gq.com/story/lululemon-yoga-mat-review__q__utm_source_openai" --- > **Original source:** https://www.gq.com/story/lululemon-yoga-mat-review?utm_source=openai Before I tried the Lululemon yoga mat, I always thought yoga mats were a little like [mattresses](https://www.gq.com/story/the-best-mattress-in-a-box)—you don’t really know what you’re missing until you use a good one. For years, I cycled through cheap mats that bunched, slid, or turned into peeling messes after a few months of hot yoga. I didn’t expect [Lululemon’s The Mat](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/MAg6NTLYhSzigGSVsRbJLD2apv7EVc88SKy7cogTq9EYGJTS2MbWwPpp32gEwtQhVpJ8i83UB4Ekic7D62uHtFxr2hUUJx7XHCayeYXkhUD3L3kmBeNz94DSZmibz7mGveX29eTwse6vRsjMUiAk1vAoLBh1sm294cK45iWpAmr5xdHfiw9diuihxRQDFMCEDoQ1LF4XthgWNzLhTLEifQji3HG52btfw1cDuVozsP8cFqvMM5UNcqp1Y9cUoRTZAH6aMmjs9cDwRn8SzouipgjJ9zdhJ55yqdCf24k4bAx5HdeEcTVYyUvhGDapsYgUrCixjnUkfsgpCSYzVj6Jv13E) to be wildly different—at this point, the market is full of “premium” options that rarely live up to the hype. But I’ve seen this mat rolled out time and again at press workouts, group classes, and hot yoga studios, making it a go-to for top instructors and longtime practitioners alike. And while I wouldn’t say it’s perfect (no mat is), I get why it’s built a loyal following. It’s grippy in a way that actually changes how you move, especially in sweaty conditions, and the cushioning strikes a rare balance: soft enough for joints but firm enough for stability. If you practice regularly and want a mat that doesn’t fight you halfway through class, this one’s worth a look. Lululemon ### The Mat 5mm ## It Looks Low-Key, But It’s Built Like a Studio Essential The version I have at home is a deep, wine-colored swirl—just bold enough to stand out without clashing with the rest of my space. Lululemon rotates its colorways seasonally, but most of them lean muted and modern, which fits the brand’s aesthetic. There’s no big logo or busy pattern, and honestly, I prefer it that way. But design aside, it’s the construction that justifies the price tag. The top layer has a smooth, almost tacky texture—grippy right out of the box, even when things get sweaty. According to Lululemon, it’s built to absorb moisture to help you stay grounded in high-sweat practices, and in my experience, that holds up. I’ve used it in heated classes without needing a [towel](https://www.gq.com/story/the-best-bath-towels), which says a lot. ![Image may contain Wood Electronics Phone Mobile Phone Hardwood and Stained Wood](https://media.gq.com/photos/681a4e9e89be7bdcd9fd00ee/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/PXL_20250422_113215073.jpg) Jordan Galloway ![Image may contain Indoors Interior Design Wood Baby Person and Floor](https://media.gq.com/photos/681a4e9c9becc6ac318147be/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/PXL_20250422_113230091.jpg) Jordan Galloway The mat is reversible, but I almost always stick with the grippy side facing up. The base is made from FSC-certified natural rubber, which adds both cushioning and a bit of texture if you flip it over. Either way, the mat stays flat and planted—no slipping, no corners peeling up mid-flow. At five millimeters thick, it’s just the right amount of padding for me: comfortable on my knees but not so plush that I lose my balance during standing postures. It is heavier than most mats I’ve used, which may be a consideration if you’re hauling it around frequently. But if you primarily practice at home or don’t mind the weight in exchange for performance, it’s a solid tradeoff. ## The Grip Is Real—Even When You’re Pouring Sweat The first thing I noticed during practice was the grip. A lot of [yoga mats](https://www.gq.com/story/the-best-yoga-mats) claim to be “non-slip,” but this one actually is—especially when things heat up. I’ve gone through entire sweaty classes without sliding out in down dog or having to readjust my stance in warrior poses constantly. That top layer almost seems to get grippier the more moisture it absorbs, which is rare. It’s not sticky in a way that interrupts transitions either—it just holds you in place when you need it to. ![Image may contain Floor Wood Flooring Adult and Person](https://media.gq.com/photos/681a4e9dd715f1cfc3b07ac1/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/PXL_20250422_113244377.jpg) Jordan Galloway ![Image may contain Architecture Building House Housing Roof and Gutter](https://media.gq.com/photos/681a4e9ce8801d74ef105f32/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/PXL_20250422_113300013.jpg) Jordan Galloway The cushioning also strikes a really nice balance. I’ve used mats that were either too hard on my knees or too plush, making them feel unstable while standing on them. This one feels supportive without making me feel disconnected from the floor. I can hold a low [lunge](https://www.gq.com/story/lunges-vs-squats) or plank without any sharp pressure on my joints, and still feel grounded in balances like half moon. It also performs well across different surfaces. I’ve used it on hardwood, tile, and [carpet](https://www.gq.com/story/best-rugs), and it stays anchored with no shifting or bunching. That consistency makes a difference when you want to drop into flow without thinking about what’s underneath you. ## This Mat Holds Up (If You Give It a Little Love) One of the trade-offs with a mat like this—grippy, absorbent, and built for sweat—is that it requires a little more maintenance than your average PVC roll-up. I try to wipe mine down after each use with a damp cloth—sometimes I’ll use a mild natural soap or a yoga mat spray, especially after a heated class. If I skip that step, I do notice a faint smell lingering (not offensive, just…earthy), which is probably the natural rubber doing its thing. Lululemon says the mat has an antimicrobial additive to help prevent mold and mildew, which is reassuring. But even so, I wouldn’t leave it rolled up wet in a car or gym bag. I usually hang it over a door or railing to air out completely before putting it away, and so far, it’s held up really well—no peeling, cracking, or weird texture changes. One heads-up: Because the Lululemon yoga mat is designed to absorb moisture, you’ll see marks from feet, hands, or water after a session. They usually fade as it dries, but if you’re someone who wants your mat to look pristine all the time, it’s something to be aware of. Personally, I kind of like the visible wear—it makes it feel lived-in, like a pair of [good sneakers](https://www.gq.com/story/best-sneaker-brands). ## Verdict: Is the Lululemon Mat Worth It? If you practice yoga regularly—especially styles that get sweaty—Lululemon’s The Mat 5mm is absolutely worth considering. It’s not the cheapest option out there, and it’s not the lightest, either. But the grip, support, and overall consistency it offers make it feel like a tool, not just an accessory. I’ve used enough mats that needed constant adjusting or wore out too fast to know how rare that is. It’s not a perfect fit for everyone. If you’re brand new to yoga or mostly practice at home once in a while, you might not need something this performance-focused. But if you’re showing up on the mat several times a week and want something that can keep up—without distracting you from your actual practice—this one earns its spot. Lululemon ### The Mat 5mm Lululemon ### The Mat 5mm Lululemon ### The Mat 5mm Lululemon ### The Mat 5mm