When it comes to finding the best yoga mat, there are a few key criteria to consider. Ultimately, you want to find the best mat that fits your needs, which differs from yogi to yogi. But there is one thing we can all agree on: the mat can make or break your yoga practice, so take the time to do your research and make the investment.

Follow these basic tips to ensure a perfect match between you and your mat:

Quality: The quality of the material is the most important thing to consider when researching yoga mats. You can find yoga mats that are eco-friendly, hyper-allergenic, and made from natural rubber. You want your mat to last as long as possible without wearing out or disintegrating, so be sure to find out what the mat is made of.

Weight: Do you bike or walk to yoga class? If portability and weight is a factor for you, make note of the weight of different yoga mats.  Heavier mats weigh around 8lbs, where as lighter ones weigh around 3.5 lbs. 

Thickness: Thickness is another way to say "cushion". There are many different thicknesses to choose from, ranging from 5/16-inch to 1/8-inch (2/16). Choose your mat depending on the health of your joints, and also just your preference when you practice yoga. A harder, more dense mat is supposed to be more desirable for a strong yoga practice.

Slip-resistance: Safety first! There is nothing worse than a sweaty, slippery  mat to distract you from feeling confident during your yoga routine, not to mention, it is extremely dangerous.  Some mats may seem "sticky" to the touch, but you can't tell if they will retain the same grip when wet. Look for "Slip-resistant" on the label and bring on the sweat.

Test it out: The best way to find the perfect mat for your practice is to take it for a test run. Just remember to ask about the return policy before purchasing. You won't know until you try.

Check out the Manduka Black Mat Pro and the Jade Travel Mat. Happy hunting!