Introduction
If you have ever walked into a fitness studio and seen a stack of various foam, rubber, and fabric mats, you might have wondered if they all share the same name. While most people simply call them "yoga mats," the terminology can get surprisingly specific depending on who you ask and what style of yoga they practice. You might hear terms like "sticky mat," "asana mat," or even "Mysore rug." Choosing the right surface is one of the first hurdles for any practitioner, as the wrong name—and the wrong material—can lead to slipping or joint discomfort.
At Hugger Mugger, we have been part of this naming evolution since 1986. We were among the first to develop the purpose-made mats that define the industry today. This guide will clarify what a yoga mat is called in various contexts, explore the history of these essential tools, and help you distinguish between a yoga mat and its close cousins in the fitness world. By understanding these names, you can more easily find the specific tool that supports your unique practice.
Quick Answer: A yoga mat is most commonly called a "sticky mat" or an "asana mat." While often confused with general exercise mats, yoga mats are specifically designed with a thinner profile and high-grip surface to prevent slipping during poses.
The Most Common Name: The Sticky Mat
The most ubiquitous name for a modern yoga mat is the "sticky mat." This term refers to the high-traction surface that prevents your hands and feet from sliding while you hold a pose. If you are practicing Downward-Facing Dog, the last thing you want is for your palms to slowly creep forward.
The term "sticky mat" wasn't always the standard. In the early 1980s, yoga was often practiced on bare floors, towels, or even pieces of carpet underlay. It was teacher Angela Farmer who famously used a piece of rug padding to find better grip. Her father eventually contacted a manufacturer to create the first dedicated mats for the practice. For a deeper look at this history, read about the first sticky yoga mat.
When we began making mats in the early 1990s, the "sticky" factor became the primary selling point. This led to the creation of the Tapas® Original, which set the standard for what a sticky mat should feel like. Today, when people ask for a yoga mat, they are usually looking for that specific tactile grip that allows them to move through a vinyasa (a flowing sequence of poses) with confidence.
Yoga Mat vs. Exercise Mat: Understanding the Difference
One of the most common points of confusion is whether a yoga mat is the same thing as an exercise mat. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to different tools designed for different goals.
The Exercise Mat
An exercise mat is generally much thicker and softer than a yoga mat. These are often found in traditional gyms and are used for floor work like crunches, leg lifts, or physical therapy exercises.
- Thickness: Typically 10mm to 15mm (about half an inch or more).
- Purpose: Pure cushioning for the spine, knees, and hips.
- Drawback for Yoga: The thickness and squishy texture make it very difficult to balance. If you try to stand on one foot on a thick exercise mat, your ankle will likely wobble because you cannot feel the firm ground beneath you.
The Yoga Mat
A yoga mat is designed for stability and "grounding." Grounding refers to the ability to feel a firm, stable connection to the floor, which is essential for balance and alignment.
- Thickness: Usually 1.5mm to 6mm.
- Purpose: Grip and moderate joint protection without sacrificing stability.
- Standard Size: Most are approximately 24 inches wide and 68 to 72 inches long.
Key Takeaway: If your practice involves standing poses and balance, ensure you are using a dedicated yoga mat rather than a thick exercise mat, which can compromise your stability and lead to ankle strain.
For help comparing thicknesses, materials, and practice needs, explore the Yoga Mat Guide.
Historical Names: From Kusha Grass to Tiger Skins
To fully answer what a yoga mat is called, we have to look at the "names" used before the invention of PVC and rubber. The practice of yoga is thousands of years old, but the plastic mat is a very recent invention.
Kusha Grass (Darpha)
In ancient Indian texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita, practitioners are instructed to sit on a firm seat made of kusha grass. This grass was considered sacred and provided a natural, slightly cushioned barrier between the practitioner and the earth.
Animal Skins
Historically, some yogis used deer or tiger skins for their meditation practice. While this is rare in modern, secular yoga settings, it appears in many traditional hatha yoga texts. The skin was believed to provide insulation and a dedicated space for the practitioner to contain their energy during long periods of seated meditation.
Cotton Yoga Rugs
Long before the "sticky mat" arrived, practitioners—especially those in the Ashtanga tradition in Mysore, India—used hand-woven cotton rugs. Even today, these are often called "Mysore rugs." They are typically used on top of a modern mat to absorb sweat and provide grip through texture rather than stickiness.
The Technical Name: The Asana Mat
In more formal or academic settings, you might hear a yoga mat called an "asana mat." Asana is the Sanskrit word for the physical postures or seats of yoga. Therefore, an asana mat is literally a mat for your postures.
Using this term often signals a deeper connection to the roots of the practice. It frames the mat not just as a piece of gym equipment, but as a dedicated space for ritual and discipline. Many teachers suggest that unrolling your asana mat is a psychological signal to the brain that it is time to leave the distractions of the world behind and focus on the breath and body.
Mat Names Based on Materials
Sometimes, a yoga mat is called by the material it is made of. As the industry has moved away from basic plastics toward more sustainable options, these names have become common identifiers.
PVC Mats
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the material used for most traditional sticky mats. It is prized for its durability and excellent grip. Our Tapas® series is a prime example of this classic construction. PVC mats are often called "closed-cell" mats, meaning they do not absorb sweat, making them easier to clean but potentially slippery if you sweat heavily.
Rubber Mats
Often called "natural rubber mats" or "para rubber mats," these are made from the sap of rubber trees. They provide a different type of grip—often described as "tacky" rather than "sticky." They are generally heavier and more durable than PVC mats. Our Para Rubber Yoga Mat is a favorite for those who want a completely natural material that stays put on the floor.
TPE Mats
TPE stands for Thermoplastic Elastomer. These are often marketed as "eco-mats" because they are recyclable and made without the heavy chemicals found in some PVC. They are usually very lightweight and have a soft, velvet-like texture.
Jute and Cork Mats
You may hear these called "natural fiber mats." Jute mats integrate fibers from the jute plant into a rubber or PER (Polymer Environmental Resin) backing. Cork mats feature a top layer of natural cork, which actually becomes more grippy as it gets wet, making them popular for hot yoga. Browse jute and cork yoga mats to compare these natural-material options.
| Mat Type | Material | Key Identifier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sticky Mat | PVC | High-tack grip | Beginners & Hatha |
| Para Rubber | Natural Rubber | Heavy, dense, very grippy | Advanced & Eco-conscious |
| Mysore Rug | Cotton | Woven, absorbent | Ashtanga & Hot Yoga |
| Travel Mat | Thin Rubber/PVC | Foldable, 1.5mm | Portability |
| Tapas® ECO | Recycled PVC | Lightweight, 50% recycled | Sustainability |
Specialized Mat Names for Specific Practices
Depending on the style of yoga you enjoy, the mat you use might have a very specific name related to its function.
The Travel Mat
A travel mat is a wafer-thin version of a standard yoga mat. These are usually 1.5mm to 2mm thick. Because they are so thin, they can be folded like a towel rather than rolled. Many practitioners use these for "layering" on top of a studio mat for hygiene purposes while traveling. Explore the travel yoga mat collection for packable options.
The Hot Yoga Mat (or Combo Mat)
In hot yoga, a standard sticky mat can become like a slip-and-slide. "Hot yoga mats" are often called "combo mats" because they combine a rubber base with a microfiber towel top. The name refers to the fact that you no longer need a separate towel; the mat itself absorbs the moisture and increases grip as you sweat. See the hot yoga mat collection for mats designed for sweaty practices.
The Alignment Mat
Some mats are printed with lines, circles, and angles. These are called "alignment mats." The names of the lines (like the "central line" or "45-degree markers") help practitioners place their hands and feet precisely to ensure safety and proper form.
The Long and Wide Mat
For taller practitioners or those who simply like more space, these are called "extra-long" or "oversized" mats. Our Tapas® Ultra is a version of our flagship mat designed specifically for those who find standard mats too short for a full-body stretch.
Why Does the Name Matter?
You might think that calling it a "gym mat" instead of a "yoga mat" is just semantics, but the language we use helps us understand the tool's intent. When you call it a yoga mat, you are acknowledging that the surface needs to balance two opposing forces: cushion and stability.
If a mat is too soft (like a gym mat), you lose the ability to balance. If it is too hard (like the bare floor), your joints suffer. The "yoga mat" is the middle ground. It is designed to protect your "bony bits"—your knees in a lunge, your tailbone in a seated pose, and your spine in a roll—while still being firm enough to support a handstand.
Note: Using the wrong mat name when shopping can lead to buying equipment that doesn't serve your practice. Always look for the word "yoga" or "asana" to ensure you are getting a surface designed for grip and stability.
For more help choosing among different surfaces, read how to choose the best yoga mat for your practice.
Anatomy of the Modern Mat: What’s in a Name?
To understand why a yoga mat is called what it is, it helps to understand how it is built. There are two main construction styles that change the name and feel of the mat.
Closed-Cell Construction
Most traditional sticky mats are closed-cell. This means the surface is "sealed." Sweat and bacteria cannot soak into the mat. These are often called "hygienic mats" because they are easy to wipe down. However, because moisture stays on the surface, they can get slick.
Open-Cell Construction
Rubber mats are often open-cell. These have tiny pores that "suck up" moisture. While this provides incredible grip even when you sweat, these mats require more deep cleaning. You might hear these called "high-performance mats" because they offer the most traction for intense practices.
How to Choose Based on the Name
When you are browsing for your next mat, use the names as a guide for what you actually need:
- If you are a beginner: Look for a Sticky Mat or a Tapas® Original. These provide the classic feel that most teachers recommend for learning the basics.
- If your joints ache: Look for a Premium or Extra-Thick Mat (around 6mm). This provides the cushioning of an exercise mat but the stability of a yoga mat.
- If you sweat a lot: Look for a Mysore Rug, a Cork Mat, or a Natural Rubber Mat. These materials handle moisture much better than standard PVC.
- If you are always on the go: Look for a Travel Mat or a Folding Mat. These names indicate that the mat is thin enough to fit in a suitcase.
If you are still deciding which mat fits your practice, take the Yoga Mat Quiz for personalized guidance.
The Role of the Yoga Mat "Ecosystem"
The mat is rarely alone. In a complete practice, the mat is part of an ecosystem of props. While the mat is the "floor," other items have specific names that support it:
- The Bolster: A firm, pillow-like prop used for support.
- The Block: A foam or cork brick that "brings the floor to you."
- The Strap: A cotton belt that extends your reach.
- The Wedge: A slanted foam prop specifically for those with wrist sensitivity.
Understanding these names helps you build a "home studio" that is functional and supportive. Just as the name "yoga mat" implies a specific purpose, these props are designed with nearly 40 years of teacher-tested wisdom to make the practice accessible to everyone.
For an overview of how these tools support different practices, explore the Yoga Prop Guide.
Caring for Your Mat (By Any Name)
No matter what you call it, your mat requires maintenance to keep its grip.
- Step 1: Wipe after every use. Use a dedicated mat wash or a simple solution of water and a drop of dish soap.
- Step 2: Avoid direct sunlight. Natural rubber mats, in particular, can "oxidize" and become brittle if left in the sun.
- Step 3: Roll it correctly. Always roll the mat with the "practice side" facing out. This ensures the mat stays flat when you unroll it next time.
- Step 4: Deep clean occasionally. For open-cell mats, a soak in a bathtub can help remove deep-seated oils and sweat.
For additional maintenance guidance, see Care & Cleaning Tips for Yoga Mats.
The Evolution of the Industry
The yoga mat has become a symbol of the modern wellness movement. In the United Kingdom, the yoga mat was even added to the official "basket of goods" used to calculate inflation—proving that it has moved from a niche item to a standard household product.
At Hugger Mugger, we have seen the name change from "carpet underlay" to "specialized high-performance equipment." Since 1986, our goal has remained the same: to provide the surface that allows you to forget about the floor and focus on your breath. Whether you call it a sticky mat, an asana mat, or simply "my space," the right mat is the one that makes you want to return to your practice day after day.
Bottom line: While "yoga mat" is the standard term, looking for "sticky mats" for grip or "asana mats" for traditional practice will help you find the right tool for your specific needs.
Conclusion
What a yoga mat is called depends on its history, its material, and its intended use. From the ancient kusha grass to the modern Tapas® Original, these tools have evolved to meet the needs of practitioners across the globe. By distinguishing between a yoga mat and a general exercise mat, and understanding the nuances of names like "Mysore rug" or "travel mat," you can make an informed choice that supports your body and your goals.
Hugger Mugger has been a trusted name in this evolution for nearly four decades. We believe that the right equipment is a foundation for a lifelong practice. If you are still unsure which name fits your needs, we invite you to explore our Mat Quiz or our detailed Prop Guide to find your perfect match. Your practice is unique; your mat should be, too.
FAQ
Is a yoga mat the same thing as a Pilates mat?
Not exactly. While they look similar, a Pilates mat is usually much thicker (10mm to 15mm) to provide more cushioning for the spine during rolling exercises. Yoga mats are thinner (3mm to 6mm) to allow for better balance and a firmer connection to the ground during standing poses.
Why is it sometimes called a "sticky mat"?
The term "sticky mat" refers to the high-traction surface of PVC or rubber mats that prevents your hands and feet from slipping. This "stickiness" is essential for safety and alignment in poses like Downward-Facing Dog, where sliding could lead to injury or muscle strain.
What is the name for the rug used in yoga?
The traditional cotton rug used in yoga is often called a "Mysore rug" or simply a "yoga rug." These are particularly popular in the Ashtanga yoga tradition and are usually placed on top of a sticky mat to absorb sweat and provide grip through the texture of the woven cotton.
Can I use a regular exercise mat for yoga?
You can, but it may be difficult for standing and balancing poses. Because general exercise mats are thick and squishy, they create an unstable surface that can make your ankles and wrists work harder to stay balanced. A dedicated yoga mat provides the firmness needed for stability while still offering joint protection.
