In restorative yoga, you do nothing. And that's precisely what makes it so powerful. No deep stretches, no flow, no muscle strength. Just support, rest, and time. This restorative form of yoga invites you to let go—in body and mind.
To achieve this fully, the right mat is essential. Not a mat that corrects or activates you, but one that supports you. It provides cushioning where needed, feels soft, and contributes to a natural environment in which relaxation naturally arises.
At Yogi Essentials, we've explored which mats in our collection truly offer this. Below, we share the best choices for this deep, calming style of yoga.
What does restorative yoga require of your mat?
In restorative yoga, you hold poses for extended periods—often five, ten, or even fifteen minutes. You support your body with bolsters , blankets , and blocks , and the pose is so comfortable that your nervous system can completely unwind.
This means no hard surface, no counter-intuitive structure, but rather a soft foundation that gives you the feeling of being supported. Everything in this practice revolves around safety and relaxation. Your mat plays a bigger role in this than you might think.
The ideal restorative mat feels warm, inviting, and stable—a place where you can literally catch your breath.
Velvet yoga mats : ultimate softness and relaxation
For restorative yoga, our velvet yoga mats are the perfect choice. These mats have a velvety-soft surface that feels comfortable against your skin – whether you're lying down, sitting, or resting your cheek on the mat.
They bring a soothing atmosphere to your space, but above all, they offer comfort. Their softness invites you to lie down, relax more deeply, and sink completely into the position. You feel no rough texture, no cold from the floor—only warmth and support.
Velvet mats also combine beautifully with bolsters or blankets. They hardly shift and lie flat, allowing you to create a stable setup for longer sessions.
TPE mats : light, comfortable and portable
Looking for a soft, lightweight mat that's easy to carry? Then our TPE yoga mats are a great choice for restorative yoga. They offer gentle cushioning, are gentle on the knees, hips, and shoulders, and feel warm to the touch.
TPE mats are odorless, durable, and easy to clean. This makes them ideal for home use or for quiet classes where your mat should primarily provide comfort without being heavy or having a rough texture.
For those who regularly have a short recovery session at home – for example before going to sleep – a TPE mat is an accessible and practical choice.
Cork on TPE : for those seeking softness with strength
Some people need a little more support while relaxing. For them, a cork-on-TPE mat is a perfect choice. Cork is naturally warm and slightly cushioning, and feels dry to the touch – even as your body warms up.
Combined with a soft TPE base, this mat offers a good balance between comfort and stability. You won't sink into it, but you'll still have the peace and quiet you need to relax.
For those who are used to structure, or who prefer to feel a little more feedback from the floor, this is a good middle ground.
Which mat is right for you?
Are you looking for ultimate softness, a luxurious feel, and a deep sense of relaxation? Then the velvet mat is the perfect fit for your restorative practice. Are you primarily looking for comfort, portability, and ease of use? Then the TPE mat is a practical and comfortable choice. And if you prefer a more natural and firmer surface, the cork-on-TPE mat provides a safe, grounded foundation for relaxation.
All three help you surrender to peace. To sink into yourself – exactly as restorative yoga intends.
Mats that are less suitable for restorative yoga
Mats designed for grip and dynamism—such as PU rubber mats—are less suitable for this calming style. They are designed to activate, while restorative yoga practices the art of doing nothing.
While these mats are ideal for vigorous yoga poses, they can feel too firm, cold, or technical in relaxation. And that takes you away from the deep release this style demands.
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