A mat is three decisions: how much it grips, how much it cushions and how far you carry it.
Grip
If you sweat, look for a natural rubber base with a smooth polyurethane top. It grips more as you warm up.
Cushion
Four to five millimetres suits most classes. Thicker mats are kind to knees but wobble in balances.
Weight
Travel mats weigh about a kilo and fold; a studio mat weighs two or three and stays rolled. Carry it more than twice a week? A strap makes a real difference.
This article is demo content for the POLYMATH theme preview.