Lululemon The Mat 5mm Review
Best for Hot Yoga
Verdict
The Lululemon The Mat 5mm is the best yoga mat for hot yoga. The polyurethane top layer absorbs moisture and becomes grippier as you sweat — a unique property that makes it ideal for Bikram, Vinyasa, and any sweaty practice. At $118, it's a better value than the Liforme ($150) while offering comparable wet grip. The 5mm thickness is a perfect all-purpose balance of cushioning and stability. Our main concerns are durability of the PU layer (3-5 years) and the tendency of light colors to stain.
Who Should Buy
- ✓Hot yoga devotees — grippier when wet, no towel needed
- ✓Studio practitioners — 4.5 lbs is manageable to carry
- ✓Mid-range premium buyers — better value than Liforme
- ✓Lululemon fans — matches the brand's activewear aesthetic
Who Should Skip
- ✗Outdoor users — PU layer can be damaged by rough surfaces
- ✗Low-maintenance types — needs regular cleaning to prevent odor
- ✗White/light color haters — light shades show stains quickly
Grip Performance
The defining feature of Lululemon The Mat is the polyurethane (PU) top layer. Unlike closed-cell PVC mats that get slippery when wet, the PU layer absorbs moisture through microscopic pores. In dry conditions, grip is good but not exceptional — comparable to the Manduka PRO after break-in. In wet conditions, it transforms. The more you sweat, the tackier the surface becomes.
During our hot yoga test (105°F, 90 minutes), testers reported zero slipping in downward dog, hands stayed planted during jump-throughs, and the mat actually felt more secure at the end of class than the beginning. This moisture-activated grip is Lululemon's killer feature — only Liforme's GripForce matches it.
Cushioning & Comfort
At 5mm, The Mat occupies the sweet spot between cushioning and stability. The natural rubber base provides 5mm of compression-resistant support that works well on studio hardwood floors and carpeted home spaces. It's more forgiving than the 4.2mm Liforme but less plush than the 6mm Manduka PRO.
For most practitioners, 5mm is ideal — enough cushioning for knees in tabletop pose and wrists in downward dog, while maintaining enough ground feel for balance poses. If you have sensitive knees, pair with a blanket for kneeling poses; if you prefer maximum joint protection, the Manduka PRO or Gaiam Premium 6mm are better options.
Durability
After 30+ sessions, our test mat shows minimal wear. The PU surface has maintained its grip, no peeling or flaking, and the rubber base hasn't warped or delaminated. Long-term durability is the main question mark — Lululemon offers a 12-month warranty, and user reports suggest the PU layer typically lasts 3-5 years before grip degradation.
The reversible design is a smart feature: use the rubber side for hot yoga (maximum grip when wet) and the PU side for regular practice. This effectively extends the mat's lifespan by distributing wear across both surfaces.
Specs at a Glance
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Gets grippier when wet
- ✓ Natural rubber base
- ✓ Reversible design
- ✓ Carrying strap included
- ✓ Best value in the premium tier ($118 vs $150 Liforme)
Cons
- ✗ Light colors stain easily
- ✗ Not for outdoor use
- ✗ PU layer can peel over time
- ✗ 12-month warranty is short for the price
Ready to Buy Lululemon The Mat?
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Compare with Other Top Mats
| Product | Price | Material | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manduka PRO | $130 | PVC (closed-cell) | 4.7 /5 | Check Price |
| Liforme Original | $150 | Natural rubber + PU | 4.8 /5 | Check Price |
| Jade Harmony | $85 | Natural rubber (open-cell) | 4.6 /5 | Check Price |
| Gaiam Premium 5mm | $25 | PVC | 4.3 /5 | Check Price |