Introduction
A hard floor can make kneeling or lying-down poses uncomfortable, even when your yoga mat feels fine for standing. A 20 mm thick yoga mat offers a much deeper layer between you and the floor, but that extra thickness comes with tradeoffs.
At Hugger Mugger, we think the right mat depends on how you practice, not on thickness alone. A 20 mm mat can be a useful choice for floor-based movement, stretching, and restorative yoga. A thinner, firmer mat may feel steadier for standing poses and flowing sequences.
We’ll compare 20 mm with other thicknesses, explain what to look for when shopping, and share ways to add cushioning without replacing your mat.
How Thick Is a 20 mm Yoga Mat?
A 20 mm mat is 2 centimeters thick, or about 0.79 inches. You may see it described as an extra-thick yoga mat or a 2 cm yoga mat. Those measurements refer to the same thickness.
A three-quarter-inch mat is close, but it is not exactly the same. Three-quarters of an inch equals 19.05 mm, so a 20 mm mat is just under 1 mm thicker. The difference may be difficult to notice, especially because the materials and firmness of two mats can feel different.
For context, a 20 mm mat is four times as thick as a 5 mm mat. That does not mean it will feel four times as soft or provide four times as much cushioning. Material and compression matter, too.
| Thickness | Potential fit | Tradeoff to consider |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 mm | A relatively thin option for standing practice or easier carrying | May feel firm during kneeling and floor poses |
| 5 mm | A middle-ground thickness for a mix of poses | May still need extra padding in a few positions |
| 10 mm | An option when you want more material under you | Depending on the material, it may feel less steady or be bulkier |
| 20 mm | An extra-thick option for floor-based practice and stretching | Can feel unsteady for balance and take up more storage space |
These are starting points, not rules. A firm 10 mm mat and a soft 10 mm mat can feel quite different. If possible, test a mat under your hands, knees, and feet before deciding.
Who Might Enjoy a 20 mm Mat?
An extra-thick mat can be appealing when much of your practice happens close to the floor. It gives you more material under your body in seated, kneeling, and reclining positions.
It may be worth considering for:
- Floor-based stretching: A thicker surface can feel more comfortable when you sit or lie down for much of a session.
- Restorative yoga: This slow style uses props to support the body in restful positions. A thick mat can add cushioning beneath those props.
- Yin yoga: In this quiet practice, poses are generally held for longer periods. A softer surface may feel comfortable during floor poses.
- Pilates and other floor exercises: A thick mat may suit a routine that includes seated or reclining movements as well as yoga.
- Practicing on a hard floor: If your current mat feels too firm beneath your knees or hips, a thicker option is one way to change the surface.
Your preferred poses matter more than your experience level. A beginner who enjoys standing sequences may prefer a firmer mat, while an experienced practitioner may want extra cushioning for a quiet floor session.
A 20 mm mat is not a substitute for individual guidance. If you’re practicing with an injury or medical condition, ask a qualified clinician or teacher about adjustments suited to you.
When Extra Thickness Can Get in the Way
The main tradeoff is stability. If a thick mat compresses under one foot or hand, its surface can feel less predictable than a firmer one. Yoga Design Lab’s guide to 20 mm mats also notes that extra-soft foam can make balance poses more challenging.
That matters in poses such as Tree Pose, where you stand on one leg, and in sequences that move between standing and hands-and-knees positions. It may take more attention to find a steady position on a soft surface.
Thickness also affects how a mat rolls and stores. A 20 mm mat can make a bulky roll, so check its rolled dimensions against your available space or mat carrier. If you regularly walk to class, consider whether you want to carry that size.
What about a flowing or sweaty practice?
For a flowing practice, often called vinyasa, you may prefer a surface that feels firm when you shift weight between hands and feet. A thick mat is still an option, but pay attention to whether it bunches, stretches, or shifts during transitions.
For a sweaty or heated practice, check the grip of the specific mat. Thickness and surface texture do not tell you how it will feel when wet. A yoga towel may be an option if it stays in place on your mat, but test the combination before relying on it.
How to Choose an Extra-Thick Yoga Mat
Once you know that 20 mm is the thickness you want, compare more than the label. Two mats with the same measurement can differ in firmness, grip, size, and how easily they move around on the floor.
Feel how the mat compresses
Press down with your hand or kneel on the mat if you can try it in person. Notice whether it feels comfortably cushioned or whether you sink through to the floor. Then stand on it with both feet and notice how steady the surface feels.
Softness is a personal preference. If a mat feels pleasant while you’re lying down but wobbly when you stand, think about which part of your practice matters most to you. You may decide that the tradeoff is worthwhile for floor sessions but not for every class.
Check the practice surface and underside
Look for a surface that gives your hands and feet a comfortable grip. Also check whether the underside stays put on the floor you plan to use. A textured top does not guarantee that every mat will feel secure when damp or that its underside will suit every floor.
If you shop online, review the manufacturer’s description and return policy. When your mat arrives, test it with a few familiar movements before committing to a full practice.
Compare length, width, and rolled size
Make sure the mat has enough space for you to lie down and move your arms comfortably. An extra-wide mat can give you more room for floor exercises, but it may need more floor space and be harder to carry or store.
Check rolled dimensions as well as flat dimensions. If you already own a mat bag, compare the opening and capacity with the rolled mat rather than assuming it will fit.
Read the material and care information
Some extra-thick mats use foam, while others may use different constructions. The material affects how a mat feels and how the manufacturer recommends cleaning it. A yoga mat and an exercise mat can overlap in use, so look at the actual surface and dimensions rather than relying on the product category alone.
Before choosing, use this short check:
- Pick the thickness for the poses you do most often.
- Check both softness under your knees and steadiness under your feet.
- Consider grip on top and movement against your floor.
- Measure your practice area and storage space.
- Read the material and care instructions for the specific mat.
Key Takeaway: The best 20 mm mat for you is not necessarily the softest one. Choose a surface that feels comfortable for your floor work and steady enough for the movements you plan to do.
Alternatives to a 20 mm Mat
You do not need a full-length extra-thick mat to add padding to one part of your practice. If your current mat feels good for standing but firm under your knees, a targeted prop may be a simpler solution.
Add a folded blanket
Place a folded yoga blanket beneath your knees in a kneeling pose, or under your seat in a seated position. Adjust the fold until it feels comfortable, and keep the rest of your mat clear for standing movements.
The blanket should lie flat and stay where you put it. If it slips or bunches, pause and rearrange it before continuing.
Use a bolster for supported poses
A bolster is a firm cushion used to support the body in yoga. In a restorative practice, you might place one under your knees while lying down or use it to support your torso in a comfortable resting position.
Our Hugger Mugger Standard Bolster offers firm support for restorative setups. It serves a different purpose from a thick mat: the mat covers the floor, while the bolster adds height and support where you place it.
Choose a thinner mat and keep padding nearby
A thinner mat may be a practical choice if your routine combines standing poses with floor work. You can add a blanket when you kneel and move it aside when you want a firmer surface under your feet.
For example, our Para Rubber Yoga Mat is 5 mm thick and made of natural rubber. Natural rubber contains latex, so this mat is not suitable for someone with a latex allergy. Whether it feels comfortable enough on its own depends on your practice and the floor beneath it.
Avoid assuming that stacking mats will always improve a setup. Layers can shift against each other. If you try them together, check that they stay flat and secure through the movements you intend to practice.
Using and Caring for a Thick Mat
Start on a level floor with enough clear space around you. Place the mat so it lies flat, then check that it does not slide when you step or press your hands onto it.
Try a few familiar positions before a longer session. Kneel, sit, lie down, and stand with both feet on the mat. If a balance pose feels unsteady, you can move to a firm, nonslip floor area or practice near a stable support.
Give yourself time to adjust to the different feel. If a position feels uncomfortable, change the setup or come out of it. More cushioning does not mean you need to stay in a pose that doesn’t feel right.
For cleaning and storage, follow the instructions for your particular mat. Materials differ, so a method suitable for one mat may not suit another. Let the mat dry as directed before storing it, and check the manufacturer’s guidance before using a cleaner, soaking, or machine washing.
Conclusion
A 20 mm thick yoga mat can be a comfortable choice when your practice centers on the floor. For a mix of standing and reclining poses, consider how much softness you want underfoot as well as under your knees.
- Choose 20 mm when extra cushioning is your priority and the mat feels steady enough for your movements.
- Consider a thinner mat with a folded blanket when you want padding only in certain poses.
- Compare firmness, grip, dimensions, and care instructions before buying.
A mat should fit the way you practice, rather than dictate which poses you can do.
To compare options for your own routine, try the Hugger Mugger Mat Quiz.
FAQ
Is a 20 mm yoga mat too thick?
It can feel too thick for some standing and balance poses, particularly if the material compresses easily. For floor-based stretching or restorative yoga, that same thickness may feel comfortable. Test the mat in the positions you use most.
Is a 20 mm yoga mat the same as a 3/4-inch mat?
They are close, but not identical. A 20 mm mat is about 0.79 inches thick, while a 3/4-inch mat is 19.05 mm thick. Firmness and material may make a more noticeable difference than that small measurement gap.
Can I use a 20 mm mat for regular yoga classes?
You can if it suits the class and feels secure for the movements you do. For a class with many standing poses or quick transitions, check whether you feel steady and whether the mat stays flat. Its rolled size is also worth considering if you carry it to class.
What can I use instead of a 20 mm yoga mat?
A thinner mat with a folded blanket can add cushioning under your knees or seat while leaving a firmer surface for standing. For restorative poses, a bolster can provide support in a specific position. Choose the setup that feels comfortable and stays in place.
