If you're like me, you've tried more yoga mats and towels than you can count. And while there are some great options, no mat or towel ever truly endured a hard sweat or tough practice without bunching or oversaturation. Until now.
I tried a cotton yoga mat a couple years back through a friend and fell in love. It stayed in place, it handled sweat like a champ, and it was pretty damn comfortable. But when I searched the net to find one for myself, I couldn't find any company here in the states selling real yoga rug/mat combos. So being the problem solvers we are, we got on the hunt.
After weeks of emailing, calling, and messaging, we finally found a small, family-run artisan group in Pondicherry (or Puducherry), India who could weave us mats. A family business like ourselves, these dudes kept us in the loop through every stage of production--weaving, rubberization, drying, and boxing to ship across the world.
It's not often you get to see the people who actually create the things you love. When you use these mats, you'll feel the incredible quality of a handmade item. They've got weight to them, a strong weave, and friction.
After using the mat for the past year, I can say without a doubt that this is the last mat I'll ever own. I hope you'll feel the same.
FAQ:
How big is it? 72" x 25.5"
What is it made of? Handwoven Cotton with Anti-Skid Rubber Coating on bottom
Do I need to use a rubber mat beneath it? I'll admit, it felt strange transitioning from a rubber mat to the handmade rug--really because it's all I ever knew. But give it a shot. After two classes using just the rug, I'm sold. If you need the extra support of a rubber mat, however, it'll grip like glue.
Will my hands slip? The first time I used it, the cotton on top was still a little tight. The more I used and washed the mat though, the better it got. It has more than enough grip for the hands and feet.
Are these mass produced? Nope. These mats were made to order.
How do I take care of it? Washing machine with cold/room temperature water and hang dry OR sponge the mat clean with mild detergent mixed with room temperature water and hang dry in the shade. No hot water.
Is it ready to use out the box? It comes with a strong scent from India--we think a combination between the cotton and the rubber. WASH BEFORE USE.
