• Ashtanga Mats - These cotton made, tightly woven Yoga Mats are ideal for Ashtanga Yoga, Bikram Yoga, or any forms of sweaty yoga practice because traction on Ashtanga mats are activated by the moisture build up from sweat or water. It also provides extra cushioning for Seated Postures and better stability for Standing Postures.
• Travel Yoga Mats - This is ideal for people who are on the go. These lightweight, highly portable Travel Yoga Mats easily folds and fits in most luggages without hassle.
• Universal Yoga Mat - This is the most commonly used of all Yoga Mats. This easy-to-use Yoga Mats are favored both among Yoga students and instructors. Although it has a high-tack and sticky surface, Universal Yoga Mats are still lightly textured, allowing a smoother, softer feel for you.
• Deluxe Yoga Mats - This is a more enhanced form of the Universal Yoga Mat.
• Utopian Yoga Mats - These are the best available type of Yoga mats today. The Utopian Yoga Mat offers only perfection in every aspect: cushioning, durability, stability. Compared to its counterparts, the Utopian Yoga Mat restores its form faster hence making any body impressions on the surface disappear quickly. The only downside is that it is heavier and a lot pricier than the conventional, easy to use Yoga Mat.
• Beginner Yoga Mats - This is the best choice for beginners. It is balanced in every aspect and can be their initial and temporary mats until they reach the advanced level of Yoga.

• Is it lightweight for carrying?
• Will it hold up to repeated washings?
• Would it keep my feet from slipping?
• When I sweat, will the grip remain the same?
• Will the mat remain on the floor and not stick to my feet?
• Does the lifespan of the mat compare well with others?
• Will particles like dust and lint shake off easily?

Often new yoga mats seem to have an unusual odor as well as a slightly slippery feel.  These issues can usually be easily treated.

Before its first use, lay your yoga mat out flat for a day or two to dissipate the manufacturing odor. Then wash the new mat with a damp, slightly soapy sponge or washcloth.  After washing, rinse off any soap and allow the mat to dry.  This should remove any oils left over from the manufacturing process and assure that the mat does not feel slippery on initial use.

Over time the mat is likely to accumulate body oil and may become slippery.  Periodically washing the mat will avoid (or cure) this problem.