In-depth review
Lululemon Reversible Mat 5mm Review (2026)
Research-based review of the Lululemon Reversible Mat 5mm: sweat grip, reversibility, and durability trade-offs.
Lululemon The Reversible Mat 5mm
Polyurethane grip that gets better when you sweat.
Our verdict
The Reversible Mat 5mm solves the single most common yoga frustration: slipping when you sweat. Its polyurethane top layer grips harder with moisture, which no PVC or standard rubber mat can claim. The trade-off is longevity: the coated surface shows wear sooner than dense PVC, and the premium price buys a mat you will replace before a Manduka Pro shows its age. Buy it if hot yoga or sweaty vinyasa is your practice. Skip it if you want a decade-long mat or practice mostly dry.
What we like
- Polyurethane top layer grips harder as moisture increases, ideal for heated classes
- Reversible design gives two usable surfaces with different textures
- 5mm thickness balances joint cushioning with stable balance poses
What to watch out for
- Polyurethane surface shows wear faster than dense PVC if dragged or scraped
- At around 5.3 lbs it is lighter than the Manduka Pro but still not a travel mat
- Premium price for a mat that needs replacement sooner than a Pro
Who it is for
Hot yoga and power vinyasa practitioners whose hands slip on standard mats.
Grip that improves with sweat
The polyurethane top layer is the whole story. Unlike PVC, which gets slicker when wet, polyurethane's grip increases with moisture, which is why heated-studio practitioners rate this mat so highly. The reverse side offers a different texture for days you want a standard rubber feel, effectively giving two mats in one.
Thickness and stability
At 5mm, the mat sits in the practical middle: enough cushioning for knees in low lunges, thin enough that tree pose and warrior III stay stable. The 71 x 26 inch dimensions match the Manduka Pro's generous sizing, a real advantage over 24-inch-wide budget mats for taller users.
Durability concerns
The honest downside: polyurethane coatings wear. Dragging the mat across rough studio floors or scraping it with jewelry visibly marks the surface, and heavy daily use shortens its life compared to dense PVC. Treat it as a 2 to 4 year mat, not a lifetime one, and factor that into the premium price.
How it stacks up
Against the Manduka Pro 6mm, the Reversible wins decisively for sweaty practices but loses on lifespan, weight advantage aside (5.3 vs 7.5 lbs). Against the Jade Harmony, the Reversible grips better when truly soaked, while the Jade's natural rubber is more durable and eco-friendly. Choose the Lululemon for hot rooms, the Jade for eco priorities, the Manduka for longevity.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Strong grip on the polyurethane side even when hands are damp
- Two textures give a choice of feel
- A good balance of cushioning and stability
Common complaints
- The top layer can scuff, stain and wear with heavy use
- It needs regular cleaning to keep the grip
- Heavy for its size, and it contains latex
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Dimensions
- 71" x 26" (180 cm x 66 cm)
- Thickness
- 5 mm
- Weight
- 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)
- Material
- Polyurethane top, natural rubber base
- Design
- Reversible, two-sided use
Also consider
Jade Yoga Harmony Mat 3/16"
Natural rubber grip that plants a tree with every mat.
- Dimensions: 68" x 24" (173 cm x 61 cm)
- Thickness: 3/16" (4.76 mm)
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat 6mm
The buy-it-for-life mat with a lifetime guarantee.
- Dimensions: 71" x 26" (180 cm x 66 cm)
- Thickness: 6 mm
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is the Lululemon mat good for hot yoga?
Yes, that is its strongest use case. The polyurethane surface grips harder as you sweat, which is the opposite behavior of most mats in heated classes.
How long does the Reversible Mat last?
Expect 2 to 4 years of regular use. The polyurethane coating shows wear sooner than dense PVC, so it will not match a Manduka Pro's lifespan.
Can I use both sides of the mat?
Yes, it is fully reversible. The polyurethane top is the grippy side; the natural rubber base offers a different texture. Note the base contains natural rubber, so latex-sensitive users should stick to the top side or choose another mat.