Yoga is a form of exercise, so you will end up roughing both sides of your cotton yoga mat. When you are thinking of purchasing a cotton yoga mat for yourself, choose one that looks sturdy. A flimsy mat would not go the distance.

While purchasing a cotton yoga mat, consider which branch of yoga you wish to follow. If its astanga you are looking at, then you had best opt for a much thicker cotton yoga mat as compared to the ordinary ones. The thickness would help cushioning your limbs, while performing the more demanding astanga exercises.

But if you are switching to asthanga yoga midway through your schedule and you already own a cotton yoga mat with a regular thickness, fret not. Just lay down a thick cotton blanket or towel below the mat to enhance the cushioning.

If you are into traveling, it would be much simpler if you could purchase a bag in which you could carry your cotton yoga mat, preferably a bag with a sling, so that you could slip it over your shoulders. A bulky cotton yoga mat would be tough to lug around otherwise.