Cork mat

A cork mat pairs a cork surface, usually just a few millimeters thick, with a rubber or foam base underneath. Cork behaves almost the opposite of most materials: it becomes grippier as it picks up moisture, which makes it a popular choice for hot yoga and for anyone whose hands sweat quickly once a practice starts moving.

Cork also has a naturally firm, slightly textured feel that some practitioners prefer over smooth rubber, along with a mild natural resistance to odor and bacteria buildup compared with plain foam mats. It tends to be heavier than a basic PVC mat because of the rubber backing, which is worth checking if the mat will travel to a studio often.

The main point of confusion is expecting cork to feel grippy the moment practice starts. On a bone-dry mat and bone-dry hands, cork can feel less tacky than rubber at first, and the grip advantage only becomes obvious once a little sweat is involved, which is exactly the situation it is designed for.