U of Yoga Gear Guide
Yoga Gear: The Essentials We Recommend
You do not need much to start yoga, but the right props make practice safer, more comfortable and more fun. Here is our simple, no-hype guide to the yoga gear worth owning, with what to look for in each item so you can choose the best fit for your body and budget.
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Quick answer
If you are just starting out, all you really need is a non-slip mat. Add two blocks and a strap next, since they make most poses more accessible. A bolster, blanket and meditation cushion are great additions once you start exploring restorative yoga and meditation.
Featured Brand: Playground
Photo: Gillian Hunter
What our founder wears
Bold, buttery leggings made for hot yoga and the trail
Playground makes the leggings and sets our founder, Jessica Bernstein, wears for hot yoga, outdoor practice and everyday training. They are high waisted, squat proof and hold up to sweat, and the prints are anything but boring.
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Mat Essentials
Everything you need to practice comfortably at home or in a studio.
Non-Slip Yoga Mat
Your mat is the one piece of gear you use in every single practice. A good one keeps your hands and feet from sliding in Downward-Facing Dog and cushions your knees in kneeling poses.
What to look for
- 4 to 6 mm thick for most styles (thinner for travel, thicker for sensitive knees)
- Natural rubber or TPE for grip; avoid slick PVC
- At least 68 inches long, or 72+ if you are tall
Cork Yoga Blocks (Set of 2)
Blocks bring the floor closer to you. They make poses like Triangle, Half Moon and Pyramid accessible and help you keep good alignment while flexibility builds.
What to look for
- Cork is firm, grippy and eco friendly; foam is lighter and softer
- Standard size is about 9 x 6 x 4 inches
- Buy two so you can use one under each hand
Yoga Strap
A strap extends your reach in seated forward folds, hamstring stretches and shoulder openers, so you can stretch safely without rounding your back.
What to look for
- 8 feet suits most people; 10 feet if you are tall
- Cotton webbing with a metal D-ring or cinch buckle
- Some double as a mat carrying sling
Non-Slip Yoga Towel
If you sweat a lot or love hot yoga, a mat-sized towel absorbs moisture and actually improves grip as it gets damp.
What to look for
- Microfiber with silicone grip dots on the underside
- Full mat length, about 72 x 24 inches
- Machine washable and quick drying
Restorative and Meditation
Props that help you slow down, rest and sit comfortably.
Yoga Bolster
Bolsters support your body in restorative and yin poses like Supported Child’s Pose and Reclined Bound Angle, letting muscles fully release.
What to look for
- Rectangular bolsters are more stable; round ones are better for backbends
- Cotton or buckwheat fill holds its shape
- Removable, washable cover
Meditation Cushion (Zafu)
Sitting on a cushion lifts your hips above your knees, which takes strain off the lower back and makes longer meditation sessions far more comfortable.
What to look for
- Buckwheat hull fill molds to your body
- Pair with a flat zabuton mat for knee comfort
- Height of 5 to 7 inches suits most people
Yoga Blanket
A folded blanket is one of the most versatile props in yoga: padding under knees, height under hips in seated poses, and warmth during Savasana.
What to look for
- Dense woven cotton folds into a firm, even stack
- About 50 x 70 inches unfolded
- Washable and easy to fold
Take Your Practice Further
Tools for backbends, recovery and building a home studio.
Yoga Wheel
A yoga wheel gently opens the chest, shoulders and spine and can help you work toward backbends with more support and control.
What to look for
- 12 inch diameter is the most common size
- Look for a padded surface and a weight rating of 300+ lbs
- Use slowly and skip it if you have a back injury
Foam Roller
Rolling before or after practice helps release tight hips, calves, quads and upper back, making it a great partner for yoga.
What to look for
- Medium density is best for beginners
- 18 inches is portable; 36 inches is better for spine work
- Textured surfaces give a deeper massage
Yoga Props Starter Kit
Bundled kits are an easy, budget-friendly way to set up a home practice space with a mat, blocks and strap in one order.
What to look for
- Check that the mat thickness and block material match what you want
- Kits with a carrying bag are handy for classes
- Compare kit price to buying pieces separately
Wear and Carry
Comfortable clothing and an easy way to bring your mat to class.
High-Waisted Yoga Leggings
Leggings that stay put let you focus on your practice instead of tugging at your waistband in inversions and forward folds.
What to look for
- Squat-proof, opaque fabric
- Moisture-wicking, four-way stretch material
- High waistband that does not roll down
Yoga Mat Bag
A mat bag or sling makes it easy to carry your mat, towel and water bottle to class, the park or the beach.
What to look for
- Fits mats up to 6 mm thick and 26 inches wide
- Zippered pockets for keys and phone
- Adjustable shoulder strap
How We Choose Yoga Gear
Our recommendations are based on the qualities yoga teachers look for in props: grip, stability, durability, comfort and value. We focus on product types and features rather than paying brands for placement, and no company can buy a spot on this page. Read more in our editorial policy.
Gear can support your practice, but it is never a requirement. If you have an injury or health condition, talk with your doctor or a qualified teacher before using new props, and see our medical disclaimer.
Want hands-on guidance? Use our yoga studio finder to find a top-rated class near you.
Amazon disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated on Amazon and are subject to change.
Photos: free stock images from Pexels, used for illustration only.