Yoga Design Lab: The Combo Mat (guest review)

Vanessa Grant is a freelance writer and the editor of So Fresh Mag. Her work has been published in Flare, flare.com, Nylon magazine, Style At Home, theloop.ca, The Globe and Mail and Parents Canada, among others.

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I love a good yoga class. Unfortunately, as a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom of two, I find it hard to make time to get out to an actual yoga studio—probably because I prioritize sleep over exercise. So, I’m also a work-out-from-home mom, which is unfortunate because I was recently sent a gorgeous patterned yoga mat by Yoga Design Lab that is worthy of eyes besides my own. I know yoga isn’t about who has the cutest mat, outfit or even who’s most flexible but it’s just so pretty!

Yoga Design Lab has only two products: The Combo Mat and the Hot Yoga Towel. Both come in an array of patterns.

This is Vanessa’s gorgeous nine-month-old practicing his version of yoga. (Everyone, now: awwwwww!)

THE GOOD

There’s so much more to this mat than good looks. Unlike most slightly sticky or rubbery mats, this one feels like suede. It’s soft and luxurious and so much nicer for shevasana than a traditional mat.
It’s also Eco-friendly, biodegradable, recyclable and is made from 100 per cent natural tree rubber. That luxurious top is microfibre and helps to prevent slipping during hot yoga or an intense ashtanga class. Oh! And after that sweating, you can throw the mat in the washing machine (in cold water) and hang to dry.

THE GAFFE

If you’re not a sweaty yogi, that luxe suede-like surface can feel a little slippery. The fix is simple. Just wet your hands and feet with a few drops of water from your water bottle or lightly spritz your mat before practicing.

THE GEARS

4.5/5 (for the slightly slippery microfibre surface)