The Right Yoga Mat Can Make A HUGE Difference In Your Practice

As a fitness editor and a yogi with nine years of practice under my belt (er, leggings?), I've tested a lot (okay, more like a ridiculous amount) of yoga clothes and gear—from mats to comfy sports bras to grippy socks.

Call me picky, but what I wear on the mat really does make a big difference in how I feel during class. If something is too tight, itchy, or ill-fitting, it totally throws off my flow. I mean, the last thing you want to be doing in downward dog is fidgeting with your shirt—and you definitely don't want your leggings to be slipping down while you try to concentrate on holding chair pose. Worst than either of those scenarios? Winding up with a mat that's super slippery by the time you're ready for inversions.

After all, yoga is really about turning inward—and that requires feeling comfy and supported from head to toe, regardless of whether your practice involves sweating buckets in a power yoga workout or quieting down in a restorative session.

Fortunately, by now I've figured out which yoga brands I can count on for quality products to carry me straight through from sun salutations to savasana.

From my favorite eco-friendly yoga mats to pretty, breathable leggings that actually feel like butter, here are 13 yoga brands that have been total game-changers for my practice over the years.

Ready to take namaste to a whole new level? Sure you are. I'll see you on the mat!