What side of the yoga mat is up? (And Why It Matters for Your Practice)

You unroll your new yoga mat, step onto it, and suddenly—your hands slide in Downward Dog. Wait, is your mat upside down?

As a yoga mat designer and instructor, I’ve seen this confusion countless times. Using the wrong side can make your practice slippery, unstable, or even wear out your mat faster. Let’s break down how to identify the correct side for any mat type—and why it’s crucial for grip, alignment, and longevity.

Table of Contents

How to Tell Which Side Is Up?

1. Look for Texture (The Grip Test)

Most yoga mats have a textured or patterned side designed for traction.

✅ Top Side:

Raised bumps, grooves, or a slightly sticky feel
Often matte or brushed finish

❌ Bottom Side:

Smooth, flat, or glossy
May have a subtle brand logo (but less texture)

Example:

Liforme/Jade Mats: Rubberized, textured side = UP
Manduka PRO: Polyurethane “sticky” side = UP

2. Check for Alignment Markings or Logos

If your mat has:

Printed lines, dots, or artwork → That’s the top
Brand name/logos → Usually face up (unless it’s reversible)

Exception: Some reversible mats (like Lululemon’s) have dual-purpose sides.

3. Material-Specific Rules

Mat Type	Top Side	Why?
Natural Rubber	Slightly tacky/rough	Grips better when sweaty
PVC	Matte/textured	Prevents slipping
Cork	Natural cork surface	Antimicrobial + sweat-activated grip
TPE	Embossed pattern	Enhances stability

How to Tell the Front from the Back of a Yoga Mat?

Ever unroll your mat and wonder, “Which side is up?” You’re not alone! Knowing the front from the back of your yoga mat can help with grip, comfort, and keeping things clean.

Here’s a quick guide to help:

Feel the texture: The top (practice side) is usually more grippy or textured—that’s the side your hands and feet go on. The smoother side goes on the floor.
Check for logos or lines: If your mat has a logo, alignment lines, or a design on one side, that’s likely the top.
Shine and color: Many mats have a matte side (top) and a shinier side (bottom). The matte one is usually for practice.
Quick test: Try a Downward Dog—if you’re slipping, flip the mat!

Once you figure it out, stick with using the same side each time. It keeps things cleaner and helps your practice feel consistent.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Side?

Slippery practice (especially in hot yoga)
Faster wear-and-tear (smooth sides degrade quicker)
Misaligned poses (if you can’t see markers)

Real-life example: A student in my class kept sliding in Warrior II—turned out her Manduka PRO was upside down for months!

Pro Tips to Never Get It Wrong

✔ Rubber mats: The stickier side faces up.
✔ Test in Downward Dog: If hands slide, flip it.
✔ Reversible mats: Use the side with deeper texture for hot yoga.

“Your mat’s top side is like the sole of a shoe—engineered for performance, not just looks.”

Special Cases: Reversible & Dual-Sided Mats

Some mats (like Liforme’s) work both ways, but:

Side A: Alignment markers for precision
Side B: Solid color for minimalist flows

Designer insight: We add subtle tactile cues (like a tiny “UP” arrow) to prevent confusion.

FAQ: What side of yoga mat to use?

Q: My mat looks the same on both sides. Which is up?
A: Rub your hands on both—the slightly grippier side is the top.

Q: Does it matter for non-slip mats?
A: Yes! Even “non-slip” mats have a slightly smoother underside.

Q: Can I flip my mat to extend its life?
A: Only if it’s reversible—otherwise, you’ll wear out the grip layer.

Final Thought

Your yoga mat is designed with intention—its texture, markings, and material science all work together to support your practice. Taking 10 seconds to ensure it’s right-side-up can transform your stability (and save you from unnecessary wipeouts).

Shineoria