Reversible Yoga Mats Explained: How to Use Both Sides

Quick answer

Use the grippier, stickier side up for standing poses and the smoother or more cushioned side up for restorative floor work and hot classes. Check the mat's edges or labels to identify each face, and flip only after wiping both sides clean.

A reversible yoga mat is not just a marketing label. It gives you two distinct surfaces in one mat, and each side is usually built for a different job. One face tends to be stickier for traction, while the other may be smoother or more cushioned for comfort.

The trick is knowing which side is which, when to flip, and how to keep both surfaces in good shape. This guide walks through the process step by step, using the Gaiam Performance Yoga Mat (6mm) as a working example. By the end you will know exactly how to use a reversible yoga mat without guessing.

What makes a yoga mat reversible

A reversible mat has two usable faces. They may look similar, but the texture and grip often differ. Some mats, like the Gaiam Performance Yoga Mat (6mm), are explicitly described as reversible with two unique colors and textures, letting you switch things up anytime. That means you are not just flipping for looks; you are choosing a different feel under your hands and feet.

Not every mat is reversible. A single-sided mat usually has one textured top and a plain bottom meant only to grip the floor. If you flip a single-sided mat, you may lose traction or damage the underside. Always check the product description before treating a mat as double sided.

• Look for the word reversible in the product name or description.
• Check whether the mat lists two textures or two colors, which often signals two usable sides.

How to tell the two sides apart

The easiest method is to look at the edges. On many reversible mats, one side is slightly more textured or raised, while the other is smoother. Run your palm across both faces. The stickier side is usually the one meant for standing poses, because it resists sliding when you sweat.

If the mat has two colors, the color you see on top is simply the side you chose. There is no rule that one color must face up. Instead, match the texture to your activity. A quick check: press your hand down and try to slide it. The side with more resistance is your grip side.

• Test grip with a dry hand, then with a slightly damp hand.
• If both sides feel identical, treat either side as usable and pick based on color or cleanliness.

Step-by-step: using both sides of your mat

Start by unrolling the mat and letting it lie flat for a few minutes. If it curls, place a weight on the corners or roll it in the opposite direction. A flat mat is safer and easier to flip mid-session.

Before you begin, choose your side. For a vinyasa or standing-heavy flow, place the stickier side up. For a yin, restorative, or meditation session, place the smoother or more cushioned side up. If you are unsure, start with the stickier side up and adjust after your first few poses.

• Never flip a mat while you are standing on it; step off first.
• If you practice hot yoga, the sweatier you get, the more grip matters, so keep the sticky side up.

When to flip during a session

You can flip mid-session, but do it deliberately. A common mistake is flipping because one side feels slippery when the real issue is sweat or residue. Wipe the mat first. If the surface is clean and still slippery, then switch sides.

Another good time to flip is when you move from standing to floor work. The smoother side may feel better against your back in savasana or seated stretches. Just make sure your hands and feet are dry before you return to standing poses on the other side.

• Keep a towel nearby to dry your hands before flipping.
• If you share the mat, flip to a clean side rather than wiping mid-flow.

Reversible yoga mat benefits and tradeoffs

The main benefit is versatility. One mat can serve a grippy flow and a softer restorative practice without buying two mats. A reversible mat also tends to wear more evenly because you are not always loading the same surface. That can extend the usable life of the mat.

The tradeoff is that neither side may be as specialized as a single-purpose mat. A dedicated hot yoga mat might out-grip a reversible one, and a thick cushion mat might feel softer for floor work. Reversible mats are a compromise that works well for most home practitioners who want one mat to do more.

• Reversible mats are ideal if you practice several styles and have limited storage.
• If you only do one style, a single-sided mat may be simpler and equally effective.

Cleaning and storing a double sided yoga mat

Clean both sides, not just the one you used. Sweat and oils can migrate through the mat or transfer when you roll it. Use a mild mat cleaner or a diluted vinegar solution, wipe with a damp cloth, and let both sides air dry completely before rolling.

Store the mat rolled, not folded, unless it is designed to fold. A foldable mat like the Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat (2mm) is made to fold flat and fit in a carry-on or tote, so folding is fine for that model. For thicker reversible mats, rolling prevents creases that can become slippery spots.

• Never store a damp mat; mildew can damage both surfaces.
• If you use a mat bag, make sure the mat is fully dry before sliding it in.

Your reversible mat routine in 5 steps

1. Unroll and flatten: Let the mat lie flat for a few minutes. If it curls, reverse-roll it or weight the corners until it sits flat. A flat mat is less likely to slide when you flip it.
2. Identify the grip side: Run your hand across both faces. The side with more resistance is your sticky side for standing poses. If both sides feel the same, choose either one and stay consistent.
3. Choose your side for the session: Sticky side up for vinyasa or hot yoga. Smoother or cushioned side up for yin, restorative, or meditation. Match the surface to the practice, not to the color.
4. Flip deliberately, not desperately: Step off, wipe the mat and your hands, then flip. Do not flip mid-pose or while standing on the mat. If one side feels slippery, clean it before you blame the texture.
5. Clean and dry both sides: Wipe both surfaces after practice and let them air dry completely before rolling or folding. Cleaning both sides prevents transfer and keeps each texture grippy.

Reversible and double sided mats from Gaiam

• Performance Yoga Mat (6mm): Made of eco-friendly TPE, non-toxic, biodegradable and recyclable, with closed-cell engineering that seals out germs, odor and bacteria. The reversible mat offers two unique colors and textures, and the 6mm thickness provides performance cushioning with a non-slip surface. The two textures let you choose grip or a different feel, while the closed-cell surface is easier to keep clean between flips.
• Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat (2mm): The 2mm Foldable Yoga Mat is ultra lightweight, highly compact, and folds into a compact 10" x 12" square. It has a sticky texture and is ideal for yoga on the go. If you travel and want a mat that packs flat, this one folds rather than rolls, so you can flip and use both sides without fighting a curl.

A reversible yoga mat gives you two surfaces and two ways to practice. Learn which side grips, flip with intention, and clean both faces, and your mat will stay useful for years. Start with the Gaiam Performance Yoga Mat (6mm) if you want a clear two-texture example to practice on.