Yoga Mat Carrying Strap: Types, How to Choose One, and How to Use It
A yoga mat carrying strap is a length of cotton or nylon webbing with a loop at each end that cinches around a rolled mat so you can sling it over your shoulder. It is the cheapest and lightest way to carry a mat hands-free, and because the mat stays exposed to the air, it dries out between classes instead of trapping sweat the way a closed bag can. This guide covers the main types, the materials they are made from, what actually matters when choosing one, how to put it on correctly, and the cases where a strap is the wrong tool for the job. For a broader look at carrying options beyond straps, see our yoga equipment hub.
- Types of yoga mat carrying straps
- Materials: cotton vs nylon vs polyester
- How to choose the best strap: 5 things to check
- How to use a yoga mat carrying strap
- Do you really need a yoga mat strap?
- Strap vs mat bag: which should you buy?
- What can you use instead of a yoga mat carrying strap?
- DIY: make a no-sew strap in two minutes
Types of yoga mat carrying straps
Most straps fall into one of four designs. Each handles a different mat thickness, carry distance, and amount of gear.
| Type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic sling (two loops) | A loop slides over each end of the rolled mat | Most people — light, cheap, fits almost any standard mat |
| Adjustable buckle strap | Buckles or D-rings cinch tight around the mat | Thick or extra-wide mats that slip out of fixed loops |
| Harness with pocket | Sling plus a small zip pocket for keys or phone | Walking or cycling to class with minimal gear |
| 2-in-1 stretch strap | Doubles as a yoga strap for stretching in class | Travelers and minimalists who want one item, not two |
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Basic sling (two loops)
The basic sling is the most common style: a single strip of webbing with sewn loops at each end that slide over the rolled mat. It works on any mat up to about 6 mm thick, weighs almost nothing, and rolls up small enough to keep in a drawer. The drawback is that the loop size is fixed, so a thick 12 mm mat or an extra-wide mat may not fit.
Adjustable buckle strap
An adjustable strap uses buckles, D-rings, or velcro to tighten the loops to your specific mat diameter. If you own a thick cushioned mat or an extra-wide mat, this is the safer bet — fixed loops will not stretch enough to hold a fat roll, and a mat that slips out of a loose loop mid-walk is a small but real annoyance.
Harness with pocket
A harness adds a small zippered pocket for keys, phone, or a transit card. The pocket is small, so do not expect it to fit a water bottle or a change of clothes — for that, you want a bag. The harness is a good middle ground for cycling to a studio where you only bring the mat and a wallet.
2-in-1 stretch strap
Some manufacturers make straps out of the same sturdy cotton webbing used for stretching straps, with loops that unclip so the strap works as a yoga prop in class. This is the only type on this list that genuinely serves double duty — a basic sling is too thin and too short to use safely for stretching. Our yoga strap guide covers the prop side in more detail.
Materials: cotton vs nylon vs polyester
Strap material changes how the strap feels on your shoulder, how it grips the mat, and how fast it dries after a sweaty class.
- Cotton (or cotton twill): soft on bare shoulders, grips the mat well, and is the most common material. It absorbs sweat, so it needs to air-dry between uses. Best for studio practice and indoor use.
- Nylon: lighter and more durable than cotton, dries faster, and is easier to wash. It can dig into a bare shoulder more than cotton, so a wider nylon strap (1.5 inches or more) is more comfortable. Good for travel and humid climates.
- Polyester: similar feel to nylon but slightly softer, with a wider color range. Dries quickly and resists mildew, which makes it a good choice if you walk or cycle to class in rain.
- Elastic blends: less common, but found on some 2-in-1 designs. The stretch can help the loops grip a thick mat, but elastic straps do not last as long as webbing under repeated body weight.
How to choose the best strap: 5 things to check
- Loop size vs your mat. A standard 1/8–1/4 inch (3–6 mm) mat rolls to about 4–5 inches in diameter; a 1/2 inch (12 mm) cushioned mat rolls much thicker. Fixed loops that fit a thin mat will be too tight for a thick one — if your mat is thick, choose adjustable loops or a buckle design.
- Material. Cotton webbing is soft on the shoulder and grips the mat well; nylon and polyester are more durable and dry faster but can dig in. A wider strap (1.5 inches or more) distributes weight better.
- Adjustable length. Make sure the shoulder section adjusts so the mat sits at your hip, not banging against your knees. This matters most if you are shorter or taller than average.
- Stitching at stress points. The loop-to-strap junctions take all the load. Box or bar-tack stitching lasts; a single line of stitches often does not.
- Extras only if you will use them. Pockets, bottle holders, and clips add convenience but also bulk and cost. The simplest sling does the core job perfectly.
How to use a yoga mat carrying strap
- Roll your mat tightly and evenly — a loose roll slips out of the loops.
- Slide one loop over each end of the roll, positioning them 4–6 inches in from the edges (not right at the tip, where the mat has the most give).
- Pull the loops snug (or cinch the buckles) so the mat does not telescope when held vertically.
- Sling the strap across your body, not just over one shoulder — crossbody carry is more stable when walking or cycling.
- At home, hang the mat by its strap on a hook: it stores neatly and keeps airing out. More storage ideas in our yoga mat holder guide.
Do you really need a yoga mat strap?
Not everyone does. A strap is worth buying if you walk or cycle to class more than a few blocks, if your mat is heavy (thick mats, rubber mats, and extra-long mats all benefit), or if you want your mat to air-dry on the way home. A strap is less useful if you drive to class, keep your mat in a gym bag already, or only practice at home. If you are unsure, try the DIY options further down before buying — a folded scarf or an old belt works in a pinch.
Strap vs mat bag: which should you buy?
A strap wins on price, weight, and ventilation; a bag wins on protection and storage. A closed bag shields the mat from rain and keeps it clean on public transport, and most include pockets for props and valuables. The trade-off is that a damp mat zipped inside a bag is a recipe for odor and mildew — a strap leaves the mat exposed to air, so it dries out between classes. Many regulars end up owning both: a strap for the daily studio run, a bag for travel. Our yoga mat bag buying guide breaks down the bag side, and yoga mat carrier: straps, slings, and bags compares all three options directly.
What can you use instead of a yoga mat carrying strap?
If you just need to get to class today and you do not have a strap, a few household items work as substitutes for transport, though not as a yoga prop in class:
- A necktie, scarf, or robe tie can be tied into a basic sling with a loop at each end.
- A towel folded lengthwise and knotted at both ends makes a wide, soft sling for short distances.
- A cloth belt with a loop closure (no buckle) can wrap around the roll and leave a loop to grip.
- An old luggage strap with a buckle is the closest thing to a real yoga mat strap and works on thick mats.
These substitutes get the mat from A to B, but they are not strong or smooth enough to use for stretching in class. For that, use a dedicated yoga strap.
DIY: make a no-sew strap in two minutes
You do not have to buy anything to carry a mat hands-free:
- Old belt or luggage strap: wrap it around the rolled mat about a third of the way down, buckle it snug, and tuck your arm through the remaining slack.
- Two shoelaces or cords plus a scarf: tie a small loop at each end of the scarf with the cords, slide the loops over the mat ends, and you have a basic sling.
- Yoga stretch strap you already own: a standard 8-foot D-ring strap doubles as a carrier — loop one end around each side of the mat and lock the slack through the rings.
For every other way to move a mat around — backpacks, bike racks, no-strap tricks — see how to carry a yoga mat.
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Most straps with adjustable loops fit standard mats from about 3 mm to 8 mm thick. Very thick (12 mm and up) or extra-wide mats roll into a larger cylinder and need a buckle-style strap or one specifically rated for thick mats, so check the maximum roll diameter before buying.
Basic cotton or nylon slings are inexpensive. Designs with buckles, pockets, or 2-in-1 stretch-strap functionality cost more. Beyond a certain point you are mostly paying for branding or premium materials. Amazon and studio supply stores carry options at every price tier.
Only if it is designed for it. 2-in-1 straps made from strong webbing with secure rings work for stretching, but a thin decorative sling may not hold your body weight safely. A dedicated 8-foot D-ring yoga strap is the better tool for stretching and can also carry your mat.
It depends on what you carry. A strap is lighter, cheaper, and lets the mat air-dry, which helps prevent odor. A bag protects the mat from rain and dirt and adds storage for props and valuables. For a short walk to the studio a strap is usually the more practical choice.
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Last update 2026-09-10. Price and product availability may change.
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