It's All About Yoga

I Tried Custom Yoga Mats: My Honest, Sweat-Soaked Review

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I’m Kayla, and I’m picky about mats. Thick, thin, cute, plain—I’ve tried a bunch. But I wanted my name on it. I wanted art that felt like me. So I went with custom mats. Three of them, actually. I used each one for real classes, from slow yin to hot vinyasa. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and what made me smile for no good reason.
I go even deeper into the saga of ordering, unboxing, and sweating on bespoke mats in this full custom-mat diary.

Why I Wanted My Own Print

I kept grabbing the wrong mat at the studio. Mine looked like everyone else’s. Plus, I wanted a mat that kept me grounded when my brain felt messy.
For anyone still figuring out the basics, this guide offers a clear rundown of mat materials, thicknesses, and grip so you can pick with confidence.
A little art helps. A name helps too. It’s silly, but seeing “Kayla” in a soft font gave me a tiny push on hard days.

You know what? It also makes a sweet gift. I got one for my sister with orange poppies. She squealed. Worth it.

If you’re the type who likes turning classmates into coffee pals—or maybe even more—after savasana, you might enjoy reading this no-fluff Skout review that breaks down how the social-discovery app works, what safety tools it offers, and whether it’s any good for meeting fellow fitness enthusiasts in your area. For my Sacramento-area readers who’d prefer a spicier, adults-only option, the Adult Search Elk Grove directory lets you swipe through verified local listings, read honest reviews, and arrange a discreet rendezvous without wasting time on endless small talk.

What I Bought And Used

  • Sugarmat Personalized (vegan suede top, natural rubber base)
  • Liforme Personalised (PU top, natural rubber base, with my name)
  • Zazzle Photo Mat (full photo print on a fabric top, foam core)

I used each for 6 weeks. About four classes a week. Some days were sweaty. Some days were just slow and stretchy.

Sugarmat Personalized: Pretty And Soft

I picked a lavender field print with my name in gold. It looked like a postcard. The top felt like suede—smooth and warm. The base gripped the floor fine.

  • Thickness I picked: 3 mm
  • Weight: light enough for a walk to the studio
  • Best for: yin, slow flow, Pilates, home practice

How it felt:

  • Great for kneeling poses. My knees said thank you.
  • Smooth under my hands. Not sticky. When I sweat a lot, it got slick. If I misted it with water before class, the grip kicked in. Weird, but it works.

Little quirks:

  • No harsh rubber smell. Just a tiny “new” smell for a day.
  • The print held up, but the top showed a faint dark patch where my hands land in plank. Normal wear.
  • Rolls flat. No corners fighting me.

Pros:

  • Cute prints, lots of styles
  • Name customization looks clean
  • Light and comfy

Cons:

  • Not great for super sweaty classes unless you mist or use a towel
  • Suede top gets dark spots over time

Liforme Personalised: Grip Monster With My Name

This one means business. The top is smooth but extra grippy when wet. It has guide marks that help with foot placement. My name is etched near the center line. It feels classy, like a studio mat with a little secret.

  • Thickness: about 4 mm
  • Weight: a bit heavy, but it stays put
  • Best for: hot flow, power, long holds
    If you're hunting for gear that can survive sauna-level classes, my straight-talk hot-yoga mat review lines up the usual suspects.

How it felt:

  • My hands didn’t slide, even in hot class at 95°F.
  • Joint support felt strong. Not squishy. Just steady.
  • The guide marks helped me stay even without looking down too much.

Little quirks:

  • Mild natural rubber smell for three days. Then gone.
  • It can mark from sweaty hands, but the marks fade as it dries.
  • Don’t use oils or harsh cleaner on this top. It can mess with the surface.

Pros:

  • Amazing grip with sweat
  • Name etching looks premium
  • Lays flat, zero curl

Cons:

  • Heavier to carry
  • Pricey
  • Needs gentle cleaning rules

If you’re still on the fence, peek at the crowdsourced opinions on the official Liforme reviews page. Their feedback, plus the objective performance scores in OutdoorGearLab’s lab-tested breakdown of the Liforme Original, helped me confirm my pick.

Zazzle Photo Mat: Big Picture, Chill Grip

I printed a fall photo I took at a park—gold leaves, long shadows. It looked sharp and bright. The top felt like soft fabric; the core felt like foam.

  • Thickness: about 6 mm
  • Weight: pretty light
  • Best for: at-home flows, gentle classes, stretching

How it felt:

  • Super comfy for floor work.
  • In regular classes, it was fine. In hot class, the fabric top got slick. Towels helped, but the base slid a bit on smooth wood floors.
  • The print made me happy. That counts too.

Little quirks:

  • No strong smell.
  • After a month, the edges showed small frays. Nothing huge, but I saw it.
  • Photo was crisp. Colors warmed a bit after a few cleanings, but still pretty.

Pros:

  • Full photo printing looks unique
  • Extra cushion for knees and hips
  • Light to carry

Cons:

  • Grip drops when sweaty
  • Base can slide on polished floors
  • Edges may fray with heavy use

Sweat Test, Grip Test, Black Leggings Test

I wore my black Alo leggings and did a full vinyasa class, then a hot class:

  • Dry vinyasa:

    • Liforme: strong grip, no sliding
    • Sugarmat: good, but hands can slip if your palms are dry; a light mist helps
    • Zazzle: fine for most poses, a bit bouncy in balance work

  • Hot class:

    • Liforme: nailed it
    • Sugarmat: needs mist or towel; then it’s solid
    • Zazzle: bring a full towel; base may shift on slick floors

  • Black leggings lint:

    • Sugarmat shows lint; quick brush fixes it
    • Liforme hides it well
    • Zazzle fabric grabs lint; tape roll helps

Cleaning And Care That Actually Works

  • Sugarmat (suede top): I use a mist of water with a drop of mild soap. Wipe with a soft cloth. Air dry. No oils.
  • Liforme (PU top): Just water and a soft cloth. Maybe a tiny bit of gentle soap. No oils, no alcohol.
  • Zazzle (fabric top): Mild soap and water. Dab, don’t scrub. Let it dry fully on a chair back.

Tip: Don’t leave any of them in a hot car. Heat warps mats. Ask me how I learned that. Sigh.

Shipping And Support Notes

  • Sugarmat: Came in under two weeks to me (Los Angeles). Box was cute. No damage. Name print was centered.
  • Liforme: About 10 days. The custom name was etched clean. Came with a sturdy mat bag.
    City commuters who haul their mats on buses and trains might also like reading about how I put the B Mat through sweat, stretch, and subway life before deciding.
  • Zazzle: Arrived in a week. Photo color matched what I uploaded. Edges were neat at first.

All three answered my emails within a day when I asked about cleaning. That surprised me—in a good way.

So… Who Should Get What?

  • You want pretty art and a cozy feel: get a Sugarmat with your name. Great for slow flows and everyday home practice.
  • You sweat a lot or like strong flow: get the Liforme with your name. Pricey, but it works hard.
  • You want a full photo and extra cushion: get the Zazzle one for home and gentle classes.

Quick Pros And Cons Roundup

Sugarmat Personalized

  • Pros: pretty, comfy, light, name looks nice
  • Cons: slick when very sweaty, shows wear spots

Liforme Personalised

  • Pros: great grip, sturdy, premium feel, name etch
  • Cons: heavier, higher price, picky about cleaners

Zazzle Photo Mat

  • Pros: full photo print, cushy, light
  • Cons: weak grip with sweat, base can slide, edge wear

Final Thoughts (And A Tiny Tangent)

I thought custom mats

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