FAQ
Free Yoga Mat Bag with purchase?
We get this question A LOT! Because our competitors choose to offer a free yoga mat bag with their product.
We choose not to, and here's why:
Many of these free bags are made with cheap, toxic and synthetic fibers coated with polyethylene and PVC's that only pollute our planet. You deserve better.
Because we also care about our customers and the planet, we choose more sustainable, natural, and non-toxic materials which are also a little more costly.
Our Yoga Mat Bags are 100% natural cotton and jute, embroidered, hand-made in India using natural dyes. We offer it to customers who purchase a yoga mat at a discounted bundled rate.
We do include a carry strap that doubles as a yoga strap with every yoga mat purchase.
Which yoga mat is right for me?
That is up to your preference. Here are some facts to help you choose:
All of our mats are great for hot yoga.
Our cork mats are specifically designed for hot yoga, but also work well with any type of yoga practice.
Cork yoga mats are wonderful, many of our customers use them and love them - myself included. We have found that there is a preference, please read "Will I Slip on my cork yoga mat?" below for more details.
If you prefer an extra extra grippy mat, we recommend our Pro Mat.
Will I slip on my cork mat?
"I heard cork mats are slippery I am worried I will not like a cork mat" or " I tried a cork mat from another company and it was very slippery"
These are common questions that we get all the time.
Here's the scoop on our cork mats:
no you will not slip on a cork mat. It is not like practicing hot yoga on a PVC mat (dangerous). Yes, we have found that some of our competitors versions of cork mats are very slippery.
Our cork mats are specifically designed for hot yoga. Once the mat and your skin get a tad warmed up and slightly clamy hands, the mat will grip nicely.
Our cork mats are soft and supple with the feeling of velvet and are always backed with natural rubber.
If you are slipping on your cork mat, then you are not doing the pose properly.
Cork is a preference, it requires that you practice the poses using the correct muscles to hold the pose. A lot of our customers prefer this.
We describe the grip on our cork mats as a "soft grip" it is NOT like practicing on an extra tacky mat (like our Pro Mats). If you prefer an extra grippy mat, we recommend our Pro Mats.
How long will my mat last? How durable is the material and the artwork?
We have noted cases where our mat was used 2-3x's/day 6-7 days a week for intense vinyasa/ashtanga and lasted 1 year. We have noted moderate use 2-4 x's a week lasting up to 5 years or more. How you care for your mat, how often and how intense your practice will determine its longevity.
The image will wear along with the material over time. As the ink and designs are embedded in the cork, they will wear with the material. Please see our policy section below for more information.
Painted yoga mats - what's the deal?
We use a non-toxic pigment based acrylic medium to paint our cork yoga mats. We also seal the design with a similar product uniquely made for fiber.
This sealer has no affect on the feeling of the cork or how it performs.
How will my painted cork yoga mat hold up?
Actually, quite nicely! Our painted mats hold up 10x's better than our printed counterparts. We have better control of the application of the medium and the paint is able to settle into the fiber of the yoga mat. Wheres a full color printed design 1. does not offer the same brilliant color, and 2. sits on the top of the mat. We offer only a few designs printed at a more economical price point.
Can I order a custom designed yoga mat?
Yes! We will work with you to develop your vision and create a design that you love. All of our custom mats are hand painted.
How it works:
- If you have an idea, we will interview you to get a sense of what you are looking for. If you do not have an idea of what you want, we will speak with you and help you to develop your vision.
- We will create sketches for your approval followed by a color mock-up for final approval before we start the full size painting. We ask that initial sketch be edited and colors be selected before moving on to the color sketch. Any color changes can then be made upon request.
- Final product is created.
- The whole process takes 2-4 weeks depending on our current load and the revision/editing process.
You may visit this page to learn more and to place an order.
What is your return policy?
See below
How do I clean my mat?
CORK MATS:Use water or a 4:1 water:vinegar solution. You may add small amounts of Essential oils if desired for cork mats only (note Essential Oils may make mats slightly slick, use sparingly).
NEVER USE abrasive, sudsing, or bleaching agents or cleaners on any of our products, as they are natural materials that will experience damage and degradation.
Do not leave your mat in the sun for extended periods of time especially when wet (this could degrade the color and grip).
Mats should be rolled face out.
PRO MATS: Use only a soft cloth dampened with water. Periodically clean with 4:1 water:vinegar Solution on dampened cloth. Do not over clean or use too much vinegar. Surface can become damaged and experience premature degradation. To keep your mat in optimal performance, please follow these guidelines.
NEVER USE abrasive, sudsing, or bleaching agents or cleaners on any of our products, as they are natural materials that will experience damage and degradation.
Do not leave your mat in the sun for extended periods of time especially when wet (this could degrade the color and grip).
Mats should be rolled face out.
To regenerate Pro Mat Surface: You may use a small amount of unscented castile soap (2 drops/1 cup of water) on a dampened cloth, wiping in 1 direction- periodically for a deeper clean. Followed by 5-10 consecutive uses with a dampened surface and wipe-down with only water. Allow to airdry (not in the sun) before rolling.
Return Policy
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: return items within 14 days of delivery date, for a full product refund, if you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase. Return shipping is the responsibility of the buyer and will be charged prior to providing a return shipping label. Item(s) should ship in original box for most cost effective shipping. (excludes custom created items)
Replacement Discount: We offer a discount for customers who would like to replace their worn ilaStrate yoga mat! Please contact us with your name and previous order information or photo of your mat and we will send you $20 off!
Damaged or Defective Items: We will make exchanges for items damaged in shipment and defective items within 14 days of delivery date.
Products damaged in shipment are covered by our shipper. Please send photos of the damaged outer box and damaged product to info@ilastrate.yoga. we cannot honor damaged in shipment without proof to give to the shipper.
We cannot accept returns of any custom designed or personalized items.
All sale items are final. No returns will be accepted on sale items.
Normal Wear and Tear: We cannot be responsible for normal wear and tear, and wear due to neglect, mistreatment, or off-use treatment. Yoga Mats should only be cleaned as outlined above. Please see full care instructions above.
Just like a pair of shoes, everyone is different, everyone uses, stores and travels with their mats differently and everyone’s mat will wear differently depending on use, care, storage and intensity of practice. We can not guarantee normal use wear or wear from misuse, incorrect cleaning or mistreatment.
Examples of neglect or misuse: Animals on mats can ruin the natural materials with their claws, mats that are used outdoors can become dirty and ripped if used on rough surfaces or left in the sun too long, improper cleaning, salty water, abrasive dirty/sand on surface, etc.