Definitely buy 1/2" yoga mat over 1/4".
345958
I bought a yoga mat b/c my 8 yr old is starting her 1st yoga class. She got excited when it arrived. Shipping took 2 days which was perfect. I was worried I would get it after class starts. She said 1/2" yoga mat is so much better than the 1/4" we already have. Her knees would hurt when she did certain moves on 1/4". She woke up the next am and started doing yoga on her own. Loved it so much bought another one for my other daughter so they don't fight over it.
3487232
The  yoga mat is very comfortable.  The thickness of the mat is just right for me.  I really like the whole set, but if I could change anything it would be the width of the blocks.  I wish they were wider.  My order came very quickly and packaged nicely.  I would order from this seller again.
2493163
This mat is great for indoor and outdoor yoga. The thickness is heaven! I put a towel on the ground and put my mat over it for my outdoor workout and I can't even begin to tell you the difference in feeling from my other yoga mats. The tip of my tailbone usually aches as I'm excercising. I've used the mat 4 times and I've got to tell you I haven't experienced any aches while using this mat! I love it! It rolls up easily and rolls out flat. The shoulder strap is a nice touch as well. Can't imagine going back to cheap thin yoga mat's at this point. I am beyond happy with this mat!
3001940
Beautiful mat.  I got the rich Tao color pattern.  I am satisfied with thickness and non-skid feature for my workouts at home.  If you are looking for a thick mat, or a wide mat, this is not the one.  The length is fine, but width is a little less that the one I use in class.  Could come in handy in a very crowded group session.
1229138
Great mat. Doesn't slip and is much thicker than the average yoga mat. Certainly the best quality mat  I've ever used.
3360994
Perfect for this arthritic old lady! I ordered the lilac color (exactly as pictured) which arrived on the 2nd day. The 1/2" thickness provides luxurious padding for all my joints without the bulk and weight of my old 3/4" mat. I'm 5'4" so it seems perfect length with room to spare for my dogs who always join me for floor workouts. Velcro strap for carrying is efficient & convenient. Manufacturer offers 2-year warranty. Money well spent.
2801070
This is 1/2 inch thick and provides a lot of cushion. It measures 71 inches long by 24 inches wide with rounded corners. I was placing two 1/4 inch yoga mats together to get the extra cushion, but this mat is a full 1/2 inches thick. It is much lighter than my two thinner yoga mats. It rolls up easily to store on my shelf, and unrolls and (by stepping on the ends) lays flat. There is no slippage on my tile floors. The cushioning is good, I can do the "tree" on one foot without falling. After using it for a couple weeks, however, I noticed there is some slippage of my hands when doing the "downward dog," but I remedied this by also using a RatPad under each hand for the more challenging postures (these are sold on Amazon). Also, it is only 71 inches long, I would pay extra if it came in a 74 inch length.
update: 03/2016 The mat has stretched in several areas, mostly from doing downward dog. I will replace it. The thick cushion is still worth it.
4414955
I use this yoga mat for bikram yoga and it's perfect . I also bought a yogi toes towel to go over and the mat is perfect size . Definitely recommend
3630693
I love my new 1/2 yoga mat! I was using the wii mat which was thin and hard on my knees. This new mat provides so much more cushion, its great.
3488689
I bought this mat to use in my home. It is exactly how it is advertised. It is definitely thicker then your usual yoga mat. For me, I felt the thickness effected my balance in a negative way. However others may be fine. I will say the extra cushion felt great on my heel since I suffer from Plantars Fasciitis,
4279656
The mat is high quality and perfect for yoga and floor exercises.  I looked at Sports Authority and the same mat is $50.
2149511
Fantastic mat.  I use it for Vin yoga mostly, but the thickness is excellent and it grips really well without sliding.  I also own the optional towel that goes over the mat and fits perfectly, which is also a great compliment to this.
3330438
I love the my new yoga mat!  I researched before I bought, and this mat is a great improvement over my last one!
4878366
This is the perfect mat for yoga, working out or even meditation It doesn't get slippery and is thick enough to support someone with a back injury.  Great buy & WAY cheaper than any of the mats I saw in any of the stores.
1436994
The Shandali Yoga Mat is a 26" X 71" is made from 100% renewable tree rubber.  It's non-Amazon harvested and doesn't contain foam or PVC.  It initially has a scent that quickly dissipates after you take it out of its package.

Your Shandali Yoga Mat comes in black night.  It has a SuperGrip technology, an anti-slip texture that allows you to have a steady grip while the mat is wet or dry and whether you use a yoga mat towel or not.  The yoga mat is cushioned well to give your body's joints and muscles support in your poses and to minimize injury.  You'll be well-supported when you are in the gym when you use your Shandali yoga mat.

Shandali has a great quality line of items to meet all of your Ashtanga, Bikram, fitness, hot yoga, Phthalates, Pilates, or yoga needs.  From mats and towels to blocks.  They works to be sure that all of their products are ethically produced.  Shandali offers all of its customers a free course in meditation, normally a $37 value, when you purchase a yoga mat.  And, because your Shandali Yoga Mat comes with a lifetime guarantee, it will be the last yoga mat you will ever need to buy!

I'm a product review blogger and I received this product in exchange for an honest review.
4769292
This mat is not only darling, but doesn't slip at all! I have gotten a lot of compliments on it. One more reason for me to love my yoga class! I would recommend this duo. As always, Amazon shipped my purchase intact and quickly.
3003139
The biggest upside to this mat is that it is so thick.  If you find yourself doubling mats for knee comfort, this is for you.  Only downside would be that the mat is rolls up pretty fat to about 8" diameter, so not as low profile as a typical mat.  Comfort makes the difference for me.