Manduka
Manduka is an American yoga equipment and apparel brand founded by architect turned yoga teacher Peter Sterios. It is best known for its PRO and eKO yoga mats and also makes towels, props, mat bags and clothing.
| Founder | Peter Sterios |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Core products | Yoga mats, towels and props |
| Key lines | PRO, eKO, GRP, Yogitoes |
| Website | manduka.com |
What is Manduka?
Manduka is a yoga brand from the United States founded by Peter Sterios, an architect who turned to yoga. Sterios discovered the mat that became the brand's foundation in 1997, and the company began when he sent mats to teachers he admired.
Products and positioning
Mats remain the core of the range and are organised into series:
- PRO Series: dense, cushioned mats including PRO, PRO Lite and PRO Travel
- eKO Series: mats made from natural rubber
- GRP Series: high grip mats
- Fitness and Pilates mats such as CLOUD
Beyond mats, Manduka sells Yogitoes and Equa towels for hot yoga, blocks, bolsters, blankets, straps, mat bags and mat care, as well as women's and men's apparel. The company describes its materials as simple, enduring, natural and, whenever possible, renewable.
Distribution
Manduka runs online stores for the United States, Canada and Europe and works with physical retailers through a store locator. It also supplies yoga teachers, studios, gyms, hotels and spas through a dedicated wholesale programme and offers custom branding and corporate wellness services.
Why it matters
Manduka shows how a specialist equipment brand can grow out of a professional community, using teachers and studios as its first channel before extending into apparel and accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Manduka?
Manduka was founded by Peter Sterios, an architect turned yoga teacher.
What is Manduka known for?
Manduka is best known for its yoga mats, particularly the PRO and eKO series, along with Yogitoes towels.