I was excited to try out the Plank “shag” yoga mat, which appears as though someone was doing a downward dog in a shag carpet, or perhaps something a little more naughty.

Based out of Boston, the Plank brand combines cheeky humour with unique designs in the form of yoga products and luxurious accessories. Plank advertises,

“In a sea of cookie-cutter product, Plank is deliberate in its design to shift the visual and verbal language of yoga products, as evidenced by the Photo Mat Series; a collection of four commissioned art quality images rendered onto eco-friendly natural rubber.”

I especially love the concept of the “pill” mat, which appears to be a tiled bathroom floor with a colorful cocktail of spilled Rx pills all over—a stark, stylish and humorous contrast of Western and Eastern alternative therapies. The yoga mats retail for $95 and other accessories, including stylish leather trimmed yoga mat totes and faux pony hair clutches, retail up to $260.

Everytime I unfurl my “shag” yoga mat, I enjoy the refreshing sight amongst the “sea of cookie-cutter product” and it always receives compliments in class.

It feels durable (only time will tell) and offers a perfect level of cushioning for both myself and my 215lb husband. The downside is we found the mat slippery with the slightest moisture. Covering the mat with a towel defeats its aesthetic offering. Without a towel to prevent slipping, it is probably ideal for yin/restorative yoga. [note: elej is checking with Emma, the reviewer, to make sure she removed the protective film from the mat before using it! ~ ed]