The BelaBag Story
Carry your practice differently.
People have practiced yoga for thousands of years.
The mat has evolved over time - but the way we carry it never really did.
For something used so intentionally, yoga mats are often treated as an afterthought. Rolled up with loose straps, carried separately, or awkwardly attached to an already full bag.
At the same time, more people prefer bringing their own mat to class - for comfort, familiarity, and hygiene. Especially in busy studios where shared mats may have been used by dozens of people throughout the day.
I used to run a yoga retreat business called Illuminate Retreats, and this is when I first noticed the problem. Traveling frequently between studios, airports, and cities, our yogis were constantly juggling multiple bags, struggling through commutes, or paying extra luggage fees just to bring the mat they actually wanted to practice on.
BelaBag was created to solve that experience.
Design incubation began in London, then Dharavi in Mumbai, but it truly began to take shape in Dhaka and Guangzhou when I worked directly with artisans and premium bag manufacturers.
Instead of treating the yoga mat as something you carry separately, BelaBag transforms it into part of the bag itself.
The mat becomes the structure - converting into a refined tote or backpack (in final devlopment phase) with around 20 litres of storage for everyday essentials, travel, and movement between places.
Designed to move effortlessly from studio to café, retreat to airport, BelaBag was created for people whose practice is part of a larger lifestyle.
But the idea extends beyond yoga.
We're developing BelaBag as a broader design platform for mat-based living - creating thoughtful carry systems for movement, travel, wellness, and modern daily routines.
Because the things we carry every day should work beautifully with the way we actually live.
That's our ethos, and mission.
We hope you join us in that journey.
Belal Breaga Bakht
Founder & Creative Director
BelaBreaga Ltd
Sustainable Materials, Thoughtfully Sourced
One of my favourite parts of the process - travelling to Portugal to source natural cork and build products with sustainability at the core, and with a focus on product quality and longevity.
Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility
Our Commitment to Sustainability and Fair Labour Practices
Sustainability and ethical practices of our manufacturing partners and material suppliers in Bangladesh, China, the Philippines and Portugal are at the core of our product design business. We work closely with partners that value a balanced work environment and responsible production, and where possible, apply stringent criteria for partnerships.
Work Hours and Employee Well-being
Most of our manufacturing partners' employees work from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm with a one-hour lunch break. They ensure fair wages, including overtime pay when required.
Waste Management and Resource Efficiency
Sustainability extends to how our partners handle production waste. Rather than discarding excess materials, they reuse fabric and material scraps to create smaller accessory items, reducing the amount of waste generated. Materials that cannot be repurposed are disposed of responsibly, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Sustainable Materials for a Better Future
Our dedication to sustainability starts with the materials we select from our partners. We chose cork, jute, recycled polyester and cotton canvas as our main materials, reducing our reliance on virgin resources and lowering carbon emissions. By repurposing these materials, we contribute to a circular economy, extending the life of valuable resources.
Traceable and Responsible Supply Chain
We collaborate with manufacturing partners in China who prioritise transparency and ethical practices. Advanced tracking systems ensure that every material is traceable to verified sources, meeting our high standards for sustainability, integrity, and environmental responsibility. This traceability allows us to deliver products our customers can trust.
A Promise to the Planet
Aligned with our commitment to the environment, most of our manufacturing partners aim to achieve 100% recycled and renewable energy by 2032. Our partners' dedication to ethical labour practices and eco-conscious material sourcing ensures that every step of production is guided by a strong environmental vision. Together, we’re proud to bring you products designed to help preserve our planet for future generations.