What to Wear to Pilates: Outfits That Work in Real Life
Headed to Your First Reformer Session or Mat Class? Here's What to Wear for Pilates.
Photo by Ahmet Kurt via Pexels
I’ve been doing Pilates videos at home for years but when I recently decided to start going to a class at an actual studio, I suddenly thought “am I wearing the right thing?”
So if you've been there before your first Pilates class, you're in good company.
Here's what I’ve noticed now that I’ve attended a few classes: there are quite a few different things you can wear. I saw matching sets next to regular workout clothes. Sports bras under tank tops and on their own. Leggings of all colors and cuts. But beneath all that variation, there is a clear pattern in what is suitable for Pilates. The people most at ease were wearing clothes that were form-fitting and moved with them.
This guide covers the best types of bottoms, tops, and Pilates attire for every class format, including what to know before your first reformer class and whether you actually need grip socks (you probably do). Here’s everything you need to know about what to wear to a Pilates class.
(Photo by Ahmet Kurt via Pexels)
What Makes Good Pilates Clothing?
Pilates is different from running or lifting in a way that directly affects what you should wear. In a regular gym workout, your clothes just need to stay out of the way and you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in really.
But in a Pilates class? Different story. You're doing these incredibly controlled movements on the mat and getting into positions where a loose top can literally fall over your face mid-exercise (and yes, I'm speaking from real experience here).
Your instructor also watches your alignment and form throughout class, so wearing form-fitting Pilates clothing helps them see what your spine and hips are doing so that they can advise you better.
Meera Watts, founder of Siddhi Yoga and a Pilates instructor since 2013, says that when a student's clothing drapes or bunches over the body, the hip line disappears and you can’t clearly see the curve of the spine, which means corrections get made based on incomplete information.
She had one student who wore wide-leg trousers to every session. Turns out, that student had a pelvic tilt she'd been carrying for years. One day, she showed up in fitted leggings, Meera noticed the tilt immediately, and it was corrected within two classes.
"When I don't have a view of what I'm working with," Meera says, "that kind of misalignment can take months longer to catch."
What to Look for in Pilates Clothing
There are three things that truly matter for Pilates clothes:
- Fit: You want clothes that sit close to the body but that aren’t so tight that they’re uncomfortable.
- Fabric: Breathable fabrics and moisture-wicking fabrics are good choices. Pilates is surprisingly sweaty for a low impact workout, especially in a heated studio. Look for nylon-spandex blends, soft ribbed stretchy fabrics, or styles with mesh panels for extra ventilation.
- Range of motion: Stretchy fabrics are absolutely non-negotiable. You won’t be able to get the moves right if you’re wearing anything stiff or restrictive.
When it comes to price, you don't need expensive Pilates activewear to have the right outfit for class. Good Pilates clothes can be any activewear that fits well and stays put when you’re doing the exercises.
That said, if you're doing Pilates regularly, I rate it’s worth investing in a few quality pieces that you will get good wear out of. You can also get quality pieces at a good deal. For example, look for ALO Yoga coupons to save yourself some money on a great set.
There’s a real art to knowing what to splurge on and where it counts—I’m all about being frugal chic at the moment.
What to Wear to a Pilates Reformer Class
Reformer Pilates and mat class share the same general clothing principles, but the reformer adds a few specific things worth knowing before your first class.
The reformer is a spring-based resistance machine with a sliding carriage, straps, and a footbar. Loose fabric can catch on the springs or straps during exercises. That’s why this is the one class format where I'd say that fitted clothing is a must and my go-to is fitted high-waisted leggings and a longline bra top.
Things to avoid when you go to reformer classes:
- Waistband hardware like metal clasps or decorative rings
- Back zippers
- Embellishments on the back panels of your top or leggings
All of these can scratch the carriage padding. Simpler is always better here. I’d also highly recommend tying your hair up. You really want to avoid it accidently getting caught in the springs or carriage—trust me.
Lastly, most studios require you to wear grip socks so check before you go and grab yourself a pair.
All products and deals are sourced by the Rank & Style team using data and expert insights. If you shop through our links, we may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.
Authors
Brittany Brainard is an editor and writer at Rank and Style who brings a sharp eye, a science brain, and a love for stylish content to the table. With degrees from Misericordia University and SUNY Broome, she blends her background in health science a
Written By:
Brittany Brainard
The Right Leggings for Pilates
If there's one thing almost everyone in my Pilates class has in common, it's leggings. High waisted leggings specifically. The waistband doesn't roll down during bridges and inversions, and they stay exactly where they should for the whole class. It’s not fun to constantly have to adjust your pants during a class.
High-waisted leggings also smooth and cover the tummy, which I know is an area many women are a little self-conscious about.
Full-Length vs. Cropped Leggings
Both work well, and it really comes down to studio temperature and personal preference. Full-length is great for colder spaces and reformer classes where you want full coverage on the carriage.
Cropped or 7/8-length tends to be the popular choice for mat class in warmer weather.
Flared leggings are another option and they’re having a serious moment right now (very ballet inspired, very much the current Pilates aesthetic). They look great but too big a flare can mean you’re dealing with a lot of excess fabric, which can be a little annoying while you’re trying to do the moves, so it’s best to choose a tighter flared style or kick flare in my opinion.
Also, a heads-up for reformer classes: a wide flare can catch on the footbar or springs. So I’d really recommend wearing standard, tight-fitting gym leggings for these classes to avoid any mishaps.
What to Look for in Pilates Leggings
A few specific things worth checking before buying:
- A high-waist waistband that doesn't slip down as you move
- Four-way stretch
- Squat-proof, opaque fabric
- Flat or minimal inseam seams (bulky seams against the mat for a full hour are really uncomfortable and distracting)
- No front seam to avoid camel-toe and discomfort (this is totally personal preference)
Bike Shorts and Shorter Styles
Bike shorts are great for mat class and lower-intensity Pilates workouts, especially in the summer. They're comfortable, snug, and you can move easily in them. Just make sure they’re not short shorts. Even tight bike shorts can result in an accidental flash if they’re too short so go for something that lands mid-thigh to be safe.
It’s also best to avoid loose shorts. During leg lifts and anything where your legs go up, loose shorts shift around and become a distraction—for you and potentially for the other students nearby.
The Best Tops for Pilates
The top situation at Pilates is more flexible than bottoms, but there are still a few things worth knowing before you just throw on whatever's clean.
Sports Bras and Longline Bra Tops
Since Pilates is a low impact workout, a high-impact, heavily structured sports bra isn't necessary. It can actually work against you because those bulkier styles can restrict range of motion during extension exercises.
A medium or low support sports bra is perfect for most Pilates classes.
My personal go-to is an activewear top that has a built-in bra. I can wear it on its own rather than searching for a separate bra and top and it provides more coverage than just a sports bra. I always look for ones with adjustable straps so I can fit it to my body better and avoid slipping straps.
Fitted Tanks and T-Shirts
A fitted tank is always a good go-to for exercise. Pair it with leggings and you have a classic Pilates outfit that requires zero thought in the morning.
Looser tanks and T-shirts can work, but they really need a fitted layer underneath. In positions like a plank, a pike, or a teaser, a looser top falls away from your body, which can be distracting. A fitted cami or bra top underneath means you're not adjusting your top every few minutes throughout class.
Light Layers for Colder Studios
Some studios run cold and you can definitely feel it at the start of class before you’ve warmed up your body. A lightweight layer works well here and peels off easily once you start moving. A zip-up, a shrug, or a fitted long sleeve top are all good options.
Pilates Matching Sets: The Easiest Outfit Formula
Now, if I had to pick one Pilates outfit formula that works every single time (bonus: it also works as a yoga outfit), it would be a matching set. You just can’t beat leggings and a bra top in the same fabric and color. It's the fastest getting-dressed experience, everything coordinates, and it really just makes you feel more put together and ready for class—even at 6am.
And it’s the classic Pilates aesthetic with sets of soft neutrals, flattering ribbed fabrics, and monochromatic looks in mauve, cream, sage green, or warm taupe. Bright colors also work just as well if that's more your style, though.
Quick reality check: you don't need to spend $150 on a Pilates workout set to have the perfect outfit. Solid neutral separates that go well together do the same job. I personally love mixing and matching my outfits so that I’m not always wearing the same thing. Having a few base pieces and sets that complement each other has been the best decision I’ve made when it comes to my Pilates fits.
Grip Socks and Shoes: What to Wear on Your Feet
Short answer to the question everyone Googles before class: do you wear shoes for Pilates? And the answer is no.
Athletic shoes and trainers aren't appropriate for most classes, and most studios won't allow them on reformer equipment.
For mat class, bare feet are completely normal and what I personally prefer. You get better stability and your feet can move the way they’re supposed to for Pilates exercises.
For reformer Pilates, you’ll need to wear Pilates grip socks at most studios. Two reasons:
- Hygiene: shared equipment that a lot of people's feet touch
- Safety: the rubber grip dots on the sole stop your feet from slipping on the footbar and carriage
Most studios sell grippy socks at the front desk, but they’re usually more expensive than what you’d find elsewhere. Buying a pair beforehand is the better move.
Pilates socks, grippy socks, and non-slip socks are all the same thing. They’re socks with rubber nubs on the sole and they’re pretty easy to find online. And if you want to wear them for mat or equipment work where they aren't explicitly required, that’s totally fine.
What Else to Bring to Pilates Class
The kit list for Pilates is actually quite short. Here's what I bring every time:
- Grip socks: Required for most reformer classes, useful for mat class too.
- Hair ties and a grippy headband: The most underrated Pilates accessory, full stop. Hair sticking to your face mid-exercise is a very specific kind of annoying.
- Water bottle: Always a must. Gotta stay hydrated no matter what sort of exercise you’re doing.
- A small towel: Optional but useful for more intense classes like HIIT Pilates or if you tend to run warm or sweat a lot.
If it's your first class at a new studio, arrive a few minutes early. Confirm whether they provide mats or if you need to bring your own mat, find out where to store your bag and personal items, and get your bearings before class starts.
What to Avoid Wearing to Pilates
Nothing here is a judgment. These are just the practical issues that can make Pilates harder than it needs to be (and it’s already hard enough thanks!).
- Loose pants or baggy shorts. The constant-adjusting problem is real. During leg exercises and anything with legs elevated, baggy clothing shifts around and becomes a wardrobe distraction. If you prefer looser, more relaxed clothing, a baggier top over fitted bottoms is a better compromise for Pilates class.
- Brand new leggings you haven't tested yet. Your first Pilates class is not the moment to discover your new leggings are see-through when you squat. Test them out by doing a home workout video first. And do a couple of squats in front of a mirror. Trust me, you'll thank yourself for this later.
- Regular sneakers or trainers. Most studios don't allow them on reformer equipment or in the studio entirely. They also restrict foot movement so they aren’t actually suitable for Pilates exercises.
- Bulky, high-impact sports bras. The extra structure isn't needed for this type of class and can restrict range of motion during extension work. Medium support is plenty.
- Clothing with metal hardware. Back zippers, waistband clasps, decorative rings, etc. can scratch reformer equipment. Keep everything clean, simple, and soft.
Last Thoughts on What to Wear to Pilates
The outfit anxiety before your first Pilates class is completely normal! Even as someone who has done home Pilates videos for years, I still felt it. But I can tell you that it fades really fast once you're actually moving.
The right outfit formula is simple: fitted bottoms that stay put, a form-fitting top (longline or cropped—totally up to you), and grip socks if you’re going to a reformer class or if you would just like to wear them.
You don't need a matching Pilates workout set or a specific brand or the exact shade of sage green. Any comfortable Pilates clothes that move with you and stay in place are perfect.
And if you’re looking for some new pieces (like these Free People bestsellers) but want to save a few bucks, make sure you check out these Athleta activewear deals and FP Movement discount codes.
Authors
Brittany Brainard is an editor and writer at Rank and Style who brings a sharp eye, a science brain, and a love for stylish content to the table. With degrees from Misericordia University and SUNY Broome, she blends her background in health science a
