Article: What to Wear to Pilates: Your Reformer & Mat Outfit Guide
What to Wear to Pilates: Your Reformer & Mat Outfit Guide
Heading to your first class, or just want your studio wardrobe to work harder? Here is exactly what to wear to pilates, from the reformer to the mat and the coffee after.
The short answer
Wear fitted, breathable pieces that stay in place when you bend, roll and stretch:
- High-waisted leggings that don't slide down, or a fitted onesie
- A supportive sports bra or fitted top
- No zips, buckles or loose drawstrings
- Grip socks, which most reformer studios ask for
- Hair tied back, and a soft layer for after class
What to wear to reformer pilates
On the reformer you lie, kneel and stand on a moving carriage, with straps and springs close to your body. That's why fitted clothing matters most here: anything loose can catch in the springs or ride up when your legs are in the straps.
Go for high-waisted leggings with a sculpting fit, a sports bra with enough support to lie on your back comfortably, and a top that stays put when you roll down. A ballet wrap top works well for warm-up, and you can tie it tighter once you get going. Finish with pilates grip socks.
Want to skip the matching altogether? A onesie is the ultimate one-and-done pilates outfit. There is no waistband to pull up and no top to tuck in, so you can focus on your practice, not your clothes.
What to wear to mat pilates
Mat pilates asks for the same basics, with a little more freedom. Leggings or bike shorts, a supportive bra and a fitted top are perfect. You can usually go barefoot on the mat, but grip socks give extra hold in standing work and keep your feet warm in a cool studio.
Your pilates outfit checklist
- High-waisted leggings or a onesie. Squat-proof, sculpting and made to stay put in roll-downs. Shop leggings
- A supportive sports bra. Pilates is low impact, but you still want support, plus a smooth back for lying down. Shop sports bras
- A fitted top or ballet wrap. A wrap top you can tie close for class and loosen for the walk home. Shop ballet wrap tops
- Pilates grip socks. Non-slip soles for the reformer, and the first thing most studios ask about. Shop grip socks
- A hair tie and a layer for after. Tie your hair low or in a bun so you can lie flat, and pull on Balloon Pants or a soft knit for the way home.
5 pilates outfit ideas
Easy formulas from our Studio Dressing edit to wear on repeat, from mat to reformer and beyond.
