What to Wear to Club Pilates
A Complete Pilates Fashion Guide, From Compression Leggings to Grippy Socks
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Whether you're trying reformer Pilates for the first time or you consider yourself a pro, the last thing you want to worry about is your outfit. Your mind is busy enough trying to master the moves — you shouldn't have to think about your sports bra not being supportive enough or the waistband of your leggings starting to slip. So before you take your next Pilates class, you're going to want to check out these must-have workout pieces loved by editors and the pros.
While I try to take a Pilates class at least once a week, I'm not ashamed to say I'm far from being a professional. To make this outfit guide as comprehensible as possible, I called in for backup. Starting with the basics, Kate Snyder, a Club Pilates instructor, recommends wearing fitted clothing like leggings so both you and your instructor can keep a better eye on your form. She also recommends avoiding zippers at all costs. "You spend a majority of the class using the reformer, oftentimes lying on your back," Snyder tells Popsugar. "There's nothing more uncomfortable than a zipper digging into your lower back for 50 minutes!" Ahead, find the ultimate Pilates style guide, from Club Pilates instructor-loved leggings to my go-to ballet wrap.
Best Pieces to Wear to a Pilates Class
- For an added challenge: Popsugar Flex Wrist/Ankle Weight at $20
- Don't forget your grippy socks: FP Movement No Show Pilates Grip Socks at $24
- A one-piece is the easiest outfit: Popsugar One Piece Black Jumpsuit at $30
- An instructor-loved sports bra: Nike Pro Swoosh Medium-Support Sports Bra at $42
- The perfect light layer: ELV Active Ballet Wrap at $68
- A buttery-soft cropped tank:Beyond Yoga Spacedye On the Up Cropped Tank at $74
- The perfect Pilates legging: Lululemon Wunder Train No Line High-Rise Tight at $108
- Because pockets make everything better: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise 7/8 Legging at $109
- The more compression the better: Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging at $134
- For supportive footwear: On Cloud 6 Sneakers at $160
Experts Featured in This Article
Kate Snyder is an instructor at Club Pilates Johnston/EG.
Amanda Duckstein is the founder and owner of Reyva Pilates.
Kelsey Gephart is a certified Pilates instructor and master trainer.
Popsugar Flex Wrist/Ankle Weight ($20)
If you want to level up your workout, add a one-pound weight to your ankles or wrists to add more of a challenge. I love how these have an adjustable band so you can find the perfect fit. Don't underestimate the power of adding just a little bit of weight to amp up the resistance on repetitive movements.
FP Movement No Show Pilates Grip Socks ($24)
When using a reformer, it's important to wear socks with some grip so you can confidently move between poses without worrying about slipping. These no-show socks with a crisscross elastic are the perfect subtle layer to give you extra control while you move.
Popsugar One Piece Black Jumpsuit ($30)
The last thing you need to worry about in a Pilates class is making sure your pants or your top doesn't ride up. A foolproof solution? Wearing a one-piece. This adorable jumpsuit will seamlessly move with your body so you can feel confident and supported.
Nike Pro Swoosh Medium-Support Sports Bra ($42)
Sports bras are arguably the hardest pieces to shop for. Amanda Duckstein, a former Club Pilates lead instructor and founder and owner of Reyva Pilates, recommends this sports bra to her clients. "The [brand] calls it medium support, but it holds my chest in comfortably without cutting me off in bad spots," she says.
ELV Active Ballet Wrap ($68)
I love to wear a light layer while I warm up on the reformer and this ballet wrap is my favorite long-sleeved option. It feels buttery-soft on the skin and instantly elevates any activewear outfit. Simply wrap the fabric around your stomach and secure with a cute bow for easy removal once you start to sweat.
Beyond Yoga Spacedye On the Up Cropped Tank ($74)
It's crucial that your clothes don't make you feel restricted. "In a Pilates class, you'll work every plane of your body along with bending, twisting, and flexing the spine. Having an outfit that can stick with you while you navigate all your tiny secondary muscle groups is key," Snyder explains. This cropped tank top is one of my favorite Pilates tops because it has a built-in bra for medium support and is in Beyond Yoga's signature buttery-soft fabric.
Lululemon Wunder Train No Line High-Rise Tight ($108)
The perfect Pilates legging is breathable and stretchy, but not sheer. Plus, "a sweat-wicking fabric is perfect for holding those long plank poses to build up body heat," Snyder says. These high-rise pants fit all the marks and come in five different colors, from neutrals to bold hues.
Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise 7/8 Legging ($109)
Kelsey Gephart, a certified Pilates instructor, is obsessed with these leggings. "They are the perfect rise and have a nice thick waistband so they don't pinch but also stay put while I teach," Gephart says. "Also, the pocket is totally clutch. This chapstick addict can keep it so close by!"
Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging ($134)
You can trust that these leggings won't slide down during your workout. "They make me feel supported and make my legs and ankles look good," says Duckstein. With 18 colors to choose from, you can mix and match endless combinations.
On Cloud 6 Sneakers ($160)
You can wear any shoes you want to a Pilates class, but a sneaker is always a foolproof option. These running shoes come in a variety of colors and offer just the right amount of support. "I'm big on keeping my feet safe," Gephart says. "The bungee is just enough that my feet don't hurt from tight laces, but they have lots of support, too. They're a no-brainer for anyone with foot, knee, hip, or back issues!"
— Additional reporting by Adelaide Giesey
Emily Weaver is an entertainment and lifestyle contributor for PS. Her writing focuses on celebrity relationships, movie and book news, and product shopping guides. Her bylines include PEOPLE, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, HelloGiggles, Scary Mommy, and more.
Adelaide Giesey (she/her) is a shopping writer at Popsugar. With over seven years of industry experience, she is an expert in all things beauty and enjoys writing across fashion and lifestyle categories. Prior to PS, she helped shape the beauty verticals at Byrdie, Coveteur, and InStyle.
