For Pilates, wear fitted, stretchy clothes that let your instructor see how you move: leggings or bike shorts and a supportive sports bra or a close-fitting top. Skip anything with zippers, buckles, or metal hardware. For reformer classes, bring grip socks, because most studios require them. For mat classes at home, bare feet are fine.
Mat vs reformer: what changes
|
|
Mat Pilates |
Reformer Pilates |
|
Feet |
Barefoot or grip socks |
Grip socks (usually required) |
|
Fit |
Fitted, stretchy |
Fitted, nothing that can catch on springs or straps |
|
Hardware |
Fine at home, avoid in class |
Avoid zippers, buckles, metal clasps |
|
Coverage |
Your choice |
Higher-rise bottoms help when legs are in straps |
New to the machines? Our guide to reformer vs mat Pilates explains how the classes differ.
Why fitted clothes matter in Pilates
Pilates is about precise alignment. Your instructor watches your hips, ribs, and spine to cue small corrections, and that is hard to do through a baggy t-shirt. On a reformer, loose fabric can also get caught in springs, ropes, or the moving carriage. Fitted does not have to mean tight or uncomfortable; it just means close to the body.
Head-to-toe: what to wear
Bottoms
Leggings are the default. Go high-rise so the waistband stays put when you lie on your back with your legs in the air, and check they are fully opaque. A lot of Pilates happens with legs wide or in straps, so see-through fabric shows up fast. The Evo High Rise Leggings are a good example. Our guide to squat-proof leggings shows how to test a pair.
Bike shorts or fitted shorts work well too, especially in warmer studios. Pick ones that will not ride up during leg work, like the Evo Freedom Shorts.
Tops
A sports bra with low to medium support is enough for most Pilates. Choose a pullover style without metal hooks, such as the Ace Support Bra.
A fitted tank or long-sleeve top if you want more coverage. Tuck it in or pick a cropped length so it does not slide up during roll-downs. A wrap top like the Soft Ballet Wrap Top is a cozy layer for warm-up that you can take off once you get going.
Feet
- Reformer: grip socks with rubber dots on the sole. Most studios require them for hygiene and to stop your feet from sliding on the footbar.
- Mat: barefoot is fine. Grip socks also work if your feet get cold or you are in a shared studio.
Fabric to look for
Nylon (polyamide) or polyester blended with spandex. These stretch in every direction, recover their shape, and wick sweat. Cotton stretches out and holds moisture. Our explainer on what polyamide is covers why it is so common in activewear.
What not to wear to Pilates
- Zippers, buckles, belts, or metal details. They can scratch reformer upholstery, and many studios ask people to avoid them.
- Baggy t-shirts or wide-leg pants. They hide your alignment and can catch on equipment.
- Jewelry. Rings and bracelets get in the way of straps and handles.
- Anything sheer. Test your leggings in a deep squat in good light before class.
Your first-class checklist
- High-rise, opaque leggings or fitted shorts
- A sports bra without hardware, plus a fitted top if you like
- Grip socks for reformer
- A water bottle
- A hair tie
If it is your first class, our beginner’s guide to Pilates and our explainer on mat Pilates will help you know what to expect.
For men
Fitted shorts with a liner, or leggings or tights under shorts, and a fitted performance t-shirt or tank. The same rules apply: nothing loose enough to catch on equipment, and grip socks for reformer.
Frequently asked questions
What should a beginner wear to Pilates?
High-rise, opaque leggings or fitted shorts, a supportive sports bra without metal hooks, a fitted top, and grip socks for reformer classes.
Is there a dress code for Pilates?
There is no formal dress code, but most studios ask for fitted clothes, no zippers or buckles on reformers, and grip socks.
Do you go barefoot to Pilates?
For mat Pilates, often yes. For reformer Pilates, most studios require grip socks.
Can I wear yoga clothes to Pilates?
Yes. Yoga leggings, bras, and fitted tops work well. Just avoid anything loose or with hardware for reformer classes.
Do I need special shoes for Pilates?
No. Pilates is done barefoot or in grip socks, never in shoes.
The bottom line
Dress close to the body, choose stretchy fabric that wicks sweat, leave the zippers and jewelry at home, and bring grip socks for reformer. That covers almost every Pilates class. Browse Pilates and yoga apparel and sports bras to put your outfit together.
