Pilates clothing looks simple until you are halfway through a reformer class and your leggings are rolling down or your top is falling forward. The right Pilates outfit stays in place, moves with you through every exercise, and does not distract you from your practice.
This guide covers what to wear to Pilates in the UK in 2026, from leggings and sports bras to tops and layers, plus the one thing most Pilates clothing guides skip: what your fabric is actually made from.
What to Wear to Pilates
Pilates has specific demands that general gym wear does not always meet. You are moving through a full range of motion, often on a reformer or mat, with your body close to the equipment. Here is what works.
Pilates leggings
The most important piece in any Pilates outfit. Choose full-length or bootcut leggings with a wide, high waistband that stays in place through bridges, roll-downs and leg circles without shifting or rolling. The fabric should be opaque and have four-way stretch, so it follows every movement without restricting you.
Leon Bootcut Gym Pants
Best for: Pilates, yoga, gym workouts and everyday wear
- a bootcut silhouette with a flattering fit that works on both the reformer and the mat
- Fuze™ technology: antimicrobial protection, odour control, cooling and UV refraction
- PFAS-free
Sierre Basic Legging
Best for: training, everyday wear and studio sessions
- full-length, high-waist silhouette that stays in place
- moisture-wicking, from warm-up to cool-down
- hidden back pocket for a phone, and six colourways
For reformer classes, avoid shorts and loose bottoms. The straps and springs can catch loose fabric, and bare legs against the equipment are less comfortable over a long session.
Sports bra
A low to medium support sports bra works well for Pilates. You are not doing high-impact movement, so you do not need maximum support. Fit and comfort matter more over a 45 to 60 minute session where you are lying down, sitting, kneeling and standing.
Sierre Yoga Bra
Best for: yoga, Pilates and studio sessions
- low to medium impact support that holds without restricting breathing
- made from 82% recycled fibres with Fuze™ technology for antimicrobial protection and odour control
- six colourways, and pairs with the Sierre Basic Legging
Choosing between bras? Read our guide to how to choose the right sports bra.
Top
A fitted crop top or tank is the most practical choice for studio Pilates. Loose tops fall forward when your spine is in flexion and can get in the way on the reformer. A close-fitting top stays put, so you can focus on your form rather than your clothing.
For mat Pilates at home or in a cooler studio, a fitted long-sleeve top adds warmth during floor-based exercises.
Grip socks
Most studios ask for grip socks rather than bare feet, particularly on the reformer. They improve contact with the footbar and carriage. Keep a pair in your bag permanently.
A layer for before and after
Studios can be cool before class and warm during it. A lightweight hoodie or zip-through for the warm-up and cool-down is a practical addition. Choose something easy to take off and put back on without disrupting the flow of class.
Pilates Outfit for Mat vs Reformer
| Piece | Mat Pilates | Reformer Pilates |
|---|---|---|
| Bottoms | Full-length or bootcut leggings; bike shorts in warm weather | Full-length leggings, to avoid skin contact with the carriage and straps |
| Top | Fitted top; slightly looser works if you prefer it | Fitted top that does not ride up or fall forward |
| Feet | Grip socks or bare feet, depending on the studio | Grip socks, almost always required |
| Fit overall | A little more room to move | Streamlined and close-fitting throughout |
What Fabric Should Your Pilates Outfit Be Made From?
Most Pilates clothing guides skip this. But if you spend 60 minutes with fabric against your skin, the material, and what has been added to it, matters.
Many performance fabrics are treated with finishes for stretch retention, moisture-wicking or water resistance, and some of those finishes use PFAS, a group of persistent synthetic chemicals. If you would rather avoid them in clothing worn against your skin for an hour at a time, check the product page for a clear PFAS-free statement. You can read more in our guide, Are Gym Clothes Toxic?
Seissense pieces use recycled fibres and Fuze™ technology for antimicrobial protection, odour control and cooling.
What Colour to Wear to Pilates
Darker colours and patterns are more forgiving on the reformer and during mat work. Light grey and white leggings can show sweat and may become see-through under studio lighting. If you are starting out, a mid-tone solid in an opaque fabric is the safest first buy.
Pilates Outfit Checklist
- High-waisted, full-length or bootcut leggings with four-way stretch
- A wide waistband that stays in place through a full range of motion
- Opaque, non-see-through fabric
- A low to medium support sports bra that is comfortable for 60 minutes
- A fitted crop top or tank that does not fall forward in flexion
- Grip socks for reformer classes
- A lightweight hoodie or zip-through for warm-up and cool-down
- A clear PFAS-free statement on the product page
Shop PFAS-free yoga and Pilates clothes
You can also browse the women’s leggings collection and sports bras, or read our guide to the best gym leggings.
Pilates Outfit FAQs
What should I wear to a first Pilates class?
Fitted full-length leggings, a fitted top, a low to medium support sports bra and grip socks. Choose a mid-tone solid colour in an opaque fabric if you are unsure.
Can I wear shorts for reformer Pilates?
Full-length leggings are recommended. Straps and springs can catch loose fabric, and bare legs against the carriage are less comfortable over a long session.
Do I need grip socks?
Most studios require them, especially for the reformer. Check with your studio and keep a pair in your bag.
What support level sports bra do I need for Pilates?
Low to medium support is usually enough, as Pilates is low impact. Comfort and fit over a long session matter more than maximum support.
