Looking for a pair of leggings for your next Pilates class? The right pair lets you move freely, stays put and feels comfortable from your first stretch to your last, so you can focus on the session.

In this guide, we'll cover what to look for in Pilates leggings, from the fabric and waistband to coverage, length and fit, and how to care for them so they last.

What makes a good pair of Pilates leggings?

Pilates is made up of slow, controlled movements: bending, stretching, rolling and lying on your back or front. A good pair of leggings moves with you through all of these, without slipping, rolling down or needing a fix between exercises.

Most of what makes a pair work comes down to five things: the fabric, the waistband, coverage, length and the small details like seams and pockets. Here's what to look for in each, and you can see all of our styles in our Pilates leggings collection.

Fabric: soft and silky, or more structured

The fabric decides how a pair of leggings feel on, so it's worth thinking about what you prefer. Our leggings are made from a blend of nylon or polyester with elastane or spandex, which gives them stretch and helps them hold their shape.

Our nylon-elastane blend tends to feel softer and silkier, with a smooth feel that moulds closely to the body. Our polyester-spandex blend often feels a little more structured, with a firmer, comfortable hold. Both are great options for Pilates, so it simply comes down to your personal preference and the fit you feel most comfortable wearing.

Fabric weight is another detail worth considering. A mid-weight fabric, around 250gsm, offers a substantial feel with good coverage and support, while remaining comfortable to wear throughout your Pilates session.

A waistband that stays in place

Comfort and fit are key when choosing leggings for Pilates. A high-rise waistband is a popular choice, offering flattering coverage around the waist and a secure feel throughout your session. Look for a design that sits comfortably against the body, with a supportive fit that feels good whether you're stretching, moving through different positions or enjoying your favourite class.

Coverage you can feel confident in

Good coverage is an important consideration when choosing Pilates leggings. Look for a quality fabric that offers a smooth, opaque finish, giving you confidence through every stretch, bend and movement.

A mid-weight fabric can be a great choice, offering a more substantial feel and reliable coverage without compromising on comfort or flexibility.

Length: finding the right fit

The length of your leggings can make a difference to the overall look and feel. Our full-length leggings are designed to offer flattering coverage from waist to ankle, creating a streamlined silhouette that's easy to style for Pilates and beyond.

Seams, pockets and considered details

When choosing Pilates leggings, it's worth paying attention to the smaller design details that make a difference to both comfort and style. Smooth, flat seams create a clean finish, while thoughtfully placed contour detailing can add shape and definition to the silhouette.

Practical features such as side pockets are also worth considering, offering a convenient place to keep small essentials when heading to and from class. Ultimately, look for considered details that complement the fit without compromising on comfort.

Our Pilates leggings

All of our Pilates leggings are high-waisted and full length, sized from XXS (UK 4) to XL (UK 14), and come in two fabrics so you can choose the feel you prefer.

For a soft, silky feel: our nylon-elastane leggings are made from a 78% nylon, 22% elastane blend at 250gsm. The Rise Leggings have contour seams and baby stitch detailing at the waistband, in Tide, Plum and Charcoal, and the Plum colourway has been our best-selling pair of leggings this autumn. The Flex Leggings come in Truffle and Wine, and the Verve Leggings have sculpting seams in Deep Forest. If you like a pocket, the Intention Leggings in Black and the Focus Leggings in Navy both have side pockets. These styles are £55.

How to care for your Pilates leggings

A little care helps your leggings keep their shape, stretch and colour for longer. Machine wash them cold and inside out, then hang them or lay them flat to dry. Avoid the tumble dryer and skip the iron.

Please refer to the instructions inside each garment for the best care guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need different leggings for mat and reformer Pilates?

No, the same pair works for both. For reformer classes, flat seams and a design without zips or back pockets can feel more comfortable when you're lying on the carriage.

Should Pilates leggings be tight?

They should feel snug and supportive, so they move with you and stay in place without needing to be adjusted. They should feel comfortable for the full class.

Can you wear gym leggings for Pilates?

Yes. Most good gym leggings work well for Pilates, as long as they're opaque, have a waistband that stays in place and don't have zips or bulky details at the back. Many people wear the same pair for both.

What's the best fabric for Pilates leggings?

It depends, but both of our options are a great choice: a stretchy blend of nylon and elastane, or polyester and spandex. Our nylon-elastane tends to feel softer and silkier. Both work well, so it comes down to what you prefer.

How do you wash Pilates leggings?

Machine wash cold and inside out, then hang or lay flat to dry. Avoid the tumble dryer and skip the iron. Please refer to the instructions inside each garment for the best care guidance.

Once you've found a pair that feels comfortable and stays in place, it's one less thing to think about before class. If you're putting together the rest of your outfit, our guide to what to wear for Pilates covers tops, sports bras and more, and our guide to grip socks for Pilates explains what to look for in a pair.