Starting your first Pilates class can come with plenty of questions, especially when it comes to what to wear. What leggings work best? Do you need grip socks? Should you wear a fitted top, and is there anything you should avoid?

The good news is that dressing for Pilates doesn't need to be complicated. The right outfit should allow you to move freely, stay in place so you can focus on your class and your mind rather than adjusting your clothes.

In this guide, we'll cover what to wear for Pilates, from leggings and supportive sports bras to grip socks.

What should you wear to a Pilates class?

For most Pilates classes, you’ll want a simple outfit that allows you to move freely without needing constant adjustment. Fitted leggings or cycling shorts, a supportive sports bra, a close-fitting top and a pair of grip socks are all you need.

Look for leggings that are opaque and stay in place as you move, particularly through exercises that involve bending, stretching and rolling. A fitted top should allow you to move freely while staying in place when you’re lying down or moving between positions.

Your sports bra should offer enough support without feeling restrictive, while grip socks can help provide stability on the mat or reformer. 
The key is to choose pieces that let you focus on your movement rather than your clothing.

Why is fitted clothing a good choice for Pilates?

Pilates clothing doesn't have to be fitted, but close-fitting pieces are often the easiest choice for class. They allow you to move freely without excess fabric getting in the way, while making it easier to see your body position and alignment.

This can be particularly useful during reformer Pilates, where you'll be moving around a carriage, using straps and working with a footbar. Loose or oversized clothing can shift as you move and may become distracting, while zips, buttons or bulky details can be uncomfortable when you're lying on the carriage.

That doesn't mean your clothes need to feel tight or restrictive. The best Pilates outfit is one that stays in place, gives you freedom to move and lets you concentrate on your session rather than adjusting what you're wearing.

For beginners, fitted leggings, a supportive bra and a close-fitting top are a simple place to start. From there, it comes down to what feels right for you and the type of Pilates you're doing. Our Pilates outfit edit is built around that.

Which leggings work best for Pilates?

The best Pilates leggings are ones that stay in place, offer good coverage and allow you to move freely. Look for fully opaque fabric and a clean finish without bulky zips, buttons or hard seams that could become uncomfortable when you’re lying down or moving through floor-based exercises.

It’s also worth checking how the fabric moves with you. Pilates involves plenty of stretching, bending and controlled movement, so leggings should have enough flexibility to move with your body without needing constant adjustment.

Our Pilates leggings come in two different fabrications, each offering a slightly different feel. The 73% polyester and 27% spandex blend has a more structured feel, with a powermesh waistband and shape-enhancing seams designed to provide a secure fit throughout your session.

The 78% nylon and 22% elastane blend is 250gsm with a softer, silkier feel and more stretch. It moulds closer to the body and offers a flexible feel during movement.

Both fabrics are suited to reformer Pilates, mat Pilates and barre, as well as training and everyday wear. For exact fabric details and fit guidance, check the individual product page before ordering.

Do you need grip socks for Pilates?

For reformer Pilates, grip socks are often recommended and some studios require them. For mat Pilates, they’re usually optional, although many people prefer them for the extra grip and stability.

Studio policies vary, so it’s always worth checking before your first class. If grip socks are required, this will usually be included in the studio’s booking information or FAQ.

Grip socks have grippers on the sole to help prevent your feet from sliding during movement. This can be particularly useful on a reformer, where the carriage and footbar are designed to move. If you’re doing mat Pilates, you may also prefer grip socks to going barefoot, particularly if you’re moving between standing and floor-based exercises.

Our Pilates grip socks come in two styles: the Core Pilates Sock, a ribbed crew style that can be worn tall or ruched, and the Pointe Ballerina, a lower-profile cross-over strap design. Both feature non-slip grippers on the sole.

For hygiene reasons, socks cannot be returned once they've been tried on, so check the individual product page for sizing information before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to Pilates as a beginner?

For your first Pilates class, keep things simple. Fitted leggings or shorts, a supportive sports bra, a close-fitting top and grip socks are a good place to start. Choose pieces that allow you to move freely and stay in place throughout the class. If you can, wear something you already know works for you, so the last thing you're distracted by is leggings that need adjusting or a top that keeps riding up.

Do you wear trainers for Pilates?

No. Pilates is practised barefoot or in grip socks, and most studios ask you to take your shoes off at the door. Reformer studios in particular will expect grip socks rather than bare feet on shared equipment.

Is it better to wear leggings or shorts for Pilates?

Both work well for Pilates. Choose whichever you feel best moving in, ideally in a fabric that's opaque and stays in place throughout the class. If you prefer shorts, a fitted or cycling-style length can be a practical choice, particularly for reformer Pilates, as they're less likely to shift as you move.

Can I wear the same kit for yoga and barre?

Yes. The same pieces work well across Pilates, yoga, barre and other low-impact studio sessions. Fitted leggings, supportive tops and grip socks can easily move between classes, so you don't need a completely different outfit for each one.

How should I care for it all?

Wash cold, inside out, and avoid the tumble dryer. This protects the fabric's hold and shape retention over time. Please refer to the instructions inside each garment for the best care guidance.

Once you've found an outfit that stays in place and lets you move freely, you can focus on the class rather than what you're wearing. For your first session, keep it simple and choose pieces you know you'll feel good moving in.

Explore our Pilates edit for everything you need for your next class, or browse our full leggings collection to find your ideal pair.

Now all that's left is to enjoy your first class.