What to Wear to Pilates: Mat & Reformer Outfit Guide

Pilates has become the workout everyone is booking. According to ClassPass's annual report it was the platform's most-booked class for the third year running in 2025, with reservations up 66%. So if you've just signed up for your first class, you're in good company. And you're probably wondering what to wear.

The short answer: fitted, stretchy layers, nothing loose or hard that can catch or dig in, and grip socks on your feet. Here's the longer version, including what changes between mat and reformer classes.

The short version

• Bottoms: high-waist leggings or fitted shorts
• Top: a low- to medium-support sports bra, on its own or under a fitted tank or tee
• Feet: grip socks (most studios require them)
• Skip: baggy tops, loose shorts, drawstrings, zips and jewelry
• Bring: water, a small towel and a layer for afterwards

Mat vs reformer: what changes

Mat Pilates happens on the floor, on your back, side and front. Comfort lying down matters most: nothing bulky on your back, nothing that rides up when you roll.

Reformer Pilates uses a sliding carriage, springs, ropes and foot straps. Fit matters more here. Loose fabric can catch on the springs or straps, and with your legs up in the straps, a loose short or a top that falls toward your face gets in the way fast. If in doubt, go more fitted, not less.

Bottoms: leggings or shorts

Leggings are the default for good reason. They cover your legs while you slide and lie on the equipment, they move with you through every stretch, and they let your instructor see the line of your knees and hips. Look for:

• A high waistband that stays put. Roll-ups, roll-downs and leg circles all work the waist. A band you don't have to pull up between exercises is worth a lot. (More on that in why leggings roll down.)
• Four-way stretch. Pilates asks for range of motion in every direction, especially through the hips.
• A length you like with grip socks. Full-length leggings keep you warm; a 7/8 length stops above the ankle and shows off your socks instead of bunching over them.
• An opaque knit. Pilates is full of bends and leg-up positions, so run the mirror squat test on any new pair first.

Shorts work too if you run warm, as long as they're fitted and high-rise. Loose running shorts ride up the moment your legs go into the straps.

Tops: fitted, with the right support

Pilates is low impact, so you don't need the lockdown of a running bra. A low- to medium-support sports bra is the sweet spot: enough to feel secure through planks and roll-overs, without restricting your ribcage, which needs to expand with every breath. Two details matter more than in most workouts:

• A flat back. You'll spend a lot of the class lying on it. Thin straps and open backs are fine; big clasps, knots or bulky hardware between your shoulder blades are not.
• Nothing that falls over your face. If you wear a top over your bra, keep it fitted or cropped. Loose tees slide down the moment you go upside down or lift your hips.

Want to know more about matching support to your workout? Our guide to sports bra support levels breaks it down.

Feet, hair and jewelry

• Grip socks. Most studios ask for socks with rubber grips on the sole, both for hygiene and so your feet don't slip on the footbar or mat. No sneakers.
• Hair tied back with a soft hair tie or headband. Skip claw clips or high buns that dig in when you lie down.
• Jewelry off. Rings, bracelets and necklaces can catch on straps and springs, or get in the way of your grip.

What not to wear to Pilates

• Baggy tees, hoodies and sweatpants (save them for afterwards)
• Anything with a drawstring, tie, belt or bulky zip
• Loose shorts
• Thick, heavy fabrics that trap heat
• Very light leggings you haven't tested for see-through

3 easy outfit formulas

Your first mat class: high-waist leggings, a longline sports bra top and a fitted crop tank you can take off once you've warmed up.

Reformer: 7/8 leggings, a strappy low- to medium-support bra and grip socks, with nothing loose anywhere.

A warm studio: fitted high-rise shorts and a sports bra, with a light mesh tee over the top if you want a little more coverage.

And for after class, a cropped hoodie or oversized sweater goes straight over the top. Just leave it on the bench while you're on the reformer.

Quick answers

Can I wear shorts to reformer Pilates? Yes, if they're fitted and high-rise. Avoid loose or flowy shorts, which ride up with your legs in the straps.

Do I really need grip socks? For most studios, yes. Check when you book; some sell them at the front desk.

Can I wear what I wear to yoga? Usually, yes. The same fitted, stretchy pieces work for both. Our guide to what to wear to yoga covers the overlap.

Leggings or joggers? Leggings. Joggers are loose through the leg and often have drawstrings, which is exactly what you want to avoid on a reformer.

Shop the Pilates edit

• Everyday High-Waist Leggings: four-way stretch with a high-rise band, in Blue, Light Green or Light Grey
• Shine Liquid Leggings 7/8: the 7/8 cut sits above the ankle, in Black or Pink
• Yoga & Workout Shorts: high-rise, four-way stretch, with side pockets, in Black, Ivory or Beige
• Strappy Cross Back Sports Bra: low to medium support, cut for movement, with removable pads, in Black, White or Lavender
• Longline Sports Bra Top: medium support that wears as a top on its own, in Ivory, Black or Beige
• Crop Tank Top: cut close without clinging, in Black, Brown or White
• Yoga Short Set: the shorts and longline bra together, made for yoga, Pilates and studio work
• Cropped Zip Hoodie: for the walk home

Not sure which size or support level you need? Check our size guide or email shop@flexlifewear.com and we'll help you put your first Pilates outfit together.