What to wear to pilates
Updated
Wear fitted, stretchy clothes to pilates: leggings or fitted shorts, a close-fitting shirt or tank, and a supportive sports bra if you wear one. For reformer classes, add grip socks, which most studios require. Skip zips, buckles, jewelry and baggy layers. You’ll go barefoot or in socks, never in shoes.
The checklist
- Leggings, fitted shorts or fitted joggers
- A fitted T-shirt or tank that stays put when you lie down or roll over
- A sports bra with light to medium support, if you wear one
- Grip socks for reformer classes, and for mat classes if the studio asks
- A hair tie, since loose hair gets in the way when you lie back
- A water bottle
That’s it. You don’t need pilates-branded clothing or anything new.
Why fitted clothes matter
You’ll spend much of the class lying down, rolling, and lifting your legs. A loose shirt slides up to your chin. Wide shorts gap. On the reformer, loose fabric can catch in the springs or between the carriage and the frame.
There’s a second reason. Instructors correct form by watching how your hips, spine and shoulders line up. Fitted clothes let them see it.
Grip socks
Grip socks have rubber dots or pads on the sole. They stop your feet slipping on the footbar and the carriage, and studios also ask for them for hygiene.
Most reformer studios require them. Club Pilates, for example, says every class participant needs grip socks and sells them at the studio[3]. If you forget yours, expect to buy a pair at the desk.
Mat classes are often barefoot. Some studios still ask for grip socks in every class, so check the studio’s first-visit notes.
Reformer vs mat: what changes
| Reformer | Mat | |
|---|---|---|
| Socks | Grip socks, usually required | Barefoot or grip socks, depending on the studio |
| Fabric to avoid | Anything loose, zips, buckles, metal details | Loose shirts that ride up |
| Jewelry | Take it off; it can scratch the upholstery or snag straps | Take off anything that gets in the way |
| Layers | One layer is plenty | A light layer for the warm-up is fine |
Hot pilates
Heated classes call for lighter, sweat-friendly fabric and less of it. Bring a towel and more water than usual. Check the studio’s guidance on what to wear, since room temperatures vary.
Pregnancy
Wear whatever stretchy clothes feel comfortable and let you lie down and move. Maternity activewear works, and so do regular leggings with a stretchy waistband. See the prenatal pilates guide for more on prenatal classes.
What to bring and what to leave at home
Bring: grip socks, water, a hair tie, and a small towel if the class is heated or you sweat a lot.
Leave at home or in a locker: shoes (you’ll take them off at the door), jewelry, belts, anything with a zip or buckle, and strong perfume, since you’ll be close to other people.
Studios provide the mat and equipment. Some lend or rent mats; a few prefer you bring your own. The studio’s first-visit page will say.
Before your first class
Clothes sorted, the next step is booking the right class. The pilates for beginners guide walks through it, and reformer pilates for beginners covers the first reformer session. To find a class, search beginner pilates near me.
FAQ
Do you wear shoes to pilates?
No. Pilates is done barefoot or in socks. Most studios ask you to take your shoes off at the door and store them in a cubby. For reformer classes, wear grip socks, which most studios require; mat classes are often barefoot. Check the studio’s first-visit notes if you’re unsure.
Do you need grip socks for pilates?
For reformer classes, usually yes. Grip socks stop your feet slipping on the footbar and carriage, and studios ask for them for hygiene. Most reformer studios sell them at the front desk. Mat classes are often done barefoot, though some studios ask for grip socks in every class. Check before you go.
Can I wear shorts to pilates?
Yes, if they’re fitted. Bike shorts or snug running shorts work. Loose or wide-leg shorts can gap when you lift your legs or lie on your back, and on the reformer they can catch on the equipment. If you’re unsure, leggings or fitted joggers are the easy default for any class.
What should men wear to pilates?
The same rules apply: fitted shorts or joggers, a T-shirt or tank that won’t ride up when you lie down, and grip socks for reformer classes. Compression shorts under looser shorts are a common choice. Avoid baggy basketball shorts and anything with zips or drawstrings that hang down.
Can I wear loose clothes to pilates?
You can, but they get in the way. A loose shirt slides up when you lie back or roll, and baggy fabric can catch in reformer springs. Instructors also need to see how you’re lined up to help with form. A fitted layer underneath a loose one is a fair compromise.