What to Wear to Pilates – A Complete Guide

Discover the best leggings, tops and fabrics for your next Pilates class.

Wondering what to wear to Pilates?

Choosing the right Pilates outfit can make all the difference to your practice. Pilates is all about controlled movement, strength, balance and alignment – so your clothing should help you move freely, feel supported and stay comfortable from your first stretch to your final relaxation.

In this guide, we’ll explore what to wear to Pilates, from the best leggings and tops to the fabrics that help you feel your best through every movement.

Whether you’re heading to a reformer class, mat Pilates session or practising at home, the right Pilates wear should move with you, not distract you.

Understanding Pilates Clothing

Pilates requires a unique combination of flexibility, comfort and support. Unlike high-impact workouts, Pilates involves slow, controlled movements that require a full range of motion, from deep stretches and twists, to precise holds and strengthening exercises.

The best Pilates clothing should feel barely there, like a second skin. Soft enough to move naturally in, supportive enough to feel confident, and breathable enough to keep you comfortable throughout your session.

Choosing breathable, nature-based fabrics such as bamboo and organic cotton helps to regulate temperature while providing the softness and stretch needed for Pilates. The right outfit allows you to focus on your movement rather than adjusting waistbands, pulling down tops or worrying about uncomfortable fabrics.

Types of Pilates Clothing

Pilates Leggings

A great pair of Pilates leggings is the foundation of any Pilates outfit. Designed to stretch, support and move with your body, leggings should allow unrestricted movement through every exercise.

Look for:

• A comfortable, supportive waistband that stays in place
• Flexible fabrics that move through every stretch
• Breathable materials that keep you comfortable
• A soft feel against your skin

BAM’s range of leggings are crafted from nature-based PFAS-free fabrics with cloud-soft comfort, designed to support your practice while feeling effortless to wear.

Whether you prefer a close-fitting legging for reformer Pilates or a softer, relaxed silhouette for mat sessions, the right pair will help you move with confidence.

Pilates Tops and Vests

The best Pilates tops offer comfort, breathability and freedom of movement.

A lightweight vest or crop top is ideal for warmer studios or more dynamic sessions, while long-sleeve layers are perfect for cooler environments or gentle flows.

Look for Pilates tops that:

• Allow your shoulders and arms to move freely
• Feel breathable and lightweight
• Stay comfortable during stretches and holds
• Pair easily with your favourite leggings

From studio sessions to coffee afterwards, versatile Pilates tops should work beyond the mat too.

Pilates Sports Bras and Crop Tops

Support and comfort are key when choosing a Pilates top.

While Pilates is a low-impact activity, a supportive crop top or sports bra can help you feel secure during movements like planks, side stretches and transitions.

Choose styles that offer:

• Comfortable support without restriction
• Soft fabrics that feel good against your skin
• A secure fit that stays in place

The goal? Support that lets you focus on your practice.

Pilates Grip Socks

Pilates is often practised barefoot, helping create a strong connection between your feet and the mat or reformer.

However, Pilates grip socks are a popular choice for many classes, especially reformer Pilates. The grips on the sole help provide stability, confidence and control during movements.

They’re also a great option for keeping feet warm during slower-paced sessions.

BAM’s bestselling Pilates grip socks are made with soft, breathable fibres to keep you comfortable while helping you move with confidence and control. Plus, the flexible grip spots are made from grippy bio Polytex which is 95% bio-based.

Pilates Layers

Studios can vary in temperature, and your body can cool down quickly during slower exercises or relaxation periods.

Lightweight layers are ideal for Pilates, allowing you to warm up gradually and remove layers as you move.

Think:

• Cloud-soft sweatshirts
• Breathable long sleeves
• Lightweight jackets
• Versatile layers you can wear before and after class

The best Pilates wardrobe works both on and off the mat, from studio to street.

Choosing the Right Material for Pilates Wear

The fabric you choose can have a big impact on how comfortable you feel during Pilates.

Cotton

Benefits:

• Soft and breathable
• Natural feel against the skin
• Comfortable for gentle movement

Considerations:

• Can hold onto moisture during warmer sessions
• May not dry as quickly as technical fabrics

Synthetic Fabrics

Benefits:

• Quick drying
• Can offer durability

Considerations:

• May feel less breathable against skin
• Can lack the softness of natural fibres
• Requires more frequent washing than nature-based alternatives

Bamboo Viscose

Benefits:

• Exceptionally soft
• Naturally breathable
• Sweat-wicking properties
• Comfortable for sensitive skin
• PFAS-free
• Lightweight with a smooth feel

Bamboo is a great choice for Pilates because it combines softness, breathability and flexibility, helping you stay comfortable through every movement.

Why BAM Pilates Wear?

At BAM, we believe that with comfort comes confidence.

Our Pilates collection is crafted from PFAS-free nature-based fabrics designed to move, breathe and perform. From cloud-soft leggings to supportive tops and grip socks, every piece is created with comfort, versatility and everyday wearability in mind.

Our Pilates collection combines:

• A barely-there soft feel
• Supportive stretch
• Breathability
• Comfortable movement in every direction

Designed for Pilates, loved for everyday life.

What to Wear to Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates involves controlled movements using a reformer machine, so clothing that stays in place is essential.

Choose:

• High-waisted leggings or fitted Pilates pants
• A supportive crop top or fitted vest
• Pilates grip socks for stability

Avoid overly loose clothing that can get caught or move around during exercises. Close-fitting, stretchy pieces allow your instructor to see your alignment while helping you move freely.

What to Wear to Mat Pilates

Mat Pilates offers more flexibility when choosing your outfit.

For a mat class, consider:

• Soft, nature-based leggings
• A breathable vest or crop top
• Lightweight layers for warming up and cooling down

Comfort is key – your clothing should allow you to focus fully on your breathing, movement and technique.

What to Wear to Pilates – Summary

The best Pilates clothing combines comfort, flexibility and breathability.

Look for:

• Soft, stretchy fabrics
• Supportive fits
• Breathable and nature-based materials
• Pieces that move with your body

Whether you’re a Pilates beginner or a regular reformer devotee, the right outfit helps you feel confident, comfortable and ready to move.

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