Headed to Pilates? Elevate Your Outfit With These Pro Tips

Learn exactly what to wear for pilates to feel your best and get a great workout.

If you've ever made the rookie mistake of wearing a loose-fitting t-shirt to pilates, you'll understand the importance of choosing the right gear. Moving in and out of complex poses, whether you're on a mat or reformer, can be challenging enough. Having the right attire will make your workout much more effective.

A new gym outfit can be a motivating and exciting reward while providing functional aspects like moisture-wicking and four-way stretch. But in many cases, such as with Pilates, wearing the correct clothing can ensure you are safe and able to perform the movements without feeling restricted or caught in equipment.

Even though Pilates is not the most sweat-inducing or high-impact workout, specific clothing needs can help you make the most of your time on the mat or reformer. Here, Pilates instructors give tips and suggestions on what to wear to Pilates and why it's essential for your confidence, performance, and safety.

Understanding Pilates and Its Clothing Requirements

Pilates is a deceptively challenging form of exercise that focuses on connecting the mind and body through focused breath and control. The movements of Pilates, particularly work balance, flexibility, and muscular endurance, while increasing core strength, improving posture, and challenging coordination. Pilates movements are primarily performed lying or sitting on a mat or Reformer machine, which uses springs for more resistance and range of motion.

What you wear in your Pilates classes can impact your experience, according to Caroline Chisholm, Certified Instructor at Club Pilates West New York. “You want [to wear] clothing that doesn't hinder you, and that can move and breathe with you throughout the whole class. Pilates is always about feeling better than you started, so wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident,” she says.

Chisholm and fellow Club Pilates Master Trainer Laura Fielding, with Club Pilates studios in Denver, Colorado, recommend fitted clothing because Pilates emphasizes proper alignment. "Instructors are always looking to make sure clients are moving from the correct muscles because it is important to maintain good alignment to get the most out of your workout and avoid injury," says Fielding.

Form-fitting clothing allows Pilates instructors to see your movement and know if corrections are necessary for optimal training. "As an instructor, I can help you get the best version of yourself in class when I can see what your body is doing," she says. Fielding says when clients wear baggy sweatpants, for example, it is hard to see if the client is hyperextending the knees and also if they are fully straightening the knee, while baggy t-shirts hide the shoulders and the core.

When participating in a class on the Reformer, there are many moving parts, so Chisholm says to steer away from clothes that hang too much to maximize your experience and not worry about getting caught on any apparatus, which can be potentially painful.

Choosing the Right Pilates Apparel

There are several different options for bottoms, such as leggings, capris, or fitted shorts. Tops include sports bras, fitted tanks, or fitted short or long-sleeved tees. With any choice, prioritizing flexibility, comfort, and coverage is best.

The material you select can make or break the comfort and quality of any item. Chisholm stresses that the most important aspect of Pilates clothes is the ability to stretch. "I hate the feeling of a cute new pair of leggings that, when worn in a class setting, feel like they might rip just for me to get a good stretch; comfort and mobility are key," she says.

Fielding agrees that stretch is vital and recommends stretchy fabrics that are comfortable, form-fitting, and move with the body so that you can move through a full range of motion. "This will allow the client to get the most benefit from the exercise and avoid injury," she says.

Moisture-wicking materials are also ideal, according to Fielding. "When you are lying on the reformer carriage, which is covered in vinyl, you may sweat a lot, and a sweaty, baggy t-shirt wouldn't feel nice," she explains. Plus, if you're doing an inverted move, a form-fitting top won't hike up around your face.

Footwear and Accessories for Pilates

Pilates is traditionally practiced barefoot, and for good reasons — there are sensory receptors on the bottom of your feet that send messages to your brain, according to Fielding. "You want your feet to connect to the mat, reformer, or other equipment so you can feel the work," she says.

Fielding explains that the feet are the foundation and base of support, so encouraging the muscles in the feet and lower legs to stabilize the body rather than allowing shoes to do the work is hugely beneficial. "Working barefoot also strengthens the 20-plus muscles in each foot," she adds.

Moreover, seeing what your feet are doing can reveal a lot about technique and potential form mistakes. "Our feet carry us around all day, so when it comes to Pilates, we want to be able to see what those feet are up to outside of shoes; once you get your feet out of your shoes and onto the mat, you will learn so much about your body," says Chisholm.

For instance, Chisholm says if you experience knee pain while doing squats, it could mean your feet are rolling out slightly. Some instructors, like Chisholm, prefer wearing grip socks for extra safety and support. At some studios, such as Club Pilates, grip socks are required for safety reasons, as the grips on the bottom help prevent slipping off of the equipment, which is especially important for some standing exercises.

Apart from cute grip socks, Chisholm is a fan of adding a headband to any workout. "As someone who sweats easily, a headband and a sweat rag are key to my class," she says. Fielding adds that keeping your hair out of your face is crucial while doing Pilates. "You don't want to get hair caught in the springs, and hair in your face can be annoying and distracting," she says. Ponytail holders and headbands can help.

Lastly, Fielding says she has also seen clients wear weight-lifting gloves to provide comfort with hands in straps, on handles, or while using weights.

Additional Considerations

Layering your clothing can be a good idea, depending on the temperature and climate of your Pilates class. Chisholm says she usually wears an extra layer at the start of class to give her body some extra love when warming up. "It never lasts long, but it also gives me that serotonin boost when the layer comes off," she says.

And remember, clothing is an extension of your personal expression. Workout clothing allows you to wear fun, bright prints and patterns you may not be able to in a work setting. Showing off your individuality and style through your outfit is always recommended. Of course, choosing clothing that easily transitions from the studio to other daily activities may be best for busy people.

Brands and Shopping Tips

Overall, it's a good idea to prioritize quality and durability when investing in Pilates clothing to feel comfortable and confident while working out. Shopping sales, outlets, and consignment stores online or in person can save money while you shop. Researching reviews and customer feedback can help you make informed purchasing decisions. Many online stores provide reviews that can be filtered for body type, height, weight, and more so you can see if items will work for your needs.

Some of Fielding and Chisholm's favorite brands include Athleta, Vuori, Old Navy, and Gap Body. There are brands in every price point, from Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and Athleta to Fabletics, Nike, Adidas, Halara, and even Target and Amazon.

Fielding's favorite is Lululemon. While she recognizes the brand is pricier, it is also high quality and durable. She notes that the fabrics feel good and don't stretch out over time. "I have some items from Lululemon that I have had for almost a decade, and I'm always drawn to the brand," she says.

Chisolm's favorite brand of grip socks is Tavi Noir, which Club Pilates carries. "They hug the foot snugly and have really sturdy grips that give that extra feeling of safety and support on the reformer," she says. Fielding agrees with this recommendation adding the Toe Sox brand as another high-quality option.

Find Pilates Clothes that Work for You

"The bottom line is to find form-fitting clothing that feels and looks good on your body that is within your budget—you can't go wrong, but please ditch the baggy t-shirts and sweatpants before heading to your next Pilates class," says Fielding. Your instructor wants to see your body in a judgment-free way to make sure you are getting the most out of your workout (and staying safe). Choosing moisture-wicking and stretchy clothing will also keep you moving free and dry.

And remember to have fun. Chisholm says she works out for her mental health and happiness, and what she wears to class makes a difference. "If I'm having a tough day, I show up in all black and know I'll find that strength from within to conquer my class. If I'm heading into a cardio class, I try to wear fun colors or patterns, so when it gets a little tough, I feel cute and sassy enough to make it to the cool down," she says.

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Read the original article on Shape.