How to Dress for Pilates: What You Should & Shouldn't Wear

Crush your first Pilates class in comfort and style

Last Updated: February 15, 2023 References

Your first Pilates class is tomorrow, but you don’t know what to wear! Should you just wear a t-shirt and biker shorts? Tennis shoes? Do you even need shoes? Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to find out everything you need to know. In general, Pilates requires flexible, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely from one position to another. If you’re still unsure about your outfit, here’s an in-depth guide on what you should and shouldn’t wear to Pilates.

Things You Should Know

Pilates requires form-fitting, breathable clothing. The ideal outfit is a tank top and leggings, but you can also wear shorts to class.
To avoid injuries, don’t wear clothes with tassels or drawstrings–they can get caught in the Pilates equipment!
Men can wear compression shorts under regular gym shorts to avoid flashing the instructor.
Flexibility and comfort are the most important factors when choosing a Pilates outfit. Make sure you wear clothing that doesn’t ride up during your workout.

1

Wear a fitted top.

Baggy clothes make it difficult for the instructor to view your form. It’s important to wear a fitted workout top so your instructor can analyze your body movements. To prevent injuries, choose a tank top or long sleeve that showcases your limbs and rib cage.^{[1]
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Research source} Make sure those clothes are stretchable or big enough so you can stretch comfortably.
- Pilates involves laying down on a mat, so avoid tops that tie at the back–they can cause distraction or discomfort.
- Choose clothes with flat seams to avoid extra friction during your workout.

2

Choose stretchy leggings.

Ensure your bottoms are comfortable and provide adequate coverage. During Pilates, your legs are often spread apart or above your head. Form-fitting leggings are ideal, but you can wear shorts to class–just make sure they’re fitted/lined to avoid flashing your instructor!^{[2]
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- If you don’t feel comfortable in leggings, wear compression shorts underneath your normal gym shorts.
- Do a squat or lunge to ensure your bottoms aren’t sheer, and make sure your shorts aren't too short (to avoid them riding up).

3

Select breathable fabrics.

Moisture-wicking fabric cools you down during Pilates. Wicking shirts draw moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and sweat-free.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} It’s also an ideal material for Pilates because it’s form-fitting and lightweight.
- With a few tweaks, men can wear the same outfit that they wear to the gym to Pilates class. Instead of a cotton t-shirt, wear a slimmer moisture-wicking top to allow the instructor to correct your form easily.^{[4]
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- Sometimes we want to sweat it out in a pilates or yoga class, which can help rejuvenate our bodies. In this case, it's better to wear clothes with a high percentage of natural materials like cotton or hemp.

4

Wear a low impact sports bra.

Choose a low impact bra to support your chest. Pilates isn’t a high-intensity workout, but it’s still important to have adequate chest support. Not wearing a bra can strain your breast ligaments, leading to pain and (potentially permanent) tissue damage.^{[5]
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- If you have a larger bust, choose a high-impact bra to reduce muscle strain and ensure peak physical performance.

5

Invest in grippy socks.

If your feet cramp or get cold, wear grippy socks during class. Pilates is usually performed barefoot, but you can wear socks if you want extra stability. Grippy socks are the best option because they prevent slippage during your workout.^{[6]
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- If you’re in a warmer studio (or have sweaty feet), opt for toeless grippy socks–they have greater ventilation than traditional closed toe socks!

6

Experiment with layers.

Bring layers if you feel uncomfortable wearing tight clothes. The right pilates class is a safe, welcoming environment, but it’s totally normal to feel self-conscious wearing tight clothing (especially if it’s your first class). Layer pieces that you can easily strip off if you get warm.^{[7]
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- Throw a slim-fitting workout jacket over your base top, if you want more arm and chest coverage. It helps elongate your arms and enhance your Pilates form!
- For extra butt coverage, feel free to tie a sweatshirt over your hips. Just make sure to remove it during certain exercises.

7

Prioritize comfort over style.

Re-adjusting your clothes distracts you from Pilates class. Flexibility and comfort are the most important factors when choosing any type of workout clothing. Avoid clothing that has embellishments, like tassels or drawstrings, because they can get stuck in the Pilates equipment and cause injuries!
- To avoid scratching any equipment, leave your jewelry at home or purchase a travel jewelry case to store your pieces during class.
- Don’t wear makeup to Pilates–it can clog your pores and lead to breakouts! If you still need coverage, try to spot-conceal or apply a lightweight BB cream that allows your skin to breathe.

8

Bring extra hair ties.

When hair gets in your face, it’s difficult to focus on the instructor. It's important to pay attention during Pilates to avoid injuries. Pilates requires lots of stretching and contortion, so always carry a spare hair tie to pull your hair back.
- Keep a pack of hair ties in your gym bag in case the one you’re wearing snaps. Lending an extra hair tie to a classmate is also a great way to make a friend!