Whether you're a pilates beginner or a regular at the studio, what you wear matters more than you think. The right activewear lets you move freely, feel confident, and focus entirely on your practice — not on adjusting your outfit every five minutes.
Here's everything you need to know about what to wear to pilates.
Why your pilates outfit matters
Pilates involves a wide range of movements — from slow controlled stretches to core-intensive holds. Your clothing needs to move with you, stay in place, and be comfortable enough to wear for a full hour. Loose clothing can get in the way of your instructor seeing your form, while the wrong fabric can leave you feeling uncomfortable and distracted.
The best leggings for pilates
High waist leggings are the gold standard for pilates. They stay in place during every movement, support your core, and give your instructor a clear view of your alignment. Look for leggings with gentle compression and a buttery soft fabric that feels like a second skin.
Our Contour Sculpting Leggings are designed exactly for this — high waist, sculpting compression, and a booty seam that flatters your natural shape through every pose.
What top to wear to pilates
A fitted top or sports bra works best for pilates. You want something that stays tucked in and doesn't ride up during movements. A built-in bra is even better — one less thing to think about.
Our sculpting sports bra with built-in cups gives you the support and coverage you need, while our open back cropped long sleeve top adds a layer of warmth for cooler studios without restricting movement.
Do you need special socks for pilates?
Most pilates studios require grip socks — these have rubber dots on the sole to stop you slipping on the reformer or mat. Always check with your studio beforehand.
What NOT to wear to pilates
Avoid baggy clothes, zips, or anything with bulky seams that could dig in during floor work. Avoid anything too short that might ride up, and steer clear of fabrics that don't stretch.
The GODDE888 pilates edit
At GODDE888 we design women's activewear that works as hard as you do. Our pieces are crafted in buttery soft performance fabric with sculpting details that make you feel incredible from the first downward dog to the last reformer rep.
Shop our full pilates activewear collection and find your perfect outfit today.