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The Best Pilates Clothes to Wear to Class, According to an Expert
Be the best dressed at your next Pilates session.
Spotify Wrapped might’ve called you a “pink Pilates princess,” but everyone knows that without the right Pilates clothes, you won’t be the princess of anything. Yes, you want to look cute for a workout class, but with Pilates especially, there are certain factors to keep in mind. Whether you’re doing mat or reformer, solo or group, with or without Hailey Bieber, you definitely want to have the best performance-driven workout wear to be safe and get the results you want.
Luckily for you, we got the inside scoop on what you should look for when shopping for Pilates outfits. Nofar Hagag, founder of the Nofar Method, gave us her non-negotiables when it comes to what she wears—and what she wants her students to wear—during a class.
Breathable, smooth, and comfortable fabric:“Pilates can be intense, so wearing fabrics that keep you dry and comfortable throughout the workout,” the expert tells ELLE. “Look for high-quality, breathable materials like nylon or spandex blends.”
Form-fitting design: Hagag continues to share that a snug, supportive fit is crucial. “Pilates involves precise movements, and I don’t want anything loose getting in the way or shifting during a session,” she says.
High-waisted leggings: According to the founder, these provide core support, stay in place, and pair perfectly with crop tops or fitted tanks.
Flexibility and stretch: “The fabric needs to move with [the body], especially during stretches and deep poses,” she explains. “The four-way stretch is non-negotiable.”
Supportive sports bras: Finally, Hagag opts for medium support “with soft, flexible straps that won’t dig in.” She says, “Comfort and freedom of movement are key.”
With these factors in mind, we rounded up our favorite pieces to wear when practicing Pilates and the brands to shop them from. While Pilates has a reputation for being tough or exclusive, it’s actually a workout that everyone can try, and we want you to be well-prepared (and well-dressed) when you do. “Pilates isn’t just about physical movement,” said Hagag. “It’s about understanding how your body works, engaging the right muscles, and staying present in each moment.” All experience levels can shop our favorite Pilates styles below.
Hagag’s go-to Pilates piece is the Align legging from Lululemon. “Align’s buttery smooth fabric fits like a glove on the body and has a high waist that keeps everything in place,” she said. “I love this combination because it offers complete freedom of movement, keeps everything smooth and organized, and highlights the body’s lines, which is especially helpful for checking and correcting form during workouts.”
Sizes available: 0-20, inseam length 23-31”
Materials: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra® elastane
Designed for: Workout and leisure
Customer review: “These are by far my favorite leggings. They are super soft, stay put, and the quality is well worth the cost.”
It’s important to have fitted clothing in Pilates, but if you don’t want to only wear a sports bra and leggings, opt for a tight tank top with built-in support and moisture-wicking fabric.
Sizes available: XS-2XL
Materials: 75% Recycled Nylon, 25% Elastane
Designed for: Workouts or leisure
A fitted bodysuit is a great way to feel snatched before and especially after a butt-kicking class, but it’s also helpful for instructors to be able to make corrections as needed.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Materials: 72% Polyester, 28% Elastane
Designed for: Workouts or leisure
Customer review: “I love this jumpsuit so much!!! It’s comfortable and perfect for working out - but also so very flattering. I am in love!”
A simple, classic sports bra is always my go-to for any workout class, but especially Pilates. Too many straps or cutouts can be a hassle to get on and off. You’re already attending what some call an exercise of torture, why make it any more complicated?
Sizes available: XS-XL
Materials: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane, UV protected
Designed for: Medium support
Customer review: “I could live in this set is so comfortable. Perfect for Pilates.”
“One thing I’d love to see more people prioritize is grip socks,” Hagag said. “At my studio, grip socks are required—not only for safety, as they prevent slipping on equipment like the Reformer or Cadillac, but also for improving stability.” These from Alo have the perfect amount of grip and also won’t slide down throughout your workout.
Sizes available: 5-11
Materials: Combed terry cotton, nylon, lycra
Designed for: Pilates or barre workouts
Customer review: “They’re just perfect I love it!!! And the grip is really good for yoga and Pilates.”
Especially in transitional or colder months, you need a pre/post-workout top with sleeves to keep you comfortable while you warm up. If you’re like me though, you hate the thought of putting anything on after a workout, so a shrug that covers just the right areas (and happens to match the rest of your ’fit) is perfect.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Materials: 81% nylon, 19% spandex
Designed for: Yoga, barre, Pilates, dance
Customer review: “Fits perfectly without the fabric being too clingy.”
I’m always picky about the waistband of my leggings, so a design that creates at least the illusion of a wrapped, snatched waist is always nice to have.
Sizes available: 2XS-3XL, regular and tall inseam
Materials: 70% Recycled Polyamide, 30% Elastane
Designed for: Workouts or leisure
Customer review: “Really soft and comfy. The wrap-over stays put, too. Bought with the matching t-shirt and love it.”
Victoria's Secret VSX Elevate Refined Contours Plunge Bra
For a bra top that will make you feel sculpted and supported, go with VSX’s plunge bra with fibers that adapt to your size and shape.
Sizes available: XS-2XL
Materials: 82% Polyamide 18% LYCRA ADAPTIV Elastane
Designed for: Low-impact workouts, light support
Customer review: “Great style and design. Super comfortable for Pilates class. Will definitely buy another set.”
A perfect warm-up or post-workout top, this lightweight and adjustable tee will go with any workout set.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Materials: 50% viscose, 45% polyester, 5% spandex
Designed for: Workouts or leisure
Customer review: “Very comfy and soft for yoga. I will be buying more colors!”
“In Pilates classes, I often see Nofar Method clients choosing athleisure that prioritizes comfort and flexibility,” said Hagag. “These are excellent options because they allow a full range of motion and make it easier for instructors like me to check alignment and muscle engagement, which is so important for maintaining proper form.”
Sizes available: 2XS-L
Materials: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane
Designed for: Workouts or leisure
Customer review: “Perfect fit! Comfy and attractive. Fabric is substantial but not too thick.”
An important, yet often overlooked, element of a Pilates outfit is a good headband. As someone with unruly hair, especially during workouts, a sweat-wicking and reliable cloth headband is essential when I’m up and down and moving around.
Materials: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
If you prefer working out in shorts vs. full-length leggings, try the shorter version of Hagag’s favorite Lululemon style.
Sizes available: 0-20
Materials: 80% Nylon, 20% Lycra® elastane
Designed for: Workouts or leisure
Customer review: “Feels like butter and are perfect for everything everyday. My favorite item to wear!”
There are classic grippy socks, then there are grippy toe socks. Some people prefer the toe design for stability and flexibility, so if you’re really serious about your performance, give them a whirl.
Sizes available: 6-13
Materials: 74% Organic Cotton, 19% Polyester, 3% Nylon, 4% Other Fiber
Designed for: Yoga, Pilates, barre
Customer review: “I LOVE these grip socks! They are absolutely adorable! So much fun to wear during the holiday season. They have great grip. They fit well. They perform well during my Pilates practice.”
You’ve seen fashion capris make a comeback, now’s the time for workout capris. Get all the benefits of a sculpting legging with the coolness of a shorter inseam.
Sizes available: 2XS-XL
Materials: 77% Recycled Polyester, 23% Elastane
Designed for: Workouts or leisure
Customer review: “Great fit! They feel like silk! I don't like full leggings to work out in because my legs get too hot. These are fantastic!”
Another bodysuit option, this FP Movement suit has perfectly-placed ribbing at the waist and breathable, lightweight fabric, perfect for light to medium-impact workouts.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Materials: 73% Nylon, 27% Spandex
Designed for: Medium-impact workouts or leisure
Customer review: “This one piece makes me feel so confident and cute! Perfect for workouts, yoga, hiking, lounging, literally whatever!”
Spanx isn’t just for shapewear, it’s to get you in shape, too! This workout top has an adjustable built-in bra for extra support, as well as moisture-wicking and UPF 50+ fabric suitable for any workout, anywhere.
Sizes available: XS-3XL
Materials: 64% Nylon, 36% Elastane
Designed for: Low-impact workouts
Customer review: “Super soft, nice stretch and perfect fit. Very smoothing and keeps me in place during activities.”
Form-fitting clothes are also important, considering the machinery and equipment used during Pilates classes. Try a classic legging from Beyond Yoga, available in any color you could wish for.
Sizes available: 2XS-4XL
Materials: 87% polyester, 13% elastane
Designed for: Workouts or leisure
Customer review: “These are always great quality. They fit amazingly and the colors are so nice. I wash and dry mine like regular clothes all the time.”
For those who want a shorter bodysuit style, try Skims’s ultra-sleek and simple style.
Sizes available: 2XS-4XL
Materials: 74% Cotton, 18% Polyester, 8% Elastane
Designed for: Low-impact workouts or leisure
Customer review: “Super comfortable and breathable material! Hugged every inch of my body and the cup size was PERFECT for chest coverage.”
If you want extra support or compression, or you just want your butt to look amazing, try Fanka’s workout leggings. The special line designs are made to contour your muscles and support your knees, thighs, and glutes.
Sizes available: S-XL
Materials: LYCRA® FitSense
Designed for: Running, workouts
Customer review: “Not only are these leggings stylish, but they truly are body sculpting! And I feel so much more energetic wearing them. They look great on, and are very comfortable!”
For a classic top that won’t get in the way of your workout, try The Gym People’s longline sports bra, which offers the support of a bra with the coverage of a tank top.
Sizes available: XS-3XL
Materials: 80% Polyamide, 20% Spandex
Designed for: Workouts or leisure
Customer review: “So comfortable and sweatproof! I will be ordering more colors; can definitely wear this as a casual tank top too!”
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