What to Wear to Pilates: Reformer & Mat Class Guide

Booked your first Pilates class and now staring at your wardrobe? You're not alone — "what to wear to Pilates" is one of the questions we hear most often at our Great Portland Street studio. The good news: you almost certainly own everything you need already.

This guide covers exactly what to wear to reformer Pilates, what to wear to mat and infrared classes, whether you really need grip socks, and the few things we'd gently steer you away from. By the end, you'll be able to pack your bag in two minutes and spend your energy where it belongs — on the class itself.

The Short Answer

Wear comfortable, form-fitting activewear that lets you move freely — leggings or fitted shorts, plus a fitted top or vest. Pilates is practised barefoot or in grip socks, so no trainers required. Bring a water bottle, and leave anything with zips, buckles or dangling hardware at home. That's genuinely it.

Want the detail — and the reasoning? Read on.

What to Wear to Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates is done on a moving carriage with springs, straps and pulleys, which shapes the clothing advice more than any other class type.

Bottoms: fitted is your friend

Leggings are the classic choice, and for good reason. On a reformer, you'll spend time lying down, kneeling, lunging and inverting — fitted leggings stay put through all of it and never risk catching in the carriage or straps. Fitted shorts or cropped leggings work just as well if you prefer them.

Loose joggers or baggy shorts are the one thing to avoid. Excess fabric can snag on the equipment, and your instructor needs to see the line of your legs and hips to check your alignment and offer corrections.

Tops: fitted, but not restrictive

A fitted t-shirt, vest or long-sleeved top is ideal. Much of reformer work happens lying on your back or folded forward, so a loose top will simply fall over your face mid-exercise — distracting for you, and it hides your shoulder and rib position from your instructor.

For women, a supportive sports bra underneath is sensible; Pilates is low-impact, so a light or medium-support style is plenty. For men, a fitted t-shirt with tailored shorts or joggers that taper at the ankle works well.

Layers for before and after

A light layer — a zip-free jumper or hoodie — is handy for arriving and leaving, especially for morning classes. You'll warm up quickly once class begins, so anything you wear over your kit will come off in the first few minutes.

What to Wear to Mat and Infrared Pilates

Mat Pilates follows the same principles — fitted, comfortable, easy to move in — with one addition: you'll be working directly on the mat, so slightly thicker leggings can feel more comfortable during kneeling and side-lying work.

Our infrared mat classes deserve a special mention. The studio is warmed with infrared panels to a comfortable 25–28°C — a gentle, dry warmth rather than the humid intensity of hot yoga — and you'll likely sweat more than in a standard class. Dress lighter than you would for a regular session:

• Light, breathable fabrics — sweat-wicking activewear over heavy cotton, which holds moisture
• Shorter or cropped layers — cropped leggings and a vest are a popular combination
• Skip the extra layer — you won't need it once the warmth settles in

Hydrate well before class and bring a water bottle. Arriving a few minutes early also gives your body a moment to acclimatise to the warmth before you start moving.

Do You Need Grip Socks for Pilates?

Pilates is typically practised barefoot or in grip socks — never in trainers. Bare feet give you direct feedback from the mat or carriage, which helps with balance and control.

That said, grip socks have become the go-to for most regulars, and we'd recommend them, particularly for reformer classes. Here's why:

• Stability — the rubberised soles grip the carriage and footbar, so your feet don't slide mid-exercise
• Hygiene — a clean barrier between your feet and shared equipment
• Warmth — feet can get chilly during slower, controlled work
• Confidence — beginners often feel steadier with that extra traction underfoot

Ordinary socks are the one option we'd rule out: smooth cotton soles turn a reformer carriage into an ice rink. If you're choosing between bare feet and normal socks, go barefoot.

Forgotten yours, or not bought a pair yet? No problem — we sell grip socks at the studio, so you can pick some up when you check in.

What to Bring — and What We Provide

One of the nicest things about Pilates is how little kit it demands. For a class at Aligné, bring:

• Yourself, in comfortable activewear
• A water bottle — especially for infrared classes
• Grip socks, if you have them (or grab a pair at the studio)

Everything else is provided. Our studio is fully equipped with professional-grade reformers, mats, towers and props — resistance bands, Pilates balls, foam rollers and weights — all regularly maintained and sanitised. There's no need to bring your own mat.

We have changing facilities on site, so you can come straight from work or the school run and change when you arrive. Just aim to get here about 10 minutes before class starts — it gives you time to check in, settle onto your equipment and have a word with your instructor about any injuries or concerns before you begin.

What Not to Wear

A short list, but worth knowing — mostly to protect the equipment and your own comfort:

• Zips, buckles, poppers and studs — metal hardware can scratch and damage reformer upholstery and dig into your back during lying work. Leave the zip-up hoodie and belted joggers in your bag.
• Very loose or baggy clothing — it can catch in springs and straps, obscures your alignment, and falls over your face during inversions.
• Jewellery — long necklaces, bangles and large rings can catch on straps or press into you on the mat. A quick de-jewel before class saves fiddling mid-session.
• Trainers or any footwear — Pilates is a barefoot (or grip-sock) practice. Shoes stay in the changing area.
• Slippery ordinary socks — as above: grip socks or bare feet, nothing in between.
• Heavy lotions or oils — freshly moisturised hands and feet slide on equipment. Save the body butter for after class.

Pilates Clothing FAQs

Can I wear leggings to Pilates?

Absolutely — leggings are the single most popular choice for both reformer and mat classes. Fitted, opaque and comfortable is the winning formula.

Do I need special shoes for Pilates?

No. Pilates is practised barefoot or in grip socks, so there's no footwear to buy. Trainers never come into the studio.

Can I wear shorts?

Yes, as long as they're fitted. Loose-fitting shorts can ride up during lying and inverted work, so cycling-short styles are the safest bet.

What should men wear to Pilates?

The same principles apply: a fitted t-shirt with tapered joggers, fitted shorts or leggings. Avoid baggy basketball-style shorts and anything with zips.

Do I need to buy anything before my first class?

No — just wear activewear you already own and bring water. Grip socks are the only extra worth having, and we sell them at the studio if you'd rather not shop in advance. If you're new to the reformer, our beginner's guide to reformer Pilates covers everything else you might be wondering.

What do I wear to infrared Pilates specifically?

Lighter versions of your usual kit — breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics, cropped or short styles, no extra layers. The studio sits at a pleasant 25–28°C, so you'll be comfortably warm rather than roasting.

Sorted Your Kit? Come and Use It

That's the whole wardrobe question answered: fitted activewear, grip socks or bare feet, a water bottle — done. The harder part is picking which class to try first.

Browse our weekly timetable to find a reformer, mat or infrared class that fits your schedule. New to Aligné? Our intro offers are the easiest way in: 3 classes for £50 (valid 14 days from first use) or 2 Weeks Unlimited for £90 — perfect for trying a few class styles and finding your favourite. We'll see you at the studio, grip socks optional.