Pilates outfits need to do three things: stay put when you roll, stretch and lift, let your instructor see your alignment, and feel good enough that you forget about them, here is how to put one together for mat and reformer classes, with sizes up to 6XL
The short answer
Wear fitted, high-rise leggings or biker shorts, a supportive but comfortable sports bra or fitted top, and grip socks if your studio asks for them, skip anything loose that can catch on the reformer springs or hide your form
Bottoms: leggings, flares or biker shorts
- High-rise leggings are the classic choice, they stay in place during roll-downs and leg circles, our crossover leggings with pockets have a high V waistband, a side pocket on each leg and mild compression, in sizes 2XS to 6XL
- Flare leggings are fine for mat classes and look great to and from the studio, on the reformer, pick a fitted flare so the hem does not catch, see our flare leggings
- Biker shorts are cooler for hot or intense sessions, our biker shorts have a back waistband pocket for your phone and keys
Tops: a sports bra that moves with you
Pilates is low impact, so you want comfort and coverage more than maximum support, a racerback padded sports bra with removable pads works for most people, and a longline sports bra gives extra coverage when you fold forward or lie on your back
- Padded sports bras: scoop neck, racerback, removable pads, mesh lining, best for A to C cups, sizes XS to 2XL
- Longline sports bras: compression fabric, non-see-through and fully mesh-lined, sizes XS to 3XL
Mat class vs reformer class
| Class | Best bottoms | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Mat | Leggings, flares or biker shorts | Waistbands that roll down when you curl up |
| Reformer | Fitted leggings or biker shorts | Wide hems, loose tops, zips and buttons that scratch the carriage |
Why a matching Pilates set
A matching set takes the guesswork out of getting dressed, looks polished in class and in photos, and works for coffee afterwards, every HFF print comes as leggings plus a matching sports bra, many also as flares, biker shorts, a crossbody bag and a bow scrunchie, mix 2 pieces and save 15%, 3 pieces save 20%, 4 or more save 25%, the discount applies automatically at checkout on our matching sets
Pilates outfit ideas
- Dreamy pastel: Cotton Candy Sky longline sports bra with the matching crossover leggings with pockets and bow scrunchie
- Soft and classic: Wildflower capri leggings with the matching padded sports bra in butter or sage
- Bold and graphic: Retro Sweep 70s stripe leggings with the longline sports bra
- Dark and moody: Midnight Garden flare leggings with the padded sports bra
- Simple solids: solid leggings with pockets with a colour-block V-Band bra
Quick fit checklist
- Bend forward in front of a mirror: no see-through areas
- Do a roll-down: the waistband stays up
- Lie on your back and lift your arms: the top stays put
- Check the size guide, every HFF piece is made to order so the right size first time matters, see our size guide
Shop all Pilates outfits, made to order and shipped from the US, free US shipping on orders of $70 or more