Walking into your first pilates class is exciting — and a little overwhelming. Between booking, finding the studio and figuring out what to bring, deciding what to wear often falls to the last minute. This guide covers everything you need to know so you can focus entirely on your practice.
The Golden Rule: Form-Fitting, Flexible Fabrics
Pilates involves a wide range of movements — spinal articulation, leg circles, footwork on the reformer — and your instructor needs to see your alignment to give you accurate cues. Loose, baggy clothing makes this difficult. Opt for form-fitting activewear that moves with your body without restricting you.
Look for fabrics with four-way stretch: nylon-spandex blends and compression knits are ideal. Avoid stiff wovens, denim or anything with thick seams that dig in when you're lying down.
Leggings: Full-Length or 7/8?
Full-length leggings are the most popular choice for reformer pilates — they stay in place during footbar exercises and provide warmth in air-conditioned studios. High-waisted styles are a favourite because they stay up during roll-downs and supine work without slipping.
7/8 length works equally well and can feel cooler in warmer studios. Avoid bike shorts for your first class — the reformer carriage can be slippery, and longer leggings give you extra grip on the upholstery.
Tops: Fitted Is Best
A fitted tank or a close-cut long-sleeve top is ideal. Avoid oversized tees or loose crop tops — they ride up constantly during ab work and get in the way during inversions and spine stretches. If you run cold, a fitted zip-up or studio jacket over your base layer is perfect for the warm-up and cool-down.
Sports Bras: Support Without Distraction
Most pilates classes are low-to-moderate impact, so a medium-support sports bra is sufficient. Look for one with clean, flat seams and no hardware at the back — you spend a lot of time lying down, and underwire or clasps can become uncomfortable quickly.
Grip Socks: Non-Negotiable
Almost every pilates studio requires grip socks — they are a hygiene requirement and a safety one. The reformer carriage moves, the studio floor is polished, and bare feet simply do not provide the traction you need to hold positions accurately.
Not all grip socks are equal. Look for full-sole coverage (grip dots across the entire sole, not just the heel and ball), a snug fit that does not bunch or slide, and a fabric that breathes. Zentrya grip socks are designed specifically for reformer pilates and barre — the non-slip coverage is studio-tested and the colourways are genuinely beautiful.
A crew-length sock (sitting above the ankle) is the most versatile choice. It stays in place through every exercise, provides a little extra warmth and looks polished. If you run warm, a low-rise style gives you a more minimal feel while still delivering full grip coverage.
Hair: Out of Your Face and Off Your Neck
A low bun or tight braid is ideal for pilates. Ponytails can get in the way when you are lying on your back, and high buns can make headrests uncomfortable. If your hair is shorter, a headband helps keep it out of your eyes during inversion work.
What Not to Wear
- Jewellery: Rings, bracelets and necklaces catch on equipment and can scratch the reformer upholstery. Leave them at home or in your locker.
- Strong perfume: Studio spaces are small and enclosed. Be considerate of others in the room.
- Brand-new leggings without testing them: Always do a squat test before wearing new leggings to a class. Squat down in front of a mirror — if they go sheer, save them for another activity.
- Bare feet or regular socks: Hygiene policies at most studios do not permit bare feet on equipment, and regular socks have no grip and can be genuinely dangerous on a moving reformer.
What to Bring
Most studios provide reformers, mats and props. You will generally need to bring:
- Grip socks (many studios sell them but quality varies — bring your own)
- A water bottle
- A small towel
- Your booking confirmation
Arrive 5–10 minutes early for your first class so your instructor can walk you through the reformer setup before everyone else arrives.
The Bottom Line
You do not need a specific brand or a studio-perfect outfit to enjoy pilates. Form-fitting activewear, a good sports bra and a quality pair of grip socks are genuinely all you need. Invest in socks you love — you will wear them every single class — and wear whatever leggings make you feel confident and comfortable.
Ready to find your perfect pair? Shop Zentrya grip socks — designed for real movers, in colourways you will actually want to wear.