If you’ve ever wondered what to wear for Pilates, you’re not alone. The right Pilates workout sets can make all the difference by enhancing flexibility, providing support, and keeping you comfortable throughout every stretch and movement.
Unlike generic active wear, Pilates outfits are designed with the unique demands of this low-impact workout in mind, offering buttery-soft fabrics, secure fits, and stylish designs that move with your body.
Remember, while looking cute and stylish is part of the Pilates aesthetic, you also need to consider the functionality of your chosen clothes. In this guide, we’ll break down the must-have features of the best Pilates workout sets that every beginner or enthusiast should look out for when purchasing their next set of workout outfits.
Flowing Pilates workout sets are items of clothing that are fitted, lightweight, breathable, and comfortable enough to allow for a full range of motion while you engage in Pilates exercises.
Women’s Pilates workout sets usually include:
When shopping for Pilates sets for women, you should ensure the top fits snugly without being too tight. This will keep you comfortable throughout the workout while allowing you and your instructor to see your form throughout the class. Tops come in the form of tank tops or cropped tops and may have built-in bras for support.
With the return of the Y2K trend, low-rise pants and leggings are slowly coming back into fashion. However, low-rise leggings aren’t the best option for a Pilates class. High-waisted and lightweight pants are more comfortable and offer more coverage, which allows you to pay attention to the exercises without any distraction or discomfort. As with the tops, your leggings should also be form-fitting so you can easily check out your form in the mirrors in the studio.
No workout set is complete without a good bra. Instead of the high-impact sports bra you’d wear to do CrossFit or high-impact cardio like running, you should opt for a low or medium-support sports bra.
Those with a smaller cup size can go with low-support bras, while those with a larger cup size may find medium-support sports bras work better. Whichever option you choose, make sure the straps are soft and flexible and don’t dig into you.
BetterMe: Health Coaching app helps you achieve your body goals with ease and efficiency by helping to choose proper meal plans and effective workouts. Start using our app and you will see good results in a short time.
These are optional, as leggings are more than enough. However, they can come in handy during the warmer months. Ensure that they are high-waisted and made from stretchy, lightweight fabric.
Don’t feel like purchasing Pilates shorts and leggings/biker shorts separately? In that case, a catsuit is the best option for you. This close-fitting garment allows you to dress up in the morning without having to find and mix and match your tops and pants.
It’s the best option for anyone who doesn’t want to put too much thought into their Pilates outfit but still wants to get ready for the workout and look stylish. The BetterMe catsuit is a comfortable yet stylish option for those who want this Pilates outfit option.
A catsuit comes with:
These aren’t a must, but can help you feel more comfortable during the workout session:
Read more: How to Style a Sport Jumpsuit: Performance Tips
When purchasing your Pilates outfits, you should pay close attention to:
As Pilates is currently trending, many brands are coming out with new designs. While this is a good thing, you must remember that at the end of the day, Pilates is a workout. Your clothes must be functional, so you can comfortably and freely work out in them.
Pilates is a low-impact workout, so it’s unlikely that you’ll end up getting as hot and sweaty during your Pilates workout routine as you would while doing a more intense workout.
However, you do still need breathable clothing that allows your body to regulate temperature by keeping cool and dry throughout the session. Remember that if the fabric of your Pilates clothes isn’t breathable, this can lead to overheating, which increases the risk of heat illness and compromises your performance during the workout session (1).
Pilates is an endurance, strength, and flexibility exercise that incorporates movements that lengthen and stretch your muscles. You need to find outfits that are made from stretchy fabrics that allow you to stretch and move freely in them. Your clothes should be able to stretch with you.
As previously mentioned, Pilates workout sets need to fit snugly on your body, which allows both you and your instructor to easily see your form during the workout session. Remember that the outfits should be form-fitting and comfortable.
It goes beyond well-fitting clothes. Find fabrics that feel soft and comfortable on your body. Look out for well-done seams that don’t scratch you and no-roll waist bands that keep your high-waisted leggings or shorts where they should be. Tops with built-in bras are also a fantastic option as they eliminate the need for a bra.
Women with larger cup sizes usually have an issue with tops that have built-in bras, as they are generally too small or offer little to no support. If this is you, find a simple fitted t-shirt or tank top and wear a medium-impact bra underneath for comfort and security.
Short-sleeved tops are the most popular option in Pilates workout sets as they won’t get caught in the equipment. If you prefer long-sleeved tops, opt for those with sleeves that are form-fitting from the shoulder to the wrist.
The best Pilates workout sets are made from a combination of polyester and spandex. Spandex is often used in garments where comfort and fit are both required. This material is exceptionally stretchy, which allows the user to move unrestricted and remain comfortable while doing an activity/exercise, even while wearing form-fitting clothing.
On the other hand, polyester isn’t naturally stretchy, but it’s great for moisture wicking, i.e. it’s a very breathable fabric that allows your body to stay cool and dry even when you’re sweaty and hot.
Studies on this material have praised it for its high wicking properties and excellent moisture transport properties, and stated that it has excellent ventilation and evaporation properties that have been proven beneficial in the preservation of body temperature during exercise in the heat (2, 3).
Therefore, a combination of polyester and spandex fabrics is the best option for Pilates exercise outfits as it provides the stretch, breathability, and comfort that are needed when you participate in this type of workout.
If you think about it, what you wear to do this workout is just as important as your at-home Pilates equipment or the reformer at the studio. If your equipment is faulty, it will undermine your performance and may even discourage you from continuing with the exercise routine.
This applies to your clothes in that if they’re not comfortable, the discomfort will discourage you from putting them on and going to exercise. Nobody wants to feel hot, uncomfortable, and have their clothes snag on equipment when they’re sweating and working out.
High-quality pilates clothing is comfortable and breathable, which eliminates the above issues. They allow you to simply concentrate on the workout, which can improve how well you do each movement.
One study published in 2012 found that when athletes were comfortable in their clothing, their psychological responses and performance improved. The study, which looked at polyester vs nylon fabric, found that the athletes felt more comfortable in polyester, and its moisture-wicking ability of the fabric enhanced the body’s temperature regulation, which led to an increase in the athletes’ cardiorespiratory fitness and performance (4).
So yes, good quality Pilates clothing will very likely improve your performance.
BetterMe will shake off your mental funk, rid you of your energy-zapping habits, and help you sculpt the body of your dreams. Intrigued? Hurry up and change your life for the better!
As seen in the study mentioned above, yes, the right Pilates set can improve your comfort during the workout, which will ultimately improve your performance. The right clothes can also help with better flexibility.
When your clothes are stretchy, they allow for a full range of motion, which is an important part of Pilates. The right type of clothes also allows your instructor to take note of and adjust your form, which improves said performance and helps you achieve the Pilates body of your dreams.
The following table illustrates the main differences that are often seen in the best Pilates workout sets versus regular gym wear:
| Feature | Regular gym wear | Pilates-specific sets |
|---|---|---|
| Fit and overall design | Often looser and may have extra features such as zips, pockets, etc. Some may have compression if the activity requires it. | Form-fitting, seamless, and breathable. |
| Waistband design | Standard elastic bands. May be high or mid-rise | High-rise with no-roll waist bands to keep them in place. |
| Support | High-impact support. | Low to moderate impact support. |
| Style | Varied and often follows fashion trends in prints, design, colors, etc. | Simple, sleek, minimal, and monochromatic. |
| Fabric | Can be thick and compressive. | Very stretchy, soft, and always designed with breathability in mind. |
When choosing Pilates, always go for comfort and flexibility over trends. Find colours that you prefer, choose stretchy, moisture-wicking fabrics, and minimal designs. You can also find designs that highlight parts of your body that you like and create illusions for parts that you feel insecure about, e.g. strategic paneling to create definition and shape in the hips.
Read more: Your Pilates Equipment Guide
Stylish yet functional Pilates workout sets can be found in many online stores. We recommend the BetterMe store as it has a variety of cute and supportive Pilates outfits.
Pilates sets should be tight. Form-fitting and comfortable clothes allow for easy movement and make it easier to keep an eye on your form. Technically, yes. However, if you want your sets to last longer before you have to replace them, it’s best to get separate running clothes and shoes. Also note that Pilates sets may be comfortable and supportive for Pilates, but they will unlikely do the same for a high-impact activity such as running. To ensure these clothes last for a long time, you should: The BetterMe catsuit is one of the Pilates outfits that’s currently trending online. Not only does it have all the important features mentioned above, it can also double up as a simple fit to throw on when running errands or dressed up for a simple brunch or breakfast date!Frequently Asked Questions
Should Pilates sets be tight or loose-fitting?
Can you wear the same set for Pilates and running?
How should I care for my Pilates workout clothes?
What sets are trending in Pilates sets?
When you’re looking for Pilates workout sets, you should always keep functionality, breathability, and comfort in mind. Don’t choose the fit simply because the design looks cute or is trending – find something that perfectly fits your body and needs.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making. Any action taken as a direct or indirect result of the information in this article is entirely at your own risk and is your sole responsibility.
BetterMe, its content staff, and its medical advisors accept no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, misstatements, inconsistencies, or omissions and specifically disclaim any liability, loss or risk, personal, professional or otherwise, which may be incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and/or application of any content.
You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your specific situation. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of BetterMe content. If you suspect or think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor.