Pilates is a mindful practice that connects the body and mind, bringing an element of calm to your day, while still remaining effective body conditioning.
It dates back to the 1920s and was invented by Joseph Pilates, who took inspiration from the rehabilitation of WW1 soldiers. Though the form of exercise has been around for over 100 years, it is only recently that it has seen a huge surge in popularity here in the UK, spearheaded by fitness studios like Heartcore and celebrities including Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Aniston, Meghan Markle and Harry Styles.
There are two main types; mat Pilates and Reformer, the latter of which requires a specialised machine that looks like a medieval torture device.
Yet even though the equipment may look daunting, the workout is incredibly accessible and can be done by any age, during and after pregnancy and no matter your fitness level. It’s made up of low-impact, core-activating movements that are as much about awareness of the body as it is about balance, flexibility, mobility and strength. Each position requires an element of focus and precision - and not concerns about your ensemble.
As you’re squatting, stretching, lunging and flexing, the last thing you want to be concerned with is ill-fitting or uncomfortable activewear. Pilates is made up of slow, controlled movements and so requires a slightly different outfit to fast-paced HIIT sessions.
You want to avoid baggy fits - so leave your old concert tees at home. Even for those with bigger busts, you don’t need a suffocating high-support sports bra and could get away with something less restrictive, while still feeling secure and comfortable for the times the tempo is slightly increased. When it comes to your bottoms, stretchy fits and soft fabrics should be prioritised. We always opt for high-waisted leggings or cycling shorts for their supportive feel. You always want to make sure that they’re not going to ride or bunch up so some level of elastic or compression is ideal.
This is the time to invest in all-in-one jumpsuits and leotards if you feel confident wearing them. These workout one-pieces are almost synonymous with Pilates and Barre - and we’ll never say no to their throw-on-and-go quality. Many come with built-in bras too so you’re covered in that arena.
The most important element of your Pilates ensemble is grippy socks. There are some studios - namely 1Rebel - that will not let you participate in the class without them (and charge you for a pair if you’ve forgotten yours). You then have the option to add more equipment to your basket if you favour the at-home workout. A mat, weights, resistance bands and rings are used in many Pilates classes, although Reformer will require the whole machine shebang - we’ve reviewed a whole host of at-home options as well as foldable iterations to elevate your gym set-up.
Below you’ll find our edit of the most stylish separates and one-pieces to take at-home and studio Pilates sessions by storm.
Best foldable Reformer Pilates machines for a space saving exercise solution
Best pilates kit for home: pilates bars, mats, balls and more
Best at-home reformer Pilates machines to help you tone and strengthen muscles
Best plus size gym wear for women: Stylish and comfortable workout clothes
Best legging and cycling shorts for Pilates and Reformer Pilates
Alo Yoga Airbrush High-Waist Enso Legging
With the addition of the feet strap on these leggings, you can be sure they’ll stay in place throughout your workout without riding up or needing constant adjustment. The waistband has a figure-hugging effect to ensure security from the top down.
Buy now £120.00, Alo Yoga
Adanola Yoga Pant - Graphite Grey
To take you from Pilates to brunch to the plane or anytime you need comfortable bottom halves, these Adanola Yoga Pants get it spot on. They’re some of the most easy-to-wear trousers that we own with an on-trend flared hem.
Buy now £46.99, Adanola
TALA Dayflex Wrap High Waisted Cycling Shorts
The TALA activewear is made for high-intensity workouts so you know that these cycling shorts will keep you secure, dry and free from sweat patches when your Pilates practice amps up. They come in an array of colours and from 2XS to 4XL. The DayFlex fabric was created to feel like a second skin, while the wrap waistband is ultra-flattering.
Buy now £42.00, TALA
PE Nation Ascend Bike Short in Tie Dye Print
These PE Nation bike shorts won us over with their tie-dye print. Something different from the sea of monochromatic activewear, they will encourage you to workout in style, while providing a flexible fit for a full range of motions throughout yoga, Pilates and the like. Go matchy-matchy with the coordinating sports bra.
Buy now £79.00, PE Nation
Nike Dri-FIT One High Waisted Printed Tights
Feel confident in any studio workout with these fierce leopard print tights. The Nike design is made up of the brand’s signature Dri-FIT fabric that was created to keep you dry, cool and comfortable as you take your practice to the next level. Best of all, they’re completely opaque.
Buy now £59.00, The Sports Edit
lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
The lululemon Align leggings are some of the most popular on the market - and for good reason. The silhouette was created with yoga in mind and as such has a butter-soft, lightweight and sweat-wicking construction as well as an ultra-flexible feel. There’s a high-waist fit complete with a secret pocket and the leggings are cut at calf length.
Buy now £88.00, lululemon
Sweaty Betty All Day Wrap Waist Leggings
The wrap silhouette of these leggings gives a contouring effect to the stomach that provides immense confidence as you partake in your Pilates class. The sweetheart effect is just one of the many notable design details that also include the ability to have either a full or 7/8 length, three colourways, a lightweight construction and a good size range from XXS to XXL. The material is also quick-drying and will see you through squats for sessions to come.
Buy now £70.00, Sweaty Betty
Best leotards and unitards for Pilates
Girlfriend Collective Scoop Unitard
Girlfriend Collective is a bellwether of the unitard activewear trend and has almost become synonymous with the style. The appeal is immediate; you only have to throw in one item when packing your kit and you’re ready to go. It also has a sculpting effect on the body with a compression fit and tactical seams for subtle cinching. The piece comes in XXS to XXXL and is made up of an opaque, sweat-wicking material.
Buy now £78.00, The Sports Edit
Gymshark Elevate All in One
For gymwear that is as functional as it is fashionable, you can’t go far wrong with Gymshark. This short unitard is made from the brand’s RLSE fabric, a trademarked material that includes recycled nylon for stretch and support in equal measure. It is also great for wicking away and disguising sweat.
Buy now £65.00, Gymshark
Best tops and sports bra for Pilates
lululemon Align Keyhole Halter Tank Top
For a top that wouldn’t look out of place in a club on a Saturday night, see the Align halter from lululemon. From the keyhole design to the fitted construction, it’s certainly aesthetically pleasing - but does it live up to the sweat test? In short, yes. There’s a built-in bra for support with removable cups and an ultra-soft material that is both moisture-wicking and breathable.
Buy now £58.00, lululemon
Bamford Strappy Cropped Top
With some of the softest activewear styles on the market, you’ll love the feel of any of the Bamford workout gear. This Strappy Cropped Top is another that may just find its way into your everyday wear with its navy hue and contrast white straps. The piece has a two-layered design that encourages flexibility as well as giving additional support.
Buy now £65.00, Bamford
Alo Yoga Wild Thing Bra
For a low-impact workout like yoga or Pilates, this bra from Alo Yoga will fit the bill. For more strenuous and high-intensity exercises, you might just find you need something more supportive than what this piece can provide. It has a ruched front - an attractive design detail that embellishes the plunging V-neck silhouette. The material is stretchy for ease in taking on and off and is sweat-wicking.
Buy now £65.00, The Sports Edit
Vuori Daily Bra
If you’ve not yet filled your fitness collection with Vuori, consider this your official sign to do so. The activewear label has some of the most buttery soft fabrics we’ve ever felt as well as lives up in the performance sphere too. These are the kind of pieces that people will stop you in the gym and ask what brand you’re wearing.
Buy now £50.00, Vuori
Spiritual Gangster Serene Seamless Twist Back Top
With its open-back design, this is a top made for the kind of relatively static movements that only appear in yoga and pilates. You can of course layer a bra underneath while you workout, during which it provides fantastic breathability - although you may feel a touch sticky on the mat if you are prone to excessive perspiring. It’s white but double-layered so shouldn’t turn see-through and has a good level of stretch with the bonus of thumb holes.
Buy now £72.00, The Sports Edit
Beyond Yoga Featherweight High Tied Cropped Tank
No need to self-tie your tops for a more fitted effect, Beyond Yoga has got you covered with this minimalistic but effective tank that you’ll want in your workwear rotation too. It has a cropped length and wide armholes for additional breathability.
Buy now £60.00, The Sports Edit
Varley Always Surrey Bra
Varley was founded between London and LA and you can see the influences of both cities in its collections. This sports bra is a supportive, fitted option for low-intensity sports. It has adjustable straps with a subtle lifting effect. There are two colourways available; coffee bean brown and ombre blue.
Buy now £50.00, Varley
The Upside Leo Dance leopard-print jersey sports bra
The leopard-print pattern on this sports bra brings a playful design to your activewear collection. It comes from The Upside, an Australian label founded by a yogi to bring dynamic styles to the world of low-impact workoutwear. The straps are adjustable and there’s removable cups.
Buy now £66.00, Matches
Best grippy socks for Pilates
FASECKS Antiskid Yoga Socks
Step into any gym and you’ll see the ubiquity of long socks sticking out of trainers - it’s the ultimate fitnesswear fashion essential. You need not compromise on the style when you partake in Pilates with these sporty options complete with a gripped sole.
Buy now £9.98, Amazon
Pointe Studio Elise Grip Strap
It’s the retro tie-dye pattern that has caught our eye with Pointe Studio’s grip socks. While embellished with the stability-enhancing footbed, there’s also compression at the arch and a cutout design for breathability.
Buy now £12.00, The Sports Edit
Alo Yoga Pivot Barre Sock
Channel your inner ballerina with these pink mauve socks from Alo Yoga. They have a uniquely designed grip pattern as well as crossover straps that look and feel very professional.
Buy now £25.00, Alo Yoga
