What to Wear to a Pilates Class (and What to Leave at the Door)

A no-nonsense, zero-judgement guide to turning up ready to move.

First time at a Pilates class? We get it. Walking into a studio when you’re not quite sure what to expect - dress code included - can feel a bit daunting. Is it like yoga? Can I wear joggers? Is everyone going to be in a matching set they bought specifically to be photographed in?

Take a breath (lateral, into the ribcage - you’ll learn what that means soon). We’ve got you.

At Rise, we keep things practical over performative. There’s no outfit test to pass and no aesthetic requirement to meet. What matters is that you can move freely, your instructor can see what your body is doing, and you feel comfortable enough to actually focus on the class rather than your kit.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What to Wear - The Yes List

1. Fitted leggings or shorts

This is the big one - and the reason is genuinely practical, not fashionable. Loose, baggy trousers have a habit of doing all sorts of unhelpful things in a Pilates class: bunching up during rolling exercises, slipping down during inverted positions, or falling forward over your face during footwork. None of these are ideal.

Fitted leggings or shorts let your instructor see how your body is positioned and moving, which means they can spot misalignment, offer corrections, and keep you safe. When your instructor says ‘check your hip alignment’ mid-exercise, they need to actually be able to see your hip.

For length, full-length leggings or 3/4 lengths both work brilliantly. Bike shorts are great for warmer classes or if you run hot. The main thing is a snug fit with enough stretch to move freely in every direction.

2. A breathable, fitted top

Same logic as the leggings. Loose T-shirts tend to end up somewhere they shouldn’t be during rollbacks, inversions, and prone exercises. A fitted vest, crop top, or close-fitting tee gives your instructor a clear view of your spine and core - which is genuinely useful, not vanity-driven.

Layers are a great idea, especially if you’re coming straight from outside or tend to take a while to warm up. Start with a light zip-up or long-sleeve top and shed it once you’re moving. Just make sure what’s underneath is studio-appropriate and comfortable to work in.

One thing to avoid: anything with a baggy hem that will fall over your face the second you tilt backwards. We’ve all been there. It’s character-building, but you can skip it.

3. Grip socks - non-negotiable, genuinely

We say this with love and firmness in equal measure: grip socks are not optional at Rise. They’re required in every class, on every piece of equipment, every time.

Here’s why they actually matter. The Reformer carriage moves. The Wunda Chair pedal moves. The mat and equipment surfaces can be slippery, especially once you’re warmed up. Grip socks keep your feet anchored where they’re supposed to be, give you proprioceptive feedback through the sole, and are considerably more hygienic for everyone sharing the space.

Standard socks don’t have the rubber grip on the sole, so they won’t cut it - you’ll be sliding around in a way that’s both ineffective and mildly alarming. Proper Pilates grip socks have rubber nodules or patterns on the bottom that grip the surface and keep you stable.

Don’t have a pair yet? We stock Hey Happy Soles grip socks in studio and the designs are genuinely lovely. Treat your feet. It’s the smallest luxury with the most practical payoff.

4. A supportive sports bra

Pilates is low-impact - but low-impact doesn’t mean no movement. You’ll be twisting, reaching, rolling, and if you’re in a Jumpboard class, literally jumping. A supportive sports bra means you can focus entirely on the exercise rather than managing anything else. Medium support is usually plenty; you don’t need the industrial-strength construction of a running bra, but something with proper structure will serve you well.

5. Hair tied back - and low

A high ponytail sounds fine in theory. In practice, you’ll spend a significant portion of the class lying on your back, and a high pony creates an uncomfortable lump right where your head needs to rest. Low buns, low ponytails, plaits, and scrunchies all work beautifully. Claw clips can dig in during supine work, so if you use one, bring a hair tie as backup.

This is a tiny detail that makes a meaningful difference to your comfort, especially in longer classes.

What to Leave at the Door - The No List

Jewellery

Rings can scratch the Reformer carriage and equipment surfaces - and they can also be uncomfortable during grip-heavy exercises. Necklaces get tangled in straps and springs in ways that are more dramatic than you’d expect. Hoop earrings are a genuine injury risk during side-lying and rolling work. Small studs are usually fine; anything dangling or structural, leave at home.

Zips, buttons, and hard fastenings

This catches people out more than anything else. A zip on the back of your top or waistband of your leggings will dig in the moment you lie down - and you’ll be lying down a lot. Metal buttons and snaps can also scratch equipment surfaces. Soft seams, stretchy fabrics, and flat waistbands are what you’re looking for. Most activewear is designed with this in mind; it’s mainly cross-over pieces from casualwear that cause the issue.

Strong perfume or fragrance

In a warm, enclosed studio, fragrance travels. What you consider a subtle spritz can be genuinely overwhelming for the person on the next mat or Reformer, particularly during hot classes. Unscented or lightly scented products are the considerate choice. Your skin after a good Pilates class has its own glow - you won’t need the backup.

Shoes

You’ll take them off at the door - or before you step onto the studio floor. Grip socks on, shoes off. That’s the routine.

Self-doubt about whether you look the part

This one’s the most important item on the no list. You do not need to look like a Pilates person to do Pilates. You do not need activewear that costs the same as a car payment. You do not need to arrive already knowing what you’re doing. Come in whatever you feel good and comfortable moving in, and leave the rest at the door.

We mean this. Rise is not a space where anyone is assessed on their aesthetic. We care about how you move, how you feel, and whether you leave better than you arrived. That’s it.

The Rise Packing List - That’s Actually It

Genuinely, this is all you need:

• Yourself

• Grip socks (or grab a pair from us)

• A water bottle

• Clothes you feel good moving in

• An open mind

That’s the whole list. Everything else is optional.

A Note on Hot Pilates Specifically

If you’re coming to one of our hot Pilates classes, a few extra considerations:

• Moisture-wicking fabric is genuinely worth it - cotton holds sweat, synthetic wicks it away

• Bring a small towel if you run warm

• A larger water bottle than you think you need. Then drink it.

• A change of clothes for afterwards if you’re heading somewhere post-class

Ready to Come In?

Whether it’s your first class or your fiftieth, the most important thing you can wear is confidence. The grip socks are a close second.

Our instructors are here to guide you, adjust you, and cheer you on - not assess your outfit. So throw on your comfiest kit, grab your water bottle, and come Rise with us.

Rise Pilates Studio is at 9 & 9a The Square, Keyworth, Nottinghamshire - free parking on Bunny Lane. Browse our timetable and book your first class here.

We’ll see you in the studio.

FAQs

Do I need to buy special Pilates clothing?

No. Any form-fitting, stretchy activewear that lets you move freely is perfect. You don’t need a specific brand or style - just clothes that stay in place and allow your instructor to see your alignment.

Can I wear leggings with a zip pocket?

A small zip pocket on the side or front of leggings is usually fine. Avoid large zips on the back waistband or anywhere you’ll be lying on - they’ll dig in during supine exercises.

What if I forget my grip socks?

We sell grip socks in studio, so you’re covered. We stock Hey Happy Soles designs and they’re worth having a spare pair of anyway.

Can I wear trainers in the Pilates studio?

No - all classes at Rise are done in grip socks only. Shoes come off before you enter the studio floor. This is standard across Pilates studios and keeps both the equipment and the space in good condition.

I don’t have any activewear - can I still come?

Yes. Comfortable, stretchy clothing that allows a full range of movement is all you need. Fitted gym trousers, yoga leggings, fitted shorts - whatever you have that moves well with you. Don’t let the kit stop you coming.