As Pilates Instructors and Health Editors, Trust Us – These Are the Only Pilates Clothes Worth Your Money

From longline bras to leggings and everything in between.

Best Pilates clothes: MCUK team working out in Pilates brands
(Image credit: Future)

One of the best things to come out of the rise in Pilates - aside from the posture, mental health and core strength benefits of Pilates, of course? The best Pilates clothes. With more people getting involved in the workout (Pilates was the most popular workout of 2025 globally with reservations for Pilates classes up 66%, according to ClassPass), there's been a huge rise in workout clothing designed for low-impact movement.

You might think that a good sports bra is only necessary for running or high-impact activity. But that's not quite accurate, as finding a good sports bras for Pilates might be even more essential. Not only do you need support for Pilates, but you need to be free from restriction in the upper body for rotating, extending and bending. Studies show that some bras designed for yoga - which will likely be worn for Pilates-style, low-impact workouts too - can put too much pressure on the body, including some even reducing blood flow by over 47%.

If you're wondering where to look for support, flexibility and style, don't panic. I'm a Health and Fitness Editor, fitness instructor and Pilates lover and I've gone through my fair share of Pilates clothes over the years. I'm here to recommend some of my favourite Pilates clothes for you, alongside Phoebe Georgiou, founder of Soul Body retreats, Rachel Lopez, senior instructor at BLOK, Valeza Bakolli and Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editors at Marie Claire UK, and Ally Head, Senior Health Editor at Marie Claire UK.

After some more Pilates-specific clothing? Don't miss our buying guides for the best Pilates leggings, Pilates tops, unitards, grippy socks, Pilates sliders and even at-home Reformer machines, while you're here.

What we looked for in the best Pilates clothes

All fit kit you buy need to be sweat-wicking, supportive, and stay up during your sessions - there's nothing more distracting than having to hoick up your leggings or reposition your bra mid-move.

That said, for Pilates clothes in particular, we looked for the following:

  • Sweat wicking: Was it breathable, and did it keep us at a comfortable temperature through sweaty classes and flows? A
  • Supportive: Did it keep everything in place, or did it roll down mid-workout? Not just that, but was it supportive without cutting you in half?
  • Grip: A large part of most Pilates moves centres on the mat or Reformer bar. Making sure your feet can firmly grip your surface is key, and kit that makes this easier gets a yes from us.
  • Price point: Was it good value for money, and did the kit wash well?

How we tested the products in this round up

Here at Marie Claire UK, we personally test all of the kit recommendations before bringing them to you to make sure you don't waste money on items you'll have to take to charity in a few months. Every item below has been trialled during a Pilates class and most of them, other workouts too. We champion kit that supports you, makes you feel confident and that'll last the long run, too. For more on how we test, read here.

Recent updates

This article was first published in February 2024 and has since been updated with new tried and tested products.

Best Pilates clothes to shop now, chosen by pros

Best Adanola Pilates clothes

sophie wearing adanola ultimate leggings

Sophie wearing the Adanola Ultimate Leggings

(Image credit: Future)

Ultimate Leggings

Reasons to buy

+
Sweat-wicking
+
Compressive
+
Don't fall down mid workout

Reasons to avoid

-
Can pile and bobble if not washed carefully

What we thought when testing? "The first thing I ever tested from Adanola? Their best-selling leggings, of course, and I wasn't disappointed. I still wear them most weeks as they're supportive without being uncomfortable, sweat-wick well, and feel great to the touch. Do note, though - they can pile and bobble if you're not careful with how you wash them or where you wear them (I'm looking at you, scraggly wooden surfaces)," shares Head.

Best Pilates clothes: A woman wearing tank bra in green

(Image credit: Adanola)

Adanola Ultimate Tank

Reasons to buy

+
Longline
+
Sweat-wicking
+
Removable padding
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Can sell out quickly

What we thought when testing? "One of my go-to bras for pretty much any workout, this longline tank from Adanola has a supportive bra layer which has seen me through strength training, long runs and, of course, Pilates," shares Head. "It sweat-wicks well, and I like that it's supportive, flattering, and versatile enough to be worn as daywear, too."

Best Pilates clothes: A woman wearing ada hoodie and sweatpants

(Image credit: Adanola)

ADA Oversized Hoodie

Reasons to buy

+
Oversized fit
+
Super comfy
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
No fleece lining so better for warmer weather

What we thought when testing? "Trust us on this one - you'll want a cosy jumper to wear to and from your class, and this iconic style from Adanola ticks all of the right boxes," shares Bakolli. "It's super comfy, goes with everything, and won't break the bank, either."

Best lululemon Pilates clothes

Mischa wearing the lululemon Align leggings

Mischa wearing the lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant

(Image credit: Future)

lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant 25"

Reasons to buy

+
Naked feel
+
Smoothing without compressing
+
Stylish

Reasons to avoid

-
High price point

What we thought when testing? "lulu's Align leggings are the brand's cult best seller, and our team swear by them for Pilates workouts. They're butter soft, extremely comfortable, and also stay put for any and all workouts - yes, even on a Reformer. They're designed with yoga and low impact in mind, so they're perfect for any and all Pilates workouts," says Head.

Clementina wearing lululemon Define jacket

Clementina wearing the lululemon Define Jacket

(Image credit: Future)

lululemon Define Jacket

Reasons to buy

+
Soft
+
Versatile
+
Supportive

Reasons to avoid

-
Cropped length may not be for everyone

"One of the best workout jackets you can buy, lulu's Define jackets are next level comfortable, butter soft, but also breathable, flattering, and supportive. I wear mine for workouts and work events; they're that versatile, plus I love that the design includes thumbholes to keep your hands warm during chilly winter runs and a clever elastic zipper pull that doubles as an emergency hair tie." says Head.

Best Pilates clothes: Lululemon

(Image credit: lululemon)

lululemon Flow Y Bra Nulu Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Buttery soft
+
Not irritating
+
Weightless

Reasons to avoid

-
Small size selection

What we thought when testing? "This is my absolute favourite - it's so comfortable and the support is so weightless it doesn’t stress out your shoulders. The line on the back is so flattering and discreet too, so you won't feel it when lying on your back in core and glute exercises," says Lopez.

Right now, the bra is only running up to a cup size C on the lululemon website, which is a shame. We've seen larger cup sizes running of this in the past, so fingers crossed it's getting re-stocked.

Best Pilates clothes: lululemon Align shorts

(Image credit: lululemon)

lululemon 6" Align Shorts

Reasons to buy

+
Buttery soft
+
Variety of lengths
+
Smoothing without compressing

Reasons to avoid

-
Higher price point

What we thought when testing? "These six-inch shorts are my go-to in the summer, for hot dynamic Pilates classes, or for when I'm teaching back-to-back classes so will be getting hot and sweaty," says Lopez. "The material is figure-hugging but breathable, and they're especially great when you feel bloated during your menstrual cycle thanks to the butter-soft fabric."

Plus, the brand has just released several fresh new colours to mark ten years of the Align range, including this beautiful baby pink. The only downside? They cost around £50. That said, all of our experts maintain that the cost per wear will be pennies, given that you'll live in them.

Best Oner Active Pilates clothes

ally wearing the oner active black shrug

Ally wearing Oner Active SoftMotion™ Long Sleeve Shrug

(Image credit: Future)

Oner Active SoftMotion™ Long Sleeve Shrug

Reasons to buy

+
Super soft
+
Sweat-wicking
+
Stylish

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most pratical piece

What we thought when testing? "Don't get me wrong - I never had myself down as a shrug kind of girl, either. But the butter soft, sweat wicking comfort of this Oner Active cardi has persuaded me otherwise. It's now one of my favourite Pilates staples to throw on before heading in studio - practically speaking, it's easy to get on and off when you get hot and also, impossible to get sweat patches in (great if you run hot, like me). But the main reason I love this shrug is for its ability to transform an otherwise pretty bland looking outfit into a style moment," says Head.

model in Oner Active sports bra

(Image credit: Oner Active)

Oner Active SoftMotion™ Bralette

Reasons to buy

+
Sculpting
+
Supportive
+
Versatile

Reasons to avoid

-
Only plain designs

What we thought when testing? "I've only recently tried personal trainer Krissy Cela's activewear offering, Oner Active, after reading up on the amazing work she's doing to encourage teenage girls across the UK to give strength training a go. But wow, have I been missing out - and this bra is my hero product. It's beyond soft, sculpting, and sweat wicking while also surprisingly supportive, for the design style. I've been raving about it to friends and family for good reason - once you try, you won't look at other sports bras in the same way," says Head.

Oner Active Unified Wrap Flared Bottoms

(Image credit: Oner Active)

Oner Active Unified Wrap Flared Bottoms

Reasons to buy

+
Compressive
+
Range of leg lengths
+
Fashionable and functional

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may not like the looser fit

What we thought when testing? "Again, I'm fairly new to the flares scene personally, but really rate the cosy, compressive fit of this Oner Active design. I love that they come in a range of leg lengths - perfect for us short girls - and that they have a cute cross front detail, something that's actually difficult to find in flares. Plus, they're both fashionable and functional, aka they look great and feel like a second skin during your sweat session. What's not to love?" says Head.

Best Sweaty Betty Pilates clothes

Best Pilates clothes: Sweaty Betty

(Image credit: Sweaty Betty)

Sweaty Betty Power Icon Studio Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Four-way stretch
+
Sweat wicking
+
Supportive

Reasons to avoid

-
Likely to sell out.

What we thought when testing? "When it comes to being a curvy yoga and Pilates instructor and practitioner, I want to feel supported from the chest down - and I absolutely am in this bra," says Georgiou.

Best Pilates clothes: Sweaty Betty

(Image credit: Sweaty Betty)

Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Gym Leggings

Reasons to buy

+
Soft material 
+
Pockets
+
Flattering seams

Reasons to avoid

-
Muted colours only

What we thought when testing? "The material of these leggings is unmatched - so much so, it makes you feel confident practising," says Georgiou.

Best Pilates clothes: Sweaty Betty

(Image credit: Sweaty Betty)

Sweaty Betty Super Soft Reversible Yoga Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Super soft
+
Reversible
+
Multiple strap options

Reasons to avoid

-
Only comes in one colourway

What we thought when testing? "This bra has adjustable straps to keep your chest fully supported - it's unrivalled, in my opinion," says Georgiou. "The super-soft set feels buttery smooth on your skin, too."

The adjustable design Georgiou adores is sadly no longer in stock, but this reversible option is eerily similar - and can be worn two ways, so you basically get two bras in one. How excellent.

Best Pilates clothes: Sweaty Betty leggings

(Image credit: Sweaty Betty)

Sweaty Betty Super Soft Yoga Leggings

Reasons to buy

+
Super soft
+
Flattering seams
+
Compression

Reasons to avoid

-
Higher price point

What we thought when testing? "These leggings don’t fall down while you flow and feel so nice to wear," says Georgiou. Paired with the matching bra, you're in for a butter-soft treat.

Best FP Movement Pilates clothes

Best Pilates clothes: Free People

(Image credit: Free People)

FP Movement Never Better Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Buttery soft
+
Flat-stitch seams
+
Supportive underband
+
Racer back
+
Great colour selection

Reasons to avoid

-
No full bust sizing 

What we thought when testing? I love that this bra feels supportive enough for Pilates without padding thanks to the compression, strong under band and racer back.

Best Pilates clothes: Free People

(Image credit: FP Movement)

FP Movement Never Better Leggings

Reasons to buy

+
Great length
+
Super soft 
+
Smoothing without restriction
+
Naked feel

Reasons to avoid

-
Higher price point

What we thought when testing? These leggings fit my short leg length well - but also work for those more vertically gifted than I am. The best bit? They're so soft that you feel like you're not wearing them which, when contorting your body into Pilates famous postures, is invaluable. For more petite gym leggings, check out our guide.

Bakolli adores both the original Never Better leggings and the maternity version which FP Movement has released in collaboration with Hatch: "They're just as buttery soft as the original leggings", she says "they stretch and sit comfortably over my eight-month bump, not digging in at all - perfect for pregnancy Pilates and general stretching".

Best Pilates clothes: FP Runsie

(Image credit: Free People)

FP Movement Runsie

Reasons to buy

+
Supportive
+
Loose shorts 
+
Sweat-wicking

Reasons to avoid

-
Higher price point

What we thought when testing? "Sure, this was made for runners, but I think it's a great all-in-one option for most sweat sessions," says Head. "While you'll need to wear a bra underneath if you're doing medium to high intensity workouts, it's super soft, supports really well, and looks great, too."

Best Vuori Pilates clothes

Jadie wearing Vuori Pilates kit

Jadie wearing Vuori AllTheForm leggings and AllTheFeels Support Tank

(Image credit: Future)

Vuori AllTheForm™ Legging

Reasons to buy

+
Buttery feel
+
High rise
+
Very stretchy

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey

"As a tall girly, I’m always on the lookout for full-length leggings that do, actually, stretch down as far as they promise. So, hurrah for the ‘long’ iteration of the Vuori AllTheForm Legging, which does in fact offer the coverage. I’m also a UK 14-16 with a curvier bottom half and found that their comfort trumps the compression; they’re my new go-to for hiking, strength training and Reformer Pilates. As for the fabric, it absolutely holds up on the soft and buttery front, and after copious wears and washes, it hasn’t bobbled or stretched," says Troy-Pryde.

Vuori AllTheFeel tank

(Image credit: Vuori)

Vuori AllTheFeels™ Support Tank 2.0

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely soft
+
Built in support
+
Vibrant colourway

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for intense sessions

"Vuori's AllTheFeels range is one of the softest I've ever tried, and this tank is a joy to wear. It offers some built in support that's just right for low impact sessions like Pilates, and it sweat wicks well. Those with larger busts might feel most comfortable with a sports bra underneath, but I find it ideal for Reformer movements with the right amount of coverage," says Troy-Pryde.

Best Tala Pilates clothes

Best Pilates clothes: TALA

(Image credit: TALA)

Tala Dayflex Wrap Waist Leggings

Reasons to buy

+
Wrap waist
+
Super soft
+
Great size range
+
Made from recycled material

Reasons to avoid

-
Long length (depending on your height)

What we thought when testing? I'll be honest: when I saw wrap waist leggings, I thought I'd hate them. I much prefer my clothing to be simple and I hate feeling anything around my midsection - especially when exercising. But I was very pleasantly surprised with these Tala leggings. Super soft, lightweight feel and non-slip, they're a go to for low-impact workouts like Pilates.

Best Pilates clothes: TALA

(Image credit: TALA)

Tala Dayflex Square Neck Sports Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Super soft
+
Made from recycled material
+
Thick underbust

Reasons to avoid

-
Tricky sizing

What we thought when testing? Copy and paste all the things we love about the leggings into this flattering square-neck sports bra. The only issue I have with it is that, as someone with small boobs, the bust-to-band ratio is a little off (the size that fits my boobs is a little tight around my ribs) and I imagine those with big busts may have the opposite issue.

Best Alo Yoga Pilates clothes

woman wearing alo yoga pilates socks

(Image credit: Alo yoga)

Alo Yoga Pivot Barre Socks

Reasons to buy

+
Great grip
+
Chic design
+
Come in three colours

Reasons to avoid

-
They're on the pricey side

What we thought when testing? "Look, I know these are a bit dear for a pair of socks, but they're the best Pilates socks I've tried" says Bakolli, "they come in three chic shades and have a beautiful balletcore-style design. I use them for Reformer Pilates and regular mat workouts alike, they ensure I don't slip and slide on my mat or Reformer straps, allowing me to achieve better form and ultimately, a more intense workout."

Best Amazon Pilates clothes

woman wearing crz yoga jumpsuit

(Image credit: Amazon)

18. CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Women's Flare One Piece Jumpsuit

Reasons to buy

+
Buttery soft
+
All-in-one style
+
Built-in bra for added support

Reasons to avoid

-
It might be a bit long for petite frames

What we thought when testing? Everything I've tried from the CRZ YOGA Butterluxe range has been sensational, and this jumpsuit is no exception" says Bakolli. "Like its name suggests, it really does feel buttery soft - the quality makes it a great affordable alternative to pricier brands. It's comfortable, doesn't ride up and is an easy throw-on-and-go piece. I now own an embarrassing amount of products from this range, and the flared jumpsuit is perfect for Pilates workouts and errand runs alike."

Best Monday Body Pilates clothes

monday body griffith shorts

(Image credit: Monday Body)

Monday Body Griffith Short

Reasons to buy

+
So soft
+
Very stretchy
+
No digging in

Reasons to avoid

-
Can sometimes show sweat

"These are easily my most worn shorts of late, for Reformer workouts to days on the gym floor," says Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor. "Not only are they so chic, but they're extremely comfortable and stretchy with zero digging in - essential for a Pilates workout when you need to be able to move around easily. They're the ideal length to ensure zero chafing but still deliver the short-short look, and they're just the right amount of high waisted. They also have a little hidden pocket in the waistband which easily fits keys for handy storage."

monday body yosemite top

(Image credit: Monday Body)

Monday Body Yosemite Top

Reasons to buy

+
Buttery soft
+
Thumb holes
+
Neutral design

Reasons to avoid

-
Not full coverage - you'll need a top underneath

"This is another firm favourite from Monday, so much so I look for any excuse to wear it," says Yeomans. "It's the perfect layer for Pilates when you want to cover up without wearing a bulky jumper or a long sleeved top that's tricky to take off mid-workout. This can just be thrown on over a vest or sports bra and it adds some warmth but also offers breathability. I love the thumb holes and buttery soft fabric that moves with your body as you workout."

Best Sisterly Tribe Pilates clothes

ally wearing sisterly tribe pilates skirt

Ally wearing the Sisterly Tribe Softsculpt Skirt

(Image credit: Future)

Sisterly Tribe Softsculpt A-Line Mini Skirt

Reasons to buy

+
Very versatile
+
Sweat wicking
+
Independent brand

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite short

"Sweat-wicking, breathable and with a wide, comfortable waistband, this workout skirt from Sisterly Tribe has become one of my go-to's for low impact workouts like Pilates," says Head. "It's surprisingly cosy, ideal for sunnier summer sessions, and doubles as a great tennis skirt, too. Only thing to note - it is on the shorter side (I'm 5ft 2 inches, and I think it'd err on too small for anyone much taller than me). That said, I love supporting smaller, independent brands, and you can't go far wrong with Sisterly on that front - founded by Kristin Hars in 2020, it's a community-first, female-founded wellness brand designing seriously chic (and wearable) workout kit. Oh, and did we mention Hailey Bieber is a fan? What's not to love..."

What is best to wear for Pilates?

Anything that makes you feel comfortable, supported and able to move with ease is your best bet. Opting for materials that sweat-wick well is key, too, as is investing in workout kit that won't fall down or cut you in half.

For Pilates in particular, you can opt for lower support bras and tops, as you won't be jumping around as much as say running or HIIT training. That said, you still want to feel held in and like you can move through the various poses comfortably.

Chloe Gray
Contributing Health Writer

Chloe Gray is a freelance journalist who writes and talks about health, fitness, and wellbeing through a feminist lens. She was part of the launch team for Stylist magazine's fitness brand, Strong Women, and has written for i news, Women's Health, Red magazine, Good Housekeeping, Refinery29, and more. She's all about building mental and physical strength, eating delicious food that fuels you well, and making the fitness industry more accessible and enjoyable. She's also a qualified fitness trainer and research nerd, so you can be sure everything you read is backed by proper science. 

With contributions from