What Pilates Instructors Actually Wear to Work Out

7 experts on their go-to activewear

It comes as a surprise to no one reading this that I love doing Pilates. I’ll spare you from the “I did it first before it was cool” spiel, but if I wanted to make this my whole personality, I could. Trust.

It’s been approximately 10+ years since I first started taking reformer Pilates classes, driving myself to the one studio I could find in a 10 mile radius of my hometown on the weekends. Since then, the workout itself has naturally evolved as a result of its rise in popularity; franchised variants like Club Pilates and SLT have popped up in affluent neighborhoods, referral-only studios became detectable through Instagram story sleuthing, and faux-former (I think I made that up, and if so, that’s awesome) online programs have remained popular in a post-pandemic world. But what’s fascinated me most over the past decade are the LOOKS.

We all know that fashion is a form of self expression, and our workout wear is no exception. Having attended my fair share of Pilates classes between my time spent in LA and NY (I’m rolling my eyes at myself), I can say I’ve witnessed quite the range of activewear microtrends. Some are more style-forward, like one-strap sports bras and the yoga pants revival, while others are rooted in practicality, like onesies and the article of clothing I can only describe as a cross between a sports bra and a tank top.

Names for this item of clothing include, but are not limited to: crop tank, brami, bra tank, cropped tank, crop, tank, active fitted top

Whenever I see a particularly, shall we say, flamboyant, outfit in my class, miss Carrie over here just has to wonder, how do they hold a plank in that? It couldn’t have been a woman who created a strapless sports bra, right? Surely, the experts must have an opinion on the matter.

So I decided to ask them. Who better than to give Pilates-appropriate attire recommendations than an instructor themself? Pilates instructors are 1) cool AF b) focused on practicality and utility and c) well-versed in the options on the market.

Also, by writing this, I’m finally admitting to myself that my ratty old Lululemon Wunder Unders have seen better days, and being an adult woman who values her wellbeing and enjoys attending boutique fitness classes, I could stand to invest in some good workout attire. But because I can’t do anything without methodical planning and intensive research, and because I’m annoyingly curious, I decided to ask Pilates instructors to share their favorite pieces for a good workoutfit.*

maybe this is dingy but in a cool way?

*not to be confused with a similar but unaffiliated portmanteau, athleisure. The workoutfit (Yes, I made this up too, but I’m as shocked as you are that it’s been absent from our vernacular this whole time.) denotes an outfit with the express purpose of exercising, whereas athleisure feels more like comfortable daytime clothing that can conveniently be used athletically.

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Helen Phelan

Founder of Helen Phelan Studio (online + IRL)

helenvphelan

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The Alo Airlift sets are ubiquitous in Pilates classes around NYC for a reason — they're my go to when I want to look put together because the sheen of the material is both very flattering and just fancy enough to feel special.

I'm mostly a minimalist so I appreciate that the bra is a pretty classic silhouette but low cut enough to still flatter my smaller chest, without compromising my ability to extend/twist/crunch etc without fear of a wardrobe malfunction. As a true blue millennial, I will return to the days of low rise leggings over my dead body and appreciate the compression of these. 

Favorite Items: Alo 7/8 High Waist Airlift Legging + Airlift Intrigue Bra

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Georgia W. Murphy

Founder of Tera Studio (online + IRL)

This is a Salomon-positive newsletter

I am obsessed with everything from Splits 59. The material is not too thick, but super flattering and feels like butter when I wear it. When I saw this burgundy set I knew I had to have it to match our TERA branding.

I would throw this on with a pair of Salomons, the Leset Margo T-Shirt, and an oversized The Frankie Shop jacket for my go-to outfit.

Favorite Items: Splits 59 High Waist Airweight Stirrup Leggings + Amber Airweight Bralette

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Chadwick Balen

Instructor at Natural Pilates

I HIGHLY recommend taking one of his classes at Natural Pilates, BTW

Teaching Pilates, I find myself wearing athletic wear almost every day. I'm obsessed with Vuori's comfy yet technical fabrics that can transition easily from a workout to on the go. The Sunday Performance Joggers are the best — I have them in almost every color!

Favorite Items: Vuori Tradewind Performance Tee + Sunday Performance Jogger

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Ife Obi

Founder of The Fit In (online + IRL)

What I need in Pilates are clothes that allow me freedom of movement, but still keeps me looking cute. For this, my go-to for Pilates are Lululemon’s Align V-Neck Bra and High-Rise Leggings because they stretch in all the directions while hugging the body in a flattering way. 

Because use of the feet is also important in Pilates, our Pilates toe socks allows my feet the same freedom of movement and gives me great grip but keeps everything hygienic.

Favorite Items: Lululemon Align V-Neck Bra + High-Rise Leggings + Fit In Toe Socks

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Alexa Hirschberg

Instructor at Nofar Method, Fuze House, and FP Movement NYC

FP Movement is my favorite brand because it perfectly blends comfort, style, and functionality, making every workout feel amazing. Their pieces are designed to move with you, whether I’m teaching a class or squeezing in a personal session.

All of the clothes wash so well (which is very important to me!). Plus, the brand’s energy and focus on community align perfectly with my fitness philosophy.

Favorite Items: FP Movement Never Better Bra + Never Better 7/8 Leggings

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Chelsea De Lay

Founder of Boa Pilates

this looks heavenly

I’m a big fan of the entire Airweight line from Splits 59. It feels like a second skin and I can wear it year round. the fabric feels like second skin, and as a movement professional it’s important to feel connected to your body— I always know exactly where I’m at in space moving in these. they are also super flattering and you can mix and match the entire line!

Favorite Items: Splits 59 Airweight Leggings + Airweight Bra

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Tyler Keller

Instructor at Good Day Pilates

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I’m usually on-the-go and the fewer “costume changes” I can make during the day, the better! I’m a big fan of Vuori clothing — especially their strato tech tees and technical climber pant, Uniqlo’s as well. Both are super comfortable and versatile!

Favorite Items: Vuori Strato Tech Tee + Uniqlo Ultra Stretch DRY-EX Joggers

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You could make an argument that this was all a clever rouse to figure out the best leggings and sports bras for me to buy (or add to my wishlist) as I try to revamp my workout clothes, and you wouldn’t be wrong. But I hope it at least helps you too. :)