When Joseph Pilates developed what he first called Contrology in the early 20th century, there were no dedicated studios or intimidating contraptions. There wasn’t even a reformer yet. (That came later, improvised from leather straps and hospital bed frames.) The idea was simple then, and it still is now: Pilates asks you to work with what you already have. Your body does the work, and a mat just makes it more comfortable.
Pilates is about moving with intention. Total body exercises are rooted in precision and balance, favoring slow, controlled movements over momentum or strength. Full range of motion, emphasizing time under tension, deep core engagement, and uniformity of mind, body, and spirit are emphasized. It sounds peaceful, but it’s not exactly the easiest workout.
The right gear won’t do the workout for you, but it can make it more comfortable, more effective, and frankly, more fun. Below, we’ve gathered the best Pilates equipment worth having for home workouts, whether you’re a beginner or deep in your Pilates princess era. For more wellness recommendations, check out our other guides, including the Best Protein Powders, Best Massage Guns, and Yoga Mats, Props, and Everything Else You Need for Your Practice.
Featured In This Guide
Grippy Socks
Flydo Pilates Grippy Socks
Read moreHigh-Waisted Leggings
Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Legging
Read moreBike Shorts
Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Short 6″
Read morePosture-Correcting Bra
Forme Power Bra
Read more
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Pilates Clothes
Nothing motivates me to work out quite like a great Pilates outfit. You can technically wear just about anything, but I would stick to more fitted activewear, so your Pilates instructor can check your form. Avoid loose or oversized clothing, and prioritize stretchy fabrics that won’t restrict movement. This lineup of athleisure has been tried and tested in Pilates; they move well, feel comfortable, and hold up every session.
If you buy one thing, make it grippy socks. Whether you’re on a mat or a reformer machine, those rubberized soles help prevent slipping and sliding, giving you better traction and stability during movements. A good pair can also offer light cushioning and arch support. If you’re practicing in a shared studio or using communal equipment, breathable Pilates socks are a hygienic upgrade, too.
Flydo
Pilates Grippy Socks
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- Sold in a variety of colorways and combinations
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- Silica gel grip starts to degrade with regular machine-washing and wear
Souls
I’m Literally Just a Girl Grip Socks
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- Breathable fabric with fun designs
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- More expensive than its competitors
We want our bottoms to stay put through roll-ups, leg circles, and long pulses, without digging or losing shape. They also need to be squat-proof. High-waisted leggings (full-length or capri) made from a soft, stretchy fabric are ideal for Pilates and other low-impact workouts. Biker shorts also work, but in a heated class, an extra layer of fabric can help maintain grip on props during leg work.
These are the best leggings for Pilates based on our testing, including a Lululemon biker short we love. For more favorites, check out our Best Leggings guide.
Athleta
Salutation Stash High Rise Legging
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- Moisture-wicking and quick drying
- Rated UPF 40+
- Designed with side pockets
- Available in three fits
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- Pocket stitching can pucker over time
CRZ Yoga
Butterluxe High-Waisted Leggings 28″
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- Four-way stretch
- Available in 20+ colors
- Cheaper than its top competitors
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- Prone to pilling
- Limited size range
Beyond Yoga
Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Legging
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- Moisture-wicking
- Four-way stretch
- UV Protection
- Designed with no outseam
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- Lighter shades can be too sheer
- Waistband tends to roll down
Lululemon
Align No Line High-Rise Short 6″
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- Seamless for an airbrushed look
- Four-way stretch and sweat-wicking
- Hidden waistband pocket
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- Fabric prone to pilling and loose threads
For Pilates, look for low- to medium-impact styles that are typically supportive without feeling compressive. I gravitate toward wide bands with no underwires that won’t dig in during floor work, but I’m also aware that those features might not be supportive for bigger busts. These are our top favorites, including a posture-correcting bra if alignment or lower back pain is a concern. For more picks, check out our Best Sports Bras guide.
Athleta
Solace Sports Bra
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- Breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying
- Bonded chestband doesn’t dig in
- Removable pads
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- Limited colors
- Support may feel too light for bigger busts
Vuori
AllTheFeels Bra
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- Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
- Four-way stretch
- Comes in a variety of colors
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- Limited size range
- Non-adjustable
Beyond Yoga
Spacedye Lift Your Spirits Bra
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- Moisture-wicking
- Four-way stretch
- UV protection
- Removable bra pads
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- Cut may not be flattering for all busts
Forme
Power Bra
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- Doubles as a sports bra
- Sold in a variety of colors
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- Non-adjustable
- It can be too tight around the armpits
An all-in-one jumpsuit with a built-in bra takes the guesswork out of getting dressed for Pilates. Our favorites offer supportive, comfortable coverage that moves with you from warm-up to cooldown.
CRZ Yoga
Butterluxe Cami Strap Romper
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- Can be worn without a bra
- Straps are adjustable
- Comes in a variety of colors
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- Limited size range
- Fabric is prone to pilling over time
- Amazon customers have reported awkward sizing
Left on Friday
Peak Playsuit
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- Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
- Can be worn without a bra
- Comes in a variety of colors
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- Limited size range
- Cami straps roll over
- Front peek-a-boo keyhole design can cause a nip slip when adjusting if not careful
Pilates-Specific Gear
You can absolutely do Pilates with nothing but yourself, but if you want to turn up the intensity or vary your workout routines, here are a few must-haves.
Exercise mats are essential because they deliver much-needed padding to cushion your joints during floor work. The proper ones are designed with a grippy, textured surface for added traction. They keep you steady, supporting better control. And they serve as a protective barrier between your skin and the yucky floor.
I also always need a towel when working out, and if you’re taking a heated class, this is especially necessary to absorb sweat. Pro tip: You can also turn your towel into a resistance band by twisting it and pulling against it. For more picks, check out our Best Yoga Mats guide.
Manduka
Prolite Yoga Mat 4.7mm
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- Closed-cell PVC surface keeps sweat, bacteria, and moisture from seeping in
- No-slip dot pattern on the bottom keeps the mat put
- Free of phthalates and latex
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- Can start to smell if not cleaned and maintained properly
- The surface can get slippery with sweat
Gaiam
Exercise & Fitness Mat
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- Lightweight (under 3 pounds)
- Ultra-dense cushioning
- Latex-free
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- Not the most durable
- Picks up lint, dust, and hair
Iuga
Yoga Mat Towel + Hand Towel
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- Includes a mat and hand towel
- Designed with corner pockets to hook onto yoga mat
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- Can trap odors and bacteria if not washed right away
Alo Yoga
Performance No Sweat Hand Towel
You don’t need to splurge on a $2,000 reformer to practice Pilates at home. I take heated mat Pilates at my local fitness studio twice a week, and we usually use a combination of props: an exercise ball, Pilates ring (aka. a magic circle), and light weights. I like to use 2- or 3-pound dumbbells, but wrist and ankle weights don’t require grip strength and still add extra intensity to your full-body Pilates workout. Core sliders, which go under your hands or feet, add resistance to your movements and are an affordable alternative to the springs of a reformer.
Gaiam
8-Inch Inflatable Anti-Burst Exercise Ball
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- Strengthens core engagement
- Improves balance and stability
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- Can be frustrating to inflate
- Air retention is not the best
Bala
Bangles Wrist & Ankle Weights
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- Comes in three different weights
- Can be worn on the wrist or ankles
- Lots of colors
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- Does not improve grip strength
- Can cause tendon and joint injuries if not careful
Azure Life
Exercise Core Sliders
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- Improves core engagement and balance
- Portable and affordable
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- Not the best on carpeted floors
- Flimsy
Gaiam
Pilates Ring
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- Decent resistance
- Strengthens muscle engagement and stability
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- Amazon customers have reported poor, long-term durability
- Flimsy padding
We’ve spotlighted a few of our favorites below, but you can find more tested picks in our Best Reusable Water Bottles guide.
Owala
FreeSip Twist
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- Available in a variety of colors
- Triple-layer insulated
- FreeSip spout with a built-in straw
- Carry loop for easy transport
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- Hand-wash the cup only
- Cleaning might be too intricate for some
Hydro Flask
Standard Mouth Water Bottle
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- Available in 15+ colors
- No flavor transfer or metallic aftertaste
- Keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours
- Keeps hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours
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- Experience fully dependent on cap choice
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