Pilates focuses on strengthening your core, though a class is typically comprehensive, exercising your arms and legs as well as your torso. To enjoy a class, you need clothes that don't distract and aid your workout. Yoga clothes are often appropriate, as they bend and stretch with your body. However, your classic athletic wear may also work if you don't want to buy a new wardrobe.
Tops
Tops need to be form-fitting to allow your instructor to view your anatomy and check your form. Bulky, heavy clothing is likely to be uncomfortable and also interferes with your instructor's ability to see if you've properly engaged your core. For women, depending on your bust size, you may not need support beyond a built-in sports bra. However, keep in mind that while Pilates is not a vigorous sport, it does require movement. Check that your not revealing too much and that your sports bra provides adequate support by bending and stretching in front of a mirror at home or in the store before wearing the top to class. The Lucy brand makes yoga tops that are appropriate for Pilates. They are long in the torso, include breathable fabric and some offer built-in support.
Bottoms
Bottoms need to also reveal your form without exposing too much. Capri-length pants provide a good balance between long pants, which may be too cumbersome during some Pilates moves and shorts, which may be too revealing or ride up during class. However, some brands, such as Lucy, offer shorts that are longer in back than in the front, notes Think Pilates, making them comfortable and unlikely to ride up during movement. You don't need anything on your feet, as Pilates classes are typically done in bare feet. If you don't like to keep your feet bare, use gripping socks from brands such as Toesox or Crescent Moon.
What to Look For
Look for athletic clothing that wicks away sweat, such as the yoga pants made by Lulu Lemon, which work well for Pilates also. Pilates is a tougher workout than you may at first perceive, and you're likely to perspire. Full cotton fabrics breathe, but wicking fabrics are more comfortable as they wick away your perspiration. If your bottoms don't include a cotton gusset, comfortable underwear is key. You don't want to tug and wiggle in the middle of class. Avoid underwear that's detailed with metal or lumpy accessories that are uncomfortable to roll over during movement.
Considerations
Try out a variety of clothing styles and brands that are both form-fitting and comfortable to find one that is right for you. Many brands that work well for one body type may not be comfortable for another. In addition, keep in mind that you'll be moving on your spine, so bra clasps that press against your spine may be uncomfortable.
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