Wear fitted pieces you can sit, kneel and lie down in: leggings or shorts with a waistband that feels comfortable when you fold forward, and a sports bra or fitted tank with a neckline you are happy in when you lean forward. For your feet, follow your studio's rules, and bring a water bottle and a layer for afterwards.
Here is how to choose each piece, with notes from our product pages, and what to check at home before your first class.
What should you wear to your first Pilates class?
Choose fitted pieces over loose ones. A class can take you from standing to sitting, kneeling and lying on a mat or reformer, and a fitted top and leggings stay close to your body in each position, with no loose hem to tuck back in.
You don't need anything specialised. A matching set is an easy choice because the colours are already decided, but any fitted top and bottoms you move comfortably in will do.
Leggings or shorts for Pilates?
Either works, so choose what you feel comfortable in. Full-length leggings cover your legs through each position; shorts leave them bare. Whichever you choose, pay attention to the waistband, because you will notice it most when you are lying down or folding forward.
Our waistbands differ by range. The Vital Leggings are described as a mid-waisted, full-length fit, while the Skye and Edge Leggings have a high-rise, double-layer waistband. Our guides to choosing activewear shorts and choosing your leggings shape cover length and shape in more detail.
Sports bra or tank top for Pilates?
Choose whichever you would wear comfortably for the whole class. A bra leaves your midriff bare; a fitted tank covers it. Our guide to choosing a sports bra or a tank top goes through coverage, pads, neckline and back in detail.
For Pilates, look closely at two things. First, the neckline: lean forward in front of a mirror and check you are happy with how it sits. The Skye Tank has a semi-high neckline, while the Melody Bra has a soft scoop neckline. Second, the back, because you may spend part of the class lying on it. The Skye Tank and the Edge Bra have a racerback, and the Melody Bra has slim straps. The Vital, Melody and Edge bras are listed as medium support, and the Vital and Melody bras have removable pads.
What should you wear on your feet?
Studios set their own rules here. Some classes are done in bare feet and some studios ask for socks, sometimes a particular kind, so check the booking notes or ask the studio before your first class. Wear whatever you like to get there and back.
What should you bring to Pilates?
- A water bottle.
- A layer for afterwards, such as a zip-up or a quarter zip. Our guide to a full zip or a quarter zip can help you choose.
- Anything your studio asks for, such as socks or your own mat. The booking notes are the place to check.
- A bag that keeps it together. Our notes on organising your tote work for a class day too.
How do you check the fit before your first class?
Try your outfit on at home with the tags still attached. Sit on the floor, lie on your back and lean forward, and check the waistband, neckline and straps in each position.
Our Returns & Exchanges Policy accepts change-of-mind returns and exchanges within 14 days of delivery, for store credit or an exchange, on items that are unworn and unwashed with all tags attached. That is why it is worth trying new pieces on at home before you wear them to class. This does not affect your rights if a piece is faulty. If you are between sizes, our size guide and our notes on finding your Ancarta fit can help.
What is the quick version?
- Fitted top and bottoms you can sit, kneel and lie down in.
- Leggings or shorts, with a waistband that feels comfortable when you fold forward.
- A sports bra or fitted tank with a neckline and back you are happy in.
- Bare feet or socks, as your studio asks.
- A water bottle and a layer for afterwards.
- Try it all on at home first, tags on.
See the Melody Bra in Clay, the Skye Tank in Slate or the Vital Leggings in Coffee.
Every woman who loves to move is welcome to apply to be an Ancarta Brand Rep, and we read every application personally. Read how the programme works and the terms, then apply now.