We all know part of having an effective workout is choosing the right wardrobe that offers comfort and breathability when you move and finding the best yoga clothes or workout gear will inspire you to get moving. When it comes to Pilates, this often means wearing a fitted top and Pilates leggings to allow the maximum amount of movement throughout your body.
Although it can be tempting to wear any old pair of leggings for Pilates, there’s a reason why there are leggings specifically made for this type of workout, such as yoga pants.
Pilates leggings are usually made from a breathable, quick-drying fabric that you can wipe the moisture away from, stopping them from absorbing sweat so you can stay feeling dry and confident during your session. We know how hard it can be to find a pair of comfortable and practical leggings that also look good, but we’ve done all the hard work for you and put together a list of the best Pilates leggings to add to your workout wardrobe.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen your body and tone your core, while also focusing on flexibility and balance. It is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Workouts include a lot of stretching and breathwork, which help to develop the connection between the body and mind. A Pilates session is a good opportunity to reconnect with your body and ground yourself in the here and now.
The best Pilates leggings
Best Pilates leggings with a range of sizes
www.marksandspencer.com
The Go Move High Waisted Gym Leggings at Marks & Spencer have a flattering high elasticated waistband with an internal tie so you can adjust the fit to your body. Made with a breathable fabric that wicks away moisture, you'll find sweat will dry quickly during practice. There’s also a back pocket included in the design, so you can securely store your phone or keys during a Pilates class.
Review: “Had these before and they really last. Really comfortable. High waist and true to size. Good quality. Nice and firm and not see-through.”
Pros
- Fantastic range of sizes
- Flattering silhouette
- Elasticated, breathable fabric
Cons
- Runs small
- Size range: 6-24
- Material: 73 per cent recycled polyester, 27 per cent elastane
Best Pilates leggings
www.sweatybetty.com
We love the bold print of these Sweaty Betty leggings! As well as giving centre stage to a leg length that skims the top of your ankles, the sculpting fabric features compression technology for a tight fit. These super soft leggings are a great option for your next pilates session.
Review: “I am in love with these leggings. I have never felt more comfortable. And they are made with recycled plastic too!! The fabric is silky soft and smooth, both high quality and high bliss! They are also very structured, so you don't feel like you are flopping about in them. They have a ‘fit like a glove’ feeling. I have big hips and I find the cut with the high waist is perfect to manage my curves and give good coverage and support. I use these for yoga and also going out, paired with a long floaty top.”
Pros
- Great choice of designs
- Silky soft fabric
Cons
- May have trouble staying in place
- Size range: 2XS-2XL
- Material: 69.6 per cent nylon, 30.4 per cent elastane
Best sustainable Pilates leggings
bambooclothing.co.uk
These sculpted leggings made from Bamboo Clothing are soft to the touch, supportive remain opaque through deep squats and downward dogs. Plus, a flattering wide waistband makes them seriously comfortable, meaning they'll stay in place during workouts. As they are created using a bamboo jersey they get a bonus point from us for being sustainable.
Review: “Great fit, very comfortable. Doesn't fall down during a workout."
Pros
- Made from sustainable materials
- Squat proof
Cons
- Limited size range
- Size range: 8-18
- Material: 64 per cent bamboo viscose, 24 per cent organic cotton, 12 per cent elastane
Best neutral Pilates leggings
uk.gymshark.com
The new range from Gymshark has been made with your skin tone in mind. Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings now have neutral colours that have been meticulously designed to complement a range of skin tones. Rest assured, you’ll still get the same sweat-wicking, breathable, and seamless designs as the rest of the collection. If neutrals aren't your thing, there's also a whole other range of colours to choose from, even some that are on offer.
Pros
- Great choice of colours
- Seamless design
Cons
- No reviews
- Size range: XS - 2XL
- Material: 93 per cent nylon, 7 per cent elastane
Best quality Pilates leggings
www.johnlewis.com
If you are looking for a classic black pair of Pilates leggings, you can’t go wrong with these high-waisted Sweaty Betty gym leggings. It has a stretch-bonded waistband and stitching detail for a sleek and stylish finish. Truly designed for comfort, style and multi-sport performance.
Review: "Love these leggings. So comfortable and flattering."
Pros
- Good quality
- Size range: XS-2XL
- Material: 62 per cent polyamide, 38 per cent elastane
Best Pilates leggings for design
www.lululemon.co.uk
While these leggings have been designed specifically for yoga sessions, the Align™ High-Rise leggings from Lululemon will help to support you during those Pilates sessions too. These bestselling leggings have a variety of designs to choose from, with some even on offer too.
Review: "Great fitting, flattering legging. Good length and comfortable, high rise waist. Completely opaque. Stay put, with no roll down regardless of sport. Perfect!"
Pros
- Great choice of designs
- Size range: US 0 - US 20
- Material: 80 per cent nylon, 20 per cent lycra elastane
Best flattering Pilates pants
www.wearetala.com
From We Are Tala, these high-waisted and subtle flared hem leggings are an extremely flattering fit. As well as options for a shorter or longer fit, the size range is designed to fit from 2XS to 4XL. Made from recycled materials, the Dayflex leggings glide on and contour to your body. Select from army green or shadow black depending on your favourite choice.
Review: "I plan to purchase from TALA again. Great quality, holds up even after washes and wears, stylish enough to wear outside of workouts, form-fitting and flattering. True to size and easy to wear."
Pros
- Great choice of sizes
- Flattering fit
Cons
- A little long for those who are petite
- Size range: 2XS-4XL
- Material: 75% recycled nylon, 25% LYCRA® SPORT
Best Pilate leggings with pockets
The OVRUNS leggings are designed to sculpt and smooth your body with the seams running in all the right places. They are made with a soft, breathable fabric that is quick drying and won’t absorb sweat from your body. They also have a pocket at the top of each leg.
Review: “I have been trying to find a good fitting pair of workout leggings with pockets for a while, but they were all too thin and sagged. These, however, are just what I have been looking for and tick all the boxes. Material is thick with good elasticity. Two deep pockets that are wide enough for a large mobile phone. The length is perfect, and they are high waisted to keep everything tucked in! Definitely recommend.”
Pros
- Highly rated on Amazon
- Quick drying fabric
Cons
- May have trouble staying in place
- Size range: XS-2XL
- Material: 75 per cent polyester, 25 per cent elastane
Best patterned Pilates leggings
These spandex leggings have been finished in a beautiful constellation pattern. The waistband is elastic to prevent it from slipping, and the fabric has a four-way stretch to it, so you won’t feel restricted while you move. They also come with a deep side pocket you can store your phone.
Review: "Love, love, love these! Can’t stop buying them. Squat proof, nice and thick but not uncomfortable to work out in. Don’t ride down. Wash well. Pocket is a lifesaver and people usually ask me where I’ve got them. Recommend highly to all gym fans!"
Pros
- Great choice of designs
- Deep enough pockets so that your phone won't interrupt your workout
Cons
- The waistband could be improved
- Size range: XS-2XL
- Material: 88 per cent polyester, 12 per cent elastane
Best branded Pilates leggings
www.adidas.co.uk
When it comes to leggings from Adidas, they're trusted to perform well. A high-rise waist is designed to look flattering while preventing them from slipping down, and the fabric uses AEROREADY technology to keep you feeling dry and confident. Made with recycled materials, this set of leggings also has one back pocket for storing your essentials.
Review: "Excellent for working out and running errands around town! Good quality for everyday tasks, the right fit and good thickness of materials."
Pros
- Fantastic range of sizes
- Made from recycled materials
Cons
- Runs large
- Size range: 2XS-2XL
- Material: 85 per cent recycled polyester, 15 per cent elastane interlock
Our verdict: Best Pilates leggings
In our opinion, the best Pilates leggings would have to be the Sweaty Betty Power High Waisted Leggings.
Not only are they the most highly rated on this list, but they're also designed for a wide range of sizes. While they may be expensive, their fit is unparalleled. These bestselling leggings are dependable, high quality and long-lasting.
FAQs
What are the benefits of Pilates?
There are several benefits which can help improve both your physical and mental health. Pilates will improve your posture, tone your muscles and improve your balance and mobility. The emphasis on breathing techniques and mindful thinking can also help reduce stress and anxiety.
What to wear for Pilates?
The two things you will want to bear in mind when picking out what to wear for Pilates are comfort and flexibility. Pick clothing that won’t restrict your movement but also fits you properly. Having to pull down your top or hoick up your leggings will be the last thing you’ll want to do while you’re in the middle of holding a stretch. So, we would recommend a fitted t-shirt or sports bra paired with a pair of leggings from our list.
How to do Pilates from home?
Although there are Pilates classes out there, sometimes you may not be ready to commit to a class. Instead, engaging in Pilates from home gives you the flexibility to get involved whenever you please. All you need is a workout wardrobe and a Pilates mat (or yoga mat), and you're ready to begin.
While you can find so many Pilates workouts on YouTube, we love this beginners' introduction to the exercise.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, Take A Break Pets, Modern Gardens and A Modern Kitchen, specialising in everything from home appliances to pet food. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.