Home Pilates Equipment for Studio-Quality Workouts (2026)

When Joseph Pilates While he first developed what he called controlology in the early 20th century, there were no dedicated studios or scaring equipment. Till now there was no reformer. (That came later, improvised from leather straps and a hospital bed frame.) The idea was simple then, and it still is: Pilates asks you to work with what you already have. Your body takes work, and a mat makes it more comfortable.

Pilates is about moving with intention. Total body exercises are based on precision and balance, promoting slow, controlled movements rather than speed or power. Emphasis is placed on full range of motion, timing under tension, deep core engagement and integration of mind, body and spirit. It sounds peaceful, but it’s actually not the easiest workout.

The right gear won’t work out For you, but it can make it more comfortable, more effective, and frankly, more fun. Below, we’ve collected the best Pilates equipment for home workouts, whether you’re a beginner or in your Pilates princess era. For more health recommendations, check out our other guides, including the best protein powders, the best massage guns, and everything else you need for yoga mats, props, and your practice.

pilates clothes

Nothing motivates me to work out like a great Pilates outfit. You can technically wear almost anything, but I’d recommend wearing more fitted active wear so your Pilates instructor can check your form. Avoid loose or oversized clothing and prefer stretchy clothing that does not restrict movement. This lineup of athleisure picks have been tried and tested in Pilates; They go well, feel comfortable and last every session.

If you buy one thing, make it grippy socks. Whether you’re on a mat or on a reformer machine, rubberized soles help prevent slipping, giving you better grip and stability while moving. A good pair can also provide light cushioning and arch support. If you’re practicing in a shared studio or using community equipment, breathable Pilates socks are also a neat upgrade.

We want our bottoms to last through roll-ups, leg circles and long pulls without digging in or losing shape. They also need to be squat-proof. High-waisted leggings (full-length or capri) made from soft, stretchy fabric are ideal for Pilates and other low-impact workouts. Biker shorts also work, but in a hot class, an extra layer of fabric can help maintain a grip on the props during leg work.

These are the best leggings for Pilates based on our testing, including the Lululemon Biker Short that we love. For more favorites, check out our best leggings guide.

For Pilates, look for low to moderate impact styles that are generally supportive without any pressure. I’m attracted to wide bands with no underwire that won’t dig in during floor work, but I also know that these features may not be helpful for larger busts. If alignment or lower back pain is a concern, these are our top favorites, including posture-correcting bras. For more selections, check out our best sports bras guide.

All-in-one jumpsuit with built-in bra takes the guesswork out of getting ready for Pilates. Our favorites provide supportive, comfortable coverage that moves with you from warm-up to cooldown.

Pilates-Specific Gear

You definitely can’t do Pilates without anything else besides yourself, but if you want to increase the intensity or change up your workout routine, here are some essentials.

Exercise mats are essential as they provide much-needed padding to cushion your joints during floor work. Proper ones are designed with a grippy, textured surface for added traction. They keep you stable while supporting better control. And they serve as a protective barrier between your skin and the skin around you.

I also always need a towel when working out, and if you’re taking a hot class, it’s especially essential to soak up sweat. Pro Tip: You can also turn your towel into a resistance band by folding it and pulling against it. For more selection, check out our best yoga mat guide.

You don’t need to spend money on a $2,000 reformer to practice Pilates at home. I take hot mat Pilates at my local fitness studio twice a week, and we usually use a combination of props: an exercise ball, Pilates rings (aka a magic circle), and light weights. I like to use 2- or 3-pound dumbbells, but wrist and ankle weights don’t require the grip strength and still add extra intensity to your full-body Pilates workout. Core sliders, which go under your arms or legs, add resistance to your movements and are an economical alternative to the springs of a reformer.

We’ve highlighted some of our favorites below, but you can find more tested selections in our best reusable water bottles guide.

Power up with unlimited access wiredGet best-in-class reporting and exclusive client content that is too important to ignore, Subscribe today,