What should I wear to Reformer Pilates?

Fitted, comfortable clothing is all you need. The Reformer involves lying down, kneeling, sitting, and standing — often in quick succession — so anything that stays in place when you move is the right choice. For most people that means fitted leggings or shorts, a fitted top, and a light layer to remove as you warm up. Grip socks are essential and are the one non-negotiable item.

Can you do Reformer Pilates barefoot?

No. Grip socks are required for all Reformer Pilates classes at Luma Pilates in Edinburgh. They provide the traction and stability your feet need on the carriage and footbar. Bare feet do not provide adequate grip for safe, precise movement on the Reformer.

Do I need to bring any equipment to Reformer Pilates?

No. Luma Pilates provides all the equipment you need for class — Reformers, straps, springs, boxes, and props are all set up for you. Bring water and grip socks (or purchase a pair at the studio). The studio has changing facilities if you are coming straight from work or want to freshen up afterwards.

What to Wear to Reformer Pilates: The Complete Guide

Q: Do you need grip socks for Reformer Pilates?

Yes. Grip socks are required for every Reformer Pilates class. They keep your feet secure on the carriage and the footbar, which matters both for safety and for the precision of the movement. If you do not have a pair, Luma Pilates stocks both crew grip socks (£12) and ballet grip socks (£10) at the studio, so you can pick up a pair on arrival.

Reformer Pilates clients at Luma Pilates in Edinburgh New Town — Clients wearing fitted activewear during a Reformer Pilates class at Luma Pilates, Edinburgh

Short answer

Fitted, comfortable clothing and grip socks. That is genuinely all you need. The Reformer involves lying down, kneeling, sitting, and standing in quick succession, so anything that stays in place when you move is the right choice. Grip socks are the one non-negotiable item and are available to buy at the studio if you do not have a pair.

The basics

For most clients that means fitted leggings or shorts, a fitted top, grip socks and a light layer to remove as you warm up. That covers it.

Grip socks are essential

You'll need grip socks for every class at Luma. They keep your feet secure on the carriage and the footbar, which matters both for safety and for the precision of the movement.

If you don't have them, don't worry. We stock crew grip socks for £12 and ballet grip socks for £10 at the studio, so you can pick up a pair on arrival.

A client doing footwork on the Reformer wearing white crew grip socks at Luma Pilates, Edinburgh — White crew grip socks for Reformer Pilates — available to buy at Luma Pilates studio in Edinburgh

What to avoid

A few things that make the Reformer more awkward than it needs to be.

Baggy trousers or wide-leg leggings tend to bunch during footwork and leg sequences. Jeans are uncomfortable on the carriage. Jewellery, particularly rings and bracelets, can catch on the springs and straps, so it’s worth removing them before class.

For clients who train in a sports bra, non-wired options tend to be more comfortable for extended time lying on your back.

Hair

If your hair is long, tie it back. You will spend time lying flat on the headrest, and loose hair makes that more complicated than it needs to be.

Do I need to bring anything else?

Water is always a good idea. We provide all the equipment you need for class. Reformers, straps, springs, boxes, and props are all set up for you. There’s no need to bring a mat or any additional equipment.

And we have a small changing area at the studio if you’re coming straight to (or from) work.

A note on temperature

We have plenty of fresh air ventilation at Luma, but Pilates has a way of warming you up gradually. A light zip or layer you can remove is worth having, particularly for early morning classes.

What our clients wear

At Luma, you’ll see everything from Fanka and Lululemon to Marks and Spencer. The practice doesn’t care about the label. What matters is that you can move freely, your instructor can see your alignment, and your socks have grip on the bottom.

Browse our schedule and book your first class. Everything else, as you can see, is straightforward.

Written by Lucia Poulter

Lucia is lead instructor and co-founder at Luma Pilates. She has answered this question in every intake of new clients for 26 years and her answer hasn’t changed: fitted clothing, grip socks, and a willingness to move. Everything else takes care of itself.

What Should I Wear to Reformer Pilates?