What Should Men Wear to Pilates?
More men are walking into Pilates studios, and the first question is almost always the same: what do I wear? The short answer is fitted, stretchy and simple. Pilates involves a lot of lying down, rolling, bending and lifting your legs, so anything loose, bulky or restrictive gets in the way fast.
Top: fitted, not baggy
A loose tee slides up toward your chin every time you roll back or lift your hips. It also hides your form, which makes it harder for an instructor to cue you. Go with a fitted training tee that sits close to your body and stays at your waistband.
A light, breathable synthetic fabric with some stretch works well. For more on choosing one, see the best workout shirts for men. The KYNOS Performance Tee has an athletic fit and a nylon, polyester and spandex blend that moves with you. For more on fit, see how gym clothes should fit.
Bottoms: slim and stretchy
Baggy shorts ride up and can leave you overexposed during leg work. Heavy sweatpants bunch at the knees and hide your alignment. Most men do best in slim, tapered training joggers with four-way stretch, or fitted shorts worn over compression shorts.
Look for a waistband that stays put when you roll and a leg that sits close without restricting you (more in what to look for in training joggers). The KYNOS FlexStride Jogger has a tapered leg and 80% nylon, 20% spandex four-way stretch. Zip pockets are handy on the way to class, though you will want to empty them before you lie down. For how joggers compare to sweats, see joggers vs. sweatpants.
Feet: grip socks or bare feet
Most Pilates is done without shoes. Many studios, especially for reformer classes, ask you to wear grip socks, which have rubber dots on the soles for traction and hygiene. Check with your studio before your first class; some sell them at the front desk.
Reformer classes: a few extra tips
Reformer machines have springs, straps and a moving carriage. Avoid anything with loose drawstrings that dangle, big zippers or buckles that could snag, and baggy fabric that can catch in the springs. Slim, smooth clothing is the safest bet.
What to leave at home
- Baggy basketball shorts
- Heavy cotton sweatpants
- Oversized tees and tank tops that slide around
- Watches, rings and anything that can scratch equipment
- Sneakers, unless your studio asks for them
Quick checklist
- Fitted tee that stays at your waist
- Slim, stretchy joggers or fitted shorts
- Grip socks if your studio requires them
- A water bottle and a small towel
For more on choosing training gear, see what to wear to the gym and polyester vs. nylon vs. cotton for workouts.
Browse the full KYNOS men's collection.