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What to Bring to Pilates Class
The clothes, socks and small extras for a mat or reformer class, and what to leave at home.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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A Pilates class runs about 50 minutes. Reform Athletica lists its classes at 50 minutes, and a Club Pilates instructor quoted by POPSUGAR describes spending most of those 50 minutes on the reformer, often lying on your back. So this list covers what you wear as much as what you carry: fitted layers, no zippers and grip socks. It works for both mat and reformer classes at a studio. It leaves out brand picks and anything your studio already supplies, so check whether yours provides towels or water refills, or sells grip socks.
Why these items are on the list
- Refillable water bottle. Both Reform Athletica and Club Pilates Australia say to bring water. Reform Athletica notes even low-impact classes make you sweat.
- Grip socks. The rubber soles stop you slipping on the mat or reformer. Some studios make them mandatory.
- Form-fitting leggings or shorts. Loose clothing can catch on the reformer, warn Reform Athletica and Club Pilates Australia.
- Fitted top or sports top. Fitted clothing lets your instructor see your alignment and correct your form.
- Supportive sports bra. A Club Pilates lead instructor recommends medium support for a reformer class.
- Clothes without zippers. You spend much of class lying on your back, so a zipper digs into your lower back.
- Two or more hair ties. Reform Athletica suggests packing extras in case the one you are wearing breaks.
- Your own Pilates mat, optional. Pilates mats are thicker than yoga mats, so check that yours cushions you enough.
- Change of clothes. This is for showering or changing after the session, if your studio has changing rooms.
- Dry bag or ziplock bag. Keeps your used workout clothes away from your clean things in your bag.
- Deodorant or subtle antiperspirant. Club Pilates Australia suggests a subtle one, though Pilates is not usually a very sweaty workout.
- Face mist or facial wipes. Reform Athletica lists these for freshening up if you are not showering after class.
- Hand sanitizer. This is one of the personal care items Reform Athletica suggests for after class.
- Lip balm in a pocket. A Club Pilates master trainer keeps hers in the pocket of her leggings during class.
- Towel, if your studio lacks them. Reform Athletica provides towels, so check what your studio offers before packing one.
- Light snack to eat beforehand. Reform Athletica suggests a banana, yogurt or rice crackers before class.
- Notes on past injuries. Club Pilates Australia says your instructor should know about injuries or muscle pain so they can adapt the poses.
- Jewellery left at home. Club Pilates Australia says to remove loose or jangling accessories before class starts.
- Phone stowed outside the studio. Reform Athletica asks clients to leave phones out because they distract you, other clients and the trainer.
Studio guides mix packing advice with booking pitches, and the clothing articles are mostly product picks. This list keeps only the items and tells you why each one matters. You can tick it off while packing your bag the night before a first class, and share it with a friend who is coming too.
When to use it
Use it the night before your first mat or reformer class, or whenever you switch to a new studio.