Home Pilates Equipment for Studio-Quality Workouts (2026)
NEWS | 07 January 2026
When Joseph Pilates developed what he first called Contrology in the early 20th century, there were no dedicated studios or intimidating contraptions. There wasn't even a reformer yet. (That came later, improvised from leather straps and hospital bed frames.) The idea was simple then, and it still is now: Pilates asks you to work with what you already have. Your body does the work, and a mat just makes it more comfortable. Pilates is about moving with intention. Total body exercises are rooted in precision and balance, favoring slow, controlled movements over momentum or strength. Full range of motion, emphasizing time under tension, deep core engagement, and uniformity of mind, body, and spirit are emphasized. It sounds peaceful, but it's not exactly the easiest workout. The right gear won't do the workout for you, but it can make it more comfortable, more effective, and frankly, more fun. Below, we've gathered the best Pilates equipment worth having for home workouts, whether you're a beginner or deep in your Pilates princess era. For more wellness recommendations, check out our other guides, including the Best Protein Powders, Best Massage Guns, and Yoga Mats, Props, and Everything Else You Need for Your Practice. Pilates Clothes Nothing motivates me to work out quite like a great Pilates outfit. You can technically wear just about anything, but I would stick to more fitted activewear, so your Pilates instructor can check your form. Avoid loose or oversized clothing, and prioritize stretchy fabrics that won't restrict movement. This lineup of athleisure has been tried and tested in Pilates; they move well, feel comfortable, and hold up every session. Grip Socks If you buy one thing, make it grippy socks. Whether you're on a mat or a reformer machine, those rubberized soles help prevent slipping and sliding, giving you better traction and stability during movements. A good pair can also offer light cushioning and arch support. If you're practicing in a shared studio or using communal equipment, breathable Pilates socks are a hygienic upgrade, too. Courtesy of Amazon Flydo Pilates Grippy Socks $15 $13 (13% off) Amazon (2-Pack) WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Sold in a variety of colorways and combinations TIRED Silica gel grip starts to degrade with regular machine-washing and wear Courtesy of Souls Souls I'm Literally Just a Girl Grip Socks $20 Souls WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Breathable fabric with fun designs TIRED More expensive than its competitors Leggings and Bottoms We want our bottoms to stay put through roll-ups, leg circles, and long pulses, without digging or losing shape. They also need to be squat-proof. High-waisted leggings (full-length or capri) made from a soft, stretchy fabric are ideal for Pilates and other low-impact workouts. Biker shorts also work, but in a heated class, an extra layer of fabric can help maintain grip on props during leg work. These are the best leggings for Pilates based on our testing, including a Lululemon biker short we love. For more favorites, check out our Best Leggings guide. Courtesy of Athleta Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Legging $109 Athleta WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Moisture-wicking and quick drying Rated UPF 40+ Designed with side pockets Available in three fits TIRED Pocket stitching can pucker over time Courtesy of Amazon CRZ Yoga Butterluxe High-Waisted Leggings 28" $32 Amazon WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Four-way stretch Available in 20+ colors Cheaper than its top competitors TIRED Prone to pilling Limited size range Courtesy of Beyond Yoga Courtesy of Beyond Yoga Chevron Chevron Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Legging $108 Beyond Yoga WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Moisture-wicking Four-way stretch UV Protection Designed with no outseam TIRED Lighter shades can be too sheer Waistband tends to roll down Courtesy of Lululemon Courtesy of Lululemon Chevron Chevron Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Short 6" $68 Lululemon WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Seamless for an airbrushed look Four-way stretch and sweat-wicking Hidden waistband pocket TIRED Fabric prone to pilling and loose threads Sports Bras For Pilates, look for low- to medium-impact styles that are typically supportive without feeling compressive. I gravitate toward wide bands with no underwires that won't dig in during floor work, but I'm also aware that those features might not be supportive for bigger busts. These are our top favorites, including a posture-correcting bra if alignment or lower back pain is a concern. For more picks, check out our Best Sports Bras guide. Photograph: Athleta Athleta Solace Sports Bra $49 Athleta (A-C) $49 Athleta (D-DD) WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying Bonded chestband doesn't dig in Removable pads TIRED Limited colors Support may feel too light for bigger busts Photograph: Vuor Vuori AllTheFeels Bra $58 Vuori $58 REI WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric Four-way stretch Comes in a variety of colors TIRED Limited size range Non-adjustable Courtesy of Beyond Yoga Beyond Yoga Spacedye Lift Your Spirits Bra $68 Beyond Yoga WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Moisture-wicking Four-way stretch UV protection Removable bra pads TIRED Cut may not be flattering for all busts Photograph: Forme Forme Power Bra $179 Forme WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Doubles as a sports bra Sold in a variety of colors TIRED Non-adjustable It can be too tight around the armpits Bodysuits and Onesies An all-in-one jumpsuit with a built-in bra takes the guesswork out of getting dressed for Pilates. Our favorites offer supportive, comfortable coverage that moves with you from warm-up to cooldown. Courtesy of Amazon Courtesy of Amazon Chevron Chevron CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Cami Strap Romper $36 Amazon WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Can be worn without a bra Straps are adjustable Comes in a variety of colors TIRED Limited size range Fabric is prone to pilling over time Amazon customers have reported awkward sizing Courtesy of Left on Friday Courtesy of Left on Friday Chevron Chevron Left on Friday Peak Playsuit $170 Left on Friday WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Moisture-wicking and quick-drying Can be worn without a bra Comes in a variety of colors TIRED Limited size range Cami straps roll over Front peek-a-boo keyhole design can cause a nip slip when adjusting if not careful Pilates-Specific Gear You can absolutely do Pilates with nothing but yourself, but if you want to turn up the intensity or vary your workout routines, here are a few must-haves. Mats and Towels Exercise mats are essential because they deliver much-needed padding to cushion your joints during floor work. The proper ones are designed with a grippy, textured surface for added traction. They keep you steady, supporting better control. And they serve as a protective barrier between your skin and the yucky floor. I also always need a towel when working out, and if you're taking a heated class, this is especially necessary to absorb sweat. Pro tip: You can also turn your towel into a resistance band by twisting it and pulling against it. For more picks, check out our Best Yoga Mats guide. Photograph: Manduka Courtesy of Manduka Photograph: Maite Brines von Melle Chevron Chevron Manduka Prolite Yoga Mat 4.7mm $108 Amazon WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Closed-cell PVC surface keeps sweat, bacteria, and moisture from seeping in No-slip dot pattern on the bottom keeps the mat put Free of phthalates and latex TIRED Can start to smell if not cleaned and maintained properly The surface can get slippery with sweat Courtesy of Amazon Gaiam Exercise & Fitness Mat $25 $18 (28% off) Amazon WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Lightweight (under 3 pounds) Ultra-dense cushioning Latex-free TIRED Not the most durable Picks up lint, dust, and hair Courtesy of Amazon Iuga Yoga Mat Towel + Hand Towel $23 Amazon WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Includes a mat and hand towel Designed with corner pockets to hook onto yoga mat TIRED Can trap odors and bacteria if not washed right away Courtesy of Alo Yoga Alo Yoga Performance No Sweat Hand Towel $38 Alo Yoga WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Soft and quick-drying TIRED Could be larger Weights and Props You don't need to splurge on a $2,000 reformer to practice Pilates at home. I take heated mat Pilates at my local fitness studio twice a week, and we usually use a combination of props: an exercise ball, Pilates ring (aka. a magic circle), and light weights. I like to use 2- or 3-pound dumbbells, but wrist and ankle weights don't require grip strength and still add extra intensity to your full-body Pilates workout. Core sliders, which go under your hands or feet, add resistance to your movements and are an affordable alternative to the springs of a reformer. Gaiam 8-Inch Inflatable Anti-Burst Exercise Ball $12 $10 (17% off) Amazon WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Strengthens core engagement Improves balance and stability TIRED Can be frustrating to inflate Air retention is not the best Courtesy of Amazon Bala Bangles Wrist & Ankle Weights $65 Amazon (2 Pounds) WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Comes in three different weights Can be worn on the wrist or ankles Lots of colors TIRED Does not improve grip strength Can cause tendon and joint injuries if not careful Courtesy of Amazon Azure Life Exercise Core Sliders $10 Amazon WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Improves core engagement and balance Portable and affordable TIRED Not the best on carpeted floors Flimsy Courtesy of Amazon Gaiam Pilates Ring $20 $16 (20% off) Amazon WIRED/TIRED AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron WIRED Decent resistance Strengthens muscle engagement and stability TIRED Amazon customers have reported poor, long-term durability Flimsy padding Reusable Water Bottles We've spotlighted a few of our favorites below, but you can find more tested picks in our Best Reusable Water Bottles guide. 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Author: Boutayna Chokrane.
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