Home Pilates Equipment for Studio-Quality Workouts (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.Featured In This GuideGrippy SocksFlydo Pilates Grippy SocksRead moreHigh-Waisted LeggingsAthleta Salutation Stash High Rise LeggingRead moreBike ShortsLululemon Align No Line High-Rise Short 6"Read morePosture-Correcting BraForme Power BraRead moreJump toPilates ClothesMats and TowelsWeights and PropsPilates-Specific GearReusable Water BottlesPilates ClothesNothing 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 SocksIf 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.FlydoPilates Grippy SocksWIRED/TIREDWIREDSold in a variety of colorways and combinationsTIREDSilica gel grip starts to degrade with regular machine-washing and wearSoulsI'm Literally Just a Girl Grip SocksWIRED/TIREDWIREDBreathable fabric with fun designsTIREDMore expensive than its competitorsLeggings and BottomsWe 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.AthletaSalutation Stash High Rise LeggingWIRED/TIREDWIREDMoisture-wicking and quick dryingRated UPF 40+Designed with side pocketsAvailable in three fitsTIREDPocket stitching can pucker over timeCRZ YogaButterluxe High-Waisted Leggings 28"WIRED/TIREDWIREDFour-way stretchAvailable in 20+ colorsCheaper than its top competitorsTIREDProne to pillingLimited size rangeBeyond YogaSpacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi LeggingWIRED/TIREDWIREDMoisture-wickingFour-way stretchUV ProtectionDesigned with no outseamTIREDLighter shades can be too sheerWaistband tends to roll downLululemonAlign No Line High-Rise Short 6"WIRED/TIREDWIREDSeamless for an airbrushed lookFour-way stretch and sweat-wickingHidden waistband pocketTIREDFabric prone to pilling and loose threadsSports BrasFor 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.AthletaSolace Sports BraWIRED/TIREDWIREDBreathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-dryingBonded chestband doesn't dig inRemovable padsTIREDLimited colorsSupport may feel too light for bigger bustsVuoriAllTheFeels BraWIRED/TIREDWIREDBreathable, moisture-wicking fabricFour-way stretchComes in a variety of colorsTIREDLimited size rangeNon-adjustableBeyond YogaSpacedye Lift Your Spirits BraWIRED/TIREDWIREDMoisture-wickingFour-way stretchUV protectionRemovable bra padsTIREDCut may not be flattering for all bustsFormePower BraWIRED/TIREDWIREDDoubles as a sports braSold in a variety of colorsTIREDNon-adjustableIt can be too tight around the armpitsBodysuits and OnesiesAn 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.CRZ YogaButterluxe Cami Strap RomperWIRED/TIREDWIREDCan be worn without a braStraps are adjustableComes in a variety of colorsTIREDLimited size rangeFabric is prone to pilling over timeAmazon customers have reported awkward sizingLeft on FridayPeak PlaysuitWIRED/TIREDWIREDMoisture-wicking and quick-dryingCan be worn without a braComes in a variety of colorsTIREDLimited size rangeCami straps roll overFront peek-a-boo keyhole design can cause a nip slip when adjusting if not carefulPilates-Specific GearYou 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 TowelsExercise 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.MandukaProlite Yoga Mat 4.7mmWIRED/TIREDWIREDClosed-cell PVC surface keeps sweat, bacteria, and moisture from seeping inNo-slip dot pattern on the bottom keeps the mat putFree of phthalates and latexTIREDCan start to smell if not cleaned and maintained properlyThe surface can get slippery with sweatGaiamExercise & Fitness MatWIRED/TIREDWIREDLightweight (under 3 pounds)Ultra-dense cushioningLatex-freeTIREDNot the most durablePicks up lint, dust, and hairIugaYoga Mat Towel + Hand TowelWIRED/TIREDWIREDIncludes a mat and hand towelDesigned with corner pockets to hook onto yoga matTIREDCan trap odors and bacteria if not washed right awayAlo YogaPerformance No Sweat Hand TowelWIRED/TIREDWIREDSoft and quick-dryingTIREDCould be largerWeights and PropsYou 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.Gaiam8-Inch Inflatable Anti-Burst Exercise BallWIRED/TIREDWIREDStrengthens core engagementImproves balance and stabilityTIREDCan be frustrating to inflateAir retention is not the bestBalaBangles Wrist & Ankle WeightsWIRED/TIREDWIREDComes in three different weightsCan be worn on the wrist or anklesLots of colorsTIREDDoes not improve grip strengthCan cause tendon and joint injuries if not carefulAzure LifeExercise Core SlidersWIRED/TIREDWIREDImproves core engagement and balancePortable and affordableTIREDNot the best on carpeted floorsFlimsyGaiamPilates RingWIRED/TIREDWIREDDecent resistanceStrengthens muscle engagement and stabilityTIREDAmazon customers have reported poor, long-term durabilityFlimsy paddingReusable Water BottlesWe've spotlighted a few of our favorites below, but you can find more tested picks in our Best Reusable Water Bottles guide.OwalaFreeSip TwistWIRED/TIREDWIREDAvailable in a variety of colorsTriple-layer insulatedFreeSip spout with a built-in strawCarry loop for easy transportTIREDHand-wash the cup onlyCleaning might be too intricate for someHydro FlaskStandard Mouth Water BottleWIRED/TIREDWIREDAvailable in 15+ colorsNo flavor transfer or metallic aftertasteKeeps cold drinks cold for 24 hoursKeeps hot drinks hot for up to 12 hoursTIREDExperience fully dependent on cap choicePower up with unlimited access to WIRED. 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