Home Pilates Equipment for Studio-Quality Workouts (2026)

City Name: When Joseph Pilates created Contrology in the early 1900s, there were no special studios or big machines. The reformer came later, made from leather straps and hospital beds. The main idea remains: use what you have. Your body does the work, and a mat helps make it comfortable.

Pilates is about moving with purpose. Exercises use the whole body and focus on precision, balance, and slow movements. While it sounds calm, it’s not an easy workout. The right gear won’t do the exercise for you, but it can make your workout nicer and more fun. Here are some great Pilates equipment choices for home workouts suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced fans. Don’t forget to check our guides on the Best Protein Powders and Best Yoga Mats for more help.

Pilates Clothes

A great Pilates outfit really gets me excited to work out. While you can wear almost anything, stick to fitted activewear so your instructor can see your form. Choose stretchy fabrics that allow movement and avoid baggy clothes. This gear is tested and works well in Pilates—it’s comfy and holds up for every session.

If you can buy one thing, make it grippy socks. They help you avoid slipping during workouts, giving you better control. They also add light cushioning and support for your feet. If you’re in a shared studio, breathable Pilates socks are a cleaner choice.

We want our bottoms to stay in place during roll-ups and leg circles. High-waisted leggings (either full-length or capri) made of soft, stretchy material are perfect for Pilates and other light workouts. Biker shorts can work too, especially in heated classes, as they keep grips on props during leg exercises.

These leggings are the best for Pilates according to our testing, and we’ve got a Lululemon biker short that we really like. Check out our Best Leggings guide for more options.

For supportive wear, look for low- or medium-impact styles that are comfy without being too tight. Wide bands and no underwire work well during floor exercises, but remember, these might not support larger busts perfectly. Our top picks are listed below, including a supportive bra for better posture. For more options, check our Best Sports Bras guide.

An all-in-one jumpsuit with a built-in bra makes dressing for Pilates simple. Our favorites are supportive and move with you from warm-up to cool-down.

Pilates Gear

You can do Pilates with just your body, but adding some gear can change your workout. Exercise mats are a must because they cushion your joints during floor work. The right mats have a special texture for grip, keeping you steady and protecting you from the floor below.

I also need a towel when I work out, especially in heated classes, to soak up sweat. A fun tip is to twist your towel into a resistance band for extra workout options. Check out our Best Yoga Mats guide for more choices.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a reformer to practice Pilates at home. I often take heated Pilates classes at my gym where we use props like an exercise ball, Pilates ring (or magic circle), and light weights. I prefer 2- or 3-pound dumbbells, but wrist and ankle weights are easier because you don’t need a grip to use them. Core sliders are also great for adding resistance and are budget-friendly.

We’ve highlighted some of our favorite picks, but you can find even more in our Best Reusable Water Bottles guide.