.jpg)
One of my 2026 goals? To become a pro at reformer Pilates — hence my sudden and intense interest in the best Pilates leggings. My pals can confirm I've been asking for recs since January 1st, in the hope of finding lightweight, supportive and sweat-wicking activewear that hopefully costs less than my monthly ClassPass membership.
But, aside from the brief criteria above, what should I be looking for when it comes to the best leggings primed for Pilates, barre and yoga? “Pilates leggings are designed to move with you, not restrict you," explains Hannah Joyce, founder of at-home reformer pilates brand Flexera. "They’re usually softer, lighter and more flexible than standard leggings, with a focus on comfort, breathability and a second-skin feel rather than heavy compression.”
Featured in this article
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
In terms of specific characteristics to seek out, she adds: “A high-rise waistband for support, gentle compression, and fabric that feels soft but secure. They should be breathable, squat-proof and comfortable enough for floor work, basically leggings you forget you’re wearing.”
But in a bid to save you all the same fate — investing in multiple pairs, only to quickly rule out your least favourable — I've also spent the last few weeks road-testing a host of workout leggings, including shorts and flares, from all your favourite activewear brands, including lululemon, Sweaty Betty, Gymshark, Adanola and Lovall so I could publicly declare the very best.
That included wearing each pair for both high-impact classes and low-impact home workouts, paying close attention to how they actually perform on the mat and reformer. So, read on to discover the best Pilates leggings for 2026, as well as answers to common Pilates clothing FAQs from instructors and industry experts.
How I test the best Pilates leggings:
I, alongside our team of shopping editors – Sophie Cockett, Shani Cohen, Georgia Trodd and Mayola Fernandes – double as Glamour guinea pigs and so are constantly roadtesting the latest beauty, fashion and wellness releases to see which are really worth your cash. For this guide, the fitness keen were asked to test at least one pair of Pilates leggings for two weeks.
When reviewing each style, we rated them against the following criteria:
| Design | Are they practical, fit for purpose and aesthetic? |
| Fit | Are they trust to size? Are there options in terms of length and style? |
| Support | Do they offer some compression without limiting our movement? Does the waistband roll or slide down? |
| Price point | Would we be willing to spend that much again? Are they good quality? Will they last, and do they wash well? |
| Delivery | How quickly did each pair arrive, and what were the associated costs? |
For those we haven't yet tested, we asked experts, including Pilates instructors, for their honest opinion, and read countless customer reviews.
Why you can trust me:
FYI, I've been a shopping writer over two years — that's 14 months at Glamour and a year elsewhere. In that time, I've reviewed everything, from new-in sexual wellness products, including the best vibrators, to running trainers and menstrual products such as period pants, Essentially, I've tried thousands of products across hundreds of brands, meaning I'm more clued up on the subject of wellness than your average online shopper.
Over the last year, I've attended countless press days, spoken to various Pilates instructors, activewear designers, women's health experts and sex therapists, plus keep up to date on the latest wellness research. But I also attend weekly Pilates classes — my 2026 goal is to get over my fear of the reformer — meaning I know what I want and need in pair of leggings. So, read on for my honest reviews.
1. Best Overall Pilates Leggings: Ultimate Leggings
| Material | 70% polyamide, 30% elastane |
| Inseam | Regular, tall or 7/8 |
| Rise | High-rise |
| Sizes | XXS — 3XL |
| Colours | 22 |
Aptly named, these Adanola are my personal favourite when prepping for Pilates, and I know my fellow Glamour editors feel the same. Mutually, we agree that they're the best at smoothing without squashing, giving you a full range of motion to follow your instructor. The lacking front seam also reduces the risk of an uncomfortable camel toe.
We can't complain when it comes to colour, with 21 options including universally flattering khaki green, or the fact that you've got three choices when it comes to length. Granted, there are no hidden pockets in this pair, but that is far from a deal-breaker. Value-wise, another win, with a pair — which will take you from Pilates to brunch, and even to the office when paired with knee-high boots — coming in at under £50.
Save when you shop the best Pilates leggings with these Adanola discount codes.
2. Best Hot Pilates Leggings: 24/7 Revitalise High Waisted Leggings
| Material | 79% nylon, 21% lycra |
| Inseam | Full length, 7/8 or flare, and regular, petite or tall |
| Rise | High-rise |
| Sizes | UK 6 — 28 |
| Colours | 4 |
Lovall has long been our go-to for black leggings for everyday wear, but the brand has branched into activewear, too — and for leggings that are guaranteed to fit exactly how you want, I insist you look nowhere else. Not only do these velvety leggings come in three different styles (full length, 7/8s or flare) but also in three different lengths (regular, petite or tall) and in every size from a UK 6 to a 28, rather than a (non-universal) XS — XL size range.
The leggings themselves were the best in terms of sweat-wicking — even after a particularly taxing hot pilates session, I wasn't betrayed by embarrassing sweat marks above and around my butt. And yes, I can confirm that the high waistband stayed in place, even when damp. The quality is amazing, too — they don’t pill, sag, or stretch out, and I can toss them in the wash with pretty much any load. Sigh. I love them.
3. Best Affordable Pilates Leggings: Vital Soft Leggings
.jpg)
| Material | 79% nylon, 21% lycra |
| Inseam | Full length, 7/8 or flare, and regular, petite or tall |
| Rise | High-rise |
| Sizes | UK 6 — 28 |
| Colours | 4 |
Gymshark is usually our first port of call for gear to wear while heavy lifting. PSA: the Vital Leggings, best suited to strength and conditioning sessions, have racked up more than 3.2k five-star reviews. But the Vital Soft Leggings are the Pilates girl equivalent. While marketed for rest days, we found that soft and sculpting — essential for a pair to wear while on the reformer.
The reason these didn't take the top spot? Limited colour options, and none when it comes to length — you either love the 7/8 cut, or you move on. But super stretchy, and fitted with a super high waistband that's going nowhere, they're a pair I regularly reach for.
4. Best Pilates Unitard: Ultimate Low Cross Back Unitard
.jpg)
| Material | 70% recycled polyamide, 30% elastane |
| Inseam | Full length |
| Sizes | XXS — 3XL |
| Colours | 4 |
An unnecessary stress? Trying to find the matching sports bra to go with my chosen leggings. Thankfully, a unitard solves that problem and is ideal for slipping on pre-morning pilates. I can confirm that the compressive, active fit and adjustable straps of this one from Adanola made me feel supported and sculpted, without suppressing my ability to move. I also loved the low cross-back detail and burgundy colourway — this is functional fashion. Fully squat-proof (I asked my bestie to check) and crafted from 70% recycled materials, this was an obvious recommendation.
5. Best Scrunch Bum Pilates Leggings: EffortlessLift Seamless Mid Rise Leggings
.jpg)
| Material | 52% polyamide, 37% polyester, 11% elastane |
| Inseam | Regular/short or long |
| Rise | Mid-rise |
| Sizes | XS — 2XL |
| Colours | 5 |
There's no shame in admitting that we want to look good while working on our core strength. Enter: scrunch bum leggings, designed to deliver a subtle booty lift, but are also 100% squat-proof, thanks to the additional fabric. I'll admit that I received not one but two compliments from my other half while wearing this pair from Oner Active, and while I don't usually opt for a mid-rise style, these were super comfortable, provided plenty of support across my middriff and didn't roll down. Available in five classic colours (Black, True Blue, Dark Khaki, Fiery Red and Velvet Mocha), they should also work with your existing activewear separates.
6. Best Premium Pilates Leggings: Ultimate Studio 7/8 Yoga Leggings
| Material | 74% recycled polyamide, 26% elastane |
| Inseam | 7/8 or full length |
| Rise | High-rise |
| Sizes | 2XS — 2XL |
| Colours | 2 |
For those willing to splurge, Sweaty Betty is my favourite premium activewear brand, and the Power Gym Leggings are my go-to for high-intensity HIIT workouts or strength training. But the brand caters to low-impact lovers too. The subtly curved waistline and adjustable drawcord of these leggings mean they provide a supportive fit, and I can confirm that they're squat-proof, too. While they were a little thicker than some other styles I tried, that wasn't a deal breaker, and just meant I reached for them more during winter. Would I appreciate a couple more colour ways? Sure, but for a sustainable (yep, these are partially made from recycled fibres) and supportive option, these deliver.
Save when you shop the best Pilates leggings with these Sweaty Betty discount codes.
7. Best Plus-Size Pilates Leggings: Align High-Rise Pant
| Material | 81% nylon, 19% lycra elastane |
| Inseam | 23, 25, 28 or 31" |
| Rise | High-rise |
| Sizes | UK 4 — 24 |
| Colours | 50, from classic to vibrant neon and patterned |
The Align Pant likely needs no introduction, having been (loudly) praised as one of lululemon's best innovations in its 27-year reign. Purpose-made for low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates, most worthy of note is the Nulu fabric, designed to feel both weightless and buttery soft. However, we also love the options you get — with more than 50 colour ways, and four possible lengths, this isn't a ‘one-fits-all’ situation. Never rolling, sliding or pilling, even after multiple washes, and available in every size from a UK 4 to 24, I have no notes. None.
Save when you shop the best Pilates leggings with these lululemon discount codes.
8. Best Pilates Flares: DayFlex High Waisted Flared Yoga Pant
.jpg)
| Material | 75% recycled polyamide, 25% elastane |
| Inseam | 28, 30, 33 or 35" |
| Rise | High-rise |
| Sizes | 2XS — 4XL |
| Colours | 1 |
I tend to reach for flared leggings on my WFH days, finding them way comfier than bulky joggers and more professional than my pyjamas. But I see the other girlies in my weekly class wearing them for reformer and mat Pilates, too. This pair from TALA — the brainchild of entrepreneur, Grace Beverley — are available in every size from a 2XS (UK 6) to 4XL (UK 22), and in four lengths, making them petite and tall-girl friendly. But they've also got eco-credentials, considering they're made from recycled fibres, too. Personally, I found them true to size and super comfortable — plus, their lack of front seam meant there was no risk of a camel toe either.
9. Best Pilates Shorts: Softlyzero Airy High Waisted Side Pocket Plain Yoga Shorts
.jpg)
| Material | 77% nylon, 23% elastane |
| Inseam | 3.5" |
| Rise | High-rise |
| Sizes | XS (UK 4/6) — XL (20) |
| Colours | 14 |
I have no shame in admitting that I'm a sweaty gal — whether I'm walking, on the reformer or running a 10k, it'll be obvious that my heart rate's up and I'm putting in a shift. So, sometimes, in a bid to keep my core temperature down, I'll opt for shorts. I love the cool-to-touch material of these Halara shorts, as well as the four-way stretch that allows them to move with me. Fitted with a high-rise waist, they're super comfortable and even come fitted with slim side pockets that could house my keys or phone en route to the studio.
Pilates leggings FAQs, answered:
What makes Pilates leggings different from regular leggings?
“Pilates leggings need to support the body through slow, controlled movement, with a lot of articulation, rotation, and time spent close to the mat or on apparatus," says Jade Edwards. Pilates teacher and founder of Coconut Wellness Studios. "A well-designed waistband and thoughtful seam placement really does make a huge difference — especially when you’re rolling, stretching, or moving through the spine. You want leggings that stay put, don’t dig in, and move with you rather than distracting you from the work.”
What to look for in Pilates leggings:
Personally, I favour leggings with a supportive waistband that also stays put, full opacity — because my neighbours don't need to know what undies I'm wearing — and plenty of stretch.
“Typically softer, maybe a little bit thicker with light compression that allows you full mobility and flexibility, comfort and breathability,” suggests Tara Riley, Pilates teacher and founder of the Tara Riley Method. “I’m a fan of high waistbands — without zipper pockets at the back — four-way stretch and minimal seams which help them stay in place during rolling, stretching and mat work, without digging in or restricting movement.”
Why is it so important to find good-fitting, high-performing activewear?
Not only will your workout uniform impact how you move, but also how you feel, too. I'd argue that the more supported and scultped you feel, the closer you are to a PB – and it seems the experts agree.
“What you’re wearing genuinely affects how you move and how you feel,” says Jade. “Well-fitting, high-performing activewear removes distraction, makes you feel good, and allows the body to move with ease. From a teaching perspective, it also enables clearer observation of the body, which is essential for safe and effective movement.”
Tara adds: "The last thing I want to be doing or thinking about is my leggings. A runner's brain might have the capacity to wander, but when you’re doing Pilates, you need to be ‘in it’, thinking about moving, connecting, working a number of different body parts, often in different directions simultaneously at a time and also breathing.
“For me, my leggings need to feel like a second skin, stretch easily to allow for full range movement and flexibility. I want to feel supported, not squeezed and they must stay put — if there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s having to tug up leggings mid plié.”
What fabrics are best for activewear?
“Based on the number of pairs I have I would say blended fabrics are the winners and are designed to work with your body, not against it," details Tara. "Nylon and polyester are good choices because they are lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking. A number of my favourite brands also include elastane which I think adds stretch and helps with shape retention.”
“Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics with stretch are essential, nylon or recycled polyester with elastane still lead when it comes to performance,” agrees Hannah Joyce, founder of at-home reformer pilates brand, Flexera. "But we’re also seeing a real shift towards more organic and non-toxic options. Materials like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and wood-based fibres are becoming more popular, especially for low-impact workouts where comfort and feel really matter.”
Meet the experts:
| Jade Edwards | Pilates teacher and founder of Coconut Wellness Studios |
| Tara Riley | Pilates teacher and founder of the Tara Riley Method. |
| Hannah Joyce | Founder of at-home reformer pilates brand, Flexera. |
More fitness and exercise content:
- Best gym trainers, tried and tested by editors
- The best yoga pants for low-intensity workouts
- The best protein powders for women, including the best vegan protein powder and the best whey protein powder
- The best sports swimsuits according to wild swimmers
- The best yoga mats for training indoors
