The Best Leggings for Reformer Pilates: A UK Guide

The short answer: the best leggings for reformer Pilates are high-rise, fully opaque leggings in four-way stretch that stay put when you roll back and lie on the carriage, with a flat waistband, smooth seams and an ankle or 7/8 length that sits cleanly above your grip socks. Get those five things right and the brand on the waistband matters far less.

Reformer Pilates is kind to your joints and hard on your leggings. You lie on a moving carriage, fold forward, lift your legs into the straps and hold positions where every weak spot in a pair of leggings shows up: a waistband that rolls, fabric that turns sheer, a seam that digs in. This guide covers what to look for, how Pilates leggings should fit, and which of our two leggings to wear on the reformer.

What makes a good pair of leggings for reformer Pilates

1. A high rise that stays where you put it. You spend much of a class lying down or rolling through your spine. A high waistband that sits above the hips stays in place; a low or loose one creeps down every time you roll back.
2. Opaque, squat-proof fabric. Deep lunges, legs in the straps and forward folds stretch fabric to its limit. Check opacity yourself: bend forward in front of a mirror in daylight. If you can see skin or underwear, the fabric is too thin.
3. Four-way stretch with gentle compression. You want fabric that moves in every direction and holds you, without the tight, digging feel of high-compression running tights. Medium compression is the sweet spot for most people.
4. A flat waistband and smooth seams. You lie on your back on a padded carriage. Back pockets, drawcords, zips and bulky seams press into you, so the flatter the back of the waistband, the better.
5. The right length. Ankle length or 7/8 sits neatly above grip socks. Longer leggings bunch at the ankle and can slide over the heel of your sock, and flared hems can catch on the footbar or straps.

How should Pilates leggings fit?

Close to the body everywhere, but not restrictive anywhere. A quick test before you commit to a pair:

• Waist: the waistband lies flat without folding, and does not dig in when you sit down.
• Hips and seat: no sagging or spare fabric; the leggings hold their shape when you squat.
• Knees: the fabric stays smooth when you bend, rather than bagging after a few minutes.
• Length: the hem sits at or just above the ankle bone without bunching.
• Movement check: squat, lunge, lie on your back and roll up. If you had to adjust anything, the pair will distract you in class.

If you are between sizes, take your body measurements and compare them with the brand's size guide rather than your usual dress size. Ours is on our size guide page, with body and garment measurements for every piece.

Crossover or straight waistband: which is better for Pilates?

On the reformer, the crossover wins. It sits higher at the sides and holds when you roll back. A straight rise is the everyday choice.

• A crossover (V) waistband wraps slightly higher at the sides and dips into a V at the front. It gives more shaped hold at the waist and is one of the most recognisable Pilates silhouettes right now.
• A straight high-rise waistband is simpler and cleaner, with an even feel all the way round. Many people prefer it for everyday wear and under longer tops.

Our two leggings, compared

We make two leggings in SoftHold, our dense, matte four-way stretch (75% polyester, 25% elastane), both medium compression and both squat-proof. One is built for the reformer, the other for everything else.

Choose the Elevate V-Legging for the reformer. The crossover waist sits above the hips and stays put when you roll back and lie on the carriage, and it works just as well with a cropped top after class.

Choose the Core Flow Legging for everything off the reformer. A clean, second-skin feel for mat, barre, walks and the rest of the day. Its softer rise is made for everyday wear rather than the carriage.

The Elevate pairs with the high-neck Pulse Bra and the cropped Athletic Long Sleeve Top. See the full set in our reformer edit.

What to avoid

• Back pockets and drawcords, which press into your spine on the carriage.
• Thin or shiny fabric that turns sheer when stretched or slides on the upholstery.
• Low-rise styles that roll down every time you lie back.
• Very long or flared hems that bunch over grip socks or catch on the footbar.
• High-compression running tights, which can feel restrictive through deep hip and spine movement.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need squat-proof leggings for Pilates?

For reformer Pilates, yes. Lunges, legs in the straps and forward folds stretch the fabric further than most gym sessions, so opaque, squat-proof fabric saves you from thinking about it mid-class.

Should Pilates leggings be tight?

Close-fitting, not tight. They should follow your body without spare fabric and without digging in at the waist or behind the knees. Medium compression is enough for Pilates.

Are full-length or 7/8 leggings better for reformer Pilates?

Either works if the hem sits at or just above the ankle. Ankle and 7/8 lengths sit neatly above grip socks; very long leggings tend to bunch at the ankle.

Can you wear flared leggings to reformer Pilates?

You can, but a wide hem can catch on the footbar or straps and cover the grip of your socks. Straight, close-fitting leggings are easier on the reformer; flares are lovely for the walk there and back.

What size should I get?

Use your waist and hip measurements rather than your usual dress size, and check the brand's size guide. If you are between sizes, sizing up usually gives the more comfortable fit for a class spent lying down and folding forward. Our size guide includes UK sizes.

The right pair is the one you stop noticing once the class begins. For the rest of your kit, read our guide to what to wear to reformer Pilates.