You've booked your first Reformer Pilates or Lagree class. Now the wardrobe question: what do you actually need to wear, and why does it matter more than in most other workouts? This guide tells you exactly what to bring, what to wear, and what to avoid — so the outfit doesn't get in the way of the class.
Why Outfit Matters More Than Usual
On a Megaformer or Reformer, you're working around a moving carriage with springs, straps, and a footbar. Loose fabric doesn't just look untidy — it catches on the carriage, disrupts exercises, and can pull you off balance. The instructor also needs to see your body alignment: hip position, knee tracking, spine neutrality. Baggy shorts or a flowing top makes this impossible.
This isn't about aesthetics. It's about safety, function, and getting the most out of the session.
Leggings: Full-Length or 7/8
Full-length or 7/8 leggings are the best choice for Reformer and Lagree. Here's why each element matters:
High waist: Provides core compression and keeps the legging in place during inversions and split-stance exercises. A mid-rise legging that slips down during a pike position is a constant distraction.
Four-way stretch: Reformer and Lagree involve wide stances, deep lunges, and full range-of-motion movements. A legging that restricts lateral movement makes these exercises harder than they need to be.
Squat-proof opacity: You will be in positions that reveal whether your legging is see-through. On a Reformer, many exercises involve kneeling, bending, or extending with the instructor standing directly behind or above you. Opacity is not optional.
Fitted ankle: A loose cuff catches on the carriage. A flat, fitted ankle band sits clean and doesn't interfere with footbar work.
The HEY HONEY leggings in the full Leggings range are built around these requirements: high-waist, four-way stretch nylon-elastane, squat-proof, and fitted from waist to ankle. For guidance on specific cuts, our Lagree guide covers the outfit requirements in detail.
Sports Bra: Medium Support Minimum
Reformer and Lagree involve a lot of forward hinging, pike positions, and plank holds. A bralette or light-support bra that works fine in yoga can shift significantly in these positions. Choose a medium-support sports bra with a secure back closure or racerback design. The straps should stay in place whether you're standing, bending forward, or in a split-stance lunge. See our sports bra guide for specific recommendations by support level.
Grip Socks: Non-Negotiable
Most Reformer and Lagree studios require grip socks — and for good reason. The carriage footplate is smooth and slightly slick; grip socks provide traction during footwork, jumping-lunge series, and standing exercises on the carriage. Without them, your feet slide, your alignment deteriorates, and the risk of slipping increases.
Buy grip socks before your class — most studios sell them at reception, but you'll pay a premium. Standard grip socks (any brand with silicone dots on the sole) work fine. Some studios have a specific brand requirement; check before you go.
What to Avoid
Loose shorts or wide-leg pants: Fabric catches on the carriage. Even athletic shorts with a loose hem can get tangled during footwork or kneeling exercises.
Slippery fabrics on bare skin: If your legging has a slick outer surface, it can slide on the carriage padding. Look for leggings with a matte or slightly textured finish.
Long, loose tops: A fitted crop top or sports bra is ideal. A long T-shirt bunches during pike positions and makes alignment corrections harder for the instructor.
Regular socks or bare feet: Usually not permitted in studios for hygiene and safety reasons.
For a complete outfit built around these requirements, the HEY HONEY Sports Bra range pairs directly with the full Leggings collection — both designed for the exact movement demands of studio fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear shorts to Reformer Pilates?
Technically yes, but fitted shorts only — bike shorts or compression shorts that sit close to the leg. Loose athletic shorts catch on the carriage and can disrupt exercises. In Lagree, the carriage moves faster and the risk of loose fabric catching is higher, so leggings are strongly preferred. If you're in a warm studio, 7/8 cropped leggings are a better compromise than loose shorts.
Do I need to buy grip socks before my first class?
Most studios sell them, so you don't have to bring your own — but expect to pay studio prices (usually €12–18 for a basic pair). If you plan to attend regularly, buying a multi-pack from a sportswear retailer is cheaper. Check whether your studio has a specific brand requirement before buying online.
What should I eat before Lagree or Reformer Pilates?
Eat a light meal or snack 1–2 hours before class. Lagree in particular is intense enough that training on a full stomach causes discomfort. A banana, a small bowl of oats, or half a protein bar is enough. Avoid large meals, high-fat foods, and heavy protein within 2 hours of class. Hydrate well before and during class.
What should I tell the instructor before my first class?
Tell the instructor: (1) It's your first time. (2) Any injuries or physical limitations, particularly in the lower back, knees, shoulders, or wrists — all of which are load-bearing points in Reformer and Lagree exercises. (3) Your fitness background. A good instructor will use this to offer appropriate modifications and check your alignment more frequently in the first class.
