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Pilates makes you picky about things you’d usually ignore. Small adjustments of an exercise, subtle shifts in how your body moves—and whether you’ve really found the best Pilates leggings out there.
As a Pilates instructor and wellness editor, I’ve tested countless pairs and learned that what works for running or lounging doesn’t always cut it in the studio. You need leggings that compress just right through footwork, stay put during teaser, and don’t slip mid-roll-up or distract you with see-through fabric.
To help narrow down the best ones, I combined my own teaching experience with feedback from fellow instructors and devoted students. We tested each pair through real classes and sweaty at-home workouts, paying close attention to how they actually perform on the mat and reformer. If you can only buy one, make it the Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pants 25". They feel totally weightless while providing the perfect amount of compression without squeezing you too tight. But none of the pairs on this curated list will let you down—whether you’re holding plank for a minute or three.
The best Pilates leggings, at a glance
- Best Overall: Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pants 25", $108
- Best for Hot Pilates: Splits59 Ella High Waist Airweight ⅞, $115
- Best for Pregnancy: CRZ Yoga Maternity Leggings 25", $32
- Best Sculpting Pilates Leggings: Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging, $138
- Best Plus-Size Pilates Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compression Pocket, $98
How we chose the best Pilates leggings
What we looked for
The right pair of leggings can make or break your flow. Look for these features when shopping for Pilates gear that supports your movement:
Support: You want just enough compression to feel held without being restricted. Supportive leggings help you stay grounded during balance work—especially when your legs start to get sweaty and slippery.
Flexibility: Stretchy, four-way fabrics are a must. They allow for full range of motion, so you can articulate through the spine (which you should be doing every class) without feeling tugged or stiff.
Waistband: A high-rise, stay-put waistband keeps everything in place, especially when you’re rolling down or moving between supine and seated positions. No one wants to pause and adjust mid-movement.
Breathability: Don’t be fooled by anyone calling it low-impact—Pilates can get sweaty. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics help you stay dry and comfortable through class.
Coverage: Opaque fabrics are nonnegotiable. When holding a position like tabletop, you want leggings that pass the squat test and don’t distract you with see-through panels.
How we tested
Each pair was tested through real reformer classes, mat workouts, and sweaty at-home sessions to see how they held up. We looked for leggings that stayed put (no rolling waistbands or saggy knees), felt comfortable through movement, and delivered on factors like softness and support. Only the ones that passed all the Pilates-specific checks made it on this list.
Best Overall Pilates Leggings: Lululemon Align No Line High Rise Pant 25"
If you do a lot of Pilates, these leggings are the ones you’ll reach for over and over. The Align No Line feels smooth, sculpting, and basically weightless the moment you put them on. The soft, sweat-wicking Nulu fabric gives smooths you without feeling constricting. With a 25-inch inseam that hits right above the ankle, they can feel polished enough to wear out and supportive enough for a sweaty reformer session or hot yoga. On top of all that? They dry fast, so you won’t be stuck in damp leggings for too long after class.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle wears these to her hot Pilates classes in Fuze NYC. “I’m in a 90 to 95 room, so I want leggings that won’t weigh me down or dig in. These Lululemon leggings are my go-to (I own the black pair) for Pilates workout classes because they feel like second skin and the 25" inseam works great for my 5'2" frame. I don’t like leggings that squeeze my ankles or stomach and these are great for stretching. I like to wear my leggings after class with a loose zipper sweatshirt.”
Best Hot Pilates Leggings: Splits59 Ella High Waist Airweight ⅞ Leggings
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These leggings feel more luxe than your typical workout gear. Made from Splits59’s signature Airweight fabric, they’re silky soft, ultralight, and move with you like a second skin. The high waistband offers light, comfortable support without any squeezing, and the barely-there feel makes them perfect for mat work or low-impact sessions. They stay cool against the skin (making them perfect for heated rooms), stretch effortlessly, and look sculpted without trying too hard. Some reviewers suggest sizing up if you’re in between sizes. Bonus: The double-side-stripe details are just as dreamy as the fit.
“These leggings made me roll my eyes. I didn’t want to fall in love with another piece of activewear, but here we are. The Splits59 Airweight fabric is so soft it’s kind of ridiculous, like wearing a flexible cloud that somehow also sculpts you perfectly. They’re buttery, stretchy, and give that snatched-but-not-suffocated look that’s weirdly hard to find. And for hot Pilates, this is the exact type of fit you would hope for. They’re definitely on the higher end price-wise but they just make me feel so much more together, whether I’m teaching or taking class early in the morning, that I would say they’re worth every penny. 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,” says Joana Ariza, Glamour contributor and Pilates instructor.
Best Pilates Leggings That Don’t Slip: FP Movement Good Karma Leggings
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With a ribbed, seamless design and high-rise fit, the Good Karma 7/8 Legging is a lightweight option that’s become a Free People bestseller. The wide waistband ensures you’ll never find yourself tugging this pair back up, and provides gentle support without digging in. Plus, the allover ribbing gives them a subtly textured look. Reviewers on the site love how breathable and lightweight they feel—perfect for everything from Pilates to barre to lounging on the couch. Just note: the fabric is unlined, so while it’s thick and opaque, some wearers recommend choosing darker colors or pairing with neutral-toned undergarments for extra coverage.
Best Reformer Pilates Leggings: Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Double Up Legging
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What makes the Elation Ultra High Rise Double Up Legging stand out? It’s hard to choose between the soft Powervita fabric or the ultrahigh waistband that smooths everything in without squeezing. Add in the hidden back-waistband pocket (perfect for stashing a key or card) and a sleek, minimal design with no side seams, and it’s no wonder reviewers love these leggings for both workouts and running errands in style. The full-length inseam offers extra coverage, and the smooth, second-skin feel helps you move easily through straps, springs, and footbar transitions without catching. This makes them especially ideal for reformer sessions, where constant contact with the carriage means your leggings need to stay put and feel seamless.
Best Soft Pilates Leggings: Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
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If you’ve scrolled through Nordstrom’s bestsellers, you’ve definitely seen these leggings. Known for their thick, supportive fabric and flattering high-rise fit, they’ve earned a loyal following (and over 7,000 reviews!) for both workouts and daily wear. The moisture-wicking material keeps you cool through sweatier sessions, while the wide waistband stays in place without digging or rolling. Many reviewers mention the versatile weight—it’s compressive enough for the gym but soft enough to wear for hours.
“I consider myself a very discerning black-leggings aficionado. Name a brand, a style, a cut, and I’ve tried them on for size,” says Abby Gardner, Glamour contributor. “Zella’s high-waist style checks all of these boxes, and if I want to wear them to Pilates, they totally work for that too,” she says.
Best Sculpting Pilates Leggings: Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
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Few leggings have reached cult-favorite status like Alo Yoga’s 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Leggings. While loved for their smooth second-skin feel, these Alo leggings also deliver a sleek, sculpting fit that fans say feels like a gentle hug. The high-rise waistband provides light compression without cutting in, and the ultralight, double-knit Airlift fabric offers a subtle sheen that makes them a favorite both in studio workouts and out on the town running errands. With thousands (4,000-plus, at the moment) of glowing reviews, customers rave about their stay-put fit during workouts and how they effortlessly double as chic athleisure.
Glamour senior editor Stephanie McNeal wears these Alo tights to Pilates. “Alo is one of those brands that are simply worth the hype. Their leggings feel like an elevated product—they are thick and structured while still comfortable, and they hold up under multiple washings (not as common as you’d think!). I like that you can wear these for any workout, travel, or just hanging around the house. And one final key detail—they have side pockets.”
Best Leggings for Yoga and Pilates: 437 The Essentials Legging
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If you want leggings that feel like a second skin during your practice, the 437 Essentials Leggings are an easy favorite. With soft, four-way stretch fabric and a flattering, high-rise fit, they’re designed to move effortlessly through every slow, shaky hold. The minimal, no-front-seam design creates a smooth, sculpted silhouette, and reviewers love how the waistband stays put without digging in and offers a subtle booty lift. Whether you’re flowing through yoga or holding core work on the reformer, these leggings deliver comfort and just the right amount of support.
Best Stretch Pilates Leggings: Varley FreeSoft High Waist Leggings
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If you need leggings that move naturally with you, the Varley Freesoft High Waist Leggings deliver a barely-there softness that’s perfect for mat or reformer Pilates. Designed with the brand’s signature Freesoft fabric, they feel smooth, breathable, and stretchy in all the right ways. You get a snug waistband that stays in place without digging and a full-length cut that’s ideal for cooler days or studio sessions. With chic neutral shades to choose from, these leggings combine comfort and style for any low-impact workout.
Best Pilates Leggings for Pregnancy: CRZ Yoga Maternity Leggings 25"
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With 2,000-plus glowing reviews on Amazon, these maternity leggings have become a favorite for comfort and support during pregnancy. Made from the brand’s signature Butterluxe fabric, these leggings feel ultrasoft and stretchy, offering just the right amount of gentle compression for Pilates, yoga, or everyday wear. The high maternity waistband provides belly support without squeezing, and the four-way stretch moves effortlessly with your body. It’s no wonder these leggings have earned such a loyal following—they balance softness, flexibility, and function in one sleek pair.
Best High-Waisted Pilates Leggings: Beyond Yoga Women’s High Waisted Leggings
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These leggings have built a loyal following over the years, and it’s easy to see why. The Beyond Yoga Spacedye fabric is incredibly soft, with just the right amount of stretch for low-impact movement. If you’re looking for tummy control leggings, reviewers love that the high-rise waistband hugs without squeezing, and the full-length fit makes them a cozy pick for everything from studio sessions to chill days at home. With inclusive sizing and tons of color options, they’re the kind of leggings you’ll want in more than one pair.
Best Plus-Size Pilates Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compression Pocket Leggings
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Girlfriend Collective has built a serious fan base, and their Compression Pocket Leggings are one of the most popular picks. Available in sizes up to 6XL, these leggings offer a compressive, supportive fit without feeling stiff or restrictive. The fabric is made from recycled materials, giving it eco-friendly points, and the side pockets are roomy enough for your phone, keys, or whatever else you want to stash on the go. Reviewers consistently mention how durable and flattering they are, making them a go-to for everything from Pilates to casual weekend wear. To keep them in great shape, machine-wash cold with like colors and line-dry flat—just be aware that colors may bleed at first, so always wash them with similar shades.