5 Viral Activewear Brands for Pilates

Why the bar is higher here

New York City is literally the birthplace of Pilates (Joseph Pilates opened his first studio here in the 1920s for ballerinas), so the studio culture is intense and the fashion standard is even higher. I was never the naturally athletic type, but sticking to reformer Pilates for the last three years has been an absolute game-changer for my health. And let's be real: when you're trembling on a carriage for 50 minutes staring at a wall of mirrors, your outfit matters. You need pieces that make you feel confident.

TALA

Sustainable & sculpting

UK-based, eco-conscious activewear that constantly goes viral on TikTok for its insanely sculpting fits and selling out in minutes. They manage to deliver incredible compression and shaping for intense jumpboard days, all while staying sustainable and surprisingly budget-friendly compared to legacy luxury activewear.

Adanola

The premium alternative

London-meets-downtown-NYC, the ultimate effortless “cool girl” uniform. This is my top pick for beating the $150+ price tag of premium sets without losing the luxury feel; a complete matching look comes in around $115. As someone with a smaller chest, I've found their sports bra cuts incredibly flattering.

Heads up: their site sells out fast, but you can sometimes spot them in person on Equinox shop floors.

NikeSKIMS

The statement investment

A super new collab that launched in Fall 2025, merging high-performance tech with sculpting, ballerina-core femininity. Yes, the price point is up there, but the designs are completely unmatched, leaning heavily into the strength and grace of dancers. The pieces are so elevated and structured that I've legitimately styled them for a night out after class.

Sporty & Rich

The “country club chic” aesthetic

Vintage-inspired, elevated athleisure that looks just as good at brunch as it does in the studio. This is for the days when the workout is only half the event and the post-class matcha run is the other half. It brings a level of sophistication that makes you feel instantly put-together the second you throw a trench coat over it.

Lucky Honey

The studio essential

Brooklyn-born comfort with a focus on functional, stylish studio accessories and apparel. I originally stumbled onto this brand via a Reddit deep dive for grip socks that don't fall apart. After my expensive pairs from other major brands lost their stickiness after three washes, I switched to these $16 ones and never looked back. Beyond socks, their apparel is having a moment, especially the wrap tops and ultra-flowy studio pants that double as loungewear.