I’m a Pilates Instructor—These Are the Leggings I Recommend for Every Kind of Flow

“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

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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Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Double Up Legging

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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Zella Live In High Waist Leggings

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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Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging

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.