6 styles Pilates girls are buying instead of another pair of leggings

The 'Pilates girl uniform' is changing—and these are the pieces replacing leggings

For years, the Pilates uniform was easy to define: leggings, a sports bra and maybe a sweatshirt tossed on after class. Not anymore.

The rise of the "Pilates girl" aesthetic has transformed activewear into an everyday style movement. Oversized button-downs, ballet-inspired wrap tops, tennis skirts and elevated quarter-zips are becoming just as recognizable as the leggings that started it all.

Much of the appeal comes from versatility. Women want pieces that work for a reformer class, coffee run, errands and lunch plans without requiring a full outfit change. That's exactly why certain Athleta styles keep popping up all over social media right now.

Here are six Pilates-inspired wardrobe staples shoppers can't seem to stop buying.

1. Tennis skorts are quietly becoming a Pilates-girl favorite

The biggest surprise in the Pilates uniform may be the growing popularity of tennis-inspired skirts and skorts.

Originally associated with court sports, athletic skirts are increasingly appearing in Pilates-inspired wardrobes thanks to their comfort, versatility, and polished appearance.

Endurance Tennis 14-Inch Skort

Athleta's active skirts and skorts deliver the best of both worlds: performance fabrics that support movement and silhouettes that look elevated enough for everyday wear.

They're quickly becoming a favorite option for days when Pilates is just one stop on a packed schedule. Save an extra 25% at checkout

Why shoppers are buying them:

• Comfortable and lightweight
• Built-in shorts in many styles
• Easy to dress up or down
• Feels sportier than traditional casualwear

2. Pilates girls are trading basic layers for ballet-inspired wrap tops

Athleta's lightweight wrap sweaters and crossover pullovers pair effortlessly with high-rise leggings or wide-leg pants, making them one of the easiest ways to achieve that coveted "I just left Pilates" look.

Transcend Wrap Crop Top

Designed for layering before and after class, this wrap crop top brings softness and versatility to your Pilates routine.

The lightweight fabric drapes comfortably without bulk, while the flattering wrap silhouette adds a polished, studio-ready finish to your look. Save 40% at Athleta

Why Pilates fans love them:

• Easy to layer over sports bras
• Ballet-inspired styling
• Comfortable enough for warm-ups and cool-downs
• Looks polished outside the studio

3. Barrel-leg pants are becoming the anti-legging trend

For shoppers who feel burned out on skin-tight activewear, the barrel-leg trend offers a welcome update to the standard Pilates uniform.

Endless High Rise Barrel Pant

Classic leggings aren't going anywhere, but Pilates enthusiasts are increasingly experimenting with silhouettes that feel fresher and more fashion-forward.

Enter barrel-leg leggings and relaxed performance pants. Athleta has embraced the shift toward roomier activewear with styles that offer the same stretch and softness as traditional leggings while creating a more relaxed look. Buy now at Athleta

Why they're trending:

• More relaxed than traditional leggings
• Easy transition from studio to street
• Creates a modern silhouette
• Pairs well with fitted tanks and wrap tops

4. The oversized button-down is the piece that makes every Pilates outfit look expensive

Athleta's casual layering pieces, especially relaxed shirting and breathable button-down shirts, fit seamlessly into this trend.

Retreat Linen Top

Nothing says effortless luxury quite like an oversized button-down shirt. Whether worn over a sports bra after class or layered with a tank and leggings, the oversized button-down has become one of the defining pieces of the Pilates aesthetic.

The beauty of this staple is its versatility. Crisp styles offer a clean, elevated feel, while lightweight linen versions add a casual coastal vibe that pairs perfectly with activewear. Save an extra 25% at checkout

How Pilates girls are styling them:

• Open over sports bras
• Layered with biker shorts
• Tied at the waist
• Paired with leggings and sneakers

5. Elevated quarter-zips are replacing oversized hoodies

Athleta's collection of performance jackets and lightweight zip-ups has become especially popular because the pieces feel polished rather than overly athletic.

The result is a wardrobe staple that works during workouts without screaming "gym clothes."

Seasoft Rib 1/4 Zip Popover

If the oversized hoodie dominated previous athleisure eras, today's Pilates crowd is gravitating toward more streamlined zip-up jackets, half-zips and quarter-zips.

A fitted or slightly relaxed zip-up creates a clean, sporty appearance while offering practical layering for chilly studios, early-morning walks, and post-workout errands. Save 40% at Athleta

The appeal:

• Easy layering piece
• Creates a sleek silhouette
• Works year-round
• Pairs with nearly every Pilates outfit

6. Grip socks went from studio necessity to fashion accessory

Many Pilates fans build entire outfits around subtle color palettes, making coordinated grip socks the finishing touch.

Ruffle Grip Sock

Pilates enthusiasts know grip socks are often a studio necessity, but they've also become part of the culture.
What was once a purely functional item is now an expression of personal style.

From neutral minimalist designs to colorful patterns and embroidered details, shoppers are treating grip socks as an accessory rather than an afterthought. Shop grippy socks at Athleta

Why they're a must-have:

• Essential for reformer classes
• Adds personality to studio outfits
• Available in endless colors and styles
• Often purchased in multiple pairs

The future of the Pilates wardrobe

The biggest shift in Pilates fashion isn't that women are abandoning leggings—it's that they're building entire outfits around them.

Today's Pilates-inspired wardrobe is less about workout gear and more about effortless, everyday style. Wrap tops, oversized button-downs, barrel-leg pants, skorts and sleek quarter-zips all reflect a broader movement toward versatile clothing that works far beyond the studio.

And judging by what's trending right now, the Pilates-girl aesthetic isn't slowing down anytime soon.

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