I Do Pilates 4 Times a Week, and These Are the Only Legging Brands I'll Wear

When it comes to fitness, I've tried pretty much every kind of workout imaginable—from HIIT boot camp classes to hot yoga to strength training to ballet. But after much trial and error, I finally found the one workout that I've actually stuck with religiously: Pilates. I see the most significant changes in my body when I'm doing Pilates consistently, and I actually enjoy it. Who knew? I've been committed for a few years now and have even become somewhat of a Pilates snob. I'll only take classes using the Megaformer and the Lagree method, as I just feel it's the most efficient workout for your time. (If you're in the L.A. area, check out The Studio MDR. It's the best!)
Through my consistent Pilates classes, I've also become a bit of a legging snob. I need leggings that hold me in comfortably and stretch with me but don't stretch out. Oh, and I'm partial to a super-high waist. I just feel it's the most flattering and comfortable. I've narrowed it down to five legging brands that check all the boxes and I find myself coming back to over and over again. Below are the best legging brands for Pilates, IMO.
1. ZELLA
If Nordstrom reviews are any indication, Zella leggings are a cult favorite. They're super high-waisted and made of a material that's so soft and comfortable you'll find yourself wearing them even when you have no intention of working out. My favorite is the Live In High Waist Leggings, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I wear them at least three times a week. Oh, and the price points are great. You can't beat $59 for quality leggings.
This blue is such a refreshing change from basic black.
I also love flared leggings, and these are the cream of the crop.
2. ALO
Alo leggings are like the holy grail. They're ultra flattering thanks to the performance fabric that actually helps lift and hold you in while still being super comfortable. They also happen to make your derrière look phenomenal. You won't find a brand with more aesthetically pleasing colors and designs, so good luck choosing just one pair.
If you haven't been convinced about flare leggings yet, take a look at these.
Naked leggings are a thing, people.
3. FREE PEOPLE
FP Movement is one of the best things to happen to the activewear world. Its leggings are ideal for Pilates and yoga, where you want something comfortable that will also hold you in but aren't as thick as you'd want for, say, a HIIT class. FP Movement also always has leggings with the coolest little details, from cutouts to gorgeous colors to piping.
This is the place to go if you like a pop of color.
4. NIKE
Nike is one of those heritage brands that have been around for decades for a reason. It creates a high-performance product that translates to whatever fitness activity you're into. Now, typically when you think of Nike, Pilates probably isn't the first workout that comes to mind, but don't let that fool you. Its leggings have all the qualities one would look for. Plus, you might even feel a bit sportier wearing the Nike symbol on your reformer.
5. BEYOND YOGA
Beyond Yoga is one of my newer discoveries that I'm bummed I waited so long to try. Similar to Alo, its leggings are perfectly high-waisted, made of fabric that's just the right weight and stretch, and always come in the prettiest colors. I now have to stop myself from purchasing more of its matching sets.
Green seems to go with everything but feels like a nice change from black.
The perfect stepping stone to branch out from black leggings.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Spring Outfits from Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom—You're Welcome
Outfits for everything from a wedding to brunch.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Sunscreen Filters Abroad Are Totally Elite—Here's Why They're Not Available in the U.S. Yet
It's a bummer, but I have hope.
By Shawna Hudson
-
I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Spring Outfits from Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom—You're Welcome
Outfits for everything from a wedding to brunch.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Found: The Only Nordstrom Spring Sale Picks You Need for Expensive-Looking Outfits
These gems are all under $150.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The 30 Items That Will Define Style This Spring
From Prada to Phoebe Philo.
By Eliza Huber
-
These Are the 2025 Versions of Every Basic Your Closet Needs
Bookmark this.
By Allyson Payer
-
I Already Have an Elevated Closet, But If I Were to Start Over, I'd Go for These 5 Staples
Effortless outfit ideas ahead.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These 5 Inspiring Outfits Are Proof You Can Easily Merge Classic and Trendy Styles
Trust me, you're going to want to re-create these looks.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The 2025 It Girl's Wardrobe: 9 Highly Specific Brands and Buys They're All Wearing
From handbags to jeans to jewelry.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Well-Dressed Celebs Have Basically Stopped Wearing These 3 Shoe Styles With Leggings
Find out which five styles they're into.
By Allyson Payer