5 Activewear Trends I Spot in Every Pilates Studio in Manhattan

The Venn diagram of New Yorkers, fashion people, and Pilates-goers is not a perfect circle, but there's quite an overlap. My local reformer class in Williamsburg (it's not a bougie scene by any standards, I swear) is a low-key treasure trove of cool activewear looks, so you can only imagine how that dials up as you near SoHo or any buzzy studio that offers discounts to model agencies and wellness influencers. I secretly love it.

I have a theory that the reason Pilates lends itself to such good outfits is partly due to the way lower-intensity workouts allow for a little regular-life fashion to creep in. Unlike sweatier exercise that can require the kind of performance-driven activewear that suggests you take your workouts quite seriously, the gentler nature of Pilates means there's a broader range of options that are suitable to wear to class and then continue to wear as you head off to lunch and then Trader Joe's since you don't need to dive straight into the shower like you do after HIIT or hot yoga. A basic long-sleeve ribbed top, a baggy Whitney Houston tee, a button-down shirt over a sports bra? These looks are every bit as acceptable as a racerback tank and matching leggings.

Right now in NYC, there is a handful of trends I've been spotting on repeat as I try to distract myself from the burn in my glutes during the side-lying series. Whether you're into good old-fashioned sporty styles or the kind of casual athleisure that suggests you're quite familiar with your studio's cancellation fee, here are some trendy little activewear moments for you to pair with your grippy socks.

Bike-Shorts Sets

Spring is here, and that means bike-shorts sets are back! It's the perfect base for just throwing on headphones and a light jacket or button down shirt after class, grabbing your tote, and going about the rest of your day.

Mocha Tones

This color trend isn't going anywhere, and it was only a matter of time before it trickled down to our workout looks. If your go-to activewear is anything so long as it's black, shades of brown make for a chic alt that's on-trend but not too attention-grabbing.

Long-Sleeve Crop Tops

I love a long-sleeve top for Pilates, and long-sleeve crop tops are the moment. There are loads of options designed specifically for working out, but I love a classic cotton top that has a life outside of class.

Soft Headbands

The rise of stretchy flat headbands might be the most noticeable trend of all. ALO's best-selling black style is a crowd favorite, but there's more fun to be had if you're up for it, including on-trend shades like buttery yellow and, yes, more brown.

Wrap Tops

Last year's balletcore trend might not be done yet if the current uptick in wrap tops is anything to go by. A sub-trend of the chic long-sleeve crop tops we've already discussed, this pretty trend deserves its own moment.