I'm a VIP Pilates Instructor in NYC—26 Things All My Clients Wear to Class

These days, it feels like we can't escape Pilates. Online, videos of self-proclaimed "Pilates princesses" heading to class are going viral, and offline, celebrities like Lori Harvey and Hailey Bieber seem to always be going to and from their favored studios. Even if you've never tried a class for yourself, chances are the thought has crossed your mind at some point. Whether you're a reformer pro or have no idea of what to expect, one thing we can help with is the question of what to wear to Pilates. To help ease the stress and eliminate any uncertainty before you walk into the studio, we've tapped an expert to weigh in on what makes a successful Pilates look and the best essentials to have in your bag post-class.
Pilates, much like yoga, focuses on posture, balance, and flexibility and works to strengthen the body. Because of this, your workout attire should be comfortable and nonrestrictive (there's a lot of bending, stretching, and twisting involved), body-hugging (formfitting tops are essential in ensuring the instructor is able to see muscle movement during the workout), and, of course, breathable and sweat-wicking. Another important thing worth mentioning? Pilates is typically done barefoot or with grip socks, so no need to worry about purchasing the proper sneakers. Still curious about what the regulars are wearing and bringing to the studio? We've got the full rundown below.
When we think of a Pilates pro—someone with years of experience, a wealth of knowledge, and the aesthetic to show for it—Georgia Wood Murphy pretty much comes to mind. Founder of the private and semi-private Tera Studio & Pilates Club in NYC, Wood Murphy is a reformer-certified Pilates instructor with over four years of experience and a roster of prominent Manhattan-dwelling clientele.
Before opening Tera, Wood Murphy taught at a few studios in the city, including the celebrity-adored Forma Pilates, while working full-time in consulting. "Tera, the word, stems from the Latin word statera, which means 'balance,'" she tells Who What Wear. "The goal at Tera is to achieve balance of both the mind, body, and soul. Ultimately, I wanted to create a stunning space for my clients to come, work hard, and be surrounded by like-minded people who want to do the same. We are creating a community at Tera that doesn't just end when the class is over." With that, continue on to shop all the Pilates and post-Pilates essentials that Wood Murphy's clients always wear to class.
The Ultimate Pilates-Inspired Shopping List
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
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