The Pilates girl uniform has changed: 6 Athleta pieces replacing basic leggings
The Pilates aesthetic has become one of the biggest fashion trends of the year, and it's no longer just about matching leggings and sports bras.
Scroll through TikTok and Instagram or take a look inside your local coffee shop and you'll spot the same new studio-to-street staples everywhere: wrap tops, oversized button-downs , barrel-leg pants, elevated quarter-zips, grip socks and even tennis-inspired skorts.
Athleta is one of the brands driving the Pilates girl uniform trend for 2026, with versatile pieces that work for reformer classes, errands, travel days and everything in between. These are the six Athleta styles Pilates fans keep reaching for right now.
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1. Wrap tops are replacing basic workout layers
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.
Best for: Layering before and after class
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.
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Why this trend is taking off
- Easy to layer over sports bras
- Ballet-inspired styling
- Comfortable enough for warm-ups and cool-downs
- Looks polished outside the studio
2. Barrel-leg leggings are the new fashion-forward alternative
For shoppers who feel burned out on skin-tight activewear, the barrel-leg trend offers a welcome update to the standard Pilates uniform.
Best for: Shoppers tired of traditional leggings
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. They're comfortable enough for movement but stylish enough to wear throughout the day.
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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
3. Oversized button-downs have become the secret weapon of Pilates style
Athleta's casual layering pieces, especially relaxed shirting and breathable button-down shirts, fit seamlessly into this trend.
Best for: The effortless off-duty Pilates look
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.
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How Pilates girls are styling them:
- Open over sports bras
- Layered with biker shorts
- Tied at the waist
- Paired with leggings and sneakers
4. Zip-ups shouldn't be overlooked
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."
Best for: Chilly studio mornings
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.
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The appeal:
- Easy layering piece
- Creates a sleek silhouette
- Works year-round
- Pairs with nearly every Pilates outfit
5. Grip socks have become a style statement
Many Pilates fans build entire outfits around subtle color palettes, making coordinated grip socks the finishing touch.
Best for: Reformer classes
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.
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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
6. Tennis-inspired skirts are crossing over into Pilates wardrobes
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.
Best for: Studio-to-brunch outfits
Ace A-Line 13.5-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.
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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
Why Pilates style is everywhere right now
The appeal isn't really about Pilates.
Today's shoppers want pieces that feel comfortable enough for a workout but polished enough for everyday life. The result is a new category of activewear that blurs the line between fitness apparel and casual fashion.
Athleta's strongest styles tap directly into that demand, offering versatile pieces that blur the line between activewear and everyday fashion.
So while leggings remain a cornerstone of the Pilates uniform, they're no longer the whole story. Wrap tops, oversized button-downs, zip-ups, grip socks, barrel-leg silhouettes and tennis-inspired skirts are helping define the next chapter of studio-to-street style—and Pilates girls can't seem to get enough of them.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pilates girls are ditching basic leggings for these 6 Athleta staples
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