Pilates Technique Thursday: What Are You Wearing? How Clothes Affect the Way We Move

Tight vs baggy clothing: how what we wear influences posture, breath, and movement freedom.

We often think about the movements, the breath, the alignment, the flow, but how often do we stop and consider the role our clothing plays in our practice?

What we wear affects how we move. It’s that simple. Whether it’s tight clothing that restricts or baggy clothing that conceals, our outfits can either support or sabotage our ability to move freely and with awareness.

Too Tight? You Might Be Holding Back

Supportive doesn’t have to mean restrictive. While compression leggings and snug tops can feel secure, they can also create tension or reduce mobility, particularly in the hips, shoulders, and ribcage.

Clients often don't realise their sports bra is affecting their ability to breathe deeply, or that their leggings are stopping them from accessing full hip flexion. In Pilates, where breath and range of motion are essential, this matters.

We want clothing that stretches with the body, not clothing that fights against it.

Too Loose? You Might Be Hiding Your Pilates Movement

On the other side, oversized or baggy clothing can make it hard for us as teachers to see what’s really happening. Is the pelvis level in bridge? Are the ribs flaring during abdominal work? Is the spine truly lengthened in roll down?

Loose clothing may feel comfortable and forgiving, but it can obscure alignment and posture, making it harder for both the client and the teacher to pick up on key movement cues.

It’s not about dressing to be seen, it’s about dressing to allow the body to be read clearly.

Comfort = Confidence = Quality Movement

Let’s not forget the emotional layer. Clothes affect how we feel. If a client feels self-conscious, too exposed, or simply uncomfortable in their outfit, it can show up as hesitation, poor focus, or restricted breath.

When clients feel comfortable in what they’re wearing, supported, secure, and still free to move, something shifts. They breathe more easily, move more fluidly, and their confidence rises. It becomes one less barrier between them and their body.

We Teach Through What We Wear Too

As teachers, our clothes also speak. Not just about style, but about clarity. Are we demonstrating alignment clearly? Are we able to move easily and cue from different positions? Are we showing the practice we’re asking others to follow?

We’re not suggesting a dress code but it’s worth considering how your wardrobe supports your teaching. Your outfit should let you move, demonstrate, and focus on your client, not on adjusting your top or pulling down your leggings.

Final Word: Dress With Intention

In Pilates, every detail counts. The way we breathe. The way we cue. The way we observe. So it’s only natural that the way we dress plays a role too.

Wear clothing that allows the breath to move, the spine to lengthen, and the body to feel free. And encourage your clients to do the same. After all, Pilates is about freedom, awareness, and connection. Let your clothing reflect that.