What to wear to Pilates that isn’t Lycra.
If you’ve been scrolling social media lately, you might’ve caught wind: leggings have been cancelled, apparently. Once a trusted staple of anyone who frequents a gym, reformer bed, yoga studio or walking track, tight-fitting activewear has been cast aside and subbed in with the likes of Paloma Wool trousers and oversized, cotton T-shirts.
Now, we’re very much against letting a vocal minority dictate your style choices. Likewise, we’re strong advocates for wearing (and rewearing) pieces regardless of where they sit in the trend cycle. When it comes to high-intensity cardio, Lycra is still very much a key player in our wardrobes, and thankfully, there’s no shortage of traditional activewear labels for when the time calls.
Kickstart your wellness journey over at our Health section.
But if leggings have never felt like your ‘thing’ and your preferred mode of exercise favours stretching and slow movements, it’s a great time to explore new options. And a number of Australian labels have pieces that can easily transition from daily wear to workout.
We’d suggest starting by looking for comfortable silhouettes in natural, breathable fibres that wash easily, like cotton, bamboo or certain weaves of merino wool. To help point you in the right direction, we’ve curated some of our favourites below.
Deiji Studios
A firm favourite in the Fashion Journal office, Deiji Studios has a number of relaxed, cotton styles that will keep you comfortable as you sweat. We know this because its pieces have already been in heavy rotation across our summer wardrobes, seeing us through 40+ degree days. Pilates teacher and physiotherapist Georgia Lucy also points to the label as a favourite for her workouts, so it has professional backing.
Wixii
Based in New Zealand, Wixii uses natural fibres across its entire line of staple silhouettes. Its fabrics are a lot more premium than you’d expect for the price point (right now there’s a silk-cashmere blend for $160) and while luxurious, its styles that wouldn’t look out of place in a gym setting. Wixii’s pieces are the kind that would have you tapping someone on the shoulder, asking where they got that perfectly cut tee.
Briar Will
You may have forgotten, but track pants were originally designed for running track, as the name suggests. They’ve since morphed into more of a comfort item (ours have barely left the couch in years) but sportier styles have started creeping back into studio and gym settings. Briar Will’s take on the style is instantly recognisable, with a tromp l’oeil design across both full-length and shorter cuts. Plus, each piece is made in Melbourne.
Nico
Nico’s colourful basics is dopamine dressing at its core. Its range of colourful T-shirts are all made from a plant dyed organic cotton, meaning its designed to hold shape and softness with wear (and that means no pilling, too). Wear it to your Pilates class in the morning and leave it on as you go about the rest of your day.
Exotic Import
Exotic Import is a Melbourne label, founded by our friends at Who Boutique. Think boxy T-shirts, hot pink hues, baby hoodies and large fonts – all styles that will bring a flirty and fun Y2k feel to your early morning gym class.
Kowtow
New Zealand label Kowtow is clothing that makes you feel good in every sense of the word. It’s range is entirely plastic-free and instead, made from Fairtrade organic cotton, with a fully traceable supply chain. From its hoodies and track pants to T-shirts and tanks, every piece is breathable and made to stand the test of time.
Clothing the Gaps
As tempting as a puffer jacket be on cold mornings to and from the gym, we’d argue nothing feels quite as cosy as a fleece jumper – especially one from Clothing The Gaps. A Victorian-based label, Clothing The Gaps is an Aboriginal led and controlled social enterprise that uses fashion to help create social change. You’ll find a range of hoodies, track pants, T-Shirts (and more) with ‘Mob only’ and ‘Ally friendly’ labels to help you choose which is the best fit for you.
My Mum Made It
Brisbane-based label, My Mum Made It, is another favourite of Pilates teacher, Georgia, and it’s easy to see why. It’s babydoll dresses, and ruffled tops and bottoms, will bring a touch of romance and whimsy as you’re doing your morning stretches. It’s very main character.
Paire
Paire’s entire philosophy is built around making clothes comfortable, functional and sustainable. Each piece of clothing is designed to be soft and breathable, making it a staple for both your Pilates class and days lounging around the house. Find soft T-shirts, silk-wool blend sweaters and activewear made from corn waste.
Nagnata
No list is complete without a nod to Byron Bay label, Nagnata. While technically an activewear and lifestyle label, Nagnata is more than its leggings and crops. The brand has expanded further into ready-to-wear, offering a range of sweaters, bodysuits, cardigans and more. Though the one piece we keep returning to is its Organic Motley Track Pants.
For more on activewear, try this.