What Australian Pilates teachers are wearing to class
IMAGE VIA @georgialucyc/INSTAGRAM
as told to daisy henry
“I dress for movement and comfort above all else.”
Most industries have a uniform of sorts: in corporate fields like law and finance, it’s the expected blazer and pants; in construction, it’s high-vis and steel-cap boots; while creative fields are a colourful free-for-all.
When it comes to Pilates, you wouldn’t be alone in picturing a matching Lycra set and runners. However, the reality is never that cut and dry. The beauty of the fitness industry for many is that there’s no prescribed uniform or way of showing up.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
Considering we’ve stepped through the working wardrobes of those in a range of other sectors, it seemed like a good opportunity to visit the studio and ask Pilates teachers what exactly they wear to a class. And though each person’s preference differs, the most common requirement is comfort – something I’m sure anyone, no matter the industry, wouldn’t shy away from.
Kirsten King, founder of Fluidform
“Dressing to teach has become a ritual in itself for me. Always something comfortable, durable, breathable. But beyond the practicalities, you really want to feel good, confident and a little bit aspirational to keep your clients motivated (plus they love a recommendation).
The materials we put on our skin matter, just like our skincare, which is why I love brands like Nagnata who use natural wool fibres. Apparently leggings are out, but I’ve always loved a full length legging from Live The Process or Lululemon, a cropped jacket from Camilla and Marc or PE Nation, and a classic black set from Celine.”
Amy Meli, instructor at Good Times Pilates
“I’d say my work style is a bit Sporty Spice. I’m usually in Adidas trackpants – they’re comfortable, easy to move in and still feel put together. I’m obsessed with these Pinky and Kamal tops because they make me feel snatched while still being practical for teaching. Then I usually finish off the look with a pop of colour with my Salomon sneakers. Since I’m on my feet all day in the studio, my approach to work dressing is sporty and functional, but still fun.”
Sienna Doolan, head of Pilates education and instructor at Upstate
“You’ll usually find me teaching in a baggy tee or a comfy Upstate jumper. Studio days are busy, so I dress for movement and comfort above all else. I easily clock up 10,000 steps between teaching, demonstrating and running around the room helping members, so a good pair of New Balance sneakers is non-negotiable. They keep my feet happy after long days on the studio floor.
My go-to outfit is an oversized Upstate T-shirt paired with soft leggings or wide-leg trackpants. It’s relaxed, practical and still feels very studio-ready. It’s basically the perfect uniform for a full day of Pilates.”
Georgia Lucy, instructor at Good Times Pilates
“Nagnata is my go-to when attending Pilates. In the warmer months, I love wearing its bodysuits with a fun coloured pair of retro shorts. They’re both merino, which you’d think would get really hot, but is actually temperature regulating and feels incredibly breathable! It’s also antimicrobial, which is a huge win when you work up a sweat.
When it’s colder, I love to pair a bodysuit with the label’s trackpants. I have both the Romeo and the Motley styles. They’re so comfortable to move in and chic to wear out to coffee or a wine after.
Nagnata’s focus on sustainability and its consideration for high-quality, organic fabrics makes moving in their pieces feel considered and luxurious. It’s is so special to bring those values into the exercise and Pilates space.”
Bella Fairbrother, instructor at Good Times Pilates
“I love reaching for an Estroni woollen set, a vintage Tommy Hilfiger shirt and my Country Road flats. I prefer gravitating towards natural fabrics that still feel comfortable enough to move in. I can’t work in clothing that’s too stiff, as I’ll usually need to make adjustments and demonstrate.”
Sharon Liu, director and instructor at Club Ronny
“As someone who’s always been interested in fashion but spends 80 per cent of the week in activewear, my approach to dressing for work has simplified over the years into a uniform that feels like me, both in and outside of the studio. It’s a typical run-around outfit that makes me feel put together, while ensuring I’m ready for everything.
Nowadays, it’s important to me that what I wear doesn’t have any zippers or hardware that will scratch the leather upholstery on Pilates equipment. My ride-or-die Bloch ballet leotard that I’ve had for over a decade is my MVP base layer. It has a classic ruched front and a half-open back, which feels fitted, without being distracting or too revealing. I typically wear trackpants over the top like this pair from Nagnata. My slides are from Alias Mae and the bag is Ganni from Mane by Stable. Between locations, I’ll throw on my favourite Good Times Pilates camo cap, which feels equal parts sun-smart and incognito while I’m off-duty.”
Bonnie Costa, retreats manager and instructor at Upstate
“In the warmer months, whether I’m teaching in the studio or on retreat, I tend to reach for a cropped singlet and bike shorts. When it’s humid, having my arms free makes it much easier to demonstrate exercises and move comfortably through class. Upstate Sport always nails the colourways and the cuts are super flattering.
If I’m teaching on retreat, I’m usually barefoot, but in the studio, I’ll pair the look with crew socks and either my trusty New Balance or Salomon sneakers. The no-tie feature on both makes them easy to slip on and off if I want to quickly run through my sequence before opening the door.”
Cat Webb, owner and instructor at Good Times Pilates
“Here I’m wearing a Jungles Jungles T-shirt, Deiji Studios Tab Pant (I also have these in black), blue suede Birkenstock Bostons (the perfect slide to wear with grippy socks) and a stack of jewellery to make me feel a bit more put together when I’m teaching. I always pair this with a watch (the number one teaching accessory!) and my Jimmy Fairly glasses.”
For more on the benefits of Pilates, try this.
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