Best Pilates Shorts for Women: Mat and Reformer Picks (2026)

Shorts are fine for Pilates, but the best Pilates shorts for women look different from what you'd wear on a run. You spend a lot of class with your legs in the air, so the experts NBC Select spoke to say shorts aren't ideal "unless they're longer and have a liner." Loose shorts make it harder to stay covered, and on a reformer anything baggy can catch in the machine, according to Balanced Body.

What works is fitted, high-rise bike shorts with four-way stretch and no zips, rivets or buttons. Club Pilates Australia notes that shorts give better ventilation than leggings if you run warm, while leggings give full coverage. Below are six pairs that fit those rules, based on what each brand says about its shorts.

Quick comparison

The best Pilates shorts

Best Overall

1. CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Origin Yoga Shorts 8"

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CRZ YOGA's Butterluxe Origin short uses the same fabric as the brand's Butterluxe leggings, which NBC Select called "light on compression and high on stretch, making them ideal for low impact sports like yoga and pilates." That describes the leggings, not these shorts. CRZ YOGA uses the Butterluxe name for both and lists an 81% polyamide / 19% Lycra blend on its pages for the shorts and the legging. NBC lists a different material for the legging it covered ("recycled plastic bottles, spandex"), so treat the fabric match as the brand's claim.

• Fabric: 81% polyamide / 19% Lycra, brushed four-way stretch. CRZ YOGA calls it "Extremely Soft" and "Ultra stretchy, gentle compression."
• Inseam: 8 in. The same line comes in 2.5, 4, 6, 8 and 10 in, according to CRZ YOGA.
• Waist: high rise with a seamless waistband
• Sizes: XXS–XL

An 8-inch inseam sits at the longer end of the range, which fits NBC's expert advice to choose longer shorts so you stay covered with your legs up.

Pros

• ✓ 8-inch inseam for coverage in legs-up work
• ✓ Gentle compression with lots of stretch, per the brand
• ✓ No hardware
• ✓ Under $50

Cons

• ✗ Size range stops at XL
• ✗ No pockets listed
• ✗ Specs are brand claims; no editorial review of the shorts found

Best With Pockets

2. CRZ YOGA Butterlift High Rise Pocket Biker Shorts 6"

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If you want somewhere to stash a phone or key between classes, the Butterlift adds side pockets and a firmer fabric. CRZ YOGA describes it as "a bit thick, medium compression."

• Fabric: 74% polyamide / 26% Lycra, brushed four-way stretch
• Inseam: 6 in
• Waist: high rise with a seamless waistband
• Pockets: side pockets
• Sizes: XXS–XL

Pros

• ✓ Side pockets
• ✓ Medium compression if you like more hold
• ✓ Under $50

Cons

• ✗ A bit thick, per the brand, so less airy than lighter pairs
• ✗ Shorter 6-inch inseam than our top pick
• ✗ Size range stops at XL

Most Size-Inclusive

3. Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Bike Short

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Girlfriend Collective's High-Rise Bike Short runs XXS–6XL and has the longest inseam on this list. Girlfriend Collective's Compressive Pocket Legging, a related compressive style, ranked seventh in NBC Select's test of more than 50 leggings. The fabric match is our reading of the specs, not a brand claim.

• Fabric: 79% recycled polyester / 21% spandex, four-way stretch. The brand calls it "sweat-wicking and sheer-proof."
• Inseam: 8.5 in
• Rise: 10.25 in on a size S and 12.25 in on XXL, per the brand
• Hold: compressive; the brand says it "holds you in" and calls the shorts "ride up-resistant"
• Pocket: small hidden back pocket. A separate Pocket Bike Short version adds two deep side pockets.

Girlfriend Collective says the short is "designed for high-impact workouts," so it's firmer than a typical Pilates pick. It's a good match if you like a held-in feel.

Pros

• ✓ XXS–6XL sizing
• ✓ Longest inseam here at 8.5 in
• ✓ Sheer-proof and ride up-resistant, per the brand

Cons

• ✗ Firmer compression than most people need for Pilates
• ✗ $50–100 price tier
• ✗ Amazon listing not confirmed

Best Budget With Extended Sizes

4. Baleaf Women's 8" High-Waisted Compression Biker Shorts

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Baleaf's 8-inch biker short is the budget pick if you need sizes past XL. Baleaf says the high rise gives "tummy control while bending and stretching," with an "elastic wide waist band."

• Fabric: 75% nylon / 25% spandex
• Inseam: 8 in. Baleaf says the "longer inseam prevent[s] thighs from rubbing."
• Pockets: big side pockets for phones
• Sizes: XS–3XL

Baleaf markets these shorts for yoga, biking and running. Skip Baleaf's padded cycling shorts for Pilates: the chamois isn't needed and adds bulk when you lie on the mat or carriage.

Pros

• ✓ Under $50
• ✓ Sizes to 3XL
• ✓ Phone-size side pockets
• ✓ 8-inch inseam

Cons

• ✗ Compression level isn't described beyond the product name
• ✗ Specs are brand claims; no editorial review found

Best Splurge

5. Alo Yoga 7" High-Waist Biker Short

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Alo lists this 7-inch Airbrush short under its Pilates activity category. Alo describes it as made from "lifting, sculpting Airbrush fabric," with four-way stretch and moisture-wicking.

• Inseam: 7 in (Alo also sells a 5 in version)
• Waist: high waist
• Sizes: XXS–L

We couldn't confirm the fiber content, compression level or whether it has pockets from Alo's product data.

Pros

• ✓ Listed by Alo under Pilates
• ✓ 7-inch inseam
• ✓ Four-way stretch and moisture-wicking, per Alo

Cons

• ✗ Sizes stop at L
• ✗ Fiber content and compression unverified
• ✗ Sold by Alo, not confirmed on Amazon

Best Shorter Option

6. Beyond Yoga Spacedye Keep Pace 5" Biker Short

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If 8-inch shorts feel like too much fabric, Beyond Yoga calls the Keep Pace 5" "the goldilocks of biker shorts: not too long, and not a short-short either."

• Fabric: 87% polyester / 13% elastane, per Beyond Yoga
• Inseam: 5 in
• Waist: 5-inch waistband that sits at the natural waist
• Seams: no outseam
• Sizes: XXS–XXL

At 5 inches, it's shorter than the "longer" shorts NBC's experts recommend for legs-up work, so check your coverage in a mirror before class. We couldn't confirm its compression level. Beyond Yoga often lists it on sale, so the price tier may vary.

Pros

• ✓ Less fabric for warm studios
• ✓ Wide waistband at the natural waist
• ✓ Sizes to XXL

Cons

• ✗ Shorter than expert coverage advice suggests
• ✗ Compression level not stated

Pilates leggings or shorts?

Club Pilates Australia says the choice "ultimately depends on your personal preference and your comfort level." Here's how its guidance breaks down:

Tap the diagram to enlarge

Either way, the fabric should be "stretchy enough to accommodate a wide range of motions," according to Club Pilates Australia. If you'd rather have full coverage, the same Butterluxe fabric comes as the CRZ YOGA Butterluxe 25" legging. Our best Pilates leggings guide compares more options.

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How to choose Pilates shorts

Inseam: longer is safer for legs-up work

No source we found gives a minimum inseam for Pilates. NBC Select's experts only say shorts should be "longer" so you "stay totally covered" with your legs in the air. As a rule of thumb (our inference, not a standard), about 6 to 8.5 inches covers most legs-up moves. Five of our six picks fall in that range.

Tap the diagram to enlarge

Fit: fitted with four-way stretch

Obé Fitness instructor Marcia Meade told NBC Select to "avoid oversized, baggy clothing, which can get in the way." Club Pilates master instructor Vanessa Johnson added that "form-fitting clothing helps instructors see your body and correct your form more accurately." For stretch, Nofar Method founder Nofar Hagag told ELLE that "the four-way stretch is non-negotiable."

Waistband and rise

You spend a lot of class on your back and curling up. One Club Pilates master trainer told the brand she likes a thick waistband that will "stay put while I teach." All six picks are high rise or sit at the natural waist, per their brands.

Compression

For most people, gentle compression is plenty, like the CRZ Butterluxe. If you like a held-in feel, the Butterlift (medium) or Girlfriend Collective (compressive) are firmer, according to their brands.

Opacity

Bend forward or squat in front of a mirror in good light before class. Of our picks, only Girlfriend Collective explicitly claims its fabric is sheer-proof.

Reformer Pilates shorts: no zips, rivets or buttons

Balanced Body, which makes reformers, recommends "form-fitting clothing that allows for a full range of motion without being loose enough to get caught in the Reformer's parts." It also says to "always choose clothing without exposed zippers, metal rivets, or plastic buttons," which can tear or puncture the vinyl upholstery. Its warranty excludes damage to fabric caused by zippers, snaps or other apparel adornments. Skip padded cycling shorts too: the chamois isn't needed for Pilates.

Pilates shorts for men

The same rules apply: NBC Select's experts suggest longer, lined, fitted shorts. NBC's only shorts pick in its Pilates gear guide is the men's Lululemon License to Train Lined Short. NBC lists a 7-inch lined version but no other specs; we couldn't verify them on Lululemon's site. For the rest of the outfit, see what to wear to Pilates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear shorts to Pilates?

Yes. NBC Select lists biker shorts as suitable Pilates apparel. Its experts say regular shorts aren't ideal unless they're longer and lined, because you often have your legs in the air.

Are bike shorts good for Pilates?

Yes, if they're fitted, high-rise and free of zips or rivets. NBC Select lists biker shorts as Pilates apparel, and Balanced Body asks for form-fitting clothing with no exposed hardware on the reformer.

What shorts are best for reformer Pilates?

Fitted, stretchy shorts with nothing loose enough to catch in the reformer's parts and no exposed zippers, rivets or buttons. Balanced Body says those can tear the vinyl upholstery. That points to high-rise bike shorts rather than loose running shorts.

Is it better to wear leggings or shorts to Pilates?

It's personal preference. Club Pilates Australia says leggings give full coverage, which helps when sliding on the reformer, and shorts give better ventilation if you run warm.

What inseam should Pilates shorts have?

No source gives a number. NBC Select's experts favor longer shorts so you stay covered with your legs up. Most of our picks are 6 to 8.5 inches, per their brands, and a 5-inch pair is the shorter end.

What should men wear for Pilates shorts?

Longer, lined, fitted shorts, per experts quoted by NBC Select. NBC Select's men's pick is the Lululemon License to Train Lined Short.

The verdict

Start with the CRZ YOGA Butterluxe 8". It has the length, gentle stretch and no-hardware build that instructor advice points to, for under $50.

• Want pockets and more hold: Butterlift 6"
• Need sizes past XL on a budget: Baleaf 8" (to 3XL)
• Need up to 6XL or like a firm hold: Girlfriend Collective
• Run hot and are comfortable with less coverage: Beyond Yoga Keep Pace 5"
• Want a Pilates-category splurge in straight sizes: Alo 7"

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Sources

1. NBC Select, Pilates 101: The best Pilates apparel, equipment and apps
2. Balanced Body, Everything you need to know about Reformer Pilates
3. Club Pilates Australia, What to wear to Reformer Pilates
4. Balanced Body, Warranty
5. Girlfriend Collective, High-Rise Bike Short
6. Girlfriend Collective, High-Rise Pocket Bike Short
7. Girlfriend Collective, Bike shorts collection
8. CRZ YOGA, Butterluxe Origin Yoga Shorts 8"
9. CRZ YOGA, Butterlift High Rise Pocket Biker Shorts 6"
10. CRZ YOGA, Biker shorts collection
11. Alo Yoga, 7" High-Waist Biker Short
12. Baleaf, Women's 8" High-Waisted Compression Biker Shorts
13. Beyond Yoga, Spacedye Keep Pace 5" Biker Short
14. Club Pilates, What to wear to your first class
15. ELLE via Yahoo, Pilates class in your future? Here's what to wear
16. NBC Select, Best leggings of 2026, tested and reviewed
17. NBC Select, Best leggings on Amazon
18. CRZ YOGA, Butterluxe High Waisted Legging 25"