The best Pilates socks have become our uniform for our weekly reformer and mat Pilates sessions. But it’s not just us that has caught the low-impact bug — A-listers love it too. From Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, to Margot Robbie and Jennifer Aniston, this challenging yet slower form of fitness blends breathwork, strength and balance in one feel-good package.

Unlike HIIT or padel, Pilates is about controlled movements, not demanding drills, so it’s suitable for all ages and abilities. Founded by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, it encourages people to “build deep strength — especially through your core, glutes, and postural muscles. It also helps improve balance, flexibility, and stability by moving with control and confidence,” explains Pilates PT founder, Hollie Grant.

What’s more, while Pilates has a long list of physical benefits, it also supports our mental health, too: “Moving with your breath draws a deeper connection to the body, which can help reduce stress, improve mental focus, sleep and increase energy”, adds Pilates expert, Hannah Page.

But, whether you practice mat or reformer Pilates, and at home or in a Pilates studio, there is one often-overlooked piece of kit that will help elevate your workout. “Pilates socks are specially designed socks for mat and reformer Pilates,” explains Salma El-Ansary, a Pilates, yoga and barre instructor, plus wellness coach. “They include non-slip silicone grips at the bottom of the foot and are quite snug, so they do not bunch up while exercising. The grippier, the better in my opinion.”

With that in mind, we’ve spent the last six months testing pilates socks to see which are worthy of a place in your gym bag. So, read on to find out which we rated as the best Pilates socks for 2026, as well as answers to common activewear FAQs from industry experts.