Much like many of today’s breakout fitness movements, hot pilates owes its rapid rise to TikTok. While practising yoga in heated studios has long been part of the wellness mainstream, it is only within the past few years that heated pilates has firmly established itself across the UK fitness scene.
Purpose-built studios are now emerging nationwide, from Yours to Good Good Studio, while premium gym brands have broadened their class timetables to include this high-heat, low-impact workout. Names such as Third Space and Heartcore have embraced the trend, bringing infrared pilates into their regular programming.
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Pilates is widely recognised as a low-impact discipline that strengthens the core, enhances flexibility and tones the body. Introducing heat intensifies these benefits, as warmer muscles feel looser, more responsive and deeply engaged, while also helping to reduce injury risk. The elevated temperature additionally supports improved circulation throughout the session.
With studios typically heated to 35°C to 40°C, mat-based classes quickly become demanding, making carefully chosen, sweat-ready clothing essential. Selecting heat-appropriate activewear can make all the difference inside an infrared room. “You want pieces that are lightweight, breathable and able to handle heat and sweat while still allowing you to move freely,” says Georgia Christie, head of operations at hot sculpt studio Yours.
Christie recommends focusing on seamless, sweat-wicking fabrics, explaining that they stretch comfortably, allow airflow and dry quickly, making them ideal for infrared workouts where the intensity builds fast. She favours the Adanola collection, particularly the Impact Seamless set. “The fabric is soft, stretchy and supportive without feeling heavy, which is perfect for high-sweat sessions,” she notes. Christie also highlights their durability, an important factor when garments require frequent washing. She adds that the coffee bean shade is both on-trend and universally flattering, while its deeper tone helps conceal sweat, allowing you to move with confidence as the heat rises.
Drawing on expert advice and personal experience in the infrared studio — now a weekly New Year’s commitment — this guide outlines exactly what to wear to hot pilates. Expect practical, performance-led pieces designed to keep you composed through roll-ups, roll-overs and hundreds in heatwave-level conditions.
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Supportive Sports Bra
Although pilates is traditionally low impact, the heat can make the class feel far more intense. For this reason, opting for a medium-support sports bra is recommended. Christie advises choosing a style that provides stability “while still allowing freedom through the upper body,” ensuring comfort during flowing movements and sustained holds.
Breathable Shorts
“For infrared workouts, I recommend shorts over leggings,” says Christie. Leggings can retain excess heat, whereas shorts help regulate body temperature and allow greater freedom, particularly during dynamic and standing sequences. If you are heading out into colder conditions post-class, she suggests layering with the On Studio Flared Tights, praising their flattering fit, comfort and lifestyle-friendly design that transitions seamlessly beyond the studio.
Lightweight Pilates Top
Some participants choose to skip a top altogether to minimise layers in the heat. However, for those who prefer added coverage, Christie recommends a lightweight, breathable top. She notes that keeping the underarm area exposed is key, as it allows the body to regulate heat more effectively during intense sections of the class.
Essential Grip Socks
Most studios require the use of grip socks for safety and hygiene reasons. While some may prefer practising barefoot, these specialised socks enhance stability on the mat and help prevent slipping, especially once perspiration builds, ensuring consistent control throughout the session.
