What to Wear to a Pure Barre Class

Good morning! We’re one day into the week and I hope things are going smoothly for you!

My morning kicked off with a 6 a.m. Pure Barre class.

Yep, my barre obsession is still going strong. I’ve had quite a few of you ask me questions about Pure Barre. Definitely check out these two blog posts by fellow Pure Barre fanatics for answers to some of them:

• Pure Barre: Tips From Your Teacher (LifeofBlyss.com)
• Pure Barre: Five Tips for Newbies (EatingBirdFood.com)

One question I received more than a few times was the question about what to wear to your first class. For some reason I was also a little intimidated walking into my first Pure Barre class (I think the smaller studio environment has something to do with that), so I figured a quick run-down about what to wear might interest some of you! Plus, it’s always fun to talk about cute workout clothes, right? 

A quick note: I’m a firm believer that you should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable during a workout. In my mind, there’s no need to “dress to impress” during a workout and I know some barre studios are known for being “all Lululemon all the time.” Fortunately the environment at my favorite Pure Barre studio doesn’t have that vibe during the morning classes I attend. This “What To Wear To A Pure Barre Class” post is simply a rundown of what I personally choose to wear based on what makes me feel comfortable and what I’ve noticed most people tend to wear during a class to make them feel comfortable during the workout as well.

What to Wear to a Pure Barre Class

• Capris or Yoga Pants

There is a lot of stretching, pulsing movements and lifts that make capris or yoga pants a great choice for Pure Barre. I know I would feel uncomfortable in shorts because I’d worry about showing off the goodies during certain positions. Resistance bands are frequently used as well and might pull at the skin or slide around if you wear shorts which would be quite uncomfortable.

Personal Favorites: Moving Comfort Urban Gym Tight (my all-time favorite), Old Navy Compression Legging (great affordable option), Athleta Chaturanga Tight 

More Options: Old Navy Ombre Compression Capri, Athleta Plie Tight (very popular at my studio), C9 by Champion C9 Yoga Legging

• Grippy Socks

Pure Barre studios sell grippy socks for around $14 which the vast majority of people wear to classes. You will need socks but whether or not you wear grippy socks is up to you. I’m a little more than two weeks into Pure Barre and finally ordered a pair of grippy socks online because I was sick of sliding around. (The core work in Pure Barre is hard enough without feeling like you’re unstable, too!)

A Few Options: Gaiam Grippy Yoga Socks, Pure Barre Sticky Socks, Reebok No Skid Yoga Socks

• Sports Bra

Pure Barre is a low-impact workout. While a sports bra is a must on my list, I feel comfortable wearing some of the sports bras I own that are slightly less supportive than some of the sports bras I wear for running or plyometric workouts. I like something that holds me in place and makes me feel secure but still allows for comfortable, fluid movement.

Personal Favorites: Reebok Yoga Bra, C9 by Champion Seamless Sports Bra, Moving Comfort Hot Shot Bra, Balance Collection Sports Bras (purchased at TJMaxx and Marshalls)

A Few Options: Old Navy Double Strap Bra (love the carbon color), Lululemon Energy Bra, Lucy Zenergy Bra

• Tank Top or T-Shirt

Though I am never dripping in sweat during a Pure Barre workout, I do sweat and prefer to wear sweat-wicking tanks with a slim fit. I wear flowy tanks, too, but prefer tanks that fit slightly closer to my body so they hug my core and don’t fall toward my face during certain stretches.

Personal Favorites: Reebok Studio Cloud Tank, Lululemon Cool Racerback

A Few Options: New Balance Satya Cami, Moving Comfort Flex Tee, Athleta Chi Tank, C9 by Champion Seamless Tank, Gap Fit Multi-Strap Racerback

• Lightweight Pullover

A lightweight pullover is something I don’t think is necessary, but I’ve noticed a bunch of women prefer to wear something with sleeves during the warm up portion of the class since the studio is often chilly so I figured I would include it!

Personal Favorite: Moving Comfort Gotta Love It Tunic

A Few Options: Champion Loose Fit Yoga Layer Top, Gap Fit Breathe Long-Sleeve Hoodie

• Headband

This is another item I do not think is necessary, but I personally wear a headband to most classes because I like to have my hair out of my face.

Personal Favorites: BICBands, Sparkly Soul

Questions of the Morning

• What in one item from your closet that you’re loving for your workouts lately?
• Pure Barre fans: Is there anything I forgot to include in this list that you always wear during a Pure Barre workout?

I’m all about my workout headbands. This isn’t a new thing for me, but I feel like a wear a workout headband every single day whether it be to a Pure Barre class, on a run or on a walk in the evening with Ryan and Sadie.