What to Wear for Barre Class

Shop the post:

If you’re looking to start attending barre classes, you’re probably wondering what to wear to barre class. It can seem like an elusive concept if you’re new to this exercise method, but I’m here to help you walk in to class feeling as confident as possible!

First, barre should not be an overwhelming experience. I personally stick to barre3 classes, and their motto is “Balanced in Body. Empowered from Within.” I think it’s good to remember that everyone started out new at one point, and just because everyone looks super experienced in class, it doesn’t always mean they really are! Everyone is just there to feel good.

One thing that can really set you up for success, both physically and mentally, in class is dressing the part! There are just some moves and techniques in class that lend themselves to one clothing type over another.

Let’s just get right into it-

The most common thing to wear to barre class

The most common thing to wear to barre class is leggings, a tank or top over a sports bra and no shoes. Of course there are always going to be exceptions to what people like to wear, but from taking almost 200 barre classes, that is the most common combination of pieces.

Sometimes, I will see people attend in biker shorts or regular shorts, and I can say they almost always voice their regret in class during floor work- sweaty knees aren’t the most stable! Loose and flowy shorts also can get uncomfortable during floor work when your legs are lifted up while your back remains on the ground- the tighter biker shorts don’t cause that issue though if you’re set on wearing shorts!

Also, no need for shoes or socks in a barre class! I’ll share the gripper socks that I like to wear later in this post, but they are completely not necessary.

Seriously wear whatever makes you comfortable, but I know I was semi-freaking out about what to wear before my first class.

My Barre Class Essentials

Tops

I most often wear a tank top and sports bra to barre class, but every now and then I will wear just a sports bra that works as a top. Less people do this than you would think, but it might just be a coincidence that not many people at the two studios I have been to do! I never feel weird or uncomfortable when I’m just wearing a sports bra, but I just wanted to share that experience.

If you’re wondering if I have a preference on tight or loose, tank top or t-shirt, I do! I don’t mind a loose or flowy tank top either way, but I would say I wouldn’t like one of those tank tops that’s completely not connected in the back. I do have one that is disconnected and you can tie the bottoms together, and it’s one of my favorites. I just wouldn’t want the entire top showing my whole back and stomach when I’m bending over for a move in class.

As far as t shirts go, I have worn a tight, dry fit lululemon top before, and it was fine, but I didn’t love how sticky it was on my body and right in my armpits. I think a loose fitting t shirt would be a great option during the colder months though!

If you’re wondering about long sleeve tops, it can definitely be done, but I get way too hot and sweaty during class for that. Your muscles are more than likely going to be burning.

Here are some tops that I love a lot! 

Sports Bras

Like I was saying, I most commonly wear a sports bra underneath my tank top instead of just wearing a sports bra top.  A lot of my tank tops leave room to show off fun sports bra designs, so most of mine have intricate straps that are a little different from just the usual racerback. Anything works though.

Here are the sports bras I like underneath my tanks!

Leggings

Honestly, thick or thin leggings work. I think this is totally just about your preference, the time of year, etc. Also, it doesn’t matter if you prefer cropped or full length leggings- both work the same in this instance! A thicker, cropped legging is my preference, bonus points if they have pockets.

One thing to note about leggings, the lighter (or anything besides black and dark navy) colors will more than likely show sweat in all the places! Just something to think about before going for a certain color, but I don’t think anyone really cares if you have sweat showing or not- everyone is there to work out.

Here are some of my favorite legging styles.

Gripper socks

Totally not necessary, but I am a big fan of the gripper socks. People wearing these is usually a pretty small percentage in class, but I am a fan! Definitely don’t worry if you don’t have them on your first visit. You’ll figure out over time if you would like these or not. These are my favorite!

Slides

I have to have a good pair of slides for barre. Even in the winter months, I would rather wear socks and slides instead of tennis shoes into the studio. These are the slides I always wear.

Anything easy to slip on and off is what you’re looking for here.

Water Bottle

Necessary for me! This is the water bottle I currently use (I have the blue linen color), but anything works. I think most barre studios have a good water filling station, so it’s always nice to have a reusable one.

Pullover

This is not only relevant in the winter months, but in the summer I also like to have something extra to put on in case I stop in a store or anything after class. Here are a few more athletic ones that I either have or have my eye on.

I hope this helped you prepare for your first barre class or helped you find some new pieces for this favorite workout avenue of mine. Please let me know if you have any questions about these recommendations!

Happy working out 🙂