At 7pm on a Tuesday evening, a group of mostly women dressed in leggings and oversized branded sweatshirts, carrying glass water bottles and sporting high ponytails, arrive at a sleek studio. They climb onto reformer beds—wooden structures equipped with springs and pulleys—to take part in one of the most sought-after fitness classes of the decade: Reformer Pilates.

Pilates has seen an explosion in popularity, fuelled by TikTok and Instagram, where influencers and celebrities showcase the benefits of the low-impact, high-strengthening exercise. But in 2024, simply attending classes isn’t enough—it’s now about having the full 'Pilates look.' More than ever, fitness lovers are investing in stylish, high-quality merchandise that represents their favourite studios.

Enter Podsmith, a design-led print and embroidery studio that has tapped into the growing demand for premium, trend-led Pilates merch. As reformer studios evolve into full-fledged lifestyle brands, Podsmith helps them create on-trend, sustainable apparel that rivals mainstream athleisure brands.

“Gone are the days of basic, printed t-shirts,” says Lauren Dorling, MD at Podsmith. “Pilates clients have high expectations—they want stylish, wearable pieces that fit seamlessly into their everyday wardrobe. A cropped boxy hoodie flies off the shelves, a one-shoulder workout top is perfect for mirror selfies, and hand-drawn illustrations and bold slogans make studio merch stand out.”

The rise of Pilates merchandise reflects a wider shift in fitness culture. Reformer studios are no longer just places to work out; they are social hubs. Many clients make a class part of their evening routine, meeting a friend beforehand or grabbing a post-workout coffee. Wearing a studio-branded sweatshirt isn’t just about practicality—it’s about belonging.

The Reformer Studio in Nottingham, Posture, CG Pilates & EQ Pilates are all brands who have been capitalising on the opportunity. The Reformer Studio which has just opened a new location in Melbourne Derbyshire, is one of a number of brands that has embraced this trend and added not only an online store but also a shop for their team to get the products at a discount. 

With new technologies and Podsmith making a big investment in 2024, the studio is seeing the payoff. "We have to help our brands compete with fast fashion, so we create designs on a print-on-demand model" Explains Lauren "It's a much more sustainable way of creating products; reducing waste while using eco-friendly inks and processes. It also means we can allow pilates companies to jump on trends quickly, so their customers can shop more sustainably without sacrificing style.”

The appeal goes beyond the studio. Pilates attracts a consumer base that is affluent, style-conscious, and social media-savvy—making merch an essential extension of the lifestyle. One client puts it simply: “I wear it to class, of course, but I also wear it to brunch or even for drinks. It’s just effortless.”

With high-end materials, flattering fits, and a focus on sustainability and supporting your local business owners, Pilates merch has evolved into a status symbol—and it’s clear the trend is here to stay. Podsmith is at the forefront of this movement, ensuring local Pilates brands can compete with the biggest names in fitness fashion.

So, the next time you step onto a reformer bed, don’t just bring your water bottle (sustainable, plastic-free, and branded, of course)—wear your Pilates pride. Represent your favorite studio, support local businesses, and embrace the lifestyle that’s redefining fitness fashion.

For any pilates businesses looking to elevate their brand and add a new income stream with merch, book a call to discuss options below or email hello@podsmith.co.uk