what pilates socks should i buy? the two-minute answer
you booked the class. you saw "grip socks required" on the confirmation. here's the whole decision.
1. reformer, or mat?
reformer: get a sock with a full-coverage grip sole. the carriage moves; a dotted sole grips only where the dots are, and your heel is usually not where the dots are. mat only: dots are fine, and so is bare feet if your studio allows it. most studios don't.
2. one pair, or three?
if you go once to see whether you like it, buy one pair ($24 at gimme, $16–28 across the category). if you already have a slot in the schedule, buy the pack: three pairs is one per class day between washes, and packs are where the per-pair price drops. gimme the set is 3 pairs for $57, which is $19 a pair, ships free, and comes with a free scrunchie.
3. toe socks, or closed toe?
closed toe unless you already know you want toe socks. toe styles come from barre and dance; they're a feel preference, not a grip upgrade. every reformer studio is fine with closed-toe grip socks.
4. which size?
at gimme it's two sizes: S/M fits most women's shoe sizes 5–8, L/XL fits 8.5–12. between sizes? size up. the cuff holds without squeezing, so one pair in and you'll know your fit for every collection. other brands run S/M/L or numeric ranges; read their chart, and if a brand offers no chart, that tells you something.
5. which world?
this is the question the spec sheets skip and the one that decides whether you reach for the pair or leave it in the drawer. coffee order, tea order, stripes, or sky: grounds for girlie, spill the tea, in my era, head in the clouds. same grip sole on all twelve.
the answer, then
reformer → full-coverage grip sole. regular practice → the 3-pack. closed toe. size up if between. pick the collection that looks like your bag. that's it.
can i wear regular socks to pilates?
on a mat, sometimes. on a reformer, no: smooth cotton slides on a moving carriage and most studios ask for grip socks for that reason. the long version.
how much should pilates socks cost?
$16–28 a pair is the range across the brands people actually buy; $19 a pair inside a 3-pack is the value point. under $10 usually means a thin sole and a cuff that gives up.
what if they don't fit?
at gimme, easy 30 day returns: unworn, unwashed, in the original packaging. you cover return postage unless we got it wrong. most brands have a window; check it before you buy the pack.
more: how to choose grip socks for reformer pilates · FAQ
prices and policies quoted here were read on each brand's own site or its retailers in september 2026, US store. they change; check before you buy.
