From Grip Socks to Glam: How To Nail The Pilates Princess Aesthetic

There’s a newish (well, not really new per se) main character on TikTok, and she’s not chasing PRs or hustling through spin class. She’s moving with intention, sipping on something green, and looking effortlessly chic while doing it. Enter the Pilates Princess: the wellness-seeking, soft-spoken, aesthetic girlie who’s redefining what it means to live well. She’s not just working out with feet in straps, she’s curating a lifestyle, one reformer session and iced matcha at a time.

What is a Pilates Princess?

Forgive me as I wax poetic, but you’ve probably seen her gliding out of a fitness studio with a claw clip in place, barely a bead of sweat, and glowing like she just walked out of a spa. She’s head-to-toe in tonal athleisure, likely Alo or Lululemon, with a tote bag slung over one shoulder and a Stanley cup in the other hand. You might mistake her for an off-duty influencer. But no, she’s just a girl living in her Pilates era.

I tried to channel a bit of that energy myself at Reformd, a Lagree method studio at The Well in Toronto. After class, I grabbed a snack from Sweat and Tonic, then wandered Indigo’s wellness aisle like I had nowhere else to be. Core engaged, nervous system calm, and brain blissfully offline? Honestly, not my worst Saturday.

So, who exactly is the Pilates Princess and how did she become everyone’s aspirational alter ego? Let’s get into it.

What is the “clean girl aesthetic” trend?

Why do I want to be a Pilates Princess?

She’s not just someone who works out; she’s someone who aesthetically works out. The Pilates Princess is part wellness girlie, part soft life enthusiast, and part luxury minimalist. She lives for slow mornings, toning workouts, and overpriced beverages. Her skincare routine is elite, her gut health is top of mind, and she’s likely doing 12-3-30 (walking on a treadmill at a 12% incline, 3 mph speed, for 30 minutes) on her rest days.

Her workout look signature: Soft tones, especially blush pink, think ballet-core but grown-up. From her grip socks to her water bottle, everything is perfectly coordinated in muted hues. She’s disciplined, sure, but she’s not interested in triggering her cortisol levels with a HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout. The Pilates Princess wants to feel good – and look good doing it. That mindset seeps into everything she does, from the way she organizes her fridge (a nod to Khloe Kardashian’s kitchen) to the way she styles her socks (scrunched).

In essence, she’s the main character in her own wellness plot. Her days are structured around movement, self-care and small joys. If that sounds aspirational, that’s because it is. The Pilates Princess is a trend aesthetic with carefully curated lifestyle.

Pilates reformer versus Pilates mat: Which is better for at-home workouts?

Health-focused or just well-dressed

Like most viral aesthetics, the Pilates Princess stirred up conversations online. Is she embodying balance, or is this just another shiny way to romanticize consumerism and restrictive beauty standards for white women? Some argue that it’s aspirational self-care, encouraging women to slow down, prioritize wellness, and find joy in daily rituals. Others see it as another polished archetype that can feel exclusionary – after all, not everyone has the disposable cash for $40 drop-in reformer classes, $14 smoothies and endless pastel sets. And those “nude” coloured leggings aren’t exactly a match.

@chrisenpilates
Hard truth: the Pilates princesses are the reason Pilates is booming.
♬ original sound – Chrisen | Pilates Educator

On YouTube, critics have pointed out that the Pilates Princess aesthetic leans heavily on privilege. The perfectly coordinated looks, class memberships and shiny-new tote bags suggest a life that’s not exactly realistic for most. And on Threads, plenty of instructors and practitioners agree, @get2werk called it “obnoxious and exclusionary,” while @pilatesbodyworkout admitted, “These terms make me cringe.” But fans argue it’s less about the material checklist and more about the mindset: moving with grace, prioritizing calmness, and romanticizing wellness in everyday life. As @thekelseemarie put it, “Why are we rolling our eyes at people enjoying and romanticizing moving their bodies?”

Is reformer pilates taking over the world, or just Toronto?

The Pilates Princess look

You don’t need a studio membership or a trust fund to tap into the PP vibe. Think less about perfection and more about infusing your daily life with little joys and mindful habits.

Here are a few ways to nail it:

Opt for tonal athleisure. Monochrome sets in soft neutrals or blush tones are the Pilates Princess uniform. You don’t have to buy new, just pair pieces you already own in similar shades.
Curate your pre- or post-workout verde beverage moment. Whether it’s an iced matcha, chlorophyll water, or a green smoothie, the drink is part of the vibe. Bonus points if it’s in a chic tumbler or oversized cup.

Prioritize gentle but effective movement. Reformer Pilates is the gold standard, but yoga, barre and mobility workouts capture the same energy. The focus is on toning muscles and slowing down the cardio, so you’re not burning out. YouTube has tons of these classes for free that you can do at home if drop-in classes aren’t in the budg.
Romanticize your errands. It’s a date with yourself, after all. From wandering a bookstore wellness aisle to picking up fresh flowers, find tranquillity in everyday routines.
Pay attention to the small details. A claw clip, crumpled socks, hydrated skin and a tote that holds just enough are the accessories that make this aesthetic seem effortless yet intentional.

What is the “cozy girl aesthetic” trend?

Shop our Pilates Princess picks

If you’re ready to dip your toe into the Pilates Princess lifestyle, here are a few items to get you started:

Loop Back Bra, $54 at madoreathletics.com

Wrap Shorts, $65, at madoreathletics.com
Cutout Acetate Claw Hair Clip, $15, at dynamiteclothing.com
Nexxus Slick Stick, $20, at shoppersdrugmart.ca

The Everyday Slim Can Cooler Cup, $33, at stanley1913.com
Apple AirPod Max, $780, at apple.com
Pink Matcha Pilates Grip Socks, $28, at etsy.com

Peptide Lip Tint, $32, at rhodeskin.com
Perfèct The Essential Dry Shampoo, $40, at JVNhair.com
BaBylissPRO Style/Switch, $330, at amazon.ca

Luminous Dewy Skin Mist 2-in-1 Hydrator & Finishing Spray, $66, at sephora.com
GlowMode FeatherFit Crossover Strap Sports Bra, $20, at shein.com
GlowMode FeatherFit Focus Drawstring Pleated Short Sleeve Tee, $34, at shein.com