Recently, while visiting family, I was gently ushered into a moment of nostalgia.
My relatives had insisted on digging out a box of old memories, unearthing faded photos and brochures from dance shows I performed in with years of practice behind me. I’d all but forgotten how much time I spent in those studios as a child. Back when posture came naturally and flexibility didn’t require an hour of foam rolling.
Now, as a stiff-jointed bodybuilder, the contrast couldn’t be more stark.
My current training is all about tension, static holds, and pushing heavy weights, but recently I’ve started to notice what’s missing. A blend of strength and grace. Especially on stage, where posing isn’t just about muscle definition but also how you carry yourself.
With that in mind, I didn’t see myself beckoning at the doors of the Royal Ballet School anytime soon, but I did start to look towards something that nodded to dance while still delivering intensity at weekly barre sessions.
What is barre?
Borrowing from the classical lines and disciplined posture of ballet, barre blends fluid movement with deep muscle engagement. It’s not about performance or leaps across the floor. It’s about control, alignment and the kind of slow, steady burn that builds from the ground up.
And I’m not the only one rediscovering its appeal. Class Pass has seen a rising interest in barre classes, with studios across London like Barrecore, Blok, and Psycle drawing in a steady stream of clients looking for that blend of stretch, strength and structure. While their methods differ slightly, all agree that what you wear and how you move play a role in the experience.
Clothing and movement
According to Barrecore master trainer Amber Johnson, clothing isn’t just a detail, but it’s part of the technique. “Fitted, breathable clothing is really important in barre,” she says. “We rely on visual cues to make sure our clients are in correct alignment, especially during small, isometric movements. If your clothes are too loose, it’s much harder for us to check your form and see the right muscles engaging.”
Barrecore’s method is all about precision, using tiny targeted movements, eccentric movement and isometric holds to push muscles to fatigue. That means every tuck, tilt and neutral spine matters, and clothing that supports visibility and feedback is key. Johnson recommends full-length leggings, fitted tops, and grippy socks that help prevent sliding and support balance as your muscles start to shake.
Psycle may be known for its high-energy spin rooms, but its barre studio offers a quieter kind of intensity. Maria Eleftheriou, director of concepts at Psycle, says people often underestimate how intense barre really is.
"Barre at Psycle is all about precision, focus and power. It’s a modern take on the discipline; sculpting muscle and endurance through small but highly effective movements. This workout isn’t just physical. It challenges both body and mind, demanding control, deep concentration and the mental resilience to push through the burn. One of the most unexpected benefits our community loves is the mental clarity that comes with it and from pushing through the challenge."
But for any session support matters - not just from the instructor but from the tools you bring with you. Whether it’s a mat that won’t slip underfoot or an outfit that keeps everything in place, the right kit allows you to stay grounded and focused.
How we tested
To put these barre-ready pieces to the test, the ES Best team headed to some of London’s top studios and threw ourselves into the full experience. We wore each item through entire classes, testing them during warm-ups, pulses and cooldowns, as well as on the way to and from the studio. From sweat-wicking staples to off-duty layers that helped us look our best en route, we found the essentials that best support your workout.
Best essentials for barre at a glance
- Best for bolero top: Pure Luxe Bolero - £11.79, Fabletics
- Best for ballet-style shoes: Speedcat Ballet Shoes - £70, Puma
- Best for leggings: Second Skin Leggings - £38.99, Another Version
- Best for mat work: Super Grip Yoga Mat - £75, Sweaty Betty
- Best for relaxed layer: DSGN Studio Sweatshirt - £14, Boohoo
- Best for support: Softsculpt Sweetheart Bra - £61, Sisterly Tribe
- Best for luxe layering: Scuba Zip Hoodie - £58, Chelsea Peers
- Best for hair control: Speckle Mini Claw - £16, Caroline Gardner
- Best for grippy socks: Throwback Barre Sock - £33, Alo Yoga
- Best for crop top: Cropped Sports Bra Tank Top - £25, Gap
- Best for minimal jewellery: Sapphire Studs - £58, Astley Clarke
- Best for recovery: Peppermint Magnesium Remedy - £10, Lush
- Best for at home: Laura Ashley Skylark - £59.99, QVC
- Best for cut-off legging: Rosa Capri Leggings - £45, Leny
- Best for low-impact support: Gymshark Soft Sculpt Tank with Shelf - £35, Gymshark
- Best for sretch: H&M Sports Cycling Shorts - £18.99, H&M
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Fabletics Pure Luxe Built-In Bra Bolero
This clever hybrid piece gives arm coverage without bulk. The bolero sleeves are attached to a cropped base layer, so everything stays where it should. It’s ideal for cooler studios or early morning sessions.
Buy now £11.79, Fabletics
Puma Speedcat Suede Ballet Shoes Women
Barre often means bare feet, but if you prefer light footwear, the Puma Speedcat Suede Ballet Shoes are ideal. They’re slim, flexible and shaped to follow the foot, making them perfect for precise, grounded movements.
The suede gives them a stylish look, and the grip keeps you stable without sticking to the floor. More polished than trainers, less exposed than socks.
Buy now £70.00, Puma
Another Version Panther Second Skin Leggings
A take on the ‘second skin’ concept, these leggings are buttery-soft and ultra-lightweight. They’re ideal for classes that mix floor and standing work, and the seamless feel avoids irritation. They hold their shape, stretch well, and are sleek enough for all-day wear. Great for layering too.
Buy now £38.99, Another Version
Sweaty Betty Super Grip Yoga Mat
Grip is everything when balancing or holding planks. Sweaty Betty’s mat offers just the right amount of cushioning and won’t slip around on hard floors. The surface feels soft but structured, which is ideal for floorwork. Light to carry and durable enough for daily use.
Buy now £75.00, Sweaty Betty
Boohoo DSGN Studio Contrast Script Pleated Detail Sweatshirt
This oversized sweatshirt from Boohoo’s DSGN Studio is perfect to wear to and from class. The pleated detail gives it a smarter edge, while the relaxed fit keeps it comfortable. Throw it on over a crop top with leggings, and you’re good to go. Easy, affordable and useful every week.
Buy now £14.00, Boohoo
Sisterly Tribe Softsculpt Sweetheart Bra
Sisterly Tribe has managed to create a supportive piece that doesn’t look like a sports bra. The sweetheart neckline is flattering, and the fabric is smooth and soft against the skin. It holds everything in without flattening you out. Wear it solo or layered – it’s one you’ll reach for again and again.
Buy now £61.00, Sisterly Tribe
Chelsea Peers Luxe Comfort Scuba Zip Hoodie
Warm but breathable, this Chelsea Peers hoodie is perfect for layering pre or post-class. The scuba-style fabric gives it a luxe look, while the zip front makes it easy to take on and off. A good option when you’re heading straight from barre to brunch or errands.
Buy now £58.00, Chelsea Peers
Caroline Gardner Cream/Black Speckle Mini Hair Claw
Barre isn’t the place for a floppy ponytail. Caroline Gardner’s mini claw is strong enough to hold hair in place through all your reps, but small enough to avoid discomfort during mat work. Stylish, compact and easy to throw in your bag.
Buy now £16.00, Caroline Gardner
Alo Yoga Women's Throwback Barre Sock
Socks with grip are essential for slippery studio floors. These from Alo Yoga have strong underfoot grip and a snug fit that won’t bunch or slip. Ideal for classes where you don’t want to go barefoot, and they give a bit of extra warmth too.
Buy now £33.00, Alo Yoga
Gap Navy Blue Cropped Sports Bra Tank Top
This tank-top-bra hybrid offers light support and a flattering cropped fit. Perfect for barre where you’re not jumping around, the fabric feels soft but durable. It’s easy to layer and looks great with high-waisted leggings or under a hoodie.
Buy now £25.00, Gap
Astley Clarke Gold Polaris White Sapphire Stud Earrings
You’re often told to remove hoops or dangly earrings before barre. These tiny studs are the perfect solution – secure, simple and elegant. They add a bit of polish when you’re heading straight to a meeting after class. The white sapphire is linked to calm and focus – a subtle nod to the mindset you need on the mat.
Buy now £58.00, Astley Clarke
Lush Cooling Peppermint and Magnesium Remedy
Barre can leave you sore. This cooling peppermint and magnesium bar helps relieve tension when rubbed into tired legs or shoulders. Ideal for after a class, especially if you pair it with a warm bath or Lush’s Epsom salt cubes. A small but mighty recovery tool.
Buy now £10.00, Lush
Laura Ashley Skylark
These wireless headphones are suited to home barre workouts. They stay in place during light movement and offer clear audio for online classes. The design is comfortable and lightweight, with a secure fit that doesn’t distract. They pair easily with devices and have a good battery life for daily use.
Ideal if you’re following instructors via apps or YouTube and want consistent sound without interruption. The clean white finish also looks smart if you’re working out in a shared space.
Buy now £59.99, Laura Ashley
Leny Rosa Capri Leggings
These Capri leggings from basics specialist Leny strike a balance between coverage and breathability. Ideal for those who prefer something shorter than full-length leggings. The fit is snug but not tight, and the fabric doesn’t go see-through. The jet black shade is flattering and easy to pair with anything.
Buy now £45.00, Leny
Gymshark Soft Sculpt Tank with Shelf
This Gymshark fitted tank comes with a built-in bra, so there’s no faff with layers. It offers gentle support and stays put through upper body work and stretches. The clean shape is flattering, and the soft fabric moulds to your shape without feeling tight. A practical staple that transitions easily from class to coffee.
Buy now £35.00, Gymshark
H&M Sports Cycling Shorts
Soft, stretchy and sweat-wicking, these cycling shorts from H&M are ideal for the dynamic movements in barre. The SoftMove Lycra gives freedom to bend, stretch and pulse without riding up or digging in. They offer light support and a snug fit that moves with you. Affordable and stylish, they’re an easy go-to for class and beyond.
Buy now £18.99, H&M
