If Reformer Pilates has become part of your regular routine, it does not take long before you start noticing the accessories that can make your sessions a little more comfortable, practical and personal.
Grip socks are usually the first purchase. Then perhaps a good water bottle, activewear you genuinely enjoy wearing and, eventually, your own Reformer Pilates mat.
Also called a Pilates Reformer mat, Reformer carriage mat or Reformer cover, this type of mat sits directly over the padded carriage of a Pilates Reformer. Depending on its construction, it may provide extra grip, create your own personal contact surface and help protect the upholstery underneath.
But unlike a conventional Pilates mat, a Reformer mat needs to work with the dimensions and moving parts of the machine.
So do you actually need one? Is a Reformer Pilates mat different from a normal Pilates or yoga mat? Should you choose microfibre, cork or vegan leather? How thick should it be? And will one mat fit every Pilates Reformer?
This guide explains what to look for when choosing a Reformer Pilates mat in Australia, whether you attend studio classes, own a Reformer at home or teach Pilates professionally.
Quick answer: a Reformer Pilates mat is a relatively thin mat designed to sit on the Reformer carriage rather than on the floor. You do not need one to do Reformer Pilates, but a well-fitting mat can provide extra grip, a personal surface and an additional protective layer over the carriage.
If you’re already looking for Pilates equipment and accessories, you can also explore the Bodi Boutique Pilates Shop.
What is a Reformer Pilates mat?
A Reformer Pilates mat is a purpose-designed mat or carriage cover that sits over the padded moving carriage of a Pilates Reformer.
Many designs include openings around the shoulder rests so the mat can lie flat without covering important parts of the machine.
Depending on the retailer or manufacturer, you may also see similar products described as:
- Pilates Reformer mat
- Reformer Pilates mat
- Reformer mat
- Reformer machine mat
- Reformer carriage mat
- Pilates Reformer cover
- Reformer carriage protector
- Reformer Pilates towel
Those terms are not always describing exactly the same thing. A fitted non-slip Reformer mat, for example, can behave quite differently from a normal towel laid over the carriage.
If you are shopping specifically for Reformer Pilates, look at the dimensions and construction rather than relying only on the product name.
Is a Reformer Pilates mat different from a regular Pilates mat?
Yes — and this distinction is particularly important because Pilates mat is a much broader product category.
A traditional Pilates mat is designed for exercises performed on the floor. Because your body is working directly against the ground, cushioning and support become important considerations.
A Pilates Reformer mat, however, sits on an already padded carriage. Its main role is usually grip, comfort, creating a personal surface and protecting the carriage rather than providing thick floor cushioning.
| Feature | Reformer Pilates Mat | Traditional Pilates Mat |
|---|---|---|
| Where it is used | On the Reformer carriage | On the floor |
| Main purpose | Grip, personal surface, comfort and carriage protection | Cushioning, support and floor grip |
| Shape | Designed around the carriage and often the shoulder rests | Long rectangular exercise mat |
| Thickness | Usually relatively thin | Often more cushioned |
| Portability | Often lightweight for studio use | Usually rolled or folded for transport |
If you are searching online for the best Pilates mat, make sure you first decide whether you mean a mat for floor Pilates or a mat specifically for a Reformer.
Can you use a yoga mat for Pilates?
You can perform many Pilates exercises on a yoga mat, but yoga mats and Pilates mats are not always designed with exactly the same priorities.
Yoga mats commonly prioritise grip and connection with the floor, while many traditional Pilates mats provide more cushioning for exercises where the spine, hips, knees or other parts of the body remain in contact with the floor.
This is why searches such as Pilates yoga mats, yoga mat for Pilates and Pilates vs yoga mat can be confusing: there is overlap, but they are not necessarily identical products.
For occasional home exercise, a yoga mat may be perfectly adequate. If you regularly practise Mat Pilates and want more comfort, a purpose-designed Pilates mat may suit you better.
Neither should be confused with a Reformer carriage mat, which needs to fit on a piece of moving equipment.
Do you actually need a mat for Reformer Pilates?
No. A Reformer mat is an optional accessory rather than something you must own before you can attend a Reformer Pilates class.
The carriage itself is padded and designed to be used as part of the machine.
However, once you attend Reformer regularly, there are several reasons you may decide you prefer using your own mat.
A personal surface on shared equipment
In a busy Pilates studio, the same Reformer may be used by several people throughout the day.
A personal mat gives you your own contact surface between your body and the carriage. It does not replace the studio’s cleaning procedures, but many people simply like having a personal layer on shared fitness equipment.
Extra grip
Sweat, smooth activewear fabrics and different body positions can influence how secure you feel against the carriage.
A well-designed Pilates non-slip mat or Reformer mat with a secure backing may provide additional traction and help reduce unwanted movement between you and the carriage.
Protecting your home Reformer
If you have invested in a Reformer at home, protecting the upholstery becomes another consideration.
A carriage mat can provide an additional layer between the upholstery and perspiration, body products, clothing and day-to-day use.
Comfort
Some people simply prefer the feel of a fabric, cork or smooth mat surface compared with vinyl upholstery.
That can matter when Pilates is something you do several times each week. A small difference in feel may be surprisingly noticeable when you spend a large part of your session lying, kneeling or side-lying on the carriage.
Are Reformer Pilates mats hygienic?
A personal mat can provide your own contact surface, but it should not be treated as a substitute for equipment hygiene.
The mat itself needs regular cleaning, and the Reformer still needs to be maintained and cleaned according to the studio’s procedures and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Pilates Association Australia recommends routine equipment inspection and maintenance, including attention to upholstery and the moving components of Pilates apparatus. Read the Pilates Association Australia equipment-maintenance guidance.
Reformer mat vs Pilates towel: what’s the difference?
The search terms Pilates towel, Reformer Pilates towel and Pilates mat towel often overlap with Reformer mats, but there is an important difference.
A towel is primarily designed to absorb moisture.
A purpose-designed Reformer mat is generally designed around the shape of the carriage and may include a grippy underside, fitted edges or shoulder-rest cut-outs.
A standard towel can move or bunch during exercise because it was not necessarily designed for a moving Reformer.
| If your priority is… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| More secure carriage coverage | A purpose-designed Reformer mat |
| Absorbing perspiration | A Pilates or Reformer towel |
| A personal surface plus absorption | A washable fabric or microfibre Reformer mat |
| Protecting home upholstery | A properly fitting carriage mat or cover |
How thick should a Pilates mat be?
This is where we need to separate a floor Pilates mat from a Reformer mat.
People commonly search for terms such as 6mm Pilates mat, 8mm Pilates mat and thick Pilates mat when choosing a mat for floor-based Pilates.
For floor Pilates, additional cushioning can feel more comfortable because your body is working directly against the ground.
However, thicker is not automatically better.
A very soft or excessively thick mat may change how stable you feel during standing, kneeling or balance-based exercises. The ideal thickness depends on the mat construction, the surface underneath it and your own comfort preferences.
Is a 6mm or 8mm mat good for Pilates?
Both 6mm and 8mm mats can be suitable for floor Pilates, depending on the material and how much cushioning you prefer.
Someone exercising on hard flooring may appreciate additional cushioning. Another person may prefer a firmer, slightly thinner surface because it feels more stable.
Thickness alone does not tell you whether a Pilates mat is good quality. Look at density, grip, material, durability and how the mat actually feels under your body.
How thick should a Reformer Pilates mat be?
A Reformer carriage mat generally does not need the same amount of cushioning as a floor Pilates mat because the carriage is already padded.
There is no single thickness that is automatically best for every Reformer or every person.
Instead, look for a mat that lies flat on the carriage, does not bunch or interfere with movement, provides the level of grip you prefer, fits correctly around the shoulder rests and is practical to carry if you take it to classes.
What is the best material for a Reformer Pilates mat?
There isn’t one universally best Reformer Pilates mat material.
The better choice depends on how often you practise, how much you perspire, the feel you prefer against your skin, how you want to clean the mat and whether you carry it to a studio.
Microfibre Reformer mats
Microfibre can create a soft, fabric-like surface and may appeal to people who want some moisture absorption.
For frequent studio clients, check washability, drying time and how well the underside stays in position on the carriage.
Cork Reformer mats
Cork provides a distinctive textured surface and a natural-looking aesthetic.
If you prefer cork, look beyond the top layer. Check the backing, overall flexibility, cleaning instructions and whether the dimensions match the Reformer you use.
Vegan leather or PU-style Reformer mats
Synthetic leather-style surfaces can provide a smooth, premium appearance and may suit people who prefer a surface that can be wiped clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The term vegan leather can describe a range of synthetic materials, so check what the actual product is made from rather than relying only on the marketing description.
Will a Reformer Pilates mat fit every Reformer?
No — not necessarily.
Reformer carriages, shoulder rests and their spacing can vary between machines, so never assume a mat is universally compatible.
Before buying a Reformer machine mat, check the overall mat dimensions, shoulder-rest cut-outs, spacing between openings and the measurements of the Reformer you actually use.
If you attend classes, ask your studio which Reformer model they use if you are unsure.
Can you take your own Reformer mat to a Pilates studio?
Many studios may allow it, but always check first because studio policies vary.
A personal mat may be particularly appealing if you attend Reformer several times each week, prefer having your own surface, want additional grip or simply enjoy having your own Pilates essentials.
How do you clean a Reformer Pilates mat?
Always begin with the care instructions for your particular mat.
A washable microfibre mat, cork surface and PU-style surface may all require different cleaning methods.
- Clean the mat regularly so perspiration and body products do not accumulate.
- Use only cleaning products appropriate for its materials.
- Allow it to dry completely before rolling or folding it.
- Avoid storing it damp.
- Inspect it periodically for deterioration, peeling or loss of grip.
Do not assume that a cleaning product suitable for your mat is also suitable for the Reformer itself.
How do you choose the best Reformer Pilates mat?
If you’re comparing Reformer mats online in Australia, start with function and then choose the design you love.
For those of us who make Pilates part of a regular self-care and wellness routine, there is nothing wrong with wanting equipment that feels beautiful as well as practical. But fit and performance still come first.
1. Check the fit
Measure the Reformer carriage and compare those measurements with the product specifications.
2. Look at the grip
If you’re specifically looking for a non-slip Reformer mat, pay attention to the backing rather than only the decorative top surface.
3. Think about how you actually use it
Do you sweat heavily? Carry it to a studio? Leave it permanently on a home Reformer? Want something easy to wipe down? Your real routine should influence your choice more than trends do.
4. Read the care instructions
If you want a washable Reformer mat, confirm exactly how the manufacturer recommends cleaning it.
5. Consider portability
If you take your mat to class, check its weight and whether it rolls or folds easily.
What should beginners look for?
If you are new to Pilates, you do not need to buy everything before your first class.
Start by discovering which style of Pilates you enjoy. If you practise Mat Pilates regularly, a supportive floor mat may become one of your first purchases. If you fall in love with Reformer instead, a personal carriage mat may make more sense once you know you will use it regularly.
What should frequent Reformer clients look for?
If you attend Pilates several times a week, durability and convenience become more important.
You may want a mat that is easy to clean after class, lightweight enough to carry, secure on the carriage and made from a surface you genuinely enjoy using.
For many women, Pilates is not simply another workout squeezed into the week. It becomes part of a broader wellness routine — the class you look forward to, the activewear you enjoy wearing and the little ritual of taking time to move and look after yourself.
Your Pilates accessories can reflect that without sacrificing function.
What should home Reformer owners look for?
If you have invested in your own Pilates Reformer machine, you may care less about portability and more about long-term durability, upholstery protection, easy cleaning, compatibility with your machine and how the mat looks in your home Pilates space.
What should Pilates instructors and studio owners consider?
If you teach Pilates or manage a studio, think about compatibility across your Reformers, cleaning, drying time, storage, durability and whether personal accessories can be used without interfering with exercises or equipment.
Pilates Association Australia provides further information about systematic inspection and maintenance of Pilates apparatus. Read the PAA operating and equipment guidance.
Where can you buy Reformer Pilates mats in Australia?
If you’re searching for a Reformer Pilates mat in Australia, look for a retailer that gives you more than attractive photographs.
You should be able to understand what the product is made from, its measurements, how it should be cleaned and whether it is suitable for the Reformer you use.
Bodi Boutique’s Shop Pilates department is where you can explore our growing range of Pilates equipment and accessories, including our Reformer mat collection as products become available.
Build Your Pilates Kit
Whether you’re putting together your first Pilates kit, upgrading the accessories you take to class or choosing products for your home Reformer, explore Bodi Boutique’s growing Pilates collection.
Reformer Pilates mat buying checklist
- Fit: Does it match the carriage you use?
- Grip: Is the backing designed to stay secure?
- Material: Which surface best suits the way you practise?
- Thickness: Is it appropriate for a padded Reformer carriage?
- Care: Can you realistically clean it as often as necessary?
- Portability: Can you comfortably take it to class?
- Studio policy: Are personal mats permitted?
- Product information: Are dimensions and materials clearly stated?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a mat for Reformer Pilates?
No. A Reformer mat is optional. You may prefer one if you attend Reformer frequently, want your own surface, want additional grip or have a home Reformer you would like to protect.
What is the difference between a Pilates mat and a yoga mat?
There is considerable overlap, but many Pilates mats provide more cushioning for floor exercises while yoga mats commonly prioritise traction and stability.
Can you use a normal Pilates mat on a Reformer?
A traditional floor mat is generally not designed for a moving Reformer carriage. A purpose-designed Reformer mat is usually more appropriate.
Are Reformer Pilates mats one size fits all?
No. Reformer dimensions and shoulder-rest configurations vary, so check measurements and compatibility before purchasing.
Is a Reformer mat better than a Pilates towel?
It depends on what you need. A towel primarily absorbs perspiration, while a purpose-designed Reformer mat may provide a more stable fit and additional grip.
Can Reformer Pilates mats be washed?
Some can, while others are designed to be wiped clean. Always follow the care instructions for the individual product.
Can I bring my own Reformer mat to Pilates?
Possibly. Studio policies vary, so check with your studio or instructor first.
Are non-slip Reformer mats worth it?
They can be worthwhile if you practise regularly, prefer additional grip, like having your own surface or want another protective layer over a home Reformer. They are not essential for everyone.
So, is a Reformer Pilates mat worth buying?
If you only attend Reformer occasionally, you may be perfectly happy using the studio equipment exactly as it is.
But if Reformer Pilates has become something you genuinely look forward to each week, a good-quality personal mat can be one of those small upgrades that makes your routine feel more comfortable and more your own.
The best Reformer Pilates mat is not automatically the thickest, most expensive or most fashionable.
It is the one that fits the machine correctly, stays secure, feels good to use, is easy to care for and suits the way you actually practise Pilates.
Ready to start building your Pilates kit? Explore Shop Pilates at Bodi Boutique.
Related Bodi Boutique guidance
About the Author
Jazz is the owner of Bodi Boutique, a boutique Pilates, fitness, beauty and wellness studio in Queensland.
Jazz completed Certificate III in Fitness and Certificate III in Beauty in 2016 and has approximately 10 years of experience across the fitness, beauty and wellness industry. She has completed Pilates training with Online Fitness Education, Studio Pilates and Core Collab and has hands-on experience teaching Mat and Reformer Pilates in her own boutique studio.
Her Pilates articles and equipment guides combine formal education with practical studio experience — teaching clients, working with Reformer equipment and considering how Pilates products and accessories perform in real-world sessions.
This article provides general information about Pilates equipment and accessories and is not individual medical or exercise advice. Always follow the instructions supplied by your equipment manufacturer and the policies and guidance of your Pilates studio or instructor.
