Wear fitted workout clothes, plan to take class barefoot or bring grip socks if you prefer, and keep your commute layer to one easy piece. For a first class, the simplest formula is a supportive sports bra, a fitted tank, high-rise leggings, white crew socks, black sneakers for the walk or subway, and a gray zip hoodie you can remove before class, plus a small zip tote with a non-glass water bottle, a towel, and optional grip socks.
The official foot rule and what to bring
This is the part to treat as policy rather than styling advice. Solidcore says the workout is done barefoot, grip socks are optional, and shoes are not permitted on the machines. So if you do not want to buy grip socks for your first visit, you do not need to.
The other official bring-alongs are straightforward. Bring a non-glass water bottle. A towel is recommended if you expect to sweat. That covers the essentials without turning your first class into a full gym-bag situation.
Solidcore says the workout is done barefoot, grip socks are optional, and shoes are not permitted on the machines. New Client Guide | Prep, Tips & Recovery | solidcore.
The FAQs repeat that classes are barefoot with optional grip socks and no shoes on the machines. FAQs | Your solidcore Questions Answered.
- Required by rule: no shoes on the machines
- Optional: grip socks
- Bring: a non-glass water bottle
- Recommended: a towel
The easiest first-class outfit
Everything beyond the foot rule is your own choice, so this part is an editorial recommendation. Start with one supportive sports bra, one fitted tank, and one pair of high-rise leggings. That combination stays put, layers easily, and does not leave extra fabric to manage while you are learning a new class format.
For a first session, I would skip pieces that introduce decisions you do not need. A wrap top can shift around. Oversized sweatpants create one more item to carry once class starts. A cropped sweatshirt with no front opening is harder to get off neatly when you are already holding shoes and a tote.
If you strongly prefer shorts, keep the rest of the outfit just as streamlined. The goal is not to build a trend look. The goal is to arrive in something you can stop thinking about once class begins.
- Best base: supportive sports bra, fitted tank, and high-rise leggings
- Best first outer layer: a lightweight zip hoodie
- Best commute shoe: sneakers that are easy to remove and put back on
- Skip for class one: wrap tops, oversized sweats, and extra layers that need to be carried by hand
How to handle the NYC commute without overpacking
For the subway or a short walk, wear the full class outfit from home and treat the hoodie as transit insurance rather than part of the workout look. One zip layer works better than two separate layers because you can remove it in one motion and put it back on just as quickly after class.
A clean formula is black sports bra, black fitted tank, black high-rise leggings, white crew socks, black sneakers, and a gray zip hoodie. Keep the bag small enough that it sits close to your body on the train and does not force you to repack in the lobby.
If you are going before work or heading somewhere after, change the hoodie weight rather than rebuilding the whole outfit. A lighter zip layer works for warm mornings. A slightly thicker one works for colder evenings. Keeping the same base outfit makes the routine easier to repeat.
- Wear the class outfit from home when possible
- Use one removable zip layer instead of stacking multiple layers
- Keep your bag compact enough for a train ride and quick check-in
- Adjust the hoodie weight, not the whole outfit
What to know before you walk in
Solidcore says first-time clients should arrive 10 minutes early. That is enough time to check in, meet your coach, and not feel rushed while you take off your hoodie and sneakers.
The beginner guidance also says studios can be accessed by door code or digital key through the app, with the code sent by email before class. Check that before you leave home so you are not searching for it on the sidewalk.
Solidcore’s beginner guide says lockers are available in the lobby and personal items can also go in the pit of the machine. That makes a small zip tote more practical than a large carryall for a first visit.
Solidcore says first-time clients should arrive 10 minutes early. New Client Guide | Prep, Tips & Recovery | solidcore.
Solidcore’s beginner guide says studios can be accessed by door code or digital key through the app, and the code is also sent by email before class. solidcore 101: Everything you need to know as a beginner.
- Aim to arrive 10 minutes early
- Check the app or your email for the door code before you leave
- Pack only what you need for class and the trip there and back
First Solidcore outfit and bag checklist
Lay out the base outfit first, then add the commute pieces, then pack only the official bring-alongs and daily essentials. Use the same setup for your first class so there is nothing to troubleshoot on the way out the door.
- 1 supportive sports bra and 1 fitted tank
- 1 pair of high-rise leggings
- 1 gray zip hoodie
- 1 pair of white crew socks and 1 pair of black sneakers
- 1 small zip tote
- 1 non-glass water bottle
- 1 towel
- 1 optional pair of grip socks
- Phone, keys, and wallet
Suggested example: Example for a first evening class: wear a black sports bra under a black fitted tank with black high-rise leggings, white crew socks, black sneakers, and a gray zip hoodie. Carry one small zip tote with one non-glass water bottle, one towel, one optional pair of grip socks, plus your phone, keys, and wallet.
Related guides
Use this if you want a compact bag shape that still fits workout basics without turning into an oversized commute tote. The Clean Work Tote Shapes Worth Carrying Right Now.
Use this if your trip to class and trip home need different layer weights but you still want a simple removable system. What to Wear Between Rainy Mornings and Warm Afternoons.