What to Wear to Pole & Aerial Classes (Beginner Guide)

Pole and aerial classes have opposite dress codes — pole needs as much skin contact as possible, while silks, lyra, and rope need skin coverage to protect from friction burns. Here's exactly what to wear (and what to avoid) for every apparatus we teach at Flexibility in Flight.

Pole fitness: skin contact is the secret to grip

The pole grips your skin, not your clothes. Fabric — especially leggings — slides on chrome, which means you can't safely hold a sit, a climb, or any of the dynamic moves that make pole feel magical. The more skin you can put on the pole, the more confident and safe you'll feel.

What to wear for pole class

• Spandex or cotton shorts (the shorter the better for advanced grip moves)
• A fitted sports bra or supportive tank
• Bare feet or pole-specific heels (we'll let you know when you're ready for heels)
• Hair tied back and away from your face

What to avoid before pole class

• Lotion, oil, or body butter applied within 24 hours of class
• Self-tanner or spray tan (it transfers to the pole)
• Necklaces, bracelets, watches, and rings
• Loose t-shirts that ride up during inversions
• Long fingernails on your dominant hand

Aerial silks: cover your skin, ditch the zippers

Silks wrap and slide across your body, so the rules flip — exposed skin gets friction burns, and any hardware can snag and tear the fabric. Think long sleeves and leggings, smooth seams, and absolutely no jewelry.

What to wear for aerial silks

• Form-fitting leggings or full-length athletic pants (no shorts)
• A long-sleeved fitted top or rashguard to protect armpits and elbows
• A sports bra or fitted tank under your top in case you warm up
• Bare feet — no socks, no shoes
• Hair tied back; nothing in pockets

What to avoid for silks

• Zippers, buckles, snaps, sequins, or anything that could snag fabric
• All jewelry — rings, watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces
• Loose t-shirts (they ride up the moment you invert)
• Lotion or oil on hands and forearms (kills your grip)

Lyra hoop: cover pressure points

The lyra is a steel hoop, so wherever you balance or hang, the metal presses into you. Leggings and a fitted long-sleeve top protect the backs of your knees, hips, and armpits from bruising. Same no-jewelry, no-zipper rule as silks.

Aerial yoga: comfy, covered, and stretchy

The aerial yoga hammock is wide and supportive, so you don't need protective layers like you do for silks — but you do want fitted athletic wear that won't ride up when you flip. Leggings and a fitted tee or tank are perfect. Bare feet, hair tied back, and no jewelry that could catch the hammock.

Aerial rope: treat it like silks

Rope is closer to silks than to pole — cover your skin, skip the jewelry, and keep your hands lotion-free for grip. Long sleeves and leggings are the standard.

Heels dance & bellydance

For heels, wear what makes you feel powerful — typically shorts or leggings with a fitted top, plus pole heels or character shoes. For bellydance, leggings or a flowy skirt with a fitted top works perfectly; bare feet or soft jazz shoes. Hip scarves are welcome but never required.

What if I'm not comfortable in shorts?

Almost every new pole student says this — and almost every student forgets they ever felt that way by their second class. Our Chester, NY studio is a judgment-free space, and everyone is far too focused on their own climb to look at anyone else. Wear what you'd wear to the gym for the first 15 minutes if it helps, then change when you're ready.

Bring with you

A water bottle, a small towel, and grip aid if you have it (we have some at the studio if you don't). That's it — the apparatus and the rest of the equipment are provided. Still have questions? Reach out before your first class and we'll help you pick an outfit you'll feel great in.