“What Do I Wear to My First Pole Dance or Aerial Class?”

You’re about to head to your first introductory series—congratulations! 

You’re likely looking through your closet wondering what the heck to wear…and the answer depends on your chosen apparatus (and sometimes skill level).

Remember, your outfit represents your artistry just as much as your movement does! So at the core of it all, it’s important to wear something that makes you feel good and allows you to move freely. We encourage you to have fun with it! 

We want you to be comfortable and confident in your aerial attire, but we also want to make sure you have the mobility, coverage, and even skin exposure needed for your discipline. Safety is the top priority when it comes to what you wear, so we put together a quick cheat sheet to help you prepare for your first series. 

First thing’s first: No watches, jewelry*, or loose accessories! Not only could these items impede your safety and mobility, but they could also damage the equipment. So to preserve both you and the apparatus, most studios (including ours) require them to be removed prior to each session. 

*Regular earrings and some facial piercings are okay. Check with your instructor before your session to make sure your facial jewelry complies with your studio’s policy on accessories. 

Now, let’s break down the garb that works best for each type of session.

Aerial Arts
Whether you’re weaving through fabrics or hanging from lyra hoops, the ideal attire for aerial arts requires tighter, form-fitting clothing with the necessary coverage to ensure grip and seamless movement. Loose articles of clothing can get in the way and prevent safe contact, which is a risk we are not willing to take! 

Recommended Tops: 

Opt for a close-fitting top that covers your torso and underarms. If the top isn’t form fitting, tuck it into your bottoms.

Recommended Bottoms: 

Opt for leggings or soft, full-length bottoms that cover the backs of your knees for proper grip and protection. 

Recommended Unitards:

Alternatively, aerial students could consider a unitard with proper leg and underarm coverage. Unitards allow for seamless coverage and full range of motion, making it the perfect option for students.

Pole Dance

When it comes to pole dancing, the more skin contact you have, the better! This might not be as important for beginners as it will be later in your practice, but we do recommend wearing clothing with the most amount of skin exposure that you feel comfortable with—because your skin is your grip! 

Recommended Tops: 

Opt for a form-fitting top or sports bra that leaves the underarms exposed. For higher levels and more advanced tricks, you’ll want your torso exposed as well for more secure contact with the pole. 

Recommended Bottoms:

Opt for shorts that allow contact with your inner thighs for proper engagement. Basic movements like pole sits and climbs require ample skin contact with your apparatus, and long shorts or pants will prevent that necessary grip. Higher levels may opt for bottoms with additional skin exposure for extra grip and engagement when performing more advanced tricks. 

Recommended Shoes (optional):

While likely not recommended in your intro series, some pole dancers choose to wear dancing heels, such as Pleasers, to accentuate and accompany their movement style. These are never required, but are welcomed for those who desire them! If heels aren’t your thing, we advise remaining barefoot to allow for more skin contact—especially while getting started. 

Pro-tip: Though they're not recommended for performing aerial tricks, knee pads and socks may be helpful for floor work and off-the-pole movement. 

Now that you’ve got your ‘fit ready, it’s time to fly! 

Join us for Pole Dancing and Aerial Arts in Frederick, MD! Check out our programs for Youth Aerial, Adult Aerial, and Pole Dance today.