What to Wear to Pole Dancing Class
Booked your first pole class and not sure what to wear? Here’s exactly what to put on, what to leave at home, and the kit worth buying once you’re hooked.
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The quick answer
Shorts, a vest and a sports bra
That’s all you need for your first class. Pop leggings or joggers over the top if you’re shy, and leave your jewellery and body lotion at home.
Wear
- Shorts or loose bottoms
- A vest or T-shirt
- A sports bra
- Bare feet
Leave at home
- Rings, watches and bracelets
- Body lotion and hand cream
- Fake tan and glitter
- Heels, unless it’s a heels class
What to wear, class by class
Your kit changes a little as you get more into pole.
First class
Use what you already have.
- Shorts under joggers
- Vest or T-shirt
- Sports bra
Regular classes
Kit that helps you grip.
- Pole shorts
- Sporty crop top
- Grip aid if needed
Heels and choreo
Protect your knees and feet.
- Platform heels
- Knee pads
- Ankle protectors
Why pole dancers wear shorts
Most studio poles are smooth stainless steel or chrome. To sit on the pole, climb it or hold many beginner moves, you need bare skin touching the metal, because it’s the friction between your skin and the pole that holds you up. In leggings you’ll just slide down.
That’s why pole dancers wear short shorts and crop tops. It isn’t about showing off. As you learn more moves you’ll need your arms, the backs of your knees and your tummy free too. And don’t worry, you’ll find every body shape in a pole class.
What to wear to your first pole class
Keep it simple and use what you already have. There’s no need to buy anything new for your first lesson.
Wear
- Shorts, or very loose bottoms you can roll up
- A vest or T-shirt
- A sports bra
- Leggings or joggers over your shorts for the warm-up
- A jumper if it’s chilly
Don’t wear
- Jewellery, rings or watches
- Body lotion, hand cream or oil
- Fake tan or body glitter
- Heels, unless it’s a heels class
- Anything very loose that could fall down when you’re upside down
A good trick is to put your shorts on first and pull your leggings or joggers on over the top. If you feel brave you can take them off in class. If not, have a go at the spins and dance moves anyway. After a few weeks you’ll see there’s nothing to worry about.
Top tip: take off rings, bracelets and watches before class. They can scratch the pole, which makes it unsafe for everyone, and you could damage your jewellery too.
Pole class kit worth buying
Once you’re hooked, these are the bits most pole dancers end up buying. Choose your country below and every button takes you to the right Amazon store. Prices and sizes change, so check before you buy.
Pole shorts
Short, stretchy shorts that stay put when you’re upside down. High-waisted styles give more coverage and support.
Sports bra or crop top
A supportive sports bra or sporty crop top keeps everything in place when you spin and turn upside down.
Grip aid
A grip aid like Dry Hands helps if your hands get sweaty. Check your studio is happy for you to use one first.
Mighty Grip knee pads
Tacky knee pads that protect your knees on the floor and still grip the pole. Great for floorwork and heels classes.
Ankle protectors
Mighty Grip ankle protectors cover the tops of your feet when you dance in heels, and still give you grip.
Leg warmers
Keep your legs warm while you stretch, then whip them off when it’s time to climb. They look great in photos too.
For more ideas, see our guides to pole dancing clothes, pole shorts and grip aids.
Skincare, make-up and hair
Skip anything that makes your skin slippery on the day of your class. It stops you sticking to the pole and leaves a greasy layer for the next person.
- Avoid: moisturiser, hand cream, body lotion, sun cream, oils, fake tan and body glitter.
- Do use: deodorant, as you will get sweaty.
- Hair: tie it up if it gets in your eyes, like you would at the gym, or wear it down for those hair flicks. Your studio may have its own rules, so follow those.
Do you wear shoes for pole?
Most beginner and tricks classes are done in bare feet, so you can point your toes and grip with your feet. Trainers stop you pointing your toes, and socks can be slippy.
Heels are back in a big way, though. Lots of studios now run heels and choreo classes in 6, 7 or even 8 inch platforms. If you fancy trying one, read our guides to pole shoes and 6 inch heels first.
What to pack in your pole bag
- Water
- A small towel
- Your shorts, top and sports bra
- Leggings or joggers for the warm-up
- A grip aid, if you use one
- A snack for after class
What to wear to pole: FAQs
What should I wear to my first pole class?
Shorts or very loose bottoms you can roll up, a vest or T-shirt and a sports bra. Pull leggings or joggers on over your shorts for the warm-up. You don’t need to buy anything new.
Can you wear leggings to pole class?
For your first lesson, yes. You can still try spins and dance moves, but you won’t be able to sit on the pole or climb, because you need bare skin to grip.
Can you pole dance with clothes on?
Some moves, yes. Once you’re stronger, spins and some inverts can be done in clothes as you hold yourself up with your arms. But most sits, climbs and holds need bare skin.
Should I wear shoes to pole class?
Usually not. Most beginner and tricks classes are in bare feet. Heels are only worn in heels or choreo classes, and your studio will tell you if you need them.
Hooked since a works night out in Nottingham. She’s taken classes from Hartlepool to Malta and San Diego, tried trapeze, lyra, silks and hammock, and taught pole and hammock.
A Greater Manchester mum who’s trained pole and aerial for over a decade, mostly at home, and started Loops World to share the kit that works.
Sophie Green has been pole dancing and aerial arts at home and in studios around the world for over 13 years. She’s taken a number of instructor courses in pole and aerial. Plus attended a course on rigging. She takes part in lots of exercise.