The Best Pole Dancing Gloves
Sweaty hands slipping off the pole? Here are the best pole dancing gloves, the difference between tack and no tack, and how to get the right fit, with shops in the UK, USA and Europe.
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The quick verdict
Mighty Grip gloves with tack
The best-known pole gloves, and a good choice for sweaty hands and spinning poles. Get the size right, and use them as a stepping stone, not forever.
Why wear them
- Extra grip for sweaty hands
- More confidence on new moves
- Protect against blisters
- Fairly cheap
Watch out for
- They must fit tightly
- Tack can wear off
- Some studios don’t allow them
- Don’t rely on them forever
Which gloves for you?
Pick by your pole and your hands.
With tack
Sticky strips for grip.
- Shiny tack on palms
- Very sweaty hands
- Spins and climbs
No tack
Soft, grippy palms.
- Leather-like feel
- Less sticky
- Protects hands
Grip aid
Liquid or cream instead.
- Dry Hands or iTac2
- Bare-hand feel
- Allowed in most studios
Should you wear gloves for pole?
Pole gloves can be a real help when you’re starting out, especially if your hands get very sweaty or you have hyperhidrosis. They give you extra grip and confidence while you build strength, and protect your hands from blisters and calluses.
They aren’t a long-term fix, though. Use them as a learning tool, and practise each move with and without gloves, so you build the grip strength to pole with bare hands. Some studios and competitions don’t allow gloves, so check first.
Tack or no tack?
Gloves with tack
- Shiny, sticky strips on the palm and fingers
- Help you stick to the pole
- Best for spinning poles
- Great for very sweaty hands
Gloves without tack
- Soft, leather-like palm
- Grip without feeling sticky
- Best for static poles
- Help prevent blisters
The best pole dancing gloves
Choose your country below and every button takes you to the right Amazon store. Prices and sizes change, so check before you buy.
Mighty Grip gloves with tack
Tacky strips on the palms and fingers help you stick to the pole. Good on spinning poles and for very sweaty hands. Check the size guide.
Mighty Grip gloves without tack
A softer, no-tack palm that grips without being sticky, and protects your hands from blisters. Better on static poles.
Mighty Grip powder
A little powder on your palms stops your hands sliding around inside the gloves on hot, sweaty days.
Other pole grip gloves
Cheaper tacky grip gloves for pole and aerial. Read the reviews and check the sizing, as fit makes all the difference.
Do pole gloves work?
Yes, as long as they fit. Pole gloves are meant to fit tightly. When we tried gloves that were the wrong size, our hands slid around inside them and they were no help at all, so check the size guide carefully. If you’re between sizes, go smaller.
On very warm days we found our hands could still slip inside the gloves. A little grip powder on the palms before putting the gloves on fixed this. The tack strips can also wear or peel off over time, but by the time they do, many beginners find they no longer need gloves.
Top tip: measure around the widest part of your hand, below the knuckles, and compare it with the maker’s size chart before you order.
How to wash pole gloves
Hand wash them in cool water with a little mild soap, then leave them to air dry away from radiators. Don’t tumble dry them, as heat can damage the tack.
Other ways to improve your grip
If you’d rather not wear gloves, try a liquid grip aid like Dry Hands or iTac2, or tacky grip socks and ankle protectors for your feet. See all our favourites in our guide to pole grip aids.
Pole glove FAQs
Can you wear gloves for pole dancing?
Yes, many beginners use pole gloves for extra grip and confidence. Some studios and competitions don’t allow them, so check first, and practise without gloves too so you build grip strength.
Are tacky gloves better for spinning or static poles?
Gloves with tack are best for spinning poles and very sweaty hands. Gloves without tack work better on static poles.
How should pole gloves fit?
Tightly. If they are too big your hands slide around inside and they won’t help. Measure your hand and check the size chart.
How do you wash pole gloves?
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap and leave them to air dry. Don’t tumble dry 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.