What to wear to a pole class
Why pole dancers wear so little — and what you actually need on day one.
4 min read
Pole grips with skin. Fabric slides. That is the whole reason pole dancers wear shorts and sports bras. It is not aesthetic. It is mechanical.
Here is what you actually need for your first class, and what you can wait to buy.
Day one — bare minimum
Shorts that end above mid-thigh, so the back of your knee can grip the pole.
A sports bra or vest. You will be upside down within a few classes; structure matters.
Bare feet. Don't bring shoes for your first class. If the studio teaches heels, you will be told when to bring them.
A water bottle. Studios have water but bringing your own means you are not waiting on it.
What not to wear
Long leggings, joggers, or full-length yoga pants. The pole cannot grip you through fabric. You will slide. You will be confused why everyone else is fine.
Moisturiser, body oil, or sun cream on your arms and legs that day. Same reason.
Jewellery. Necklaces, big rings, dangling earrings — they catch on the pole or your own skin.
Watches and fitness trackers. Take them off; they bash the pole and bruise you.
Once you've decided you're staying
Pole-specific shorts (you will see brands like Creatures of XIX, Mika Yoga Wear, Bad Kitty in any UK studio). They are cut high on the hip-flexor so seated moves don't ride up.
Knee pads — small, low-profile ones. Once you start floorwork, knees take a beating. Worth £15.
Heels if your studio runs heels classes. 7- or 8-inch platforms (the platform absorbs the impact). Pleaser is the dominant brand.
Don't spend money before your fourth or fifth class. Beginners often kit themselves out and then realise they prefer a different studio, or that pole isn't for them. Borrow, rent, or wear what you have for the first few weeks.
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