What to Wear to Your First Pole Class (Without Feeling Exposed)
I remember my first pole class so clearly — mostly because I nearly talked myself out of going.
Not because I didn’t want to try pole… but because I had no idea what to wear to my first pole class.
I had already been doing aerial at the same studio for a couple of years, so I’d seen the pole girls. Tiny outfits, confident energy, legs everywhere. And I just remember thinking:
There is absolutely no way I’m wearing that.
I’ve always been self-conscious about my legs. In my opinion, I had chunky thighs, cellulite — all the things we’re taught to hide. The only shorts I wore were the anti-chafe type to wear under dresses. I never wore normal shorts, not even on holiday.
So when I finally booked that first class… I didn’t even own anything suitable.
I literally cut the legs off a pair of leggings and made my own shorts.
(Which, in hindsight… iconic. But also slightly unhinged.)
* The cut off leggings in action! I also love that you can see the bruises on my ankles which gives you an idea of how many times I had probably already attempted this. Please don't think that this is a move that will be expected as a beginner. I had been attending aerial silks classes for some time before starting pole.
If you’re currently Googling what to wear to pole dancing class, feeling slightly panicked — I promise you, I’ve been there.
And I’ve got you.
The Fear No One Talks About
If you’re wondering what to wear to your first pole class, it’s usually about more than just clothes.
You’re wondering:
- Will I look out of place?
- Will everyone be staring at me?
- Do I need to look a certain way to belong here?
Because if you grew up in the era of red circles in magazines pointing out “flaws” on women’s bodies (you know the ones), that fear runs deep.
You expect to be judged before you’ve even walked through the door.
But here’s the truth:
The pole community is one of the most welcoming, supportive spaces I’ve ever been in. I've trained at most of the studios in the area and I have friends from each and every one.
Everyone remembers their first class. Everyone remembers that feeling of vulnerability. And I’ve genuinely never seen someone walk into their first session and not feel overwhelmed.
If you feel nervous about your body or what you’re wearing to pole class — you are not alone.
What Actually Happens When You Start Pole
It took me a few weeks before I invested in proper pole dancing shorts for beginners.
At first, I went for the safest option I could find — high-waisted, full coverage, nothing too revealing. Something that made me feel held in, not exposed.
But something shifted the more I trained.
My body stopped being something I just looked at… and became something I used.
It got stronger. It supported me. It did things I didn’t think it could do.
And slowly, the confidence followed.
No one in class ever criticised anyone’s body. If anything, it was the opposite — encouragement, hype, genuine support.
I’d spent most of my life hating my bum (thanks, 90s beauty standards), and suddenly… it was being celebrated.
And yes — like most polers — my outfits got smaller as the tricks got harder.
Not because I suddenly wanted to show more skin…
But because I needed it.
What to Wear to Your First Pole Class (Beginner Guide)
If you’re still unsure what to wear to pole class, let’s keep it simple.
What Works
- Shorts — you need skin contact for grip (this is essential for most beginner pole moves)
- Fitted clothing — so nothing gets in the way
- Layers — you can remove them as you warm up or feel more comfortable
If you’re feeling nervous about showing too much skin, this is exactly why I created my full coverage pole shorts for beginners and a modest pole crop top — they give you the grip you need without feeling overexposed.
(Trust me, I made them for the version of me who cut up leggings, and I still wear them now on "those" weeks)
What Doesn’t Work
- Leggings → you will slide. A lot and it will make your life harder
- Grippy leggings → great… until you try to spin on floor moves or you actually want to slide
- Baggy clothes → they just get in the way
- Carrying the weight of opinions → the heaviest thing you’ll bring into that room
And that last one?
That’s the one that will hold you back the most.
Why Do Pole Outfits Get Smaller?
One of the biggest misconceptions about pole dancing outfits for beginners is that they’re about being revealing.
They’re not — they’re about function.
Skin = grip.
Grip = safety + progress.
Those cut-outs you see in polewear? They’re there so you can hold the pole properly as you level up.
But there is absolutely no rush.
You don’t need to wear less before you’re ready. You build confidence over time — in your own way.
It’s Not All About the Invert
There’s a lot of pressure in pole to hit certain milestones — especially inverts.
But here’s something I’ve learned:
Some of the best performers I know don’t invert.
They have the most beautiful low flow, incredible musicality, and unique style — and that’s what makes them stand out. Plus, long, floaty skirts look incredible with the movement.
Pole isn’t about wearing the same outfit as everyone else.
It’s not about progressing at the same speed.
You get to bring your own style into both your movement and your polewear.
That’s where the magic is.
When the Confidence Kicks In…
At some point, something shifts.
You feel stronger. More comfortable. More you.
And you might find yourself wanting to wear something a little bolder — like a pole dance bodysuit that shows off everything you’ve worked for and feels amazing to move in.
And maybe… you’ll want to celebrate that version of yourself too.
That’s usually when people start thinking about doing a pole photoshoot — not because they have to, but because they finally want to.
If that’s something you’re curious about, you can read more here on this blog post
What I Wish You Knew Before Your First Pole Class
You don’t need to feel confident before you start.
You don’t need the “perfect” pole outfit.
You don’t need to look like anyone else in that room.
You just need to show up.
And wear something you can grip in.
Everything else?
That comes later. For now, enjoy every, painful minute. Oh yes, it hurts too, I'm not sure why we all keep going back, but we do.
(But also… if you’d rather skip the DIY leggings phase — I’ve got you covered.)
