top of page

Scarlet Letters: Pole Attire

What to wear and what not to wear to pole class and why it matters.

This is not new subject matter. In fact, there are hundreds if not thousands of blogs written about what to wear and what not to wear to a pole class. This article is being written solely for Scarlet Studio students to help alleviate worry and concern about attire during class.


Scarlet Studio encourages our students to wear what makes them feel the most comfortable while allowing them to perform the movements and tricks they are interested in performing. That being said, there are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing what to wear to pole class as a new student.


Tip #1: Expose your skin


You need skin in the game. More specifically you need your inner thighs to be exposed if you want to 'sit' on the pole. If you wear shorts that cover the inner thigh you will not be able to 'sit' on the pole.


As a brand new student to pole - bathing suit bottoms work perfectly! They are durable, they stay put and, if you can wear them on a beach in front of strangers you can wear them in a class setting with 4 others pole students.


Pole attire can be pricey and can become quite the addiction! We know, we have a closet full of fun Pole Wear! As a new student though, we suggest taking at least 4 pole classes before deciding if your relationship with pole is a fling or the real thing. Until that decision is made, toss on those bathing suit bottoms and come to class!


Tip #2: Lose the Lotion


This is a tough one because we all need to take care of our skin and lotion helps do that. Here is the skinny on skin and pole dancing:

  • If you have too much moisture (oil) on your skin you will have no grip.

  • If your skin is too dry, you will have no grip.

Cool huh? No, not so much! I can tell you from years of experience there is no one solution that works for everyone when it comes to skin. I can also tell you from years of experience that trial and error is the best way to figure out what works best for you and your skin. Here are a few habits this seasoned pole dancer has learned:

  • Avoid lotions and creams with oils (shea butter, coconut oil etc)

  • Use water based lotions (aloe & glycerin)

  • Exfoliate

  • Drink Water (lots of it)

Scarlet Studio does not focus heavily on tricks with our new students however when we do teach trick basics you will want to give it your best shot. We suggest the following routine before your first pole class:

  • Take a shower the night before your pole class

  • Dry off and immediately put a water based lotion on your skin

  • Do not shower in the next morning

  • Before class, wash your hands with a soap that does not have moisturizer in it

Finding the right skin products that work for you and your pole practice will take a bit of trial and error but in the meantime these tips should help increase your successes in your first few pole classes.


Tip #3: Layer it up


Yes it is true you need to expose your skin in order to perform tricks but you do not need to come to class half naked! Scar