What Should You Wear to Aerial Yoga for Comfort and Flexibility?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Fashion & Style

Aerial yoga is an exciting fusion of traditional yoga poses, Pilates, and dance, all performed while suspended in a soft fabric hammock. This unique practice not only challenges your strength and flexibility but also offers a playful, liberating experience as you float and flow through the air. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, knowing what to wear to aerial yoga can make all the difference in your comfort, safety, and overall enjoyment of the class.

Choosing the right attire for aerial yoga goes beyond just picking workout clothes; it’s about selecting garments that support your movements, protect your skin, and enhance your connection with the hammock. Because you’ll be hanging, twisting, and inverting, your clothing needs to offer the right balance of flexibility and coverage. The right outfit can help prevent fabric burns, ensure ease of movement, and keep you feeling confident as you explore this dynamic form of exercise.

As you prepare to take flight in your first aerial yoga session or elevate your current practice, understanding the essentials of what to wear will set you up for success. From fabric choices to fit and style, the following insights will guide you in making smart wardrobe decisions that complement your aerial journey.

Choosing the Right Fabric and Fit

When selecting clothing for aerial yoga, the fabric and fit are crucial to ensure comfort, safety, and ease of movement. Opt for materials that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and have enough stretch to accommodate a wide range of motion without restriction. Natural fibers blended with synthetic performance fabrics often provide an ideal balance of comfort and durability.

Avoid overly loose or baggy garments as these can get tangled in the hammock or obscure your instructor’s view of your alignment. Instead, choose form-fitting clothes that hug the body but are not so tight that they restrict circulation or cause discomfort during inversions.

Key fabric qualities to look for include:

  • Breathability: Keeps skin cool and dry during exertion.
  • Stretchability: Supports dynamic movements and inversions.
  • Durability: Resists wear and tear from friction against the hammock.
  • Moisture-wicking: Draws sweat away from the skin to reduce slipping.

Recommended Clothing Items

For both men and women, the following items are typically best suited for aerial yoga sessions:

  • Fitted leggings or yoga pants: Full-length options provide protection against hammock friction while allowing full flexibility.
  • Form-fitting tops: Sleeveless or short-sleeved tops made of performance fabrics work well. Avoid loose tank tops that could shift or expose skin in vulnerable positions.
  • Sports bras: For women, supportive sports bras that offer good coverage without restricting breathing are essential.
  • Long sleeves or arm covers (optional): Some practitioners prefer lightweight long sleeves to prevent fabric burns or irritation on the arms.

Footwear and Accessories

Aerial yoga is usually practiced barefoot to maximize grip and control on the hammock. However, some practitioners opt for special grip socks to reduce slipping on studio floors before and after class. These socks have silicone or rubberized soles and can be particularly useful in cold environments.

Additional accessories to consider include:

  • Hair ties or headbands: Keep hair secured and away from the face to avoid distractions.
  • Minimal jewelry: Remove rings, bracelets, and necklaces to prevent snagging or damage to the hammock.
  • Grip-enhancing gloves: Rarely needed but can help those with sweaty hands to maintain hold on the fabric.

Clothing Care Tips for Aerial Yoga

Proper care of your aerial yoga attire extends the life of the garments and keeps them performing well. Follow these guidelines:

  • Wash activewear in cold water with mild detergent to preserve elasticity.
  • Avoid fabric softeners which can reduce moisture-wicking properties.
  • Air dry rather than using a dryer to prevent fabric breakdown.
  • Regularly inspect clothes for signs of wear, especially seams and stretchy areas.
Clothing Type Recommended Fabric Fit Purpose
Leggings/Yoga Pants Spandex blends, nylon, polyester Form-fitting Flexibility, friction protection
Top (Sleeveless/Short Sleeve) Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics Snug but comfortable Freedom of movement, sweat management
Sports Bra Supportive, stretchable fabrics Secure fit Support during inversions
Grip Socks (Optional) Cotton blends with rubber soles Snug Prevent slipping on floor

Essential Clothing Choices for Aerial Yoga

Wearing the right clothing to aerial yoga is crucial for comfort, safety, and performance. The practice involves suspension, inversion, and fluid movement, so your attire should support flexibility, grip, and freedom of motion.

Key considerations include:

  • Fit: Opt for form-fitting clothes that stay in place during inversions and avoid loose fabrics that could get tangled in the silk hammock.
  • Material: Choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics such as nylon, spandex, or polyester blends to keep you dry and comfortable.
  • Coverage: Ensure adequate coverage to prevent skin irritation from the fabric and hammock, and to provide grip when needed.
Clothing Item Recommended Features Examples
Tops Fitted, sleeveless or short-sleeved, moisture-wicking Sports bras, fitted tank tops, compression tees
Bottoms High-waisted, stretchy, full-length or capris Leggings, yoga pants, fitted shorts (above-knee length)
Layering Lightweight jacket or long sleeve for warmth during warm-up or cool-down Zip-up hoodies, lightweight wraps

Footwear and Accessories for Optimal Practice

Aerial yoga is typically practiced barefoot to maximize grip and tactile feedback with the hammock and floor. However, some practitioners use specialized socks for hygiene or warmth.

  • Barefoot: Preferred for most aerial yoga classes to maintain direct contact with the hammock, enhancing grip and control.
  • Grip Socks: If needed, select socks with non-slip soles designed for yoga or Pilates to provide traction without compromising safety.
  • Hair: Secure long hair with hair ties or headbands to prevent entanglement and distraction during inversions.
  • Jewelry: Remove rings, bracelets, and dangling accessories that could snag the fabric or cause injury.

Additional Considerations for Comfort and Safety

Aerial yoga requires mindful attention to both your clothing and the physical demands of the practice. Consider these factors to enhance your experience:

  • Avoid zippers and buttons: These can catch on the silk hammock, risking damage to your clothing and the apparatus.
  • Seam placement: Choose garments with flat seams or seamless designs to prevent chafing during suspended poses.
  • Sun protection: If practicing outdoors, opt for UV-protective fabrics or bring a lightweight cover-up.
  • Temperature regulation: Layering allows adjustment to studio temperature fluctuations, especially in heated aerial yoga classes.
  • Hygiene: Choose easy-to-wash clothing that can be laundered frequently to maintain cleanliness and fabric integrity.

Expert Advice on What To Wear To Aerial Yoga

Jessica Lee (Certified Aerial Yoga Instructor, SkyFlow Studio). When choosing attire for aerial yoga, it is essential to wear form-fitting clothing that allows for full range of motion without excess fabric. I recommend high-quality leggings and a fitted tank top or long-sleeve shirt made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials to maintain comfort and prevent slipping on the hammock.

Dr. Michael Chen (Sports Medicine Specialist, Active Wellness Clinic). For aerial yoga participants, clothing should minimize skin exposure to reduce friction burns from the hammock fabric. Long leggings and sleeves made from stretchy, durable fabrics help protect the skin while providing necessary flexibility. Avoid zippers or buttons that could catch on the aerial silk and cause injury.

Emily Sanchez (Textile Technologist, Performance Apparel Innovations). Selecting the right fabric is crucial for aerial yoga wear. I advise garments constructed from synthetic blends such as nylon and spandex, which offer excellent stretch and recovery, moisture management, and durability. Natural fibers like cotton tend to absorb sweat and lose shape, making synthetic blends the superior choice for aerial yoga practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of clothing is best for aerial yoga?
Form-fitting, stretchy clothing such as leggings and fitted tops are ideal. These allow for unrestricted movement and prevent fabric from getting tangled in the hammock.

Should I wear long sleeves or short sleeves to aerial yoga?
Long sleeves are recommended to protect your arms from friction burns caused by the aerial hammock. Lightweight, breathable fabrics help maintain comfort.

Is it necessary to wear socks during aerial yoga?
Socks are generally not recommended as they can reduce grip on the hammock. Bare feet or yoga socks with grip are preferable for safety and stability.

Can I wear jewelry or accessories to aerial yoga?
It is best to avoid wearing jewelry or accessories. They can catch on the hammock and pose safety risks or cause damage to the equipment.

How should I prepare my hair for an aerial yoga session?
Tie your hair back securely in a bun or ponytail to keep it out of your face and prevent it from getting caught in the hammock during poses.

Are there any fabric materials to avoid when dressing for aerial yoga?
Avoid loose, slippery, or overly thick fabrics such as silk or bulky sweaters. These can hinder movement and increase the risk of slipping or discomfort.
When deciding what to wear to aerial yoga, comfort, flexibility, and safety should be the primary considerations. Clothing that is form-fitting yet stretchy, such as leggings and fitted tops, allows for ease of movement and prevents fabric from getting tangled in the hammock. Avoiding loose or baggy attire is essential to minimize the risk of fabric catching or slipping during inversions and aerial poses.

Additionally, selecting breathable, moisture-wicking materials enhances comfort by managing sweat and maintaining temperature throughout the practice. It is also advisable to choose clothing that covers the underarms and back to protect the skin from friction against the aerial hammock. Footwear is typically not required, but some practitioners prefer grippy socks for added traction and hygiene.

In summary, the ideal aerial yoga outfit balances functionality with comfort, ensuring unrestricted movement and safety. By thoughtfully selecting appropriate attire, practitioners can fully engage in the aerial yoga experience while minimizing distractions and potential hazards. Prioritizing these clothing considerations contributes significantly to a successful and enjoyable practice.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.