Looking for a new aerial silks outfit for your next showpiece? Maybe you are wondering what to wear to your first class? We have you covered from the very luxe to less.
Aerial Silks Outfit #1
Shiny Disco Ball
If you are a sparkle fiend then this is the outfit for you! I am a total magpie so I am loving it!! This unitard is a wearable disco ball. If you want to see it in action here is a video performance.
Aerial Silks Outfit #2
Light it up!
This LED unitard is the mac daddy of outfits. It comes with a whopping price of 1.7k! If anyone works out how to do a DIY one let me know! You can buy these on Etsy.
This video of three aerialists in the LED costume is absolutely hypnotizing.
Aerial Silks Outfit #3 4 & 5
Circus Stripes
If you are after a traditional circus leotard the next three outfits are for you! This black and white leotard is made custom to order and is only $120. That’s a score!
I do love this red baby but I know my belly won’t. Serious postpartum pancake action going on there. If you can wear this you totally should. It reminds me of a blend of circus and wonder woman. What could possibly be a better combo?
Ok so now we have seen the fabulous time to move on to how you should dress for an aerial silks class.
What To Wear To Your First Aerial Silks Class
Believe it or not, your aerial silks outfit is incredibly important, and not just for the looks darling.
Our clothing protects us from burns we can receive from the fabric. Mind you sometimes you can still catch a burn with long layers. I caught one on my Achilles heel. Ouch.
I have been taking aerial arts classes now for over four years with breaks in-between to birth my two bambinos. Different apparatuses will allow you to wear different styles of clothing.
What Men Should Wear To An Aerial Silks Class
Wearing standard sweat pants to aerial silks lessons, is not ideal for male aerialists or someone just starting out. Sweat pants get tangled in the silks during complex wraps and it makes it a lot harder to move and perform tricks. The most common outfits I see men wearing on the aerial silks are a pair of cotton tights with a pair of shorts over the top.
For aerial silks you want your outfits to include:
Coverage
For silks, you want to be able to cover your entire body. This is because fabric burn is real and it hurts. I have a couple of catsuits that I love. Although I do feel a little extra when I am in them. It probably has something to do with the fact that it is bright red. It’s perfect for Christmas time though.
You want to have sleeves to cover your armpits, long top, and long tights.
While we all might not be able to shell out $150 for a stellar catsuit from burnt soul I have used a lot of Capezio’s leotards and catsuits. They are amazing. You do need to check whether they are cotton lycra or slick lycra because they make both. Here are a few that I have used and love.
Unrestricted ROM
Tight clothing that allows your body to move is a perfect choice for aerial silks. Your body will move into directions and poses that you didn’t even know existed. That’s part of the fun! Think cotton lycra. Padding is not necessary for silks yet it is for Lyra. You can find out how to dress for a lyra class here.
Keep It Tight
I am a leotard girl, yet I seem to be the only one in my studio…. Must be the dancer in me. When you are warming up and doing your drills you will be performing moves inverted. Since we have gravity what goes up must come down. That includes your top. Some girls like to wear shirts but personally I don’t like my tummy hanging out. Try a fitted top with sleeves or a leotard. Tights need to be fitted and to the ankle. Don’t even think about wearing shorts.
Stay Snag Free
Fabric snags on just about anything. This means that you will have to be jewelry free and your clothing must not have anything on it that can be caught on the fabric. If it has zippers or buttons you won’t be able to participate in the class. Keep the outfit simple you will be wowing everyone with your new moves!
Choose Cotton
When you start working with silks the fabric is slippery. You will find things like climbs challenging in the beginning. Mainly due to trying to find your grip beginners generally tend to slide around. I have so many beautiful yoga tights from when I was instructing, unfortunately, I can’t wear any of them because they are slick. The best cotton tights I have found are Victoria Secret or some cheap cotton tights from Wallmart.
To Sum, It All Up Make Sure You Avoid:
- Avoid loose clothing.
- Shorts are not ok.
- Don’t wear synthetic tights.
- Select clothing without metal parts e.g. zips or belts, as it may cause damage to your equipment-especially in aerial silks. Additionally, they can get stuck and cause injuries.
- Remove all jewelry.
- Avoid loose hair. Try putting it up or in a braid is my favorite.
- Trial and error is also a great teacher.
Now that you have your outfits ready to go you can go and take that class or nail that performance.
FAQ
Do I Need To Be Flexible To Do Aerial Silks?
Not at all. Aerial silks requires a low level of strength and balance for beginner moves. Anyone at any level can perform at least one beginner tricks.
As you progress in your aerial journey your body will naturally adapt and become stronger and more flexible allowing you to perform more advanced moves.
Is there a weight limit for aerial silks?
The weight limit is dependant on the dynamic load rate, on the beams, the aerial silks are hung from. Not the silk itself. A dynamic load is one that is or will move, versus a static load that does not move. Most studios will have a load limit of at least 3,000 pounds.
How do you rig aerial silks?
Rigging is not something that you should do if you have not been taught by a professional. The reason I am placing this section in is that there are many studios that are not rigged correctly. In fac,t I have seen a hammock fail due to it being tied by granny knots. So dangerous. I want to educate you on what it should look like in the event that you go to a studio that is not rigged safely.
Here is a video on how aerial silk should be tied.
Are Aerial Silks Dangerous?
For professionals that practice the art of aerial silks without mats such as circus performers, it is definitely a dangerous sport. One wrong move can result in death.
For the regular person who is practicing this art, it is still a high-risk sport. Common injuries are:
- Burns.
- Bruises.
- Strains.
I can’t remember a class I didn’t get a bruise from lol! Over time you will wear your bruises like medals and compare them with other aerialists.
More serious injuries include:
- Broken legs
- Broken arms
- Fractured ribs
- Concussions
- Head and neck injuries
- Paralysis.
- Overstretched or torn ligaments.
These injuries are commonly related to falling from 20ft or above. These injuries can be easily prevented simply by:
- Don’t get cocky. We all make mistakes even circus solei performers.
- Ensure that your instructor clears you for drops.
- Ensure your instructor has watched your wraps for a drop.
- Ensure that you have a thick crash mat below you.
- Don’t try complicated wraps when you are tired. This is an easy way to become injured.
- In the event of a fall bring your chin to chest.
Did I miss anything? Let me know!
In happiness and health,
Related Articles:
What To Expect In Your First Aerial Class
Aerial Silks For Beginners
Aerial Sling Moves For Beginners
2019 Aerial Challenge
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