Aerial Silks for Beginners: What to Wear, How to Start, and How to Stay Safe
Aerial silks (also searched as aerial silk, aerialsilks, or aerialsilk) are one of the most popular disciplines in aerial arts silk—and one of the most rewarding. If you’re starting aerial silks for beginners classes, the first questions are almost always the same: What do I wear? Why does it bruise? How do I find a good studio (aerial silks near me)? And what’s actually “safe” to try?
This guide answers those questions in a way that’s useful for your first month of training.
What are aerial silks
Aerial silks are two long panels of fabric suspended from a single rigging point (or a specialized aerial silks frame). You climb, wrap, invert, and create shapes and transitions. Depending on the style, classes may emphasize silk dance / silks dance, strength-focused sequences, or more acrobatic pathways (often described as acrobatic silks, acro silks, or silk acrobatics).
What beginners struggle with most
Most beginners hit a similar set of hurdles:
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Fabric burns and skin sensitivity: friction at the backs of knees, armpits, inner arms, and torso is common early on. Studios and coaches widely recommend coverage to reduce burns.
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Bruising: bruises are common when you’re new (pressure points, unfamiliar loading, tight wraps). Many studios explicitly reassure students that bruising and “skin pain” are normal early and improve with consistent practice.
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Grip endurance: hands, forearms, and “wrap confidence” take time; most progress comes from consistency and gradual exposure.
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Technique confusion: climbs and foot locks feel awkward at first and are a frequent beginner discussion topic.
What to wear for aerial silks (simple, studio-friendly)
If you remember one rule: cover skin, keep it fitted, remove snag risks.
Most studios and instructor FAQs recommend:
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Full-length leggings (covering the backs of knees)
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A fitted top that covers shoulders/torso and often underarms (depending on the class focus)
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No loose clothing, and no jewelry that could snag
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Avoid zippers, buttons, hard seams, or anything that can catch on fabric or damage it
This advice is consistent across many studio policies and aerial FAQs because it directly reduces burn risk and snag hazards.
Pro tip: If you’re sensitive to friction, long sleeves can help early on. Several beginner discussions also reinforce this “leggings + sleeves” baseline.
“Aerial silks near me”: how to choose a safe studio
Searching aerial silk near me or aerial silks near me will surface options fast—but pick based on safety signals, not just distance:
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Clear safety policies (attire rules, jewelry/zipper bans, crash mats)
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Rigging competence and inspection culture (studios that talk about inspection and professional oversight are a good sign)
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Beginner progression (skills taught progressively, not “drops on day one”)
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Class environment (spotting culture, mats, clear instruction)
Rigging and home practice (important reality check)
If you’re thinking about home rigging, the most consistent safety guidance is: rigging points should be checked/certified by a competent rigger or structural engineer, and you shouldn’t guess roof capacity.
There are published “home rigging” safety guides that repeat the same core message: get qualified inspection before you trust any attachment point.
FAQ (quick answers for beginners)
Do aerial silks hurt at the start?
Some discomfort, bruising, and friction sensitivity are common early and usually improve with consistent practice.
What should I wear to avoid fabric burns?
Most studios recommend fitted clothing that covers legs and often torso/underarms; avoid loose garments and jewelry.
Can I learn aerial silks without being “super strong”?
Yes—strength and endurance build over time. Beginners commonly improve with consistency and smart progression.
Is it safe to rig silks at home?
Only if the structure and rigging point are assessed by a qualified professional; don’t DIY structural safety.
