Best Fabrics for Pole Shorts That Don’t Slippery Slide

Pole dancing is fun when you have the best pole wear that fits you perfectly. Few things mess up a good pole session like shorts that just won’t stay put. It feels so awkward when you are in the middle of a spin and then your shorts are slipping downYeah, not fun.

If that sounds familiar, this post’s for you. Let’s talk about what actually makes a good pair of pole shorts,  the kind that don’t slip-slide every time you try a new trick.

1. Velvet: The Soft Grip Queen

Velvet gets a lot of love in the pole world, and for good reason.

It’s soft on the skin but has this subtle grip that keeps you steady when you’re doing climbs or sits. That plush texture gives you friction without the sticky feeling — just enough hold to make you feel secure.

And you know that velvet is beautiful. It reflects the light in the correct places, thus you will look good and feel go

One heads-up though, velvet can get warm, so maybe save it for cooler days or evening sessions.

2. Matte Lycra: Simple, Reliable, Always There

Matte lycra does not make much effort, which is more or less its appeal.

It is stretchy, easy, and soft like a second skin. It is not as slippery as the shiny version, unlike the rest of the products, making it a good choice for beginner pole moves.

You’ll get that perfect combo of grip and freedom to move. And bonus: it’s super durable. You can wash it a million times and it’ll still look new.

If you like a little more support around the tummy (and who doesn’t?), grab a pair of high waisted shorts. They stay in place and give that extra coverage for when you’re upside down pretending gravity doesn’t exist.

3. Suede Feel: Totally Underrated

Let’s give suede-textured shorts a little spotlight.

They’re not as famous as velvet or lycra, but they deserve it. Soft, slightly fuzzy, and perfectly grippy — these shorts keep you steady while still letting your legs glide where they need to.

It’s like velvet’s chill cousin who shows up to help you nail your pole sits and doesn’t steal the spotlight. If you’re still learning transitions or working on your flow, suede feel is a total game changer.

4. Sticky-Fit Fabrics: For When You’re Serious About Grip

Okay, sweaty pollers, listen up.

Sticky-fit fabrics are basically made for us. They’ve got a tacky texture that gets grippier the more you move. Great for sweaty classes, longer training sessions, or advanced tricks that demand full skin contact.

The first time you try them, you’ll probably go, “Ohhh, this is what control feels like.”

These are your go-to for when you want that confident, secure hold but still need coverage. Total lifesaver during those “slippery pole” days.

5. Nylon-Spandex Mix: For the Comfy Crew

Others of us just wish to have a little breath, eh?

That is where nylon-spandex blends come in. They are very long, dry quickly and are smooth against the skin. It is not the most grippy on the list but ideal in case of a relaxed session or a light workout.

They are the type of shorts that you grab when you are in need of doing things that allow you to move around freely and still look adorable.

Avoid These: The Slip-and-Slide Fabrics

Now, a quick warning — shiny fabrics look amazing online, but in class? They can be a disaster.

Anything too glossy or satin-like tends to slip right off the pole. You’ll spend half your session readjusting, which, trust me, kills your flow.

If your shorts feel too slick or start sliding the moment you invert, it’s probably the fabric. Save those for photoshoots, not for practice.

Quick Cheat Sheet: What to Pick

Here’s a quick breakdown to make it easy:

• New to pole? Go for matte lycra or suede feel.
  
  
• Intermediate or advanced? Velvet or sticky-fit is your best bet.
  
  
• Sweaty studio sessions? Nylon-spandex or light matte fabrics all the way.
  
  

And don’t forget fit — it matters a lot. The tighter the fit (without being uncomfortable), the more stable your grip. High waisted shorts also give you that snug feeling around the core, which is great when you’re still figuring out your form.

You can browse all these styles on the Pole Gekko pole shorts collection — there’s something for every skill level and vibe.

A Little Real Talk

The thing is that there is no one and only correct fabric. It depends on your skin type, your amount of sweating and even the type of pole you use.

Therefore, you need not worry about the best one at the very first place. Experiment with some clothes, get to know what your skin likes, and proceed.

You will know when you have the two, the one that fits and is always up, and one that makes you feel more certain about yourself. It's a total game changer.

Final Thoughts

Pole dancing is not simple, particularly to the individuals who are just beginning classes. The last thing that you should care about when learning new moves is finding the right fit clothes. The correct cloth does not just help you to grip but also enables you to get on with moving, learning and enjoying.

You are either learning the beginner pole tricks or training to perform your first show and you have the right pole shorts and everything is different.

So don't wear shorts with sloppy stuff and ill-fitting. Wear the finest cloth and shorts that fit your body and leave you comfortable in your moves.

Your pole journey (and your thighs) will thank you later