What to wear (and not wear) to aerial yoga class

For aerial yoga, wear fitted, stretchy clothing that covers your underarms and the backs of your knees. Leave off zippers, buttons, jewelry and lotion. You will practice barefoot. The goal is simple: nothing that snags the fabric, nothing that slips, and no bare skin where the hammock rubs.

That is the short version. Here is why each piece matters, plus a checklist you can glance at before your first class.

Why does clothing matter more in aerial yoga?

In a floor class, clothing is mostly about comfort. In aerial yoga, your clothes sit between you and the hammock.

The fabric wraps around your hips, thighs, back and sometimes your arms. When it presses on bare skin, it can rub or pinch, especially in the soft areas under the arms and behind the knees. Loose clothing can also get tangled or ride up when you lean back or tip upside down.

What should I wear on top?

Choose a fitted top that covers your underarms. A snug T-shirt or a long-line athletic top with sleeves works well.

Avoid loose, flowing shirts. When you lean back or invert, they slide up toward your face. Tank tops are fine for some classes, but sleeves give your underarms a layer of protection when the fabric wraps around your arms or shoulders.

Tuck your top into your leggings if it tends to ride up.

What should I wear on the bottom?

Full-length or three-quarter leggings are ideal. They cover the backs of your knees, where the fabric often hooks during stretches and supported poses.

Shorts leave your legs exposed to rubbing. Very loose pants can get caught in the fabric. Go for something stretchy and close to the skin that lets you move freely.

What not to wear to aerial yoga

A few things are worth leaving at home or in your bag:

• Zippers, buttons and metal details. They can snag or damage the hammock and press uncomfortably into you.
• Jewelry. Rings, bracelets, watches, long necklaces and hoop earrings can catch on the fabric.
• Lotion, body oil or heavy moisturizer. They make your skin slippery against the fabric and can mark it.
• Very loose or baggy clothing. It tangles, slides and gets in your face upside down.
• Shoes and socks. You will be barefoot so your feet can grip.

What about hair and glasses?

Tie long hair back so it does not get wrapped in the fabric. A simple low ponytail or braid tends to be more comfortable than a high bun when you lie back in the hammock.

If you wear glasses, you may prefer to take them off for inversions and swinging poses so they do not slip. Tell your instructor if you need them to see clearly, and they can help you find a comfortable approach.

Should I eat before aerial yoga?

Try to avoid a heavy meal in the couple of hours before class. Hanging, swinging and gentle inversions can feel uncomfortable on a full stomach, and some people feel queasy.

A light snack is usually fine if you are hungry. Bring water, and sip it before and after class.

Your aerial yoga checklist

Before you head out, run through this:

Bring or wear	Leave at home
Fitted top that covers underarms	Loose or flowing shirts
Leggings covering the backs of your knees	Shorts, baggy pants
Hair tie	Jewelry and watches
Water bottle	Lotion or body oil
Bare feet	Zippers, buttons, metal details

What if I get it wrong?

Then you will learn something useful and still enjoy class. Nobody will send you home for wearing shorts once.

If you are not sure about an outfit, text the studio at 239.560.4267 and ask. When you arrive, you can also check with your instructor and mention any injuries at the same time.

If you are also wondering what the class itself will be like, read what to expect at your first aerial yoga class. And if you are nervous about going upside down, see Is aerial yoga safe for beginners?

Ready for your first aerial class?

Now that your outfit is sorted, the rest is easy. Yayso Yoga’s beginner aerial classes in South Fort Myers use secure Antigravity® hammocks, and every inversion is optional. Your first class is a $25 drop-in with no membership required. Book your first class or browse the current schedule.