What Should I Wear to a Handstand Class?

 

Choosing the right attire is more important than you might think – it impacts your safety, your ability to move freely, and allows your instructor to see your body alignment clearly.

 

**The Golden Rule: Fitted is Key (Especially Up Top!)**

 

* **Why?** The single most important consideration for handstand attire is avoiding loose clothing, particularly tops. When you go upside down, a baggy t-shirt **will fall over your head**, completely obscuring your vision, potentially causing disorientation, and making it unsafe to balance or fall correctly. It’s also distracting for both you and the instructor.

* **Recommended Tops:**

    * **Fitted Tank Tops or Athletic T-shirts:** Choose tops made from athletic, stretchy material that stay close to your torso even when inverted.

    * **Sports Bras:** Appropriate and practical if you are comfortable wearing them as a top layer. Ensure good support.

    * **Bodysuits / Leotards:** An excellent option as they stay perfectly in place.

    * **Tuck It In:** If you only have slightly looser athletic tops, make sure you can securely tuck the front into your waistband *before* you go upside down.

 

**Bottoms: Comfort, Stretch, and Security**

 

You need bottoms that allow a full range of motion in your hips and legs without restriction or getting in the way.

 

* **Recommended Bottoms:**

    * **Leggings / Yoga Pants:** The most popular choice for good reason. They offer stretch, coverage, and stay put. Choose materials that aren’t overly slick if you’ll be using the wall.

    * **Fitted Athletic Shorts:** Great for warmer weather or personal preference. Consider the length – ensure you’re comfortable with the coverage when your legs are overhead or potentially spotted by an instructor. Bike shorts or compression shorts work well.

    * **Joggers or Athletic Pants (with Fitted Cuffs):** Acceptable *if* they are relatively fitted through the legs and, ideally, have elasticated or fitted ankle cuffs. This prevents them from sliding down towards your head when inverted. Avoid very baggy or wide-leg pants.

* **Material:** Opt for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics designed for movement (like spandex blends, nylon, polyester common in US activewear).

 

**Footwear: Barefoot is Best (Usually!)**

 

* **Standard Practice:** In almost all handstand, gymnastics, yoga, and calisthenics settings in the USA, practice is done **barefoot**.

* **Why?**

    * **Grip:** Your bare feet provide the best natural grip against the floor or wall.

    * **Proprioception:** Feeling the ground directly enhances your body awareness and balance control.

    * **Safety:** Regular socks are far too slippery and dangerous for handstand practice.

* **Exceptions:**

    * **Grip Socks:** Some studios *may* allow specialized socks with sticky grips on the bottom (often used in Pilates or Barre). **Always check the specific studio’s policy beforehand.** Do not assume regular socks are okay.

    * **Sneakers/Trainers:** These are **not suitable** for handstand classes. They prevent proper foot articulation, hinder alignment, and are unsafe for most drills and spotting.

 

**Hair & Accessories: Secure and Simple**

 

* **Hair:** If you have long hair, it **must** be tied back securely. Loose hair will fall in your face when inverted, blocking vision and being a major nuisance. Ponytails (consider a lower one if a high one bothers your neck alignment), buns, or braids work well. Use reliable hair ties.

* **Jewelry:** Remove any **dangly or loose jewelry** – long necklaces, bracelets, hoop or dangly earrings, and even loose rings. These can get caught, swing into your face, or injure you or a spotter. Simple stud earrings are generally fine.

* **Watches/Fitness Trackers:** Usually okay, but ensure they are secure and don’t restrict wrist movement or get easily scratched/damaged. You may prefer to remove them.

 

**Other Practical Considerations:**

 

* **Layers:** You might start class feeling cool and warm up quickly. Wearing a removable layer like a zip-up hoodie or light jacket for the warm-up and cool-down periods is often a good idea.

* **Avoid Strong Scents:** As a courtesy to others in a shared space, please avoid wearing heavy perfumes, colognes, or scented lotions.

* **Bring Water & Maybe a Towel:** Standard practice for any fitness class to stay hydrated and manage sweat.

 

**Check Studio Policy:**

 

While these guidelines are standard across most US fitness and movement studios offering handstand classes, it’s always a good idea to check the specific studio’s website or contact them beforehand to see if they have any unique dress code requirements or recommendations.

 

**Conclusion:**

 

Dressing appropriately for your handstand class in the USA is straightforward and primarily focused on **safety and function**. Prioritize a **fitted top** that won’t fall over your head, comfortable **bottoms that allow full movement** (like leggings or fitted shorts), and plan on being **barefoot** unless the studio specifies otherwise. Secure your hair, remove distracting jewelry, and you’ll be ready to focus on learning, progressing, and enjoying the challenge of mastering your handstand!

What Should I Wear to a Handstand Class?