What's in a Pole Dancer's Bag? (Everything You'll Eventually Carry)

There's a moment every pole dancer knows.

You start class with a small gym bag — shorts, a top, water bottle, done. Six months later you're hauling a tote the size of a carry-on, and when someone asks what's in it, the list takes a while.

Grip blocks. Two kinds of spray. Micropore tape. Knee pads. A mystery bruise cream your instructor recommended at some point. Heels you might not even use today. And yes, the shorts — plural, because you brought a backup pair.

Here's the thing: most of that bag makes complete sense once you understand pole. This guide breaks down what's actually worth carrying, what you can skip until you actually need it, and roughly when each thing enters the picture.

The Basics: What Goes in First

Your Pole Shorts

This is the non-negotiable. You cannot do pole in regular leggings, gym shorts, or anything that covers the inner thigh — that skin is your grip surface, and without it you're fighting the pole instead of working with it.

A good pair of pole shorts stays exactly where you put them. No shifting, no riding up, no distracting you mid-climb. If you're still working out which style suits you best, we've got a full rundown in our Pole Wear Buying Guide →

Most polers bring at least two pairs once they're training regularly. One for class, one if the first pair's still in the wash. Eventually it just becomes habit.

Shop pole shorts →

Your Top

You're looking for something fitted, minimal hardware, and nothing that'll catch on the pole. A sports bra or fitted crop top is perfect for class. As you progress you'll gravitate toward thinner straps and more open backs for the extra arm and upper body contact — but for now, fitted and clean is all you need.

The Grip Section (This Gets Its Own Section Because It's a Whole Thing)

Ask ten pole dancers what's in their grip bag and you'll get eleven answers. Everyone has their system, most people have tried at least three products to find it, and the ideal combo varies wildly based on your skin type, your studio's pole type, and what the weather's doing.

Here's the basic lineup of what polers typically carry:

Grip spray — Applied to your skin before class or between moves. Works well for people who run dry and need a bit of tack. A light mist on the inner arm or thigh is usually enough.

Grip block or dry formula — For people who run sweaty. Chalk blocks, iTac, Tite Grip, Dry Hands — these absorb moisture and increase friction. Some polers swear by one product for life; others rotate based on the season.

Liquid chalk — A liquid that dries to a chalk finish. Good for hands and arms. Keeps things dry without being too aggressive.

A small towel or microfibre cloth — For wiping down the pole between moves, especially if your studio doesn't have dedicated pole cloths. Also good for hands between sections of class.

You probably don't need all of these at once when you start. Your studio may have grip aids on hand — ask before you buy a collection of things you might not need. Once you know how your skin behaves on the pole, you can put together your own kit.

We've written a proper deep-dive on this: How to Pick the Right Pole Grip →

For Your Skin (Before and After)

Pole is genuinely one of the more demanding things you can do with your skin. In a good way, mostly — but your skin will let you know.

Micropore tape — The thin, papery medical tape that looks completely unimpressive and is one of the most-recommended things in any pole bag. Wrap it around a blister, a raw patch, or anywhere skin is starting to tear and you can keep training. A roll costs almost nothing. It earns its spot.

Bruise cream (arnica gel) — You will bruise. This is not a sign you're doing it wrong — it's a sign you're gripping with your body, which is exactly the point. Arnica gel helps move bruises along faster. Most experienced polers have a tube in their bag by their third month.

Moisturiser — but not before class — Dry skin actually grips better than oily or heavily moisturised skin. Moisturise the night before, not right before you train. After class is fine.

Studio Essentials

Water bottle — Obvious, but worth saying: pole is cardio. Bring water.

Hair ties and bobby pins — Hair flying into your face during a spin is deeply annoying. Bring extras. They end up everywhere.

Deodorant — Again: cardio. Also you're getting physically close to other humans and a piece of shared equipment.

A change of clothes — Pole shorts are incredible for training. They're less ideal for the drive home, depending on your vibe. Most people throw a pair of tracksuit pants in the bag eventually.

What Gets Added Later

This section is less "you need this" and more "here's what shows up in the bag over time."

Knee pads — The moment your studio introduces floorwork, you'll want these. They protect the skin over your knee during moves where you're gripping the pole with your inner leg — which is both more common and more intense than it sounds. We've got a guide to finding the right pair: Knee Pads 101 →

Pole heels — If you go down the heels path (and many people do), they get their own compartment or their own bag entirely. They tend to be chunky, loud, and worth every bit of space.

Resistance band — For warming up at home before class, or mobility work in the corner while you're waiting.

A journal or your phone notes — For writing down combinations before you forget them. This sounds unnecessary until the moment your instructor strings together something beautiful and then moves on.

Pole cleaning spray — Some studios require you to bring and use your own. Others provide it. Check what your studio does.

The Quick Reference

What You Don't Need

Grip socks — Pole is done barefoot (or in heels later). Socks reduce the very contact you're trying to create.

A full matching set on the first day — Completely reasonable to start with one good pair of shorts and a sports bra you already own. Build the wardrobe as you figure out what you actually love training in.

Every grip product at once — Start with one, figure out if it works for you, then adjust. Your instructor can also tell you what they use and why.

Anything with hardware — No zips across the back, no metal clasps at the waist, nothing that will scratch a pole or catch on a student. Check your gear before class if you're new to it.

What to Get First at RARR

If you're starting out or upgrading your shorts, here's where to look:

• Shop All Booty Shorts →
• Scrunch Bum Shorts →
• Matching Sets →

XS to 3XL. Afterpay available. Free shipping on Australian orders over $150.

Got questions about what to start with? Drop us a message — we're polers too and we're happy to point you in the right direction.