What to Wear to a Rock Climbing Gym – 6 Best Tips

What to wear to a rock climbing gym? We will explore this! Indoor rock climbing is an amazing way to get a workout. But, it can be hard to know what to wear rock climbing, especially the first few times you try it.

If you are not sure what to wear indoor rock climbing, here is what you need to know.

What to wear to a rock climbing gym? What to look for when choosing?

Indoor climbing walls are generally sheltered from the elements, so finding an outfit for climbing indoors can be easier, than for outdoor climbing.

So, when you are choosing clothes for the climbing gym, you will need to consider a few criteria:

1. Flexibility

When climbing, you often have to stretch to distant grips. Your clothes shouldn’t interfere.

If you have jeans that are a little too tight and do not allow complete legroom, you will quickly become frustrated.

2. Form-fitting

It is better to avoid excessively loose clothing that can get in the way of your climbing experience.

If you’re wearing a shirt that’s too loose-fitting or baggy jeans, you can quickly get stuck somewhere. Also, oversized clothes can be quite uncomfortable in your harness.

3. Comfort

The clothing should be comfortable. When you’re trying to focus on a new route, the last thing you want to be thinking about is scratchy fabric or annoying zippers.

4. Light fabrics

The advantage of the climbing gym is that you don’t have to deal with real stone walls.

So, your clothes don’t have to be outdoor-proof and can be a lot lighter. So, it is better if your gym clothes will be made of light fabrics.

Are there differences between climbing clothing for men and women?

Generally, a rock climbing outfit for women and men is going to be quite the same. Long-sleeved or short-sleeved tops, leggings, or longer shorts you can wear rock climbing indoors.

But, there are subtle differences between men’s and women’s climbing clothing. 

Indoor rock climbing attire for women

There is a wide assortment of climbing clothing for women:

When you decide what t-shirts and tops for rock climbing indoors for women to wear, you may want to consider your level of experience.

If you are new to climbing, a breathable t-shirt may be the right option to help you avoid getting too many scrapes on your arms.

You probably already have a t-shirt from another sport, such as running or hiking, that is suitable for climbing.

Tank tops are also good for climbing. They give your shoulders the freedom to move in any direction easily.

If you enjoy climbing, it’s better to purchase climbing-specific pants. Trousers made for climbing are usually a little baggy. They have a gusseted crotch and are made of breathable and resistant material.

Also, you can wear leggings. It is a great choice because they are flexible and form-fitting.

Indoor rock climbing attire for men

Climbing outfits are a little different for men. For example, most rock climbing pants for men have smaller crotch areas than average gym shorts or sweats.

Guys can wear a t-shirt or tank top that would fit quite well to wear rock climbing indoors.

Some indoor climbing gyms have a shirt policy, so it is better to check with the gym beforehand to make sure it is all right to go there shirtless.

Beginners can wear flexible khakis or soccer sweats.

Also, you can wear yoga pants to climb. It is better to purchase yoga pants that was made from synthetic materials. These pants wick away sweat to keep you dry.

But for those who want to wear some pants for climbing, there is a huge variety to choose from. Many rock climbing pants for men use mountaineering or hiking pant styles for inspiration.

These climbing trousers are usually made from fast-drying and hard-wearing fibers.

Should I wear rock climbing shoes?

Rock climbing shoes are made specifically to help you climb better, so you should wear them. They have thin plastic soles and fit tightly to allow your feet to feel the wall. Also, they can help you to stand on very small footholds.

Climbing shoes are worth the cost of renting. It is one of the most helpful tools for climbers, and many climbing footholds are too small for tennis shoes

Special features of clothing for rock climbing

When you’re wondering what to wear indoor rock climbing, look out for these features:

Gusseted crotch

This is a piece of material that is added to the crotch area of shorts, leggings, or pants. It helps to make a greater range of movement.

Harness compatible

Hand pockets of jackets should sit high up on the waist so that they can be accessed when you wearing a harness.

Chalk bag loop

Many climbing-specific trousers or shorts have a handy chalk bag loop. It is sewn into the back of the waistband.

This is especially useful for climbers who don’t wear a harness to clip a chalk bag onto.

Zippered pockets

If your climbing clothing has zippered pockets, it can be very useful.

This means you can carry small emergency items, snacks, or even your camera, up the wall with you.

Frequently asked questions about climbing clothes and gear

What should I wear to rock climbing gym?

If you’re planning on rock climbing indoors, you won’t have to worry about the weather or the rough rock surface that you can encounter during climbing outdoors.

For indoor climbing, you can wear a long-sleeved breathable top, comfortable pants, climbing shoes, and a sports bra for ladies.

Should I wear shorts or pants to rock climb?

You can wear both. Most climbers wear pants, but if you are climbing indoors, then shorts will fit for this purpose too.

Also, many people like to wear khaki-like shorts or flexible shorts for indoor climbing.

Pants do a better job of protecting the skin from injuries, though.

So, lightweight and particularly breathable climbing trousers are an ideal compromise. 

Can I wear sneakers for rock climbing?

No, you can’t. You should not be wearing sneakers to rock climb.

Sneakers are not appropriate footwear for rock climbers. They lack adequate grip and that makes them exceptionally difficult to climb in.

Also, wearing sneakers can significantly alter your technique, and you don’t want to begin your climbing career by forming bad habits.

If you are a beginner, you can rent a pair of climbing shoes in your gym.

Should I wear jeans to rock climbing?

Yes. There aren’t many sports you can do in jeans, but climbing is one of them. So, you can wear jeans rock climbing.

There are a few benefits to climbing in jeans. They are super durable and are quite popular with outdoor and crack climbers.

Climbing jeans are made with fibers like spandex, polyester, and elastane. These materials make them highly elasticated and lightweight.

Should I wear socks climbing?

The answer to this question is it depends on if you’re a beginner or a more experienced climber.

If you are still renting shoes, then it is better to slip on a thin pair of ankle socks.

Advanced climbers tend not to wear socks because it puts more layers between you and the rock, limiting sensitivity to the surface.

Nevertheless, wearing climbing socks does have its benefits. A thin ankle sock will hardly impact your sensitivity, but it will make your climbing shoes more hygienic.

What to wear on a rock climbing date?

You cannot wear your usual date clothes on a rock climbing date. It is better to wear something that would fit for climbing and impress your date.

Women’s clothing can include stretchable tights, yoga pants, and anything comfortable and appealing.

Men can wear boxer briefs along if they choose to wear boxers so that they don’t get uncomfortable with the climbing harness.

Since this is an active date, women can want to take a natural approach to hair and makeup.

What gear do I need for gym climbing?

In a climbing gym, most things that you need will be provided.

The beginners, who only starting their rock-climbing journeys, can rent most of the equipment.

You can rent climbing shoes from your indoor climbing gym.

Next, you’ll need to use some chalk to keep your hands dry for grip. You don’t want to slip because you can’t properly hang on to hold.

Again, any climbing gym should provide it.

After that, you can rely on climbing gyms to have a harness and a rope to ensure that you are safely supported and won’t be injured if you slip.

Should I wear a helmet for indoor rock climbing?

The main purpose of the rock-climbing helmet is to protect the climber’s head from falling rocks.

Since indoor rock climbing doesn’t have this danger, most indoor climbing gyms don’t provide helmets to rent, and you will be fine without one. So, you should wear a helmet only for climbing outdoors.

What to bring indoor rock climbing?

Aside from picking what to wear indoor rock climbing, there are a few things you can want to bring:

1. Water bottle

It’s very important to stay well hydrated. Make sure to rest frequently to avoid burnout and drink plenty of water. 

Don’t buy a single-use plastic bottle, get a nice reusable one and slap a few stickers on it, so you know it’s yours.

2. Chalk

Beginners often don’t use it, but it’s a really important and helpful piece of kit.

It will make your grip much better when you climb because it removes moisture from your hands.

3. Snacks

A protein bar or mixed nuts will give you energy after your workout. Also, you can bring to the gym a sandwich and some fruit.

Conclusion

Whether you are a beginner trying indoor rock climbing for the first time or you want to know what to wear for a climbing date, there are a lot of options.

Remember, whatever you wear indoor rock climbing, the most important thing is to choose a rock climbing outfit that will be comfortable for you.

Breathable, flexible, form-fitting clothing can help you to enjoy climbing.