When it comes to fitness apparel, the terms “polewear” and “activewear” are often used interchangeably. However, while both types of clothing are designed for physical activities, they serve different purposes and have unique technical features tailored to specific needs. In this blog, we'll explore the key differences between polewear and activewear, helping you understand which type of clothing works best for your workout.
What is Activewear?
Activewear is a broad category of clothing designed for physical exercise and outdoor activities. It typically includes leggings, sports bras, shorts, t-shirts, and jackets, and is engineered for a wide range of workouts, including yoga, running, cycling, and gym sessions. Activewear is designed to prioritize comfort, flexibility, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties.
What is Polewear?
Polewear, on the other hand, is a specialized type of activewear designed specifically for pole dancing and aerial sports. This apparel focuses on providing grip, freedom of movement, and strategic skin exposure, as the skin’s contact with the pole is essential for performing many tricks and spins. Polewear often includes shorts, crop tops, bodysuits, and grip-enhancing materials, specifically designed to enhance performance and safety during pole dancing routines.
Technical Clothing Differences Between Polewear and Activewear
Now that we understand the basic definitions, let's dive into the key technical differences between polewear and activewear.
1. Fabric Choice and Functionality
- Activewear Fabric: Most activewear is made from a blend of synthetic fabrics like polyester, spandex, and nylon, which offer breathability, moisture-wicking, and stretch. These fabrics are designed to keep you dry and comfortable during activities like running or gym workouts, where sweat management and flexibility are critical.
- Polewear Fabric: While polewear also uses materials like spandex for flexibility, it often incorporates fabrics that provide a certain level of "stick" or grip. Unlike activewear, which prioritizes moisture-wicking to prevent sweat buildup, polewear sometimes benefits from skin-on-skin contact with the pole, meaning fabrics are chosen to enhance grip rather than repel moisture. Some polewear brands even use fabrics with grip-enhancing technology to help dancers maintain control during challenging moves.
2. Design for Movement and Flexibility
- Activewear Design: Activewear is designed with a wide range of movements in mind. For instance, leggings and sports bras provide full coverage, compress muscles, and support intense movements, making them suitable for running, cycling, and weightlifting. The focus is on allowing unrestricted movement while keeping the body covered for maximum comfort and minimal distraction.
- Polewear Design: In contrast, polewear designs are intentionally minimal to expose areas of the body that need to make contact with the pole. This is why polewear often includes short shorts, crop tops, or bodysuits that reveal the thighs, arms, and abdomen. The skin’s friction against the pole is essential for executing complex tricks, spins, and holds. Therefore, polewear is designed to strike a balance between coverage and skin exposure to optimize performance.
3. Grip and Skin Contact
- Activewear Grip: In most activewear, grip isn’t a concern. In fact, many activewear pieces are smooth and sleek to reduce friction during workouts like running or cycling. The focus is on keeping you cool, dry, and free to move.
- Polewear Grip: Grip is one of the most crucial aspects of polewear. The skin's friction against the pole is necessary for gripping and holding positions, making pole-specific designs essential. Some polewear also incorporates silicone or other materials that enhance grip when the skin itself isn’t enough. These strategic design elements help prevent slips and falls during intricate pole dancing routines.
4. Coverage and Support
- Activewear Coverage: Activewear is generally designed for full coverage and support. Leggings, full-length sports bras, and long-sleeve tops are all designed to cover the body and provide muscle compression, making them ideal for high-intensity workouts or activities where extra protection and support are needed.
- Polewear Coverage: Since polewear focuses on skin exposure for optimal pole grip, it provides minimal coverage compared to traditional activewear. Pole shorts are typically very short, and crop tops may leave the midriff exposed. While these designs might seem revealing, they’re essential for the functionality of pole dancing, allowing for maximum flexibility and contact with the pole.
5. Durability and Reinforcement
- Activewear Durability: Activewear is built for durability in a variety of settings, including outdoor running, high-impact gym sessions, or even lounging at home. Activewear fabrics often have reinforced seams and thicker materials to withstand continuous wear and tear.
- Polewear Durability: While polewear also needs to be durable, it must stand up to different types of wear and tear. Pole dancing involves sliding, spinning, and gripping onto a metal pole, so the material needs to be able to withstand friction and pressure from repeated pole contact. High-quality polewear often uses reinforced stitching, double layers, and high elasticity to prevent tears and stretching.
6. Moisture-Wicking vs. Sweat-Enhancing
- Activewear Moisture-Wicking: One of the primary features of activewear is moisture-wicking technology. Activewear is designed to draw sweat away from the body and allow it to evaporate quickly, keeping you cool and dry. This is especially important during cardio or strength training, where excess moisture can be uncomfortable or even hinder performance.
- Polewear and Sweat: In pole dancing, a little sweat can actually be beneficial because it increases grip on the pole. While some polewear pieces include moisture-wicking fabrics, others are designed to enhance grip by retaining a slight level of moisture. This is especially true for more advanced pole dancers who rely on their skin’s friction to perform certain tricks and inversions.
When to Choose Polewear vs. Activewear
- Choose Polewear: If you’re practicing pole dancing, aerial fitness, or even acro-yoga, polewear is a must. It’s designed to provide the grip, flexibility, and exposure needed for these unique activities. The functional design of polewear allows you to safely perform spins, inversions, and tricks with optimal body control.
- Choose Activewear: For traditional workouts like running, weightlifting, yoga, or even high-intensity interval training (HIIT), activewear is your best bet. It offers full coverage, muscle compression, and moisture-wicking properties, making it suitable for various fitness routines.
Conclusion: Which is Right for You?
Both polewear and activewear are designed to meet specific needs, and the right choice depends on the activity you're engaged in. If you're attending a pole fitness class or working on aerial arts, specialized polewear like Spincess Pole Wear will provide the grip, flexibility, and skin exposure required for safe and effective movement. For traditional workouts such as running, yoga, or gym sessions, activewear offers the necessary coverage, support, and moisture-wicking features to enhance your performance.
Whether you're a pole dancing enthusiast or a fitness lover, understanding these technical differences will help you make the right choice for your wardrobe, ensuring both style and functionality as you train.