What clothing should I choose for indoor climbing?

How to choose your indoor climbing outfit

Do you want to get kitted out for indoor climbing? Here you can find all our tips on selecting the ideal outfit for a successful activity.

Bouldering is the discipline of choice for a large number of climbing enthusiasts, with the advantage that it can be done all year round, whatever the weather conditions. Indoor climbing lets you climb come summer or winter, in specialised centres all over the country. To help you enjoy this sport in the best possible conditions, we’ve put together a complete guide to help you choose your indoor climbing outfit.

Why is having the right indoor climbing clothes important?

Indoor climbing is the sport of scaling boulder walls at relatively low elevation. With difficulty levels varying from one wall to the next, due to the spacing of the holds or the slope of the surfaces, this is a highly physical activity. The aim is to climb as high as possible using your arms and legs; wearing an outfit that gives you the necessary comfort is a must.

In a climbing gym, as on an outdoor wall, climbers tend to perform movements that require a lot of agility and flexibility. To ensure that such movements can be carried out with ease, it is essential to choose suitable clothing that does not restrict movement.

By choosing the right climbing equipment, you will have all the comfort you need to climb in optimal conditions. As well as being comfortable to wear, the right outfit will also help you improve your performance in the discipline.

What to wear when climbing indoors?

Choosing the right climbing equipment is essential if you want to be able to boulder indoors without restriction or discomfort. Here’s our guide to choosing each item of clothing to ensure your sporting success.

What top should I wear for indoor climbing?

As a general rule, indoor climbing is very different from outdoor climbing, particularly in terms of equipment. Indoor bouldering is not subject to harsh weather conditions, so it offers a certain level of comfort, particularly in terms of temperature. Therefore, you will want to choose a top made from lightweight, comfortable fabric that is breathable and wicks away sweat, due to the physical nature of indoor climbing.

If you’re wondering what top to wear when climbing indoors, the answer is mainly tank tops and short-sleeved t-shirts.

These practical and lightweight garments give you plenty of freedom of movement. You will easily be able to move your arms to reach the furthest holds.

For total mobility, short-sleeved or sleeveless t-shirts are a great choice for men, women and kids. Suitable for everyone, these tops are comfortable and lightweight; essential qualities for a discipline like this.

What climbing trousers should I wear for indoor bouldering?

Just like your top, your climbing trousers are a piece of gear that deserves careful consideration. Beyond just looks, it’s important to focus on the technical features of your trousers.

Unlike outdoor apparel, indoor bouldering trousers are lighter and more breathable, making them comfortable to wear, even when you’re climbing for hours on end. With optimal temperature regulation, you can focus on your problem without worrying about getting too hot or too cold.

Additionally, the material of your climbing trousers plays a crucial role. Just as freedom of movement is essential for your arms, the same goes for your legs. A pair of stretch trousers will allow you to reach every hold you aim for, even when you have to lift one leg up high.

What climbing shoes should I choose for indoor bouldering?

You’re not going to choose the same footwear for indoor climbing as for rock climbing or mountaineering. Indoor climbing surfaces are less slippery and specifically designed to be climbed, so you’ll find shoes made for this purpose, providing excellent grip and precise foot placement.

When climbing indoors, the holds on the walls come in various shapes and sizes. Wearing the right climbing shoes ensures you can position your feet securely on holds and volumes, maintaining stability whatever the circumstances.

Comfort and stiffness are also key criteria when choosing your climbing shoes. Your shoes should really help you to feel at ease while climbing.

Sports bra

For women, a sports bra can be a practical addition to indoor climbing gear. Although this activity involves minimal impact compared to activities like running, some support can make the experience more comfortable.

Since this discipline does not require high support, your primary focus should be on the bra’s design. You can choose between straight or crossover shoulder straps, the latter offering greater freedom of movement, which is what you want for this activity.

Lastly, you can also select your sports bra for its aesthetic appeal, coordinating it with your tank top. You’ll be able to climb walls in style, combining performance and aesthetics.

What features should you consider when choosing your bouldering outfit?

As you can see, choosing the right indoor climbing outfit is essential. It will enable you to tackle any wall while maintaining full mobility, no matter the difficulty.

So, to find the ideal outfit, it’s important to know what parameters to take into account when choosing your climbing gear, both for your trousers and your top.

Fabric

Indoor climbing is an activity that demands great flexibility from climbers, as they often need to reach distant holds without losing their footing. To avoid any discomfort when raising your arms or shifting your legs to a new position, it’s vital to choose stretchy materials, especially for your trousers.

Climbing trousers, which cover the whole of your legs, as opposed to a tank top that gives your arms total freedom, should be made from stretch material. The latter, with its high elasticity, gives climbers plenty of flexibility, allowing them to conquer boulders with ease.

Fit

If your chosen climbing trousers are not very stretchy, consider opting for a looser fit. However, this choice requires careful consideration to strike the perfect balance. They need to give you freedom of movement without fabric getting in the way, especially while you’re on the bouldering wall.

For those who want complete mobility, without restriction, shorts can also be a great option. They allow for greater leg mobility by leaving part of your legs exposed.

Comfort

Whatever your discipline, wearing comfortable sportswear is essential. It not only enhances your performance but also makes the activity more enjoyable.

When selecting climbing trousers, t-shirts, or tank tops, this criterion is essential. You should feel comfortable and have good temperature regulation during even your most intense sessions.

Aesthetics

While comfort and technical features are of utmost importance when making your choice, don’t overlook the aesthetic aspect of your climbing gear.

High-performance climbing clothing can still be stylish. You can coordinate your trousers with your top and shoes to create a signature look.

How to maintain your climbing gear

Climbing is a physically demanding activity, at any level. So, while it’s advisable to opt for breathable fabrics that absorb sweat, it’s also essential to wash them after each use. Otherwise, bacteria can build up, degrading the fabric over time. Regular washing keeps your gear comfortable and extends its lifespan.

When selecting your wash cycle, be sure to follow the care instructions on your climbing clothes. This way, your gear will stay in top condition, ready to keep you company for many years to come.

These tips may also be of interest.

How to choose your climbing shoes

Thanks to this guide, you can discover the essential steps for making sure you choose the right climbing shoes. So, first things first: supple or rigid?

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