Written by Rachel Nanfra (Former fashion designer Adidas Australia)
When it comes to pole and dancewear, the right fit isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about performance, comfort, and confidence. Whether you’re inverting mid-routine, flowing through floorwork, or just starting your pole journey, wearing gear that moves with you (not against you) makes a world of difference.
But let’s be honest: sizing for polewear can feel like a total guessing game—especially if you’ve got curves, muscles, a mum tum, or a body that doesn’t fit neatly into the “standard” mold. I’ve been there. It’s confusing, frustrating, and sometimes downright disheartening.
So here’s what I’ve learned, the real talk way—body to body.
Why Standard Sizing Often Falls Short
Most brands still base their patterns on one “ideal” body type, then scale up or down like we’re paper dolls. The result? A size 4XL that fits like an afterthought or a cute top that taps out the second you attempt a shoulder mount.
Here’s what really matters in polewear:
- Support – Will it hold The Girls during an invert without becoming a neck harness?
- Coverage – Can I drop into a split without flashing everyone in the studio?
- Comfort – Is the waistband rolling, squeezing, or slicing me in half during a spin?
Inclusive sizing isn’t just more numbers. It’s better design—for all bodies.
The Power of Real Fit Testing
The absolute game-changer? Brands that actually test on real humans. Not just XS and S, but the whole size spectrum. If you’re fitting on people with mum tums, thick thighs, big busts, wide backs—you’re designing for movement and reality.
Some companies even get live testers doing actual pole tricks in pre-launch gear. They check for boob slips, flappy bits, wedgies, all of it. That’s when you know a brand gets it.
For example, Rarr Designs fits and adjusts their pieces from XS to 5XL on real dancers—ensuring no-slip, full-flip confidence. That kind of hands-on testing is rare and so needed.
How to Find Your Best Fit
Even with better sizing, finding your perfect polewear fit still takes some trial and error. My go-to tips:
- Know your numbers – Bust, waist, hips. Tape measure, not guesswork.
- Read the fabric details – Sparkle styles fit firmer, stretchier fabrics feel more relaxed.
- Ask for help – Don’t be afraid to message a brand. Good ones (like Rarr) will give you actual advice, not just “refer to the chart.”
- Try it out – If you can, visit a studio or store to test the fit with movement.
Red Flags in Sizing
Some things that make me side-eye a brand:
Sizes that skip straight from L to XXL with no in-betweens
- Same cut across all sizes = poor fit everywhere
- Only one body type in product photos
- Vague product descriptions that ignore bust, booty, or movement support
Polewear should work with your body—not demand you shrink into it.
The Bigger Picture: Sizing Is Self-Worth Stuff
This isn’t just about outfits—it’s about how you feel showing up in your body. The confidence that comes from a set that hugs your waist without cutting in, lifts your bust without flattening it, and lets you move like the legend you are?
That’s powerful.
Whether you’ve got postpartum curves, post-op scars, stretch marks, or strong thighs that don’t quit—your body deserves gear that honours that. Not hides it.
Brands like Rarr Designs are helping reshape polewear by celebrating the bodies that jiggle, bend, grow, and show up. That’s the future of sizing—and I’m here for it.
Final Thoughts
Finding polewear that fits right is about thoughtful design, honest sizing, and celebrating your shape—not editing it. Whether you’re a total beginner or pulling off full-blown aerial combos, your outfit should support you like your best hype girl.
So measure up, move freely, and don’t settle. Your body isn’t the exception—it’s the inspiration.
Note from the PoleSphere team – you can use the code POLESPHERE15 to get 15% off anything at Rarr Designs!
