Deciding what to wear on a date can be nerve wrecking just by itself, especially when that date is something new. Going climbing is an awesome date idea but it really limits your clothing options. Throughout my many years of climbing, I have gone on (and witnessed) many climbing dates, here is what I recommend to wear:
As a general rule, well-fitting activewear is the best clothing to wear for climbing dates. Female climbers typically choose to wear either a loose T-shirt or tank top with leggings or workout shorts. Male climbers typically choose to wear a T-shirt or tank top with either shorts or flexible pants.
Picking out the right outfit is essential to having a great time. Wearing the wrong clothes for climbing not only will make you uncomfortable and self-conscious, but it could really hurt your date. Read on below to see what you need to avoid at all costs to have a great climbing date.
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Picking the Right Type of Clothing
Climbing is a fun and sporty date. It will get you both moving and your heart rate up! Unlike other sporty activities, climbing also offers an atmosphere that allows for intimate one-on-one talk.
It will not be hard to hear each other and you won’t have to worry about having to yell. Awkward pauses will be broken easily by going and climbing the wall. Not taking it too seriously and just going out and having a good time is key to having a great climbing date. Here is what you should plan to wear:
Recommended Tops For Climbing
In general, you will not need to go out and buy a top to go on your climbing date. That being said, there are shirts specially made for climbing. I only recommend getting these if you are dead set on looking like a hardcore climber.
Although, even extremely dedicated climbers will not wear these shirts to the gym and prefer to wear more casual tops as discussed in greater detail below:
Ladies – The most popular tops at a climbing gym will be loose T-shirts and tank tops with a sports bra underneath. If you are feeling extra confident and want to show off your body, wearing a well-fitting tank top will be the perfect choice.
Gentlemen – A T-shirt will be the most common top you will see in a climbing gym. If you are looking to show off your muscle a bit, I recommend wearing a tank top or well fitting T-shirt. Having a T-shirt that actually fits right is an essential part of the wardrobe because it will almost always be a great date choice.
Recommended Bottoms For Climbing
If you are looking to go the extra mile and really look the part, climbing pants are the way to go. Climbing pants were specifically designed to provide climbers with the flexibility and protection they need and yet still look stylish.
Ladies – Most female climbers opt to wear leggings. Climbing may lead to minor scrapes or bruises on your legs. Leggings will provide more protection against this than shorts.
Workout shorts are the way to go if you do not care about getting a little bruised or scraped up. They will keep you cooler and allow you to show a little bit more skin.
Gentlemen – Most male climbers opt to wear shorts. Shorts will provide the flexibility and breathability needed to climb without getting major butt sweat. If you plan to do more talking than climbing, a pair of flexible jeans or pants can be worn. Wearing pants will help protect your knees from potentially getting scraped on the wall.
Socks and Shoes:
Climbing is performed with special climbing shoes. Therefore, you only need to worry about wearing shoes that match your outfit and are comfortable to walk in.
Unless you have your own pair of climbing shoes, you will have to rent some from the climbing gym. This means that other people have already worn and sweat in them. Climbing gyms will disinfect their shoes but this only accomplishes so much.
Therefore, I recommend wearing a pair of socks to prevent direct contact with the rental climbing shoes. Make sure your socks are low or ankle cut so they do not show above the climbing shoes (typically come up to your ankle). Socks showing above climbing shoes looks weird.
What Not To Wear
The following are a few clothing and cosmetic items that I highly advise you not to wear on your date.
Anything Fancy or Really Nice
Like I mentioned earlier, climbing is very active and you will need to dress the part. For you ladies reading this, showing up in high heels and a dress will not only be out of place but will prevent you from actually climbing. If you are just trying to turn heads, this will definitely accomplish that but it also may upset your date.
In addition to this, climbing gyms are known for being covered in chalk. Don’t wear anything that you aren’t willing to get chalk on.
Heavy Makeup
Light makeup to make yourself look nice is fine but keep in mind you will be sweating, potentially a lot. Applying too much makeup is a sure recipe for disaster!
If you normally wear a lot of makeup and are not willing to compromise on this, be sure to stay cool and prevent heavy sweating. Try to do more talking than climbing.
Long Nails
Grabbing and holding onto climbing holds is an essential part of climbing. Having long or extendable nails can present problems with actually grabbing onto these holds. Not to mention, they may chip or break if you are not being careful.
If you do have long nails and won’t have time to change this ahead of time, try to only use the larger climbing holds that will give your nails the space they need.
Raggedy Clothing
Ladies and gentlemen, this is still a date. Although you will be active, sweating, and most likely getting covered in chalk, this does not give you an excuse to look like garbage. Leave that 5 year old faded t-shirt with holes in the armpits at home.
Nothing is a bigger turnoff for your date than to see you in tattered clothing. Not only does this look bad, it also shows them that you were not willing to put in any effort to look good for them. Don’t be foolish, dress the part.
What to Expect on Your Date
Your date will really be what you make it. Climbing is both social and sporty. Most likely there will be people there drenched in sweat giving it their all and others there simply hanging out and having a fun time. To learn more about what to expect at an indoor climbing gym check out my article linked here.
Note : You should expect to fall off the wall multiple times. This is part of climbing and should not be embarrassing! No climber in the world has ever made it to the top every-time they have tried (not even the professionals). Falling can be a great ice breaker and really lighten up the mood of your date.
The Bottom Line
Wearing well-fitting active wear is key to having a great climbing date. Don’t use this as an excuse however to wear raggedy clothing (looking at you gentlemen). Pants will provide additional protection against potential scrapes or bruises but are not required by any means. Be sure to avoid wearing too much make-up, having long nails, and over dressing.