What to Wear Bouldering: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve ever walked into a bouldering gym, you’ll know there’s not exactly a dress code.

You’ll  see people climbing in everything from old football shirts and baggy trousers to leggings, shorts and the occasional pair of jeans (although I wouldn’t recommend the latter!).

And that’s one of the things I love about climbing. Nobody really cares what you’re wearing.

If you’re new to bouldering, you might be wondering whether you need to invest in loads of specialist clothing before your first session.

The short answer is no. Chances are, you’ve already got most of what you need sitting in your wardrobe.

That said, there are a few things worth considering to make your time on the wall a little more comfortable.

Comfort and Movement Come First

Bouldering involves putting your body into some pretty unusual positions.

High feet, awkward twists, big reaches and the occasional move that leaves you wondering how on earth you’re supposed to get your leg up there.

The last thing you want is your clothing restricting your movement.

Something might feel perfectly comfortable walking around the house, but it’s a different story when you’re trying to get your foot up near your shoulder!

Before heading to the gym, try a few squats, lift your knees and stretch your arms overhead. If your clothes feel restrictive, they’re probably not the best choice.

What Tops Are Best for Bouldering?

I’ve seen people climb incredibly hard routes wearing the most basic clothing imaginable. And I’ve seen people wearing hundreds of pounds’ worth of technical gear who can’t get off the first hold.

The clothes definitely don’t make the climber! A comfortable cotton T-shirt will do the job for most indoor bouldering sessions.

Personally, I’d avoid anything too tight around the shoulders, as you want to be able to reach freely without your top pulling against you.

You also don’t want something so oversized that it’s constantly getting in the way.

There are plenty of brands producing some great climbing T-shirts, often with designs that reflect the climbing lifestyle. They’re a nice option if you want something a little more climbing-specific without spending a fortune on technical clothing.

But ultimately, comfort wins every time.

Trousers or Shorts for Bouldering?

This one really comes down to personal preference.

Some climbers prefer loose trousers, others wear shorts, and plenty opt for leggings or joggers.

The main thing is making sure your legs can move freely.

You’ll spend a surprising amount of time lifting your feet above waist height, squatting and stretching into positions that aren’t exactly natural.

Anything too restrictive is going to make life harder.

Stretchy joggers, climbing trousers and sports shorts are all perfectly good options.

Personally, I think it’s worth choosing something fairly hard-wearing too. Climbing walls can be abrasive, and it’s not unusual to find yourself brushing your knees against the wall.

One thing I would avoid is your favourite pair of expensive trousers. There’s a reasonable chance they’ll end up covered in chalk!

Cotton or Technical Clothing?

You’ll see lots of technical clothing marketed towards climbers. Moisture-wicking fabrics, breathable materials, quick-drying technology. The list goes on.

And to be fair, some of it is really good. If you’re someone who sweats a lot, particularly during longer sessions, technical fabrics can make things more comfortable.

But for the average indoor bouldering session, a cotton T-shirt is absolutely fine.

Bouldering tends to involve short bursts of activity followed by plenty of rest while you figure out how to climb the next problem.

Unless you’re training particularly hard, you probably won’t notice a massive difference.

My advice would be to start with what you’ve already got. You can always invest in specialist clothing further down the line.

The One Thing You Do Need: Climbing Shoes

If there’s one piece of equipment that really does make a difference, it’s climbing shoes.

Unlike normal trainers, climbing shoes have sticky rubber soles designed to help you stand on small footholds.

They also fit much closer to your feet, giving you more control when climbing.

But don’t rush out and buy a pair before your first session.

Most climbing gyms offer rental shoes, and these are absolutely fine when you’re getting started.

Once you’ve been climbing a little while and know you’re going to stick with it, investing in your own shoes is definitely worthwhile.

Just remember, climbing shoes should fit snugly, but they shouldn’t be unbearably painful. Despite what some people might tell you!

Don’t Forget About Your Hands

Now, this is something I know a little bit about!

When people first start bouldering, they tend to think about their muscles, their fitness and whether they’ve got enough strength to get up the wall.

What they often overlook is their skin. Climbing is incredibly tough on your hands, particularly when you’re starting out.

The holds are abrasive, and all that gripping, pulling and slipping can quickly leave your fingers feeling pretty battered.

It’s not unusual for beginners to finish a session with sore fingertips, dry skin or even the occasional flapper (a torn piece of skin, for anyone wondering).

Over time, your skin adapts and develops calluses, but that doesn’t mean you can completely ignore it.

In fact, looking after your skin becomes even more important as you start climbing regularly.

A Simple Skincare Routine for Climbers 

You don’t need a complicated routine to look after your hands.

A few simple habits can make a big difference.

• Wash your hands after climbing. Chalk and dirt can leave your skin feeling dry, so give your hands a proper wash when you’ve finished.
• Keep your calluses under control. Thick, raised calluses can catch on holds and tear. Gently filing them down can help.
• Moisturise regularly. Applying a good hand balm after climbing helps replenish moisture and keep your skin feeling comfortable.
• Give damaged skin time to recover. If your fingertips are particularly sore or you’ve torn some skin, sometimes the best thing you can do is take a break.

This is actually one of the reasons I created ClimbCare in the first place.

I wanted a natural hand balm that would help look after my skin after climbing, without leaving my hands feeling greasy.

Our ClimbCare Hand Balm is made using natural ingredients including shea butter, jojoba oil and hemp seed oil, and is designed to help moisturise and condition hardworking hands.

Because there’s nothing more frustrating than feeling strong enough to climb but having to stop because your skin has had enough!

What About Chalk?

You’ll quickly notice that chalk is pretty much everywhere in a climbing gym. On people’s hands, their clothes, the mats and occasionally all over the floor.

Chalk helps absorb moisture from your hands, improving your grip when you’re climbing. For most people, it’s a useful addition to their climbing kit, particularly if they suffer from sweaty hands.

You can buy loose chalk, chalk balls and liquid chalk, although some gyms have restrictions on what you’re allowed to use.

One thing worth mentioning is that chalk can leave your hands feeling very dry, especially if you’re climbing several times a week.

That’s another good reason to get into the habit of washing your hands and using a hand balm after your sessions. Your skin thank you for it.

A Few Other Things Worth Bringing

Aside from comfortable clothes and climbing shoes, you really don’t need much.

A water bottle is always a good idea, and I’d recommend bringing a warm layer for when you’re resting between climbs, particularly during winter.

If you’ve got long hair, tie it back, and it’s worth removing rings or jewellery that could catch on the holds.

As you get more involved in climbing, you’ll probably start accumulating more kit. Chalk bags, brushes, finger tape, skin files and all sorts of other bits and pieces. 

And if you’re buying something for someone who’s recently discovered climbing, there are some good climbing gifts around.  But there’s no need to buy everything on day one. Just Get Climbing!

One of the best things about bouldering is how accessible it is. You don’t need expensive equipment, a particular body type or years of experience to get started.

You just need some comfortable clothes, a pair of climbing shoes and a willingness to give it a go.

So grab a T-shirt, throw on some comfortable trousers and head down to your local climbing wall. You might just find yourself hooked. I certainly did!

Closing Thoughts From Me 

When it comes down to it, there’s no perfect outfit for bouldering. The best thing to wear is whatever allows you to move comfortably, feel confident and focus on enjoying your session.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on specialist clothing or arrive with a bag full of equipment. Start with the basics, see what works for you and make changes as you gain experience.

The most important thing is simply getting through the door and giving bouldering a try. You’ll learn what you like, what gets in the way and what you actually need as you go.

And don’t forget to look after your hands along the way. A little care after each session can help keep your skin comfortable and make it easier to keep climbing regularly.

FAQ’s

Can I wear normal gym clothes for bouldering?

Yes. Normal gym clothes are perfectly suitable for bouldering, as long as they’re comfortable and allow you to move freely. A T-shirt, leggings, joggers, shorts or stretchy trousers can all work well.

Do I need special clothes for my first bouldering session?

No. You don’t need specialist clothing for your first session. Wear something comfortable from your existing wardrobe and hire climbing shoes from the gym if they’re available.

Are jeans suitable for bouldering?

Jeans aren’t usually the best choice because they can be stiff and restrict your movement. They can also feel uncomfortable when you’re stretching, squatting or lifting your legs high. If you do wear jeans, choose a pair with plenty of stretch.

Should I wear shorts or trousers for bouldering?

Either is fine. Shorts can be comfortable and keep you cool, while trousers offer more protection from the wall. Choose whichever gives you the best freedom of movement and suits your personal preference.

What should I wear under bouldering clothes?

Wear whatever you find comfortable. Supportive sports underwear can be useful, particularly during more active sessions, but there’s no specific type of underwear required for bouldering.

Do I need climbing shoes straight away?

No. Most bouldering gyms offer rental shoes, which are ideal for beginners. Once you know you enjoy climbing and plan to go regularly, you can consider buying your own pair.

Should climbing shoes be painful?

No. Climbing shoes should feel snug and secure, but they shouldn’t cause severe pain. A close fit is helpful, but discomfort shouldn’t be treated as a sign that the shoes fit correctly.

Do I need chalk as a beginner?

Not necessarily. Some beginners find chalk helpful, especially if their hands get sweaty, but it isn’t essential for your first session. Check your gym’s rules before bringing or using chalk.

Why do my hands hurt after bouldering?

Bouldering holds can be rough on your skin, and repeated gripping can cause sore fingertips, dry skin and calluses. This is particularly common when you’re new to climbing and your hands haven’t had time to adapt.

How can I look after my hands after climbing?

Wash your hands after your session, gently file down thick calluses and apply a tallow balm. If your skin is torn or particularly sore, give it time to recover before climbing again.

What else should I bring to a bouldering gym?

A water bottle, a warm layer and comfortable clothes are usually enough for your first visit. You may also want to bring hair ties, a small towel and a change of clothes if you expect to get sweaty.

Is bouldering suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. Bouldering is suitable for beginners, and most climbing gyms have routes for a range of abilities. You don’t need to be particularly strong or fit to start; you can learn the basics and build confidence gradually.