After you've taken a leap by deciding to climb indoors, the question that would come into your mind is: what should I wear? Luckily, climbing doesn’t require a lot of proper technical clothing. In fact, you can probably find what you need in your closet itself. Here are some practical suggestions that’ll keep you comfortable while climbing, so you can focus on what you’re doing, and not on what you’re wearing.

Your current fitness outfit: You can choose to wear pants that are flexible. Same goes for the shirt as well. It should neither be too baggy, nor should it be too revealing. Men at the gym typically wear slim-fitting tees and shorts whereas numerous women wear sports bras, tank tops, and yoga pants.

Rock shoes: You can get these on rent. There’s absolutely no need to buy a brand new pair.

Here are a few handy tips for you

Flexibility should be the focus: You need to extend your arms to reach far-flung foot- and handholds.

Lightweight fabrics are all you need: Abrasion resistance is perhaps the most important thing to be kept in mind while outdoor climbing is being undertaken as rock faces are hard. While you’re climbing indoors, sporting comfortable clothing is advisable.

Slim fit is the best:  You don’t need to sport the skintight look unless it’s required, but you do need to avoid baggy clothes that can hamper your movements or get caught in the rope. Choose shorts that fit easily under a climbing harness.

Shorts are perfect: Gyms are heated, so, they’re quite unlikely to get cold. A gym is brimming with people, so give some thought to what you wear under your shorts. You can even wear pants if that’s your preference.

Here are a few words of wisdom on how to choose climbing footwear:

Socks: If you don’t like wearing rented bowling shoes, then there’s some bad news for you. Climbing shoes are meant to be worn without socks. Most gyms disinfect these shoes on a regular basis, but if you still can’t bear the thought of your feet touching the inside of their rental shoes, you can wear socks, however ensure they are thin.

Casual shoes: It’s always good to have something comfortable to wear between climbs. Also, gyms don’t want you to enter restrooms while wearing climbing shoes because shoe soles can spread germs onto climbing holds.

Some more accessories:

A Lightweight jacket: If the Air-conditioner at the gym keeps things a little cooler than your liking, it’s nice to have something light and warm to cover your body. That’s required if you’re sweating.

Chalk bag: Gyms have or rent all the essentials, like ropes, harnesses and belay devices. If you tend to use chalk, then you should consider bringing your own, with a small bag.

No gloves or caps: Your hands need to be in direct contact with each climbing boulder, your skin will toughen up after a few climbing sessions. Hats aren’t required because you don’t want something that might fall off. If you have long hair its best to tie it up with a hair bobble.