Why Does My Pole Short Ride Up? Fixes for a Secure Fit
By Pole Factory | Boutique Pole dance : | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Discover why pole shorts ride up and how to fix the fit. Learn about fabric, cut, and sizing adjustments to stay secure during your practice.
Quick answer
Pole shorts ride up most often because of fabric stretch, cut style, or sizing that doesn't match your body shape. Choosing a high-waist or adjustable style with a grippier fabric can often solve the problem.
Why fabric and cut matter
The material of your shorts plays a big role in whether they stay put or migrate upward. Ribbed or textured fabrics, like the cotelé used in the HOTCAKES Short Taille Haute Toffee Latte, tend to grip the skin slightly and resist sliding during movement. Smooth, shiny fabrics may look sleek but often have less friction, which can allow the hem to creep up.
Cut is equally important. High-waist styles naturally anchor the shorts around your natural waist, reducing the chance of the waistband rolling or the leg openings riding up. Adjustable features, such as the side straps on the MONSIEUR BLONDE Short Hey Sugar, let you fine-tune the fit around your hips and thighs. A fixed low-rise cut with no adjustment points gives you fewer options to correct a poor fit.
Sizing and body shape
Shorts that are too loose will shift during spins and climbs, while shorts that are too tight can dig in and roll up. If you are between sizes, consider the stretch percentage of the fabric. The LUNALAE Short Kehlani Taille Haute, for example, uses a very stretchy nylon-spandex blend that adapts to different body shapes, but the stretch can also mean less resistance to riding up if the waistband isn't snug.
Body shape also matters. A shorter torso may cause a high-waist short to sit higher than intended, while a fuller hip or thigh can push the leg opening upward. Trying different cuts—such as a cheeky versus a fuller coverage back—can help you find the style that stays in place for your specific proportions.
Diagnosis: Why your pole shorts ride up and what to do
- Symptom: The leg openings of your shorts slide upward during spins, climbs, or floorwork, requiring constant readjustment.
- Likely cause: The fabric is too smooth or the cut lacks enough grip at the waist and leg openings. Sizing may be off—too loose lets the shorts shift, too tight causes rolling. A low-rise cut or non-adjustable waistband gives you no way to correct the fit.
- Corrective action: First, check your size: measure your waist and hips and compare to the brand's size chart. If you are between sizes, size down for a snugger fit (as long as the fabric has stretch). Next, try a high-waist style or one with adjustable straps. If the fabric is smooth, look for a ribbed or textured material that offers more friction. Wash shorts on a gentle cycle and avoid fabric softener, which can reduce grip. After adjusting size or style, do a few test moves (spins, climbs, floorwork) to see if the shorts stay in place.
- When to stop or choose another option: If the shorts still ride up after trying a different size and a high-waist or adjustable style, the cut may not suit your body shape. Consider a different brand or a style with a fuller leg opening or a cheeky back that matches your proportions. If you consistently have trouble with all shorts, try a bodysuit or high-waist brief that integrates with your top. Not every style works for every body. It's okay to move on to a different cut or brand.
Products that help with fit
- HOTCAKES - Short Taille Haute Toffee Latte: Short Taille Haute Toffee Latte uses a ribbed cotelé fabric that is fully lined in the same color and has a high-waist cut. The ribbed texture provides natural grip against the skin, and the high waist helps anchor the shorts, reducing the chance of riding up during pole work.
HOTCAKES - Short Taille Haute Toffee Latte - MONSIEUR BLONDE - Short Hey Sugar: MONSIEUR BLONDE Short Hey Sugar features adjustable front straps that can be attached to side loops for a customized fit. Adjustable straps let you tighten or loosen the shorts around your hips, giving you control over the fit and helping prevent the leg openings from riding up.
MONSIEUR BLONDE - Short Hey Sugar - LUNALAE - Short Kehlani Taille Haute: LUNALAE Short Kehlani Taille Haute has a high-waist cut, adjustable straps, and a gathered back, made from 82% nylon and 18% spandex. The high waist and adjustable straps offer two points of fit customization, while the gathered back provides extra coverage without adding bulk.
