Calisthenics Clothing: What Really Matters When You Train
For calisthenics you don't need a gym or any equipment. A bar, a park and your bodyweight are enough. When it comes to clothing, though, it pays to take a closer look. During pull-ups, dips, handstands or straddle skills, you'll quickly notice whether a shirt rides up, trousers pull or a fabric is soaked through and clinging to you after the first set.
The most important rule: freedom of movement
Calisthenics is movement in every direction: arms overhead, legs spread wide, body upside down. Your clothing has to move with you in each of these positions without pulling or slipping.
Tops: shirt or tank?
Tank tops for pulls, pushes and skills
Sleeveless tops give your shoulders and arms the most room. That way nothing gets in the way, especially during muscle-ups, front levers or handstands. An oversized tank like our STATIC CALI has a loose fit, and the cropped cut provides a modern look that still works after the session.
T-shirts for every day
A good training shirt fits close at the chest and shoulders but hangs loosely around the stomach. That way it doesn't restrict you and still looks good after training. Look for sturdy, high-quality cotton and double stitching so the shirt keeps its shape even after many washes, as with our ESSENTIAL CALI TEE.
Trousers: long, loose, durable
Long trousers protect you during exercises where your legs rub against the bar or the floor, and keep you warm in cooler temperatures. What matters:
- A loose cut, so deep squats, pistols and straddles are possible
- An elastic waistband that stays securely in place during inversions
- Elastic cuffs, so the trousers don't slide towards your knees during a handstand
- Pockets for keys and phone
For autumn and winter, the NO EXCUSES Cargo Jogger is made from heavy fleece; for year-round training, there's the CALI REPRESENTER Jogger in a straight loose fit.
Shorts for summer and for skills
For the straddle planche, straddle press or mobility training, your legs need maximum freedom. Shorts with side slits and light, quick-drying material are ideal here, for example the AXON TERRAFLOW Shorts.
Accessories that make the difference
- Sweatbands keep sweat away from your hands, good for your grip on the bar: Wrist Bands Cali Representer
- Wrist wraps stabilise your wrists during heavy statics: Wrist Wraps Static Pro
- A backpack for parallettes, so your kit comes with you: ParaGo
Checklist: how to recognise good calisthenics clothing
- Nothing pulls when you stretch your arms overhead
- Your top doesn't slide over your head during a handstand
- Your trousers stay in place during inversions
- The fabric is breathable and keeps its shape
- You still feel comfortable in it after training
You'll find all the pieces for your session in our Calisthenics Clothing collection. How to dress for outdoor training in winter is covered in our article Calisthenics in Winter.
