Clothing Suitable for Climbing: Choosing the Right Outfit

Climbing is attracting an ever-growing number of enthusiasts. It engages the entire body, sharpens concentration, and requires you to anticipate every move. To practise in the best possible conditions, your clothing plays a crucial role. It must be chosen carefully, as inappropriate attire can quickly hinder your progress and even compromise your safety (uncomfortable chafing, restricted movement, etc.). You may feel too warm at times, and not warm enough at others. Choosing your climbing clothes means opting for both performance and comfort—whether you're a casual or regular climber, bouldering, sport climbing, or tackling multi-pitch routes. In this guide, we help you understand the key criteria to consider and outline the best clothing choices for fun and confidence when climbing.

What’s the Best Climbing Outfit for Your Style of Climbing?

The best outfit for climbing is, above all, one that provides maximum ease and comfort, while also suiting the specifics of your chosen discipline. In practical terms, this means clothing that is close-fitting but not restrictive, made from technical fabrics that are both stretchy and breathable. Synthetic materials wick away sweat effectively and dry quickly, whereas cotton—although very absorbent—dries far too slowly. By staying damp for longer, it almost inevitably causes an unpleasant chill.

Outdoor Climbing Outfit: Crag and Multi-Pitch Routes

For outdoor climbing, whether short crag climbs or multi-pitch routes, the choice of clothing depends on the weather conditions. When it’s warm and sunny, climbing in a t-shirt or tank top, and wearing climbing shorts rather than trousers, can be very enjoyable. If it's cool or cold, we recommend a layering system to cope with temperature changes. As a base layer, you can opt for a short- or long-sleeved t-shirt—or even a technical base layer. The mid-layer (or second layer) could be a light fleece or a lightweight down jacket to insulate against the cold. Finally, the third layer is a windproof jacket, which is generally also waterproof. Keep it close to hand in case the wind picks up or it starts to drizzle.

Outdoor Bouldering Outfit

For outdoor bouldering, aside from a t-shirt or tank for the top half, we recommend choosing trousers over shorts, as they offer better protection from scraping against rough rock surfaces. Naturally, this advice should be balanced with your personal preferences—the best outfit is the one that offers the right balance of freedom of movement, breathability, and protection, while suiting your chosen terrain.

Indoor Climbing Outfit: Bouldering and Top-Rope Walls

For indoor climbing, whether bouldering or sport climbing, a simpler outfit will do: a breathable top paired with shorts or trousers. Climbers who feel the cold more easily might want to bring a fleece or a sweatshirt, to avoid getting chilly while belaying or waiting near the bouldering wall. In all cases, the key is to wear clothes that don’t restrict your movement in any way.

Essential Criteria for Choosing Your Climbing Clothing

Choosing your climbing outfit isn’t just about picking a trendy fit or colour—it must meet specific requirements, because when it comes to climbing, there’s no room for improvisation. Your clothing needs to protect you, and adapt to your posture, movements, and equipment.

• Freedom of movement: Flexibility is crucial in climbing, so most climbing clothes are made from stretch fabrics. Articulated panels at the knees, elbows or crotch are a real plus, as they reduce strain during the often extreme positions climbers may find themselves in.

• Breathability: The intensity of climbing can quickly lead to overheating. Breathable fabrics help wick away sweat while keeping your body temperature stable. This is especially important during static phases (like belaying or resting at anchors), when damp clothing can cause an unpleasant chill.

• Abrasion resistance: On outdoor boulders and routes, your clothing will take a beating from the rock. Repeated scraping can quickly wear down standard fabrics. Reinforced garments at key contact points (knees, seat, elbows) made from robust materials such as ripstop, high-density nylon or polyamide are essential.

• Protection from heat and cold: Climbing outdoors means exposure to sun, wind, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures. A well-thought-out outfit is based on the layering principle—namely the 3-layer system familiar to hikers: a technical base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a windproof/water-repellent outer layer. The second and third layers should be lightweight, compact, and easy to put on or take off as conditions change.

• Harness compatibility: This is not to be overlooked—poorly placed seams or pockets can interfere with your harness. Most climbing clothing is designed with flat seams and pocket placement optimised for use with a harness, ensuring maximum comfort.

• Durability and environmental impact: More and more brands are committing to responsible production. Clothing made from recycled materials and certified by organisations such as bluesign® or Fair Wear provides a sustainable option without compromising technical performance.

Taking the time to consider these different criteria before buying your outfit will allow you to climb with greater comfort, confidence, and enjoyment—whatever the demands of the discipline.

How to Choose Climbing Trousers

Your choice of trousers has a major impact on your comfort—and on your safety—while climbing.

Ergonomic fit

Opt for trousers that are close-fitting without being tight, with a tapered cut that reduces hindrance while allowing for precise movement.

Recommended materials

Stretch cotton, polyamide, or polyester trousers are among the best options. Their elasticity offers greater range of motion and comfort in extreme positions.

Key features to look for

Choose trousers with pre-shaped knees, reinforcements in high-stress areas such as the crotch, and an adjustable waistband for optimal support. Discreet zipped pockets are useful for storing small items without restricting your movement.

Choosing the Right Climbing T-Shirt

The choice of top depends on your specific activity and the conditions you’re climbing in.

In Hot Weather

Go for lightweight tops made from quick-drying synthetic fibres. Avoid cotton, which unfortunately doesn’t dry fast enough. Fitted but comfortable styles are best to prevent chafing and ensure effective moisture wicking.

In Mild to Cool Conditions

Long-sleeve t-shirts made from stretch fabrics or merino wool provide both thermal insulation and effective ventilation, while also protecting your skin from friction against the rock.

In Cool to Cold Conditions

If a long-sleeve t-shirt or a technical base layer isn’t enough, wear a lightweight fleece or sweatshirt to keep warm without restricting movement. Full-zip styles offer easier regulation of your body temperature.

Climbing Shorts: Making the Right Choice

Choosing a Fleece or Sweatshirt for Climbing

A fleece or sweatshirt is essential for adapting to cooler temperatures, especially during outdoor sessions, belay breaks, or approaches in chilly weather. When well chosen, they keep you warm without restricting your range of motion.

When Should You Opt for a Fleece?

Fleece is ideal as an insulating mid-layer. It offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, is breathable, and dries quickly. The best models include stretch panels under the arms or at the sides to allow for greater freedom of movement. A full-zip jacket style is easier to put on and take off and allows you to regulate your body temperature more effectively.

What About Sweatshirts?

Thicker in design, sweatshirts are a comfortable, casual option for indoor climbing or cool, dry days. If made from 100% cotton, they’re less effective than fleece in terms of drying speed and breathability, but still pleasant to wear for warming up or between climbs. We recommend choosing a model made from a cotton and synthetic fibre blend.

With or Without a Hood?

When climbing outdoors, a hood can be a real advantage for protecting yourself from the cold. Indoors or on a sheltered wall, it’s optional.

Jackets: Protection from Wind and Rain

Sudden weather changes in the mountains make it essential to carry a windproof jacket—ideally one that is also waterproof. For full protection against wind and rain, choose a Gore-Tex jacket. You can also opt for a model with an equivalent membrane, which many brands offer (Black Diamond, Vaude, Icepeak, Dare2B, Salewa, Mammut, Patagonia, Norrona, Millet, Scott...). These jackets are easy to pack and take up minimal space in your rucksack, so you can keep them stowed until the weather takes a turn.

The Importance of Technical Base Layers

Technical (or thermal) base layers provide invaluable comfort by protecting you from the cold and wicking away moisture. Choose breathable models made from merino wool (naturally hypoallergenic and thermoregulating), synthetic fibres, or a blend of both. Some are designed with flatlock seams to prevent chafing caused by friction.

Essential Accessories for Your Outfit

The Importance of Appropriate Clothing for Safety

In climbing, what you wear plays a role in your safety. Poorly adapted clothing can restrict your movement, increase the risk of accidents, cause discomfort, and potentially lead to injuries (such as chafing or irritation), ultimately reducing your focus.

Which Clothing Is Best for Each Season?

• Summer: Lightweight clothing that prevents overheating and provides sun protection.
• Autumn/Spring: Layering with light garments for effective warmth regulation and comfort in cooler conditions.
• Winter: Layering with insulating and breathable materials for enhanced thermal protection.

Caring for Your Technical Clothing

• Wash at a low temperature, ideally using a specialist detergent.
• Avoid using fabric softener at all costs.
• Air dry your garments to preserve their technical properties.