aerial silks – frequently asked questions

about aerial silks
1) what are aerial silks?
aerial silks, also known as aerial ribbons or aerial contortion, are two lengths of fabric suspended from your ceiling that you climb, wrap, twist, and perform acrobatic moves on. you use your body weight and movements to create amazing poses, drops, and inversions in the air. aerial silks combine elements of dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, and strength training into a beautiful and challenging art form.
2) how is aerial silks different from aerial yoga hammocks?
aerial silks consist of two separate lengths of fabric that hang from the ceiling and are primarily used for climbing, wrapping, inversions, and dynamic acrobatic movements. aerial yoga hammocks are a single seamless piece of fabric that provides full-body support and is primarily used for yoga-based stretching, inversions, and relaxation. silks are more performance and trick-oriented, while hammocks focus on gentle support and therapeutic benefits.
3) is aerial silks safe for beginners?
yes, aerial silks can be safe for beginners when practiced with proper instruction, appropriate equipment, and in a controlled environment. however, aerial silks does come with inherent risks if safety protocols are not followed. beginners should always start with qualified instructors, begin with simple moves close to the ground, and progress gradually. never skip professional instruction.

choosing the right aerial silks
4) how long should my aerial silks be?
the length you need depends on your ceiling height. the calculation is: multiply your ceiling height by 2, then add 2 meters for the tail that pools on the ground. for example, if your ceiling is 3 meters high, you’d need approximately 8 meters of fabric (3m x 2 + 2m = 8m).
if you want to use the same fabric for both aerial silks and yoga hammock, calculate based on the silks requirement since it uses more fabric.
5) what fabric type should i choose: low-stretch vs medium-stretch?
no-stretch/low-stretch fabric is ideal for beginners and climbers. it’s tight, taut, and gives you exactly what you put in. every pull translates directly into lift. this fabric makes climbing much easier because there’s no bouncy feeling as you ascend. it’s predictable and helps build strength efficiently. the downside is less cushioning for drops and can be harder on the body when wrapped tightly.
medium-stretch fabric offers a balanced option for both aerialists. it’s challenging for beginners initially but quickly becomes manageable. it provides enough flexibility for comfortable, controlled drops with a mild bounce that softens impact. the stretch allows for smoother wraps and tricks, with approximately 8-12 cm stretch per meter depending on body weight and tension. this is the most recommended fabric for students transitioning from beginner to intermediate.
6) what does denier mean?
denier refers to the density and weight of the fabric strands. for example, 40 denier is lighter than 80 denier. standard aerial silks are typically 40 denier, which is the industry norm. denier doesn’t directly relate to load rating or safety—it’s simply about the weight and thickness of the fabric. 40 denier is suitable for all aerial silks use.
7) what material are aerial silks made from?
aerial silks are made from either polyester or polyamid. polyester is preferred by many because it has good grip, and maintains stretch characteristics well. polyamid is also used and can be slightly more slippery when new but is still suitable for aerial silks. both materials are strong, load-tested, and can support thousands of pounds. choose based on personal preference for feel and grip.
8) can i use the same silks for both aerials and yoga?
yes, you can use the same fabric for both aerial silks and yoga hammock, though they’re typically used differently. calculate your fabric length based on the aerial silks requirement (which is longer), and you’ll have enough for both uses. however, fabric that’s worn from extensive drops may not feel as smooth for yoga practice.

installation and rigging
9) what ceiling height do i need for aerial silks?
minimum ceiling height is about 2.3-2.5 meters for very basic practice close to the ground. however, for varied aerial dance and skill-based curriculum, you need at minimum 4.5 meters of ceiling height. higher ceilings allow for bigger drops, inversions, and more movement range.
optimal rigging height for most poses is 2.3-2.8 meters.
10) what do i need to install aerial silks at home?
to install safely, you’ll need:
• a sturdy ceiling beam, wooden joist, or professional aerial rig that can support at least around 900 kg per attachment point
• structural engineer assessment to confirm your ceiling can support dynamic loads
• proper rigging hardware including carabiners (rated for 22kn) and rescue 8 or additionally swivel
• crash mat placed underneath your rigging. best is with a minimum thickness of 5% of the silk suspension height
• a rescue ladder available on-site for emergency situations
do not attempt rigging without professional guidance. aerial equipment generates forces of 4-5 times your body weight during dynamic movements.
11) what makes a safe rigging point?
safe rigging points must be:
• assessed and approved by a licensed structural engineer
• rated for at least 900 kg minimum per attachment point
• engineered for dynamic loads, not just static weight
• properly installed using professional rigging plates and hardware
• regularly inspected before each use
rigging points that are risky include:
• trees (even arborists can’t guarantee tree health over time, and there are many documented cases of trees breaking under dynamic aerial loads)
• decorative beams
• drywall ceilings
• randomly drilled hooks
• unapproved structures
12) should i rig my silks from a tree?
no, rigging from trees is not recommended. only an arborist can assess tree health, and even then, it’s only valid at that specific moment in time. many aerialists have experienced tree breakage during practice. due to the inherent risk, professional riggers do not recommend tree rigging.
13) can i rig silks to my drywall ceiling?
no, drywall alone cannot support aerial silks. you must attach to structural elements like wooden beams, concrete, or steel. a structural engineer will identify where the load-bearing beams are in your ceiling and design the proper attachment method.

fabric care and maintenance
14) how do i wash my aerial silks?
follow these guidelines to maintain your silks:
• wash individually in a washing machine (never with other clothes)
• use a gentle wash cycle at 30°C (for delicate fabrics) or 40°C (for tougher stains)
• use only a mild, gentle detergent
• avoid bleach, fabric softener, and aggressive stain removers
• never use a machine dryer—heat damages synthetic fibers and is dangerous
• hang dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight
• remove all carabiners, chains, and hardware before washing
• wash in a protective mesh bag if using a top-loading machine
• inspect the fabric thoroughly after washing
15) how often should i wash my silks?
it’s recommended to wash your silks when needed, but not too often. wash more frequently if you practice intensively or after particularly sweaty sessions. frequent washing can gradually degrade fabric over time, so balance cleanliness with preservation.
16) how do i inspect my silks for damage?
inspect your silks:
• before every use
• after every wash
• throughout training sessions
look for:
• fraying, worn-out spots, or visible holes
• shiny patches (which can indicate burn damage from drops)
• signs of melting
• crosswise damage (damage running perpendicular to the fabric length, which is more dangerous than factory defects that run lengthwise)
• puckering, which could indicate internal damage
factory defects typically run along the length of the fabric parallel to the fibers. damage running crosswise is often the result of mechanical snagging and is more serious. any damage appearing more than 1 meter above the ground that runs crosswise means the silk should be immediately replaced.
17) what causes burns and holes in fabric?
burns and holes are primarily caused by:
• slack drops (especially large ones), which generate intense friction and heat that can melt polyester and nylon
• friction during fast movements wrapped around the body
• wearing synthetic materials like nylon tights during practice, which exacerbates friction and increases the likelihood of melting
• friction from the fabric rubbing against itself during certain skills
slack drops can cause small melted patches, holes, or puckering even on relatively new fabric. large slack drops are particularly hard on silks. nylon and low-stretch fabrics are more susceptible to this damage than high-stretch polyester.
18) how can i prevent fabric burns?
to reduce the risk of fabric burns:
• wear full-length leggings and long sleeves during practice
• avoid wearing synthetic materials like nylon tights
• be mindful during slack drops and practice them carefully
• perform slack drops less frequently if you want to maximize fabric lifespan
• avoid slack drops if you’re trying to keep your silks in rotation for the longest time
• perform drops smoothly without excessive wrapping or tangling
19) what if i find a hole in my silks?
if you find significant damage, larger holes, or puckering, it needs to be replaced. most damages eliminate silk from further usage, train safe!
20) can i dry my silks in a machine dryer?
no, absolutely not. machine dryers use heat that damages and melts synthetic nylon and polyester fibers, compromising their safety and integrity. always air dry your silks in a shaded, well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
21) how do i store my silks?
store your silks in a clean, dry space away from direct sunlight. uv rays can fade colors and damage the fabric over time. if possible, remove all hardware before storage to prevent rust or corrosion on the fabric.

22. can i return it if it doesn’t work out?
yes – 14-day money-back guarantee.
guarantee details:
• full refund within 14 days
• equipment must be in original condition (no signs of use)
• you can inspect and test the product, but it cannot show wear, marks, or usage traces
• if equipment is unused and in resellable condition, full refund applies
• simple email process to initiate return
important: this guarantee covers defects or dissatisfaction with product quality. once the product shows signs of use or wear, it cannot be returned for refund (as it’s no longer resellable as new).
best for: peace of mind – inspect risk-free within 14 days.