aerial silks

Aerial Silks

Frequently Asked Questions

About Aerial Silks

1. Is This Aerial Silk Safe?

Yes. The aerial silk fabric meets the requirements of PN-EN 913+A1:2022-02, which sets general safety requirements and test methods for gymnastic and sports equipment used in supervised training.

Key Safety Features

  • Breaking Load Limit: 1 tonne
  • Safe working load: up to 100 kg
  • Tested by professional aerial schools
  • Suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users

Always use the aerial silk with correctly rated rigging equipment and a professionally verified installation.

2. How Are 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 made from a single seamless piece of fabric that provides full-body support and is primarily used for yoga-based stretching, inversions, and relaxation.

Aerial silks are more performance- and trick-oriented, while hammocks focus more on gentle support, stretching, and therapeutic benefits.

Choosing the Right Aerial Silks

3. How Long Should My Aerial Silks Be?

The length you need depends on your ceiling height.

The calculation is:

Ceiling height × 2 + 2 meters for the fabric tails on the ground

For example, if your ceiling is 3 meters high, you will need approximately 8 meters of fabric:

3 m × 2 + 2 m = 8 m

If you want to use the same fabric for both aerial silks and an aerial yoga hammock, calculate the required length based on the aerial silks setup, as it requires more fabric.

4. What Materials Are Aerial Silks Made From?

Aerial silks are typically made from polyester or polyamide (nylon). Both materials are used for aerial training, but they differ in grip, stretch, and feel.

The aerial silks available in the shop are made from polyester with medium-to-low elasticity. This provides a good grip, stable handling, and controlled stretch for aerial training.

If you are looking for polyamide fabric, please see our aerial yoga hammock section.

5. Can I Use the Same Silks for Both Aerial Silks and Aerial Yoga?

Yes. The same aerial fabric can be used for both aerial silks and an aerial yoga hammock, but it is rigged differently for each activity. Wide, suitable aerial fabric is commonly used for both configurations.

Choose the fabric length based on the aerial silks setup, as this requires more fabric than a hammock setup. This ensures you have enough material for both types of practice. Aerial-silk length is generally calculated from the floor-to-rigging-point height, doubled, with additional fabric for wraps and tails.

Please note that fabric used extensively for drops and dynamic aerial movements may become less smooth over time when later used as an aerial yoga hammock.

Installation and Rigging

6. What Do I Need to Install Aerial Silks at Home?

To install aerial silks safely, you will need:

  • A sturdy ceiling beam, suitable wooden joist, or professional aerial rig capable of supporting at least approximately 900 kg per attachment point.
  • A structural engineer’s assessment confirming that the ceiling or structure can safely withstand dynamic loads.
  • Proper rated rigging hardware, including locking carabiners rated at least 22 kN and a Rescue 8 or suitable aerial swivel.
  • A crash mat placed directly beneath the rigging point. Ideally, the mat should have a minimum thickness of approximately 5% of the aerial silk suspension height.
  • A rescue ladder available on site for emergency situations.

Do not install aerial silks without professional guidance. Dynamic aerial movements can generate forces several times greater than body weight, and all attachment points must be professionally assessed and correctly installed. Suitable equipment may include carabiners, strops, swivels, and a Rescue 8 / figure-eight device for attaching the fabric.

7. Can I Rig My Silks from a Tree?

Rigging aerial silks from trees is generally not recommended.

Only a qualified arborist can assess a tree’s condition, and that assessment reflects the tree’s condition only at the time of inspection. Trees and branches can weaken or fail unexpectedly because of disease, decay, weather, root damage, insects, or hidden internal defects.

Dynamic aerial movements can create forces much greater than body weight, increasing the risk of branch or tree failure. Firetoys recommends not rigging aerial circus equipment from trees unless both a qualified arborist and an experienced aerial rigger have assessed and approved the specific setup.

For outdoor aerial practice, a professionally rated freestanding aerial rig is the safer option.

8. Can I Rig Silks to a Drywall Ceiling?

No. Drywall alone cannot safely support aerial silks.

The rigging system must be attached to appropriate structural elements, such as properly assessed wooden beams, reinforced concrete, or steel structures.

A qualified structural engineer should identify suitable load-bearing elements and determine the appropriate attachment method.

Fabric Care and Maintenance

9. How Do I Wash My Aerial Silks?

Follow these guidelines to help keep your aerial silks clean and in good condition:

  • Wash the fabric separately in a washing machine. Do not wash it with regular clothing.
  • Use a gentle wash cycle at 30°C for regular washing or up to 40°C for tougher stains, if permitted by the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Use only a mild detergent.
  • Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or harsh stain removers.
  • Remove all carabiners, chains, and other hardware before washing.
  • If using a top-loading washing machine, place the fabric inside a protective mesh laundry bag.
  • Do not use a machine dryer, as heat can damage synthetic fibres.
  • Hang the silks to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight.
  • Inspect the fabric thoroughly for snags, holes, puckering, or other damage after washing.

10. Can I Dry My Silks in a Machine Dryer?

No. Do not dry aerial silks in a machine dryer.

The heat and tumbling action can damage and weaken synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyamide, and polyester, which may affect the fabric’s integrity and safety. Firetoys specifically advises never tumble-drying aerial silks, including on a low setting.

Always air-dry your silks indoors in a shaded, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Make sure the fabric is completely dry before using it again.

11. How Often Should I Wash My Silks?

Wash your aerial silks when necessary, but avoid washing them more often than required.

You may need to wash them more frequently if you train intensively or after particularly sweaty training sessions.

Frequent washing can gradually contribute to fabric wear, so it is important to balance cleanliness with fabric preservation.

12. How Do I Inspect My Silks for Damage?

Inspect your aerial silks before every use, after every wash, and regularly during training.

Lay the fabric out fully in a clean, bright area. Remove any knots and rigging hardware so that the entire length of the fabric, including areas normally hidden by knots, can be checked.

Look for

  • Fraying or worn areas
  • Visible holes, tears, runs, or ladders
  • Shiny patches that may indicate heat or friction damage
  • Signs of melting
  • Puckering, which may indicate internal damage

If you find any holes, runs, ladders, fraying, puckering, melting, or unusual wear—especially in areas used above ground level—stop using the fabric and have it professionally assessed.

13. How Should I Store My Silks?

Store your aerial silks in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV exposure can fade the colour and gradually damage synthetic fibres.

If possible, remove all carabiners, chains, swivels, and other hardware before storing the fabric. This helps prevent snagging, friction damage, and contact with rust or corrosion.

Make sure the fabric is completely dry before storage, and do not leave it outdoors or in damp conditions.

Returns and Guarantee

14. Can I Return It If It Doesn’t Work Out?

Yes. You have a 14-day right to return your order and receive a refund.

Return Conditions

  • You may return the product within 14 days of receiving it.
  • The product may be inspected and handled only as necessary to check its nature, characteristics, and function—just as you would in a physical shop.
  • If the equipment shows signs of use, wear, marks, damage, or other handling beyond what is necessary for inspection, its value may be reduced.
  • To start a return, simply contact us by email.
  • Return shipping costs may apply, depending on the return policy and the reason for the return.

Aerial Silks

Frequently Asked Questions

About Aerial Silks

1. Is This Aerial Silk Safe?

Yes. The aerial silk fabric meets the requirements of PN-EN 913+A1:2022-02, which sets general safety requirements and test methods for gymnastic and sports equipment used in supervised training.

Key Safety Features

  • Breaking Load Limit: 1 tonne
  • Safe working load: up to 100 kg
  • Tested by professional aerial schools
  • Suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users

Always use the aerial silk with correctly rated rigging equipment and a professionally verified installation.

2. How Are 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 made from a single seamless piece of fabric that provides full-body support and is primarily used for yoga-based stretching, inversions, and relaxation.

Aerial silks are more performance- and trick-oriented, while hammocks focus more on gentle support, stretching, and therapeutic benefits.

Choosing the Right Aerial Silks

3. How Long Should My Aerial Silks Be?

The length you need depends on your ceiling height.

The calculation is:

Ceiling height × 2 + 2 meters for the fabric tails on the ground

For example, if your ceiling is 3 meters high, you will need approximately 8 meters of fabric:

3 m × 2 + 2 m = 8 m

If you want to use the same fabric for both aerial silks and an aerial yoga hammock, calculate the required length based on the aerial silks setup, as it requires more fabric.

4. What Materials Are Aerial Silks Made From?

Aerial silks are typically made from polyester or polyamide (nylon). Both materials are used for aerial training, but they differ in grip, stretch, and feel.

The aerial silks available in the shop are made from polyester with medium-to-low elasticity. This provides a good grip, stable handling, and controlled stretch for aerial training.

If you are looking for polyamide fabric, please see our aerial yoga hammock section.

5. Can I Use the Same Silks for Both Aerial Silks and Aerial Yoga?

Yes. The same aerial fabric can be used for both aerial silks and an aerial yoga hammock, but it is rigged differently for each activity. Wide, suitable aerial fabric is commonly used for both configurations.

Choose the fabric length based on the aerial silks setup, as this requires more fabric than a hammock setup. This ensures you have enough material for both types of practice. Aerial-silk length is generally calculated from the floor-to-rigging-point height, doubled, with additional fabric for wraps and tails.

Please note that fabric used extensively for drops and dynamic aerial movements may become less smooth over time when later used as an aerial yoga hammock.

Installation and Rigging

6. What Do I Need to Install Aerial Silks at Home?

To install aerial silks safely, you will need:

  • A sturdy ceiling beam, suitable wooden joist, or professional aerial rig capable of supporting at least approximately 900 kg per attachment point.
  • A structural engineer’s assessment confirming that the ceiling or structure can safely withstand dynamic loads.
  • Proper rated rigging hardware, including locking carabiners rated at least 22 kN and a Rescue 8 or suitable aerial swivel.
  • A crash mat placed directly beneath the rigging point. Ideally, the mat should have a minimum thickness of approximately 5% of the aerial silk suspension height.
  • A rescue ladder available on site for emergency situations.

Do not install aerial silks without professional guidance. Dynamic aerial movements can generate forces several times greater than body weight, and all attachment points must be professionally assessed and correctly installed. Suitable equipment may include carabiners, strops, swivels, and a Rescue 8 / figure-eight device for attaching the fabric.

7. Can I Rig My Silks from a Tree?

Rigging aerial silks from trees is generally not recommended.

Only a qualified arborist can assess a tree’s condition, and that assessment reflects the tree’s condition only at the time of inspection. Trees and branches can weaken or fail unexpectedly because of disease, decay, weather, root damage, insects, or hidden internal defects.

Dynamic aerial movements can create forces much greater than body weight, increasing the risk of branch or tree failure. Firetoys recommends not rigging aerial circus equipment from trees unless both a qualified arborist and an experienced aerial rigger have assessed and approved the specific setup.

For outdoor aerial practice, a professionally rated freestanding aerial rig is the safer option.

8. Can I Rig Silks to a Drywall Ceiling?

No. Drywall alone cannot safely support aerial silks.

The rigging system must be attached to appropriate structural elements, such as properly assessed wooden beams, reinforced concrete, or steel structures.

A qualified structural engineer should identify suitable load-bearing elements and determine the appropriate attachment method.

Fabric Care and Maintenance

9. How Do I Wash My Aerial Silks?

Follow these guidelines to help keep your aerial silks clean and in good condition:

  • Wash the fabric separately in a washing machine. Do not wash it with regular clothing.
  • Use a gentle wash cycle at 30°C for regular washing or up to 40°C for tougher stains, if permitted by the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Use only a mild detergent.
  • Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or harsh stain removers.
  • Remove all carabiners, chains, and other hardware before washing.
  • If using a top-loading washing machine, place the fabric inside a protective mesh laundry bag.
  • Do not use a machine dryer, as heat can damage synthetic fibres.
  • Hang the silks to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight.
  • Inspect the fabric thoroughly for snags, holes, puckering, or other damage after washing.

10. Can I Dry My Silks in a Machine Dryer?

No. Do not dry aerial silks in a machine dryer.

The heat and tumbling action can damage and weaken synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyamide, and polyester, which may affect the fabric’s integrity and safety. Firetoys specifically advises never tumble-drying aerial silks, including on a low setting.

Always air-dry your silks indoors in a shaded, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Make sure the fabric is completely dry before using it again.

11. How Often Should I Wash My Silks?

Wash your aerial silks when necessary, but avoid washing them more often than required.

You may need to wash them more frequently if you train intensively or after particularly sweaty training sessions.

Frequent washing can gradually contribute to fabric wear, so it is important to balance cleanliness with fabric preservation.

12. How Do I Inspect My Silks for Damage?

Inspect your aerial silks before every use, after every wash, and regularly during training.

Lay the fabric out fully in a clean, bright area. Remove any knots and rigging hardware so that the entire length of the fabric, including areas normally hidden by knots, can be checked.

Look for

  • Fraying or worn areas
  • Visible holes, tears, runs, or ladders
  • Shiny patches that may indicate heat or friction damage
  • Signs of melting
  • Puckering, which may indicate internal damage

If you find any holes, runs, ladders, fraying, puckering, melting, or unusual wear—especially in areas used above ground level—stop using the fabric and have it professionally assessed.

13. How Should I Store My Silks?

Store your aerial silks in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV exposure can fade the colour and gradually damage synthetic fibres.

If possible, remove all carabiners, chains, swivels, and other hardware before storing the fabric. This helps prevent snagging, friction damage, and contact with rust or corrosion.

Make sure the fabric is completely dry before storage, and do not leave it outdoors or in damp conditions.

Returns and Guarantee

14. Can I Return It If It Doesn’t Work Out?

Yes. You have a 14-day right to return your order and receive a refund.

Return Conditions

  • You may return the product within 14 days of receiving it.
  • The product may be inspected and handled only as necessary to check its nature, characteristics, and function—just as you would in a physical shop.
  • If the equipment shows signs of use, wear, marks, damage, or other handling beyond what is necessary for inspection, its value may be reduced.
  • To start a return, simply contact us by email.
  • Return shipping costs may apply, depending on the return policy and the reason for the return.

Aerial silks are long lengths of strong fabric used in aerial acrobatics and circus arts. They allow performers to create wraps, poses, drops and flowing movements in the air.

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Aerial Silks

Frequently Asked Questions

About Aerial Silks

1. Is This Aerial Silk Safe?

Yes. The aerial silk fabric meets the requirements of PN-EN 913+A1:2022-02, which sets general safety requirements and test methods for gymnastic and sports equipment used in supervised training.

Key Safety Features

  • Breaking Load Limit: 1 tonne
  • Safe working load: up to 100 kg
  • Tested by professional aerial schools
  • Suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users

Always use the aerial silk with correctly rated rigging equipment and a professionally verified installation.

2. How Are 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 made from a single seamless piece of fabric that provides full-body support and is primarily used for yoga-based stretching, inversions, and relaxation.

Aerial silks are more performance- and trick-oriented, while hammocks focus more on gentle support, stretching, and therapeutic benefits.

Choosing the Right Aerial Silks

3. How Long Should My Aerial Silks Be?

The length you need depends on your ceiling height.

The calculation is:

Ceiling height × 2 + 2 meters for the fabric tails on the ground

For example, if your ceiling is 3 meters high, you will need approximately 8 meters of fabric:

3 m × 2 + 2 m = 8 m

If you want to use the same fabric for both aerial silks and an aerial yoga hammock, calculate the required length based on the aerial silks setup, as it requires more fabric.

4. What Materials Are Aerial Silks Made From?

Aerial silks are typically made from polyester or polyamide (nylon). Both materials are used for aerial training, but they differ in grip, stretch, and feel.

The aerial silks available in the shop are made from polyester with medium-to-low elasticity. This provides a good grip, stable handling, and controlled stretch for aerial training.

If you are looking for polyamide fabric, please see our aerial yoga hammock section.

5. Can I Use the Same Silks for Both Aerial Silks and Aerial Yoga?

Yes. The same aerial fabric can be used for both aerial silks and an aerial yoga hammock, but it is rigged differently for each activity. Wide, suitable aerial fabric is commonly used for both configurations.

Choose the fabric length based on the aerial silks setup, as this requires more fabric than a hammock setup. This ensures you have enough material for both types of practice. Aerial-silk length is generally calculated from the floor-to-rigging-point height, doubled, with additional fabric for wraps and tails.

Please note that fabric used extensively for drops and dynamic aerial movements may become less smooth over time when later used as an aerial yoga hammock.

Installation and Rigging

6. What Do I Need to Install Aerial Silks at Home?

To install aerial silks safely, you will need:

  • A sturdy ceiling beam, suitable wooden joist, or professional aerial rig capable of supporting at least approximately 900 kg per attachment point.
  • A structural engineer’s assessment confirming that the ceiling or structure can safely withstand dynamic loads.
  • Proper rated rigging hardware, including locking carabiners rated at least 22 kN and a Rescue 8 or suitable aerial swivel.
  • A crash mat placed directly beneath the rigging point. Ideally, the mat should have a minimum thickness of approximately 5% of the aerial silk suspension height.
  • A rescue ladder available on site for emergency situations.

Do not install aerial silks without professional guidance. Dynamic aerial movements can generate forces several times greater than body weight, and all attachment points must be professionally assessed and correctly installed. Suitable equipment may include carabiners, strops, swivels, and a Rescue 8 / figure-eight device for attaching the fabric.

7. Can I Rig My Silks from a Tree?

Rigging aerial silks from trees is generally not recommended.

Only a qualified arborist can assess a tree’s condition, and that assessment reflects the tree’s condition only at the time of inspection. Trees and branches can weaken or fail unexpectedly because of disease, decay, weather, root damage, insects, or hidden internal defects.

Dynamic aerial movements can create forces much greater than body weight, increasing the risk of branch or tree failure. Firetoys recommends not rigging aerial circus equipment from trees unless both a qualified arborist and an experienced aerial rigger have assessed and approved the specific setup.

For outdoor aerial practice, a professionally rated freestanding aerial rig is the safer option.

8. Can I Rig Silks to a Drywall Ceiling?

No. Drywall alone cannot safely support aerial silks.

The rigging system must be attached to appropriate structural elements, such as properly assessed wooden beams, reinforced concrete, or steel structures.

A qualified structural engineer should identify suitable load-bearing elements and determine the appropriate attachment method.

Fabric Care and Maintenance

9. How Do I Wash My Aerial Silks?

Follow these guidelines to help keep your aerial silks clean and in good condition:

  • Wash the fabric separately in a washing machine. Do not wash it with regular clothing.
  • Use a gentle wash cycle at 30°C for regular washing or up to 40°C for tougher stains, if permitted by the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Use only a mild detergent.
  • Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or harsh stain removers.
  • Remove all carabiners, chains, and other hardware before washing.
  • If using a top-loading washing machine, place the fabric inside a protective mesh laundry bag.
  • Do not use a machine dryer, as heat can damage synthetic fibres.
  • Hang the silks to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight.
  • Inspect the fabric thoroughly for snags, holes, puckering, or other damage after washing.

10. Can I Dry My Silks in a Machine Dryer?

No. Do not dry aerial silks in a machine dryer.

The heat and tumbling action can damage and weaken synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyamide, and polyester, which may affect the fabric’s integrity and safety. Firetoys specifically advises never tumble-drying aerial silks, including on a low setting.

Always air-dry your silks indoors in a shaded, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Make sure the fabric is completely dry before using it again.

11. How Often Should I Wash My Silks?

Wash your aerial silks when necessary, but avoid washing them more often than required.

You may need to wash them more frequently if you train intensively or after particularly sweaty training sessions.

Frequent washing can gradually contribute to fabric wear, so it is important to balance cleanliness with fabric preservation.

12. How Do I Inspect My Silks for Damage?

Inspect your aerial silks before every use, after every wash, and regularly during training.

Lay the fabric out fully in a clean, bright area. Remove any knots and rigging hardware so that the entire length of the fabric, including areas normally hidden by knots, can be checked.

Look for

  • Fraying or worn areas
  • Visible holes, tears, runs, or ladders
  • Shiny patches that may indicate heat or friction damage
  • Signs of melting
  • Puckering, which may indicate internal damage

If you find any holes, runs, ladders, fraying, puckering, melting, or unusual wear—especially in areas used above ground level—stop using the fabric and have it professionally assessed.

13. How Should I Store My Silks?

Store your aerial silks in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV exposure can fade the colour and gradually damage synthetic fibres.

If possible, remove all carabiners, chains, swivels, and other hardware before storing the fabric. This helps prevent snagging, friction damage, and contact with rust or corrosion.

Make sure the fabric is completely dry before storage, and do not leave it outdoors or in damp conditions.

Returns and Guarantee

14. Can I Return It If It Doesn’t Work Out?

Yes. You have a 14-day right to return your order and receive a refund.

Return Conditions

  • You may return the product within 14 days of receiving it.
  • The product may be inspected and handled only as necessary to check its nature, characteristics, and function—just as you would in a physical shop.
  • If the equipment shows signs of use, wear, marks, damage, or other handling beyond what is necessary for inspection, its value may be reduced.
  • To start a return, simply contact us by email.
  • Return shipping costs may apply, depending on the return policy and the reason for the return.