Everything you need to know about aerial silks

Want to learn aerial silks or set up your own at home ? Aerial silks – its international name – is a spectacular form of aerial acrobatics where you perform figures, wraps, and drops on two long fabrics. Here you'll find everything you need to know about buying aerial silks , the correct suspension system , basic figures and tricks , and what to consider when training with them .

What is aerial silk? Aerial silk explained in German

Aerial silks – internationally known as aerial silks – is a discipline of aerial acrobatics . You hang from two long lengths of fabric suspended from the ceiling and perform acrobatic figures, wraps, and controlled falls (drops).

The difference to other aerial disciplines: With aerial silks , you work with two separate pieces of fabric that you can wrap, knot, and loop around your body. This makes it more versatile than aerial hoop and more technically demanding than aerial yoga .

Aerial Silk Gymnastics vs. Vertical Cloth Gymnastics

Aerial silks and vertical cloth gymnastics refer to the same thing – just from different perspectives. In German-speaking countries, "Vertikaltuch" (vertical cloth) has become established, while internationally "Aerial Silks" is the standard. The technique is identical, regardless of whether you attend a vertical cloth class in Germany or train aerial silks abroad.

Buying a vertical silk: Material, length & cost

If you're thinking of buying a vertical silk , there are a few things to consider. However, the investment is only worthwhile if you already train regularly and know you'll stick with it.

Aerial silks material

The material used for vertical silks typically consists of:

• Nylon with stretch (standard): Slightly stretchy, comfortable against the skin, good grip
• Low-stretch nylon (professional): Less stretch, more precise control during drops.
• Polyester blends: Cheaper, but less durable

Stretch material is best suited for beginners in vertical silks – it is more forgiving of mistakes and more comfortable to wrap.

Vertical silk length & ceiling height

The length of the aerial silks depends directly on your ceiling height :

How much does a vertical silk cost?

The question of how much a vertical silk costs can be answered as follows:

If you buy the fabric and suspension separately, expect to spend an additional €50-150 for professional rigging equipment (ceiling point, carabiner, swivel).

Vertical fabric suspension: Securely attach

The aerial silk suspension system is the most critical point in a home setup. A faulty aerial silk attachment can be life-threatening – absolute care is required here.

Vertical fabric suspension from ceiling: What supports it?

Not every ceiling is suitable for a vertical fabric ceiling suspension :

Concrete ceiling (ideal): The best base for hanging a vertical silks system . Concrete easily supports 300+ kg. Use special heavy-duty anchors (M10 or M12) and a steel vertical silks support system .

Wooden beams (very good): Solid wooden beams can securely support a vertical silk. They are attached using long wood screws (at least 80mm) driven directly into the beams.

Drywall ceiling (WARNING!): Drywall alone is NOT sufficient! The load must be transferred to the underlying concrete or wood structure. You will need professional through-fixing systems.

Suspended ceiling (NOT suitable): Vertical fabric suspension is not possible with suspended ceilings. A freestanding frame structure is required.

Aerial silks mounting system: What systems are available?

There are various systems for suspending vertical fabric :

• Ceiling plate with eyelet (recommended): Steel plate is screwed in place, load is distributed across several anchors. Load capacity: 300-500 kg.
• Heavy-duty ceiling hook: Single hook with extra-strong anchor. Load capacity: 200-300 kg.
• Freestanding frame: Mobile solution without ceiling mounting . Perfect for rental apartments. Cost: €200-400.

Secure vertical silks mounting on concrete ceiling

Setting up a vertical silks setup at home

Having a vertical silk at home is a dream for many aerial enthusiasts. To ensure the setup is safe and practical, you need proper planning.

Room planning for the aerial silks at home

For a vertical silk at home , you need sufficient space:

Aerial silks at home for children: Special requirements

A home aerial silks setup for children differs in some points:

• Lower suspension: Maximum height 1.5m above the ground for beginner children
• Shorter cloth: 4-5 meters is perfectly sufficient for children.
• Thicker mats: Crash mats at least 20cm thick
• ALWAYS supervise: Never leave children unattended while playing with the cloth.
• Recommended age: From 6 years old at the earliest, ideally from 8 years old

Aerial silk figures, tricks & knots

Aerial silks figures range from simple basic positions to spectacular drops. Here's a beginner 's guide to aerial silks figures .

Basic aerial silk knots & wraps

Before you learn aerial silk tricks , you need to master the basic knots :

• Footlock: The most important knot in aerial silks – the silk wraps around your foot and provides secure support.
• Hiplock: Wrap around the hips for figures in a horizontal position
• Single Wrap: Simple wrap of fabric around one body part
• Double Wrap: Double wrapping for increased safety during drops

First aerial silk figures for beginners

You will learn these aerial silk figures in the first few lessons:

• Pencil: Stretched position in the fabric – the basic stance for many tricks
• Stag: One leg bent, elegant and photogenic
• Star: Arms and legs spread – one of the first spectacular figures
• Cocoon: Wrapped in a cloth – perfect for relaxation

Advanced aerial silk tricks

With more experience come more challenging aerial silk tricks :

• Splits: Doing the splits in the fabric – requires good flexibility
• Inversions: Upside-down positions with secure winding
• Drops: Controlled falls – learn only under supervision!
• Combinations: Several figures seamlessly connected

Aerial silk training & exercises

Aerial silk training is a unique full-body workout. You build strength, flexibility, and core stability simultaneously.

Typical training structure

A vertical silks course usually lasts 60-90 minutes:

• Warm-up (15 min): Warm-up, mobilization, light cardio
• Conditioning (15 min): Strength and flexibility exercises on the floor
• Techniques on the silks (40-50 min): Knots , figures , combinations
• Cool-down (10 min): Stretching, relaxation

Aerial silks exercises for beginners

These aerial silks exercises will help beginners get started:

• Climbing: Basic techniques for ascending and descending
• Hanging: Simply hang and build grip strength
• Footlock exercises: Automating the most important knot
• Body tension: Hollow body holds on the ground

How often should you train?

For beginners, 1-2 training sessions per week are recommended. Your body needs time to regenerate – the strain on your hands, forearms, and shoulders is intense at first. Advanced athletes often train 3-4 times a week.

The right equipment for aerial silks

Besides the fabric itself, you'll need appropriate clothing and other equipment. You can find a complete overview of all the important components in our Aerial Acrobatics Equipment Guide .

Clothing for aerial silks

When training with aerial silks, the rule is: tight-fitting, but not restrictive:

• Long leggings: Protect the skin during leg wraps .
• A close-fitting top: No flapping fabric that gets caught in the scarf.
• Armpits clear: For certain figures you need skin contact
• No zippers: They can damage the fabric.

Many aerial athletes wear special aerial clothing or bodysuits with strategic grip zones and an optimal fit.

Additional equipment

• Grip-Aid: Rosin or grip powder for better grip
• Crash mat: Thick and soft for safe practice
• Tape: For sensitive areas on hands and feet

Aerial silks are more than just a sport – they're an art form that combines strength, elegance, and courage. Getting started takes patience, but the reward is unique: performing moves on the silks that you never thought possible.

Conclusion: Is aerial silks worth it?

Absolutely! Aerial silks acrobatics offers a unique workout that combines strength, flexibility, and artistic expression. Whether in a studio or using aerial silks at home , getting started is easier than ever.

Ensure your aerial silks are securely suspended , start with a course under professional instruction, and give yourself time. Aerial acrobatics on the aerial silks rewards patience with spectacular figures and tricks .