One year ago, I started Zerone Design with a dream: to create pretty, comfortable, functional, yet affordable polewear that dancers love.
It all started when I bought from a well-known polewear brand and was totally pissed off—the quality was so bad, and I ended up paying $40 just to return an international package. I remember thinking, “Why is this so expensive yet so badly made?” That’s when I decided: I’m going to create polewear 100X cuter, better quality, and actually affordable!
Looking back, I’ve learned SO much—some lessons were fun, some were tough, and some completely surprised me!
Here are 6 things I wish I knew before starting a polewear brand (and how they shaped Zerone into what it is today).
1️⃣ Perfecting the Fit Takes Way More Than Just Measurements
Before I started, I thought designing polewear was all about getting the right size chart. Turns out, it’s way more complex than that. Pole dancers don’t just stand still—we climb, invert, split, and spin. A design that looks great standing might completely shift when you’re upside down.
We’ve had to rethink fabric tension, strap stress points, and stretch direction to make sure our pieces move with the body. A regular clothing brand might need 1-2 prototypes to finalize a design. For us? Some pieces take 5+ iterations before they pass all our tests!
Every tiny adjustment—strap width, seam placement, fabric choice—makes a HUGE difference in comfort, security, and performance. And yes, we obsess over them all.
2️⃣ Not All Fabrics Are Created Equal – And We Tested a LOT
I quickly learned that fabric is EVERYTHING when it comes to polewear. Some fabrics don’t have the right stretch, some lose elasticity after a few wears, and some just aren’t breathable enough for intense training.
After months of testing, we found the fabrics we love with the perfect balance—buttery soft, breathable, durable, and with the right stretch to hold up through movement. This is why Zerone pieces feel amazing and perform flawlessly in training.
3️⃣ Tiny Design Details Make or Break a Piece
Before designing polewear, I never realized how small details could completely change how a set feels.
✨ Seams matter more than you think. There are so many types of seams, each serving a different purpose—some create a clean aesthetic, and some add structure. Finding the right seam makes all the difference in both function and style.
✨ Waistband tension changes the whole fit. Too loose, it slips. Too tight, it feels terrible.
✨ Little details ensure full coverage when you invert. The elastic band in the leg openings keeps everything secure, a wider crotch provides more confidence, and every cut is carefully designed to stay in place no matter how much you move.
It’s the little things that make polewear truly functional—and we fine-tune them down to the last stitch.
4️⃣ Finding the Right Manufacturer is HARD
Not all manufacturers have experience with polewear. Communication is key to helping them understand how our designs are different from yoga wear or swimwear—in exposure, fabric use, and movement.
I talked to over 100 manufacturers, sampled with 10+ of them, and only worked with 3. It takes time, trial, and error to find someone who can match our quality standards and attention to detail.
5️⃣ Customer Feedback is GOLD – And We Listen to Every Word
One of the biggest lessons? Listening to YOU makes Zerone better.
So many of our designs exist because of customer feedback!
✨ Unlimited in Olive Green was inspired by a customer’s color request.
✨ Trinity was made with Gatsby’s fabric because people LOVED how it felt.
✨ We’ve refined details like inner lining colors to match outer fabric for incoming new designs, so even small design elements feel seamless.
6️⃣ Everything is Expensive – But We Hold Our Beliefs
People often ask “Why is polewear so expensive?” Here’s why:
✨ We only use the best functional fabrics—which cost 2-3X more than standard swimwear fabric.
✨ We’re extremely detail-oriented. The invisable seam, construction, and lining can increase production costs by 10% or more—but they make a HUGE difference.
✨ Small batch production costs more. Unlike large brands that mass-produce, we work in small batches, which adds 30% to manufacturing costs but ensures higher quality and sustainability.
Our production costs are 30-50% higher than more established polewear brands. But making premium-quality yet affordable polewear is why I started Zerone Design in the first place.
This also means we don’t have the luxury of making every color and size we want all at once—we have to be careful to ensure the brand can grow sustainably while still serving as many dancers as possible. And that’s why I do everything myself whenever I can—from designing, pattern making, and manufacturer communication to sorting, packing, and replying to messages.
So how much have I made from Zerone Design this past year? -$2,352. Yup it's negative.
But that’s okay! The start is always the hardest. We’re still new, and it takes time to build trust and get our name out there. Seeing your smiles, your messages, and the excitement when you wear Zerone makes every late night worth it.
If you love Zerone, the biggest way you can support us is by sharing with your pole friends. Every tag, every message, every recommendation helps us grow. And one day, we’ll be able to expand, restock more colors, and yes—maybe even make a profit! 😆
What’s Next?
This past year has been a wild ride, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Every order, message, and review means the world to us. 💖
As we step into a new year, we’re excited to bring you more pretty styles, the same premium quality, and even better designs—all while staying true to what makes Zerone special. We’ll keep growing, learning, and improving by listening to each and every one of you who love and support us.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another year of polewear magic! ✨💕
