Slipping happens at the point of contact
A pole can feel smooth and still provide enough grip. What matters is what lies between your skin and the surface. A thin film of moisture or product can change the friction. A typical everyday example is body lotion from the night before: Even if your skin no longer feels creamy in the morning, residue may become noticeable during a warm training session.
With a brand-new pole, possible production, packaging, or preservation residues may also be present. A new surface is not automatically ready for training. However, a protective coating is not a general feature of all new poles. How to prepare yours depends on the material and the manufacturer's instructions, not on a one-size-fits-all home remedy.
Lack of skin contact is a different issue: If fabric lies between the intended contact area and the pole, the fabric may slip even though your skin would grip there. This only affects movements that actually require that skin contact. You don't need to expose more skin for every floor movement, and having more skin uncovered alone doesn't guarantee a secure grip.
These contact conditions apply to both dance transitions and athletic holds. The page on Pole Dance and Pole Fitness explains how the training goals differ.




