How to Carry a Skateboard Without Ruining Your Clothes
Skateboard grip tape is made to create friction under your shoes, but that same rough surface can rub against shirts, jackets, pants and backpacks when you carry the board. To reduce wear, keep the grip tape from sliding across your clothing, shorten the distance you hand-carry the board, or use a correctly fitted skateboard carrier.
Why skateboard grip tape can wear clothes
Grip tape is a coarse, sandpaper-like material attached to the top of a skateboard deck to give your shoes traction. That texture is useful while riding, but repeated movement against fabric can create abrasion. The problem is usually not one brief touch; it is the board shifting back and forth during a longer walk.
Blue Tomato’s grip tape guide describes grip tape as coarse sandpaper applied to the deck. That is why changing the contact point and reducing movement are more effective than simply squeezing the board harder against your clothes.
Three practical ways to carry a skateboard
1. Hold it under one arm for short distances
Place your hand around the middle area of the board and find the balance point before walking. Keep the board slightly away from your shirt or jacket rather than letting the grip tape drag along your side. This is simple for a short distance, but your arm remains occupied and the board may still touch your clothes when you turn or climb stairs.
2. Carry it vertically when space is tight
In a hallway, station or crowded sidewalk, a vertical position can reduce the board’s horizontal footprint. Keep the trucks and wheels under control so they do not swing into people or objects. Avoid resting the tail on the ground while walking, because dragging can damage the board and makes movement less predictable.
3. Use a dedicated skateboard carrier for longer walks
A fitted carrier holds the board in a consistent position and reduces the need to press the grip tape directly against your clothing. It is most useful when your trip includes walking, waiting, stairs or transfers. The carrier still needs to match the board: an oversized or undersized fit can allow unwanted movement.
Before choosing one, follow our guide to measuring a skateboard for a bag. CarryColor’s Base format is designed around an 80 × 28 cm board, while the Pro format covers approximately 80–100 × 28 cm. Neither format is intended for longboards.
How to reduce clothing wear step by step
- Check the grip tape edges. Look for lifted or sharp edges that may catch fabric.
- Choose a stable contact point. Hold the board near its center so it does not tip repeatedly.
- Limit rubbing. A light touch is less important than preventing continuous sliding.
- Clean off loose dirt. Remove dry surface debris according to the grip-tape manufacturer’s care guidance.
- Secure the board for longer trips. Tighten carrier straps so the board stays close without forcing or bending components.
- Test before leaving. Walk around at home, turn, climb a few steps and confirm that the board does not swing.
Hand carry vs skateboard carrier
| Situation | Hand carry | Skateboard carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Short walk | Fast and simple | May be unnecessary |
| Longer commute | Occupies one hand | Keeps both hands available |
| Clothing contact | Depends on technique | Creates a barrier when correctly fitted |
| Storage | None | Small pocket, depending on model |
| Best use | Quick movement | Walking and mixed transport |
If you also carry books, a laptop or spare clothing, read our skateboard bag vs backpack comparison before deciding which format suits your routine.
What to check in a skateboard carrier
- Correct board fit: verify both length and width, not only the product name.
- Secure retention straps: confirm the board cannot slide out during normal walking.
- Comfortable shoulder position: adjust the strap so the load stays close to your body.
- Useful pocket size: compare the stated dimensions with your phone, wallet, keys or skate tool.
- Clear compatibility limits: do not force a longboard or electric skateboard into a carrier designed for a standard deck.
Our recent guide explains how to choose a skateboard bag for daily commuting in more detail.
Common mistakes that still damage clothes
Letting the board swing while walking
Even when the grip tape faces away at first, a loosely held board can rotate and touch your clothing repeatedly. Stability matters more than the starting angle alone.
Ignoring peeling grip tape
Lifted edges can catch threads and continue peeling. Inspect the deck before carrying it close to clothing, and follow the grip-tape manufacturer’s instructions if repair or replacement is needed.
Assuming every cover fits every board
A carrier that is too small may not close securely, while excessive empty space can allow movement. Measure first and respect the stated compatibility range.
Overloading a small storage pocket
Extra weight changes how the bag hangs and may cause the board to shift. Carry only the small items the pocket is designed to hold.
Frequently asked questions
Does skateboard grip tape ruin clothes?
It can wear or mark some fabrics when the rough surface repeatedly rubs against them. Brief contact is less of a problem than continuous friction during a walk. Carry the board steadily, keep the grip tape from sliding across clothing, or use a fitted carrier.
Which way should the grip tape face when carrying a skateboard?
There is no single position that eliminates every issue. Facing it away can reduce direct contact with your body, but the board may expose trucks or dirt differently. Choose the position you can control most securely and prevent the board from swinging.
Will a skateboard bag completely prevent clothing damage?
No accessory can guarantee that. A correctly fitted carrier creates a barrier and limits movement, but you should still inspect the bag, straps and board before each trip and replace damaged components when necessary.
Can I use the same carrier for a longboard?
Only if the manufacturer specifically lists your longboard’s dimensions and type as compatible. CarryColor’s current skateboard carriers are not suitable for longboards.
Keep the board secure and the grip tape controlled
The simplest way to carry a skateboard without ruining your clothes is to reduce friction: keep the grip tape from sliding, control the board’s movement and use a fitted carrier when the walk becomes longer. For a hands-free option, compare CarryColor skateboard bags and measure your deck before ordering. Skateboard is not included.