What to Wear Skydiving: A Guide to Choosing the Right Clothing for Your Jump

Written by Stephanie Patterson

Stephanie Patterson

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Skydiving is an exhilarating experience that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. But before you jump out of a plane, it’s important to know what to wear skydiving to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the entire experience.

As someone who has been skydiving several times, I can tell you that what you wear can make a big difference in your overall experience.

First and foremost, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement. Tight or restrictive clothing can hinder your ability to move freely during the jump and landing.

I recommend wearing athletic clothing, such as leggings or shorts, and a t-shirt or tank top. Avoid loose clothing, as it can get caught in the wind during the jump.

Another crucial aspect of what to wear skydiving is footwear. It’s essential to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that provide good support and won’t fall off during the jump.

Sneakers or running shoes are the best options, while sandals, flip-flops, or heels are strictly prohibited. Keep in mind that you’ll be landing on your feet, so proper footwear can help prevent injuries.

Jumpsuit and Harness

As a skydiver, the most important piece of gear you will wear is the jumpsuit and harness.

The jumpsuit is a specialized piece of clothing that protects you from the wind, cold, and other elements while you are in freefall.

It is made of a thin, lightweight material that is designed to be flexible and comfortable to wear.

The harness is the piece of gear that connects you to the parachute. It is made of strong, durable materials that are designed to withstand the force of your body weight as you fall through the air.

The harness is also designed to be adjustable, so that it can be customized to fit your body size and shape.

When choosing a jumpsuit and harness, it is important to make sure that they fit properly and are in good condition. A jumpsuit that is too loose or too tight can be uncomfortable to wear and can interfere with your ability to move freely.

A harness that is too loose can be dangerous, as it can cause you to slip out of the harness during freefall.

It is also important to choose a jumpsuit and harness that are appropriate for the type of skydiving you will be doing.

For example, if you will be doing a tandem skydive, you will need a jumpsuit and harness that are designed for two people.

If you will be doing a solo skydive, you will need a jumpsuit and harness that are designed for one person.

Overall, the jumpsuit and harness are the most important pieces of gear you will wear when skydiving.

It is important to choose gear that fits properly, is in good condition, and is appropriate for the type of skydiving you will be doing.

Footwear

When it comes to skydiving, it is important to wear the right footwear. The best shoes for skydiving are comfortable sneakers or athletic shoes that provide ample ankle and arch support.

This is because you will be standing for long periods of time, and you want to ensure that your feet are comfortable and well-supported throughout the experience.

It is also important to wear closed-toe shoes that fit snugly to your foot. This will help to prevent any injuries or accidents that could occur if your shoes were to come off during the jump or landing.

Additionally, shoes with deep treads on the sole should be avoided, as they can present a snag hazard.

At the end of the day, few shoes are as good for skydiving as a pair of well-loved, totally-broken-in sneakers. As long as they can lace up snugly, your kicks are just fine for skydiving.

However, if you are looking for shoes specifically designed for skydiving, there are a few key features to look for.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to wear shoes that are comfortable, well-fitted, and provide adequate support.

Whether you opt for a pair of well-loved sneakers or invest in a pair of specialized skydiving shoes, make sure that your footwear is up to the task of keeping you safe and comfortable throughout your skydiving experience.

Headgear

When it comes to skydiving, headgear is an essential part of your outfit. It not only protects your head from the wind but also ensures safety during the jump.

There are several options available for headgear, and the type you choose depends on your personal preference and the weather conditions. I prefer to wear a helmet when skydiving as it provides the most protection.

A helmet should fit snugly on your head and have a chin strap to keep it in place during the jump. It should also have a visor or goggles to protect your eyes from the wind and debris.

Some people prefer to wear a beanie or a headband instead of a helmet. While these options may not provide as much protection as a helmet, they can still keep your head warm and protect your ears from the wind.

If you choose to wear a beanie or headband, make sure it fits snugly on your head and won’t come off during the jump. Another option for headgear is a full-face helmet.

This type of helmet provides the most protection as it covers your entire face, including your eyes.

However, it can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods and may restrict your vision. In summary, headgear is an essential part of your skydiving outfit.

Whether you choose a helmet, beanie, headband, or full-face helmet, make sure it fits snugly on your head and provides the necessary protection for the weather conditions.

Eyewear

When it comes to skydiving, you need to protect your eyes from wind, dust, and debris. That’s why it’s essential to wear appropriate eyewear. If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, you can wear them while skydiving.

However, you need to make sure they fit snugly against your face and don’t move around or fall off during the dive.

It’s also crucial to wear goggles over your prescription lenses to protect them from dirt, dust, wind, and UV rays.

The Birdz Wren skydiving goggles are an excellent choice for protecting your eyes while skydiving. They are made of shatterproof and heavy-duty polycarbonate lenses, making them durable and long-lasting.

If you don’t wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, you can still wear goggles to protect your eyes.

The goggles should fit snugly against your face and have a strap to keep them in place. Make sure the goggles are comfortable and don’t impede your vision or movement.

It’s important to note that not all goggles are suitable for skydiving. Make sure to choose goggles specifically designed for skydiving, as they provide the necessary protection and durability.

Gloves

When it comes to skydiving, gloves are an essential item to consider. They not only protect your hands but also provide a better grip on the equipment during the freefall.

Popular brands include Skydiving Solutions, Bonehead Composites, and Performance Designs.

When choosing gloves, it’s important to consider the type of skydiving you’ll be doing.

For example, if you’re doing a tandem jump, you may not need gloves as much as you would for solo skydiving.

However, if you’re jumping in colder weather or at higher altitudes, gloves can provide extra warmth and protection.

It’s also important to choose gloves that are specifically designed for skydiving.

These gloves are usually made with windproof and water-resistant material, which can help protect your hands from the elements during the jump.

When it comes to sizing, it’s important to get gloves that fit well to ensure maximum comfort and protection. Gloves that are too big or too small can interfere with your grip and may not provide the necessary protection.

Overall, gloves are an important item to consider when preparing for a skydiving adventure.

They can provide protection and comfort during the jump, and choosing the right pair can make all the difference.

Conclusion

After researching and compiling information on what to wear skydiving, I have come to the conclusion that comfort and safety are the most important factors to consider when choosing your attire for a jump.

You want to be able to move freely and comfortably, while also ensuring that your clothing won’t get in the way or become a safety hazard during the jump.

It’s important to remember that the temperature at high altitudes can be much cooler than on the ground, so dressing in layers is a good idea.

You can always remove layers if you get too warm, but you can’t add them if you’re too cold.

Additionally, wearing close-fitting clothes, such as leggings or compression shorts, can help prevent any loose clothing from getting in your way or becoming tangled during the jump.

Another important factor to consider is footwear. You want to wear shoes that are comfortable and secure, with a good grip on the sole.

Sneakers or athletic shoes are a good choice, while sandals, flip-flops, or high heels should be avoided.

Finally, don’t forget about accessories. Sunglasses or goggles can help protect your eyes from wind and debris, while a hat or headband can help keep your hair out of your face.

And if you wear glasses or contacts, be sure to bring a strap or case to keep them secure during the jump.