Bungee jumping is a thrilling experience found in canyons around the world. The elastic bungee cord allows you to soar through the air until the cable catches you, allowing you to fly over incredible landscapes. But how do you prepare your look for such an activity; what do you wear bungee jumping?
There is no official dress code for bungee jumping, only comfortable, casual clothes that don’t have loose fabric. No hats, glasses, or loose items are allowed, so you do not lose them during the jump. Long hair must be tied back to keep from tangling in the cord.
Below, I will break this down a bit more for you, so there is no question about your bungee jumping apparel. Once you get there, you deserve to focus on the fun, not the technicalities.
What Is The Best Outfit To Wear Bungee Jumping?
The best outfit for bungee jumping is securely fitted clothing and a nice set of tennis shoes/running shoes. Leggings and athletic wear are recommended wear for your legs.
Any shirt is allowed, but it is best not to have anything with too much loose fabric. A good set of well-fitting shoes is also perfect. Essentially, wear something comfy!
When I went bungee jumping I wore athletic wear, here is a photo of the outfit I wore bungee jumping:
I wore an Under Armour t-shirt with a 1/4 zip Gymshark slim fit top. My pants are older lululemon sweatpants that are relatively slim fit and were not too baggy. My shoes are ASICS running shoes, very comfortable for bungee jumping and any walking required for the day.
Overall, my outfit was chosen to be comfortable and lightweight. I went bungee jumping in the summer on a cooler day. If the temperatures are warmer you can wear just a t-shirt if you like, if colder you may want to bundle up a few layers.
The Ideal Bungee Jumping Outfits:
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Does Bungee Jumping Have a Dress Code?
There is no official bungee jumping dress code, just a few limitations. Since you have a harness strapped to you and you will be flying through the air, it is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes that are not too loose.
Items that hug closely to your body are best, so they do not get caught on anything or flap in the wind. Things like leggings and athletic wear are best.
Can You Wear a Dress When Bungee Jumping?
Dresses are always a no-go when bungee jumping, making applying the harness for the jump a challenge. But you also run the risk of the whole dress flying up mid-air.
The fabric dresses are made from is too loose and can cause safety issues. If you wear a dress to the jump point, you will likely not be allowed to participate.
Can You Wear a Skirt When Bungee Jumping?
Skirts are very much like dresses; they interfere with the harness and fly up when you jump. Some companies may let you jump if you wear a short skirt with shorts built into it.
But to be safe, it is always best to wear shorts or pants in preparation for the jump.
Can You Wear Shorts Bungee Jumping?
You can wear shorts while bungee jumping. If the shorts are a bit loose, you will feel the wind sweep up them during the jump.
Shorts are not a safety hazard and can be worn during your adventure! If shorts are one of the most comfortable items you have, slap those babies on! For comfort, workout style shorts are the best option when bungee jumping.
Do Your Shoes Matter When Bungee Jumping?
The best shoes to wear when bungee jumping are well-fitting tennis shoes or running shoes. The main restriction is no boots that come over your ankles, or loose shoes in general.
Boots are not allowed because they interfere with gear if you jump with an ankle harness. Sandals are not prohibited, but you want them to fit tightly, so they do not fall off during the jump. Therefore, you cannot jump with slides or flip-flops.
However, if you bring slides or flip-flops by mistake, that’s okay! You are allowed to jump barefoot in many locations. If you go barefoot, make sure you give your friend or family member your shoes before climbing to the platform, as you will not be climbing back up after your jump.
Can You Wear a Hat Bungee Jumping?
No loose items are allowed during your bungee jump. This includes hats, glasses, loose jewelry, or anything else that could fly off you. It is in your best interest to leave this behind during the jump, so you do not lose your belongings!
Can You Wear Contact Lenses Bungee Jumping?
The rules around contacts are particular when it comes to bungee jumping. Soft contact lenses are allowed, but hard contact lenses are not.
This is for your comfort, so the contact does not get dislodged in your eye during the jump. Since most contacts these days are soft lenses, you will probably be fine wearing them!
What Gear Do They Dress You Up in for the Bungee Jump?
There are two types of harnesses to choose from when bungee jumping. Both are an experience; my favorite is the ankle harness. (Then again, I love the feeling of an adrenaline rush!)
Below are the two most common types:
- Chest harness: This gear will wrap around your chest, waist, and thighs to fully support you. If you do not like the thought of going upside down, or want to feel a bit more secure, find a location that uses this type of harness.
- Ankle harness: This harness straps the bungee cord to your ankles and thighs. After the jump, you will hang by your feet until you reach land again! The ankle strap is for full-blooded adventurers looking to jump face first.
Should You Tie Your Hair Up When Bungee Jumping?
It is best to tie up long hair when bungee jumping. This is for two main reasons:
- Hair can catch in the cord. You do not want your hair caught or pulled by the bungee cord or the harness. This can be painful and dangerous.
- Hair will get in your face. You do not want the hair flying in your face as you soar through the air. So, tying it back is enforced before you jump.
Can You Bungee Jump with a Long Beard?
You can have a long beard and bungee jump. Depending on the length of your beard, you may want to tie it with a simple band for the same reasons as tying up long hair. You do not want it getting in your face or getting caught in the harness equipment.
So, What Should You NOT Wear Bungee Jumping?
You should not wear two main things for your bungee jumping experience: loose clothing and loose accessories.
Below are a few examples of these:
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Hats
- Glasses
- Hard Contacts
- Necklaces
- Hoop Earrings or ones that dangle
- Tunic type shirt
- Corded rope belts
- Loose bracelets
- Flip-flops
- Boots
- Slide-on sandals (slides)
- No weapons of any kind
- No loose long hair
*Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. I put together this list from the eight different places I’ve been bungee jumping.
Whenever you are in doubt, please call the location you plan to jump at and ask them to provide further instructions regarding attire.
Can You Bungee Jump Naked?
The best part of bungee jumping, is that you can bungee jump naked! Of course, this is only allowed at certain establishments, and some locations will offer nude jumps in light of a fundraiser or charity event.
For example, WildPlay offers people to jump naked to raise money for mental health awareness. Remember that you will need to jump with an ankle harness, as the chest harness will irritate your skin.
Final Thoughts
There are few restrictions on your clothing when bungee jumping. You do not need to wear a unique jumpsuit or particular outfit. Just wear comfortable, well-fitted clothing to keep you safe and comfortable during your experience.
The main rule to keep in mind is if it is loose, you should leave it behind. Hats and glasses can fly away in the wind during your jump, and you will lose them forever. Things you cannot leave behind, like loose hair, should be tied up securely.
Dressing comfortably will ensure you have an excellent bungee jumping experience and will not be turned away at the door!
Read our related post “12 Highest Bungee Jumps in the World (With Videos)” here.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!