Skydiving is simple; you get in an airplane and jump out of it! The most difficult decision you will face on any day you go skydiving is what you wear. After all, you want to be comfortable and safe, but you also want to look good. So, what is the best outfit to wear for skydiving?
The best outfit for skydiving is a jumpsuit, but if you don’t have one, make sure you wear fitted pants and a fitted shirt. The clothing should be comfortable to move in but tight enough so it is not in the way of the harness. Also, wear flat, comfortable, close-toed shoes.
On the day of your jump, it should be virtually stress-free! So, stop fretting about what you’re going to wear. Use this article as a guide to pick out the perfect outfit.
What Is the Best Outfit to Wear Skydiving?
Skydiving is an extreme sport, so you should choose comfortable and appropriate clothing for the activity.
Since you’ll be strapped in a harness, you should wear something flexible that fits well. Some people choose to wear athletic shorts, leggings, and sweat-wicking tops.
Some facilities have a variety of clothing you can request, such as jumpsuits. Although it can be warm on the ground before your jump, the temperature at the altitude can get colder. So, make sure you layer up!
Clothing recommended to wear skydiving:
- Leggings
- Fitted Sweatpants
- t-shirt (if warm enough)
- long-sleeve shirt
- sweater
- jumpsuit (most recommended)
- wind breaker jacket (no hood)
- hiking pants
- skydiving goggles
- helmet
- headband
Does Skydiving Have a Dress Code?
Unfortunately, some clothing is unsuitable for skydiving, and it can be dangerous to wear anything with strings, cords, or loose pieces that can come into contact with the equipment.
For most skydivers, the best option is to wear a special suit that has a built-in zipper, pockets, and other features that prevent pieces of clothing from going rogue at speeds of up to 120 miles per hour.
During the summer season, some people choose to wear t-shirts and shorts during their jumps due to the warm weather. However, remember that the air can be pretty cool at higher altitudes.
Apart from what you wear on your bottoms and tops, you’ll also need to ensure that you have the proper footwear. Flat and comfortable shoes, such as trainers, are ideal.
What are the Best Colors to Wear Skydiving?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing the best colors to wear when skydiving.
Some people prefer to wear vibrant colors to make themselves more visible to other people during an emergency.
On the other hand, others prefer to wear darker shades to blend in with the sky and create a more natural and comfortable experience. There are no rules or regulations when it comes to skydiving clothing colors.
What Gear Do They Dress You Up in When Skydiving?
When skydiving, gear is everything! You can’t jump out of the plane without it, as it is meant for your safety. Below, we will take a quick glimpse at what you’re expected to wear gear-wise.
Goggles
An essential item that a skydiver will need is goggles, as they will protect their eyes during freefall. This device will allow them to see clearly as they fall through the air.
Some people choose to wear goggles that are either clear or tinted, depending on their preference. These are usually worn over contact lenses or glasses.
You can see some of the best skydiving goggle options in our guide here.
Parachute Rig
When it comes to skydiving, the backpack used for the equipment is known as a “container.” The parachutes inside are called “rigs.” These are made to fit the owner and come in different sizes.
Skydivers carry two parachutes, a reserve, and a main. The main reason why they have two is that in the event of a problem, is the main parachute gets tangled or somehow doesn’t deploy then you can deploy your backup reserve parachute.
AAD (Automatic Activation Device)
An automatic activation device, also known as an AAD, is a device that can be installed in a rig to deploy the reserve parachute if you can’t use your main.
If you’re experiencing freefall, the AAD will notify you via its monitoring system to cut the loop connected to your reserve parachute if you’re not moving at a steady pace.
Helmet
One of the most critical factors a person should consider when it comes to freefalling is wearing a helmet. Although it’s not required in the US, you should always have a helmet when it comes to preparing for a jump.
You might also be equipped with a radio, which can be attached to your helmet, making it an integral part of your equipment.
Like all of the equipment used for free flying, helmets come in different styles and sizes. A variety of companies make these types of helmets, which are usually sold in the US.
Jumpsuit
One of the most essential accessories a skydiver will need to wear when jumping is their own jumpsuit. Although skydiving is not all about looking cool, we won’t pretend that it’s not important.
Different types of suits are designed for specific activities, such as belly flying. If you’re planning on doing this, you’ll want to make sure that the suit has a bootie attachment. This will allow you to turn more efficiently and make more formations.
Altimeter
An altimeter is a device that measures your height and provides you with the information you need to deploy your parachute. It is also used to determine the landing pattern of your plane as you land.
An analog altimeter is an excellent choice if you’re new to the sport. It can be worn on your hand and will provide you with an estimate of your altitude.
Do Your Shoes Matter When Skydiving?
Flat-soled shoes are also very important when it comes to freefalling, as they will allow you to slide easily into the landing area. However, you should avoid wearing heels, boots, and other shoes with hooked laces.
Can You Wear Shorts Skydiving?
Although it’s tempting to wear shorts during the summer, doing so is not recommended. Landing is an important factor that a person should take into account.
The most common technique for landing is a buttslide, similar to how a baseball player would slide into a base. Road rash is why professional athletes wear long pants during the summer, and skydiving should not be exempt from this.
Read the full detailed post: Can You Wear Shorts Skydiving?
Should You Tie Your Hair Up When Skydiving?
If you have long hair, I recommend wearing it pulled back tight or in french braids, as well as low ponytails or bandanas. This will help prevent loose hair from getting tangled during your jump.
If you have long hair, you should keep it tied back in order to prevent it from getting tangled in gear or your instructor’s face, as you will be falling at about 120 miles per hour.
Can You Wear Sunglasses Skydiving?
Yes, you can wear sunglasses skydiving. There are goggles that are made of a flexible plastic material and have an adjustable strap you will be putting on.
They will fit securely on your face even if you’re wearing sunglasses and won’t get in the way during your jump. If you have any questions about how to fit these, please let your instructors know.
Read our related post: Can You Wear Glasses While Skydiving?
Can You Wear a Hat Skydiving?
For tandem jumpers, we suggest wearing a fur hat instead of a full-sized helmet to keep your head warm. However, we have also seen some individuals wear woolen or beanie hats that are too heavy for them. These are not recommended for tandem jumpers as they can get stuck in the air at speeds of over 120mph.
A helmet is required for parachutists who are not tandem students but are still planning on doing a jump. Some jumpers wear skull caps under their headgear to add warmth.
Can You Wear Makeup Skydiving?
You want to look great for your photos while skydiving, right? Of course, you can wear makeup skydiving! However, you want to be careful with what you wear, as cheaper makeup can blow off quickly. I also suggest not wearing eyeshadow.
Here are a few of the best makeup products for skydivers:
- Emphaseyes for Brows: A lot of pencils say they are waterproof, but this one is!
- Provacateur Pressed Mineral Powder: It goes on smooth and doesn’t look cakey at all.
offers a lovely smooth complexion. Sulfate and paraben free. It can be used wet or dry.
- multiplEye mascara: This mascara is truly waterproof and pretty volumizing!
- Clean Slate Natural Face Primer: Pretty standard primer, but it’s free of all the chemicals and ingredients…perfect for those who are allergic to talc and want to be vegan-friendly.
- Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer: I recommend a tinted moisturizer for every person that is on the go and needs a quick pick-me-up. This is one of the best-tinted moisturizers I’ve ever tried.
- Vitamin-Infused Lipgloss: This lipgloss contains Borba, which is supposed to condition, rejuvenate, and repair lips while adding moisture and color.
- Indelible Wink Liquid Liner: This product is a great idea. It has a liquid liner on one side and a coordinating powder and sponge tip on the other. The powder end is meant to smooth out any bumps in the liner and make it look more straight and even.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to dressing for skydiving, you are expected to wear the appropriate attire. The first thing you should consider is comfort; the right clothes will make you feel comfortable and relaxed on your first jump.
You will be attached to a harness during a tandem jump, and this will help you move freely in the correct position whenever the instructor tells you to do so. Raise your legs to a 90-degree position when approaching the ground to avoid hard landings or injuries.
Fit is one of the most critical factors you should consider when choosing the right clothes for skydiving. Having the right clothes is very important to ensure that you are comfortable and able to move freely.
When Heather is not participating in extreme sports you can find her working the events across the country, or writing about these amazing adrenaline rushes. She loves to go skydiving, snowboarding, parasailing, hang gliding, dirt boarding, off-roading and hiking.