What to Wear Skydiving

Skydiving is a sport! It requires body awareness, coordination, and mobility. Even though it might look like we’re just falling, we’re actively controlling our body position and movement throughout the jump. That’s why choosing the right skydiving attire is essential for preparing for your jump. Let’s get into it!

What Clothes to Wear Skydiving

One of the most common questions first-time jumpers ask is, “What clothes should I wear to skydive?” The answer is simple: wear something comfortable that you can move in. On the day of your jump, you’ll receive a tandem briefing, where you’ll learn about the arched body position needed for a smooth and stable skydive. To do this comfortably and safely, you’ll need clothing that allows a full range of motion. 

When thinking about what clothes to wear skydiving, the best approach is to dress like you would if you were hitting the gym. Athletic wear like leggings, joggers, and fitted t-shirts are all good choices.

Wondering if it’s better to wear shorts or pants when skydiving? It’s a good question. While shorts might seem like a good choice on a warm day, we recommend wearing leggings or long, flexible pants. They offer better protection against the wind and sun at altitude and help prevent skin irritation from the harness. Long pants also provide extra coverage in case you slide in on landing, which is common for tandem jumps.

What Shoes to Wear Skydiving

When it comes to footwear, comfortable, closed-toe shoes with a flat sole are your best bet. Remember – skydiving is a sport, and your shoes should be chosen with movement, safety, and comfort in mind.

Athletic sneakers, tennis shoes, or skate shoes are all great options. The key is to wear something secure that won’t slip off and that you can move around easily in, both on the ground and in the air. Flip flops are comfy on the ground, but they’ll flip-flop right off your feet in freefall!

Footwear to Avoid

Stick with closed-toe, flat-soled athletic shoes: no flip-flops, sandals, boots with hooks, heels, or bulky shoes. These can fall off mid-jump, interfere with your gear, or make it harder to move around in the plane or stick a smooth landing.

What NOT to Wear Skydiving

Just as important as knowing what to wear on a skydive is knowing what not to wear. The right skydiving outfit has everything to do with comfort and safety. What you shouldn’t wear skydiving makes total sense in the context of high winds and a snug harness. Not sure if your outfit is a good choice? Think about how it will hold up in strong wind and tight gear.

 

Skip the Fashion-Forward Outfits

Runway looks are different for skydiving! This isn’t the time for denim, dresses, or anything you’d wear to brunch. Jeans are too stiff, skirts and dresses don’t offer the coverage you’ll need, and anything tight or restrictive will limit your range of motion. Loose, flowy fabrics tend to flap around in freefall and can become a distraction or get caught in your harness. The ideal skydiving outfit is all about comfort, function, and flexibility.

Leave the Jewelry at Home

Jewelry may look great, but it doesn’t mix well with 120 mph winds or a snug skydiving harness. Necklaces, bracelets, dangly earrings, and rings can get snagged, lost, or even damaged during your jump. If it’s valuable or sentimental, it’s best to leave it behind. Stud earrings are typically fine, but we recommend removing anything else just to be safe. This doesn’t apply to eyeglasses, they’re completely fine to wear skydiving. 

More Skydiving Don’ts

While we’re on the topic, let’s take a moment to acknowledge a few more items on the list for what not to do before skydiving. Don’t drink alcohol the night before or day of your jump, and don’t get dehydrated or jump on an empty stomach. You want to eat on the lighter side of normal and drink plenty of water to keep you feeling tip-top. Also, don’t forget to bring your valid, government-issued photo ID. If you can’t prove you’re over 18, you will not be jumping. 

Seasonal Tips: What to Wear in Cold vs Warm Weather

Michigan weather can change fast, and the temperature at altitude is cooler than it feels on the ground, especially at 18,000 feet! Whether you’re jumping in the chill of early spring or the heat of summer, dressing for the conditions will make your skydive much more comfortable.

Cold Weather Skydiving

When jumping in colder months or on brisk mornings, layering is key. Start with snug-fitting base layers made of moisture-wicking materials to keep you warm and dry. Add extra layers like fleece or athletic pullovers on top, and finish with a lightweight windbreaker if needed.

Avoid bulky jackets or anything that could interfere with your harness or restrict your movement. You can also borrow a jumpsuit and gloves from the dropzone to add warmth without compromising function.

Warm Weather Skydiving

Even in summer, it can be surprisingly chilly at altitude, so don’t skip the layers altogether. Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs is ideal. Long sleeves and pants not only protect you from wind and sun, but also help prevent discomfort from the harness.

You might still want to bring a light extra layer, just in case it’s cooler than expected when you’re preparing to jump. It’s easy to remove if needed, and you’ll be glad you brought it if you need it!

Bonus Tip: How to Look Cute While Skydiving

If you’re planning on getting video and photos of your skydive, you might be wondering how to look cute when skydiving. The good news? If you follow all of the advice above (wearing well-fitting, functional clothing and avoiding loose or bulky gear), you’re already off to a great start!

For photos that really stand out, think about your color choices. Bright or contrasting colors pop beautifully against the blue sky and green fields below. Avoid dull tones that can get lost in the background.

And the absolute best and easiest way to look good while skydiving is to SMILE! A big happy grin will engage your facial muscles and avoid the cheeks-flapping-in-the-wind look. Plus, nothing looks better on camera than pure joy!!

Ready to Jump?

Now that you know exactly what to wear skydiving, all that’s left is to book your jump and get ready for the experience of a lifetime. At Skydive Tecumseh, we’ll provide the equipment, the professional guidance, and the good vibes. Just bring your comfortable athletic wear – and your smile! This is going to be epic. Blue skies!

 

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