WHAT TO WEAR SKYDIVING
If you’re searching for what to wear for your first skydive, congratulations—you’ve decided to take the leap! Dressing properly will help you stay safe, comfortable, and confident, while also making sure your photos and videos look great.
This guide covers exactly what to wear (and what to avoid) so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
What to Wear Skydiving: The Basics
When choosing your skydiving outfit, keep these essentials in mind:
- Comfort is key – Clothing should allow full range of motion
- Avoid loose or baggy items – They can snag or block your instructor’s view
- Dress for cooler temperatures – It’s typically 20–30°F colder at jump altitude
Best Clothing to Wear Skydiving
- Athletic or athleisure-style clothing
- Long pants (joggers, yoga pants, sweatpants, or jeans)
- Layers you can add or remove
- Sneakers or running shoes with secure backs
Clothing to Avoid Skydiving
- Very tight clothing (restricts movement)
- Baggy hoodies or oversized tops
- Shorts
- Boots, cowboy boots, heels, flip-flops
- Shoes with hooks or anything that could fall off
Skydiving outfit pro tip: Athleisure is ideal—it’s flexible, comfortable, and safe.
Tight vs. Loose Clothing: Safety Matters
As a tandem skydiver, you play an active role in your jump. Clothing that’s too tight can limit flexibility, while baggy clothing can interfere with your instructor’s harness access or visibility—especially in 120 mph wind.
Bottom line: Skip skinny jeans and oversized hoodies.
Shorts or Long Pants?
Even on hot days, long pants are strongly recommended.
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Harnesses rub against bare skin (not comfortable)
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Landings often involve a butt-slide, similar to sliding into a baseball base
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Long pants help prevent scrapes and road rash
Best option: Joggers, yoga pants, or sweatpants.
Best Shoes for Skydiving
Footwear matters more than you might think.
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Wear: Sneakers or tennis shoes with good traction
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Avoid: Boots, sandals, heels, flip-flops, or barefoot jumping
Boots—especially those with lace hooks—are snag hazards and increase the risk of ankle injuries.
Skydiving outfit pro tip: If it wouldn’t stay on during a sprint, don’t wear it.
Dressing for Warmth at Altitude
Temperatures drop about 3°F per 1,000 feet, meaning an 80°F day can feel closer to 40°F at jump altitude.
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Wear light layers, not bulky clothing
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A thin zip-up jacket works well
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In colder months, use a base layer (like Under Armour)
Staying warm helps you stay relaxed—and enjoy the ride to altitude.
Skydiving Fashion & Photo Tips
Want your photos to look amazing? Keep these in mind:
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Control your hair – Ponytails or braids work best
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Watch neckline choices – Harnesses sit high on the torso
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Cover exposed skin – Wind exaggerates movement
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Smile! – It tightens facial muscles and looks fantastic on camera
Ready to go? Dressing properly helps you feel confident and fully enjoy one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.
