What to Wear Skydiving: Your Ultimate Guide to Comfort & Safety in the Sky

The countdown to your extraordinary adventure has begun! You’re about to experience the ultimate thrill, plunging through the clouds at over 120 mph. But amidst the excitement, a few practical questions might be creeping in. Will I be freezing up there? Can I wear my glasses? Could my trainers really fly off into the blue? Don’t let wardrobe worries distract you from the rush. Knowing exactly what to wear skydiving is the first step to a flawless, unforgettable jump.

Forget the stress. This is your ultimate head-to-toe guide to comfort and safety in the sky. We’ve created a simple, no-nonsense checklist covering everything from the perfect layers for unpredictable British weather to what to avoid at all costs. Get ready to gear up with total confidence, knowing you’re perfectly prepared for the most breathtaking, intoxicating experience of your life. Let’s get you ready to fly!

The Golden Rules: Core Principles of Skydiving Attire

You’re about to experience the ultimate thrill, a breathtaking adventure that you’ll remember for the rest of your life! While your mind is rightly focused on the exhilarating freefall, one of the first questions every jumper asks is what to wear skydiving. Getting this right isn’t about fashion; it’s about guaranteeing your total comfort and safety, freeing you to soak in every single second of the experience. The core principles are simple: think practical, comfortable, and secure for every layer. Remember, the temperature at 13,000 feet is significantly colder than on the ground, so dressing in smart layers is your secret weapon for the perfect jump.

Comfort is King at 13,000 Feet

When you’re preparing to fly, your clothing needs to work with you, not against you. You’ll need a full and easy range of motion for everything from boarding the plane to lifting your legs for a smooth landing. Anything too restrictive (like tight denim jeans) or excessively bulky will only get in the way of the extraordinary sensations. We recommend comfortable athletic wear made from breathable fabrics. Crucially, you’ll be wearing a harness that fits snugly over your clothes, so avoid any outfits with hard buttons, zips, or toggles that could become uncomfortable under pressure.

Safety First: Dressing for a Secure Freefall

At speeds of 120 mph, safety becomes the absolute priority. The established safety protocols in modern Parachuting extend to your attire, ensuring nothing can interfere with you, your instructor, or the equipment. Loose, baggy clothing will flap violently in the wind, creating a noisy and distracting hazard. Stick to close-fitting layers that will stay put.

• Avoid Hazards: Leave anything with a hood, collar, or loose strings on the ground. These can flap into your face or interfere with essential equipment.
• Secure Your Feet: Secure, lace-up trainers are the perfect choice. You absolutely cannot wear boots with hooks, sandals, heels, or any footwear that could fly off.
• Empty Pockets Completely: This is a non-negotiable rule. Before you gear up, you must empty your pockets of everything-phones, keys, and wallets must be left securely on the ground.

Your Essential Skydiving Outfit: A Head-to-Toe Checklist

The moment is almost here! You’re about to experience the ultimate thrill, and deciding on what to wear skydiving is a key part of preparing for your jump. While our highly skilled team will provide all the essential safety gear-a professional jumpsuit, helmet, and goggles-your mission is to choose the perfect layers to wear underneath. This simple checklist covers everything you need. The golden rule for perfect skydiving attire is to think athletic and comfortable, as if you’re dressing for a light workout. Getting this right removes any last-minute stress, letting you focus entirely on the breathtaking adventure ahead!

Tops: Think Layers and Close Fits

Start with a comfortable t-shirt or a close-fitting long-sleeved shirt as your base. On cooler days, adding a fleece or thermal layer is your best friend for staying warm at 13,000 feet! It’s crucial to avoid anything with collars, hoods, or bulky embellishments that could flap around and become a distraction in the wind. Sleek, flexible athletic wear is always the champion choice for its comfort and functionality during this extraordinary experience.

Bottoms: Flexibility and Functionality

For your lower half, think freedom of movement. Athletic trousers, leggings, or joggers are absolutely ideal for ensuring you can move easily and comfortably. Even a pair of jeans can work, as long as they aren’t restrictive and allow you to bend your knees freely. While shorts are an option on the hottest summer days, full-length trousers offer more protection for your legs during landing. Steer clear of trousers with excessive zips, buckles, or bulky cargo pockets.

Footwear: The Most Important Choice

This is non-negotiable for your safety. Your feet need to be secure and protected for landing, so your choice of shoes is critical. The best and only real option is a pair of lace-up trainers or skate-style shoes. You must be able to tie them up securely so there’s zero chance of them flying off on your journey back to earth! This means absolutely no boots with hooks (which can snag parachute lines), sandals, flip-flops, or any kind of heel.

Dressing for the Seasons: Skydiving in Summer vs. Winter

That beautiful weather you feel on the ground is only half the story! As you climb to jump altitude, the temperature drops dramatically. A good rule of thumb is to expect it to be 15-20°C colder up there than it is at the dropzone. This is a massive difference, and it’s why layering is the secret weapon for total comfort during your adventure.

No matter the season, always check the forecast, but come prepared for cooler conditions. Getting your layers right is a crucial part of knowing what to wear skydiving, ensuring you can focus on the breathtaking views and the ultimate thrill of freefall, not the shivers!

What to Wear for a Summer Skydive

Jumping on a glorious summer day is an extraordinary experience! Start with a comfortable t-shirt and athletic trousers, leggings, or shorts. Even if it’s roasting on the ground, we highly recommend a light, long-sleeved layer. That 120 mph wind during freefall is exhilarating but surprisingly chilly. Remember, our professional skydiving jumpsuit will go over your clothes, giving you an extra layer of protection and getting you ready to fly!

What to Wear for a Winter or Cold Weather Skydive

Don’t let the cold stop you from experiencing the crisp, clear skies of a winter jump! The key to comfort is smart layering. Think thin, warm layers rather than one bulky jacket. This is the ultimate guide for what to wear skydiving in colder weather:

• Base Layer: Start with a thermal, moisture-wicking top and bottoms.
• Mid-Layer: Add a fleece, a thin jumper, or a sweatshirt for insulation.
• Warm Feet: Consider wearing two pairs of snug socks to keep your toes toasty.
• Hands: We can provide gloves, but you are welcome to bring your own snug-fitting pair for maximum comfort.

What NOT to Wear: Items to Leave Safely on the Ground

You’re preparing for the ultimate thrill, an extraordinary adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime. While you’ve planned what to wear, knowing what not to wear is a crucial part of the puzzle. This isn’t about fashion; it’s about pure, unadulterated safety. When you’re plunging towards the earth at over 120 mph, anything loose can become a hazard to you and your highly experienced instructor. Our goal is to eliminate distractions so you can soak in every breathtaking second.

If you’re ever in doubt about an item, the best policy is to leave it behind. We provide secure on-site lockers for your belongings, so you can focus entirely on the intoxicating experience ahead.

Clothing and Footwear to Avoid

The wrong gear can create serious problems in the air. When finalising what to wear skydiving, make sure you leave these items at home or in your locker to guarantee a smooth and comfortable jump:

• Open-toed shoes: This includes sandals, flip-flops, and sliders. You need secure, enclosed footwear like trainers for a safe landing. High heels are an absolute no-go.
• Boots with lace hooks: Those small metal hooks on hiking boots can snag parachute lines during deployment. It’s a risk we will not take. Stick to trainers or boots with simple eyelets.
• Baggy or loose clothing: Anything that can flap uncontrollably will be incredibly distracting and uncomfortable in the wind. It can also interfere with your instructor’s access to vital equipment.
• Anything with a hood or stiff collar: A hood will whip around your face and neck, while a stiff collar can be uncomfortable and restrictive under the harness.

Valuables and Loose Items

Freefall is an intense environment, and loose items will be lost to the sky forever. More importantly, they can become dangerous projectiles. For everyone’s safety, you must remove all of the following before your jump:

• All jewellery: Rings, necklaces, dangling earrings, and bracelets must be removed. They can easily snag or get lost.
• Phones, wallets, and keys: Your pockets must be completely empty. You will not be able to hold onto your phone for a selfie-we promise! Our professional camera flyers can capture your adventure far better.
• Watches and fitness trackers: These can be damaged or lost, and they pose a potential snag hazard.
• Scarves and other accessories: Any loose accessory is not permitted.

By securing these items on the ground, you are setting yourself up for the most incredible, worry-free experience possible. Now, you’re ready to fly! If you have any more questions, our team is always here to help guide you on your journey. Check out our tandem skydive options to prepare for your ultimate adventure.

Final Checks: Glasses, Contacts, Hair, and Cameras

You’ve sorted your primary layers, but the final questions about what to wear skydiving often come down to the details. We get asked all the time about glasses, hair, and cameras, and the great news is, we have a solution for almost everything! A little preparation goes a long way in making sure you are totally comfortable and can see every moment of the amazing view. Our goal is to ensure nothing distracts you from the ultimate thrill.

Can You Skydive with Glasses or Contact Lenses?

Absolutely! The last thing we want is for you to miss a second of the stunning scenery. If you wear glasses, we provide special, oversized goggles that fit securely and comfortably right over your frames. For contact lens wearers, it’s even simpler. Just give your instructor a heads-up, and your standard skydiving goggles will keep them perfectly in place. They’re designed to protect your eyes from the 120 mph rush of wind, ensuring you have a crystal-clear view from the moment you leap from the plane.

Managing Your Hair for Freefall

When you’re flying through the sky, the last thing you want is a face full of hair! If you have long hair, securing it is a crucial safety step. A low, tight ponytail, a plait (braid), or a secure bun at the nape of your neck works best. This simple step is vital for your comfort and your instructor’s, preventing your hair from whipping around in the wind. Remember to bring a hair tie with you on the day of your jump-it’s an essential part of a tangle-free adventure.

A Note on Personal Cameras and GoPros

We know you want to capture every heart-pounding moment, but for your safety and the safety of everyone in the air, personal cameras and GoPros are not permitted on your jump. The British Skydiving association has strict regulations about camera use, requiring extensive training and specialized equipment to fly with one. But don’t worry-you won’t miss a thing! Our highly skilled, professional camera flyers are experts at capturing the entire extraordinary experience, from the nervous excitement in the plane to the pure exhilaration of your landing. They handle the filming so you can live the moment. Add a video package to capture your epic adventure!

You’re Prepped and Ready for the Ultimate Thrill!

Now you have the ultimate guide to dressing for your adventure in the sky! The key is simple: prioritise comfort and safety with close-fitting layers and secure, lace-up trainers. Forget the loose jewellery and flimsy shoes. Understanding what to wear skydiving removes any last-minute worries, freeing your mind to fully embrace the intoxicating experience ahead. You’ve done the prep work, and now the real excitement begins.

There’s nothing left holding you back from the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. As the UK’s top choice for tandem skydives, we connect you with highly experienced, professional instructors dedicated to making your jump safe, exhilarating, and absolutely unforgettable. This isn’t just a jump; it’s a memory you will cherish forever. The sky is calling your name.

Ready for the thrill? Book your ultimate tandem skydive now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a jumpsuit to wear over my clothes?

Yes, absolutely! Your decision on what to wear skydiving is simple: focus on comfortable clothes, and we’ll provide the professional jumpsuit to go over the top! This protects your clothes and keeps you streamlined during the exhilarating freefall. Our highly skilled staff provide all the essential safety gear, guaranteeing your adventure is both thrilling and secure. Just dress comfortably and prepare for the ultimate high!

Will I be cold during the skydive even in summer?

You bet it can get chilly up there! Even on a warm summer’s day, the temperature at altitude can be significantly colder, plus you’ll be plunging through the air at over 120 mph! We always recommend an extra layer, like a long-sleeved top, under your jumpsuit. Our team will give you the latest weather advice on the day to ensure you’re perfectly prepared for your breathtaking experience.

Can I wear jeans for skydiving?

While you can wear jeans, we recommend choosing something with more flexibility for maximum comfort. Athletic trousers, leggings, or jogging bottoms are fantastic choices as they won’t restrict your movement when you’re preparing to fly! Stiff denim can feel tight under the harness, and we want you to enjoy every single second of this extraordinary journey without distraction. Comfort is key to the ultimate thrill!

What if I wear the wrong shoes? Can I still jump?

Your safety is our number one priority, and the right footwear is crucial. You must wear secure, flat-soled shoes like trainers. Boots with hooks, heels, or any open-toed footwear are not permitted as they can snag on equipment or fly off during freefall. If you arrive with unsuitable shoes, we may have some spares you can borrow, but it’s always best to come prepared to guarantee you can jump!

Should I bring a change of clothes for after the skydive?

It’s not essential, but it can be a great idea! After experiencing the ultimate adrenaline rush, you might feel a bit sweaty, or perhaps the landing area is a little damp from morning dew. Having a fresh top or a comfortable set of clothes to change into can make your post-jump celebration even better. It’s all about making this a day to remember for the rest of your life, from start to finish!

Can I wear makeup or sunscreen when I skydive?

Absolutely! Sunscreen is a brilliant idea, especially on a clear day, as you’ll be exposed to the sun on the ground and in the air. You can wear makeup, but be prepared for the 120 mph winds of freefall – it might not look the same when you land! We recommend keeping it minimal. The most important thing is that your face is clear for the goggles to create a secure seal for your flight.

Is it better to wear more or fewer layers?

Layers are your best friend when preparing for your skydive. It’s always better to have an extra layer you can remove than to be cold during your jump. We suggest comfortable, close-fitting layers like a t-shirt and a long-sleeved top or fleece. This gives you the flexibility to adapt to the temperature on the ground and at altitude, ensuring you’re perfectly comfortable for your intoxicating, once-in-a-lifetime experience.