If you’re planning your first skydiving experience, one question almost everyone searches for is:
- Why Clothing Matters in Skydiving
- What to Wear for Skydiving First Time (Best Choice)
- What NOT to Wear for Skydiving
- Does the Skydiving Center Provide Equipment?
- How Clothing Differs for Tandem Skydiving
- What to Wear Based on Season (USA)
- Hair, Glasses & Personal Items
- Is Clothing Different for Indoor Skydiving?
- Safety Rules You Must Follow
- Final Checklist: What to Wear for Skydiving
- Related FAQs
“What should I wear for skydiving?”
Wearing the right clothes is not just about comfort — it directly affects safety, confidence, and overall experience. This 2026 updated guide explains exactly what to wear for skydiving for the first time, what to avoid, and how to prepare properly so your jump goes smoothly.
This guide is written for beginners, US-based jumpers, and anyone doing tandem skydiving for the first time.
Why Clothing Matters in Skydiving
Skydiving involves:
- Strong wind pressure
- Sudden temperature changes
- Tight harness fit
- Physical movement during landing
Wrong clothing can cause:
- Discomfort
- Restricted movement
- Safety issues
- Ruined photos/videos
That’s why skydiving centers give strict clothing guidelines — and you should follow them carefully.
What to Wear for Skydiving First Time (Best Choice)
✅ 1. Comfortable, Athletic Clothing
Best options:
- T-shirt or long-sleeve athletic top
- Joggers, leggings, or flexible pants
- Moisture-wicking fabric (preferred)
Avoid:
- Tight jeans
- Dresses or skirts
- Loose or baggy clothes
Your clothes should allow full movement and sit comfortably under the harness.
✅ 2. Shoes: The Most Important Item
Best shoes for skydiving:
- Sports shoes / running shoes
- Lace-up sneakers
- Closed-toe footwear
❌ Avoid:
- Sandals
- Flip-flops
- Boots
- High heels
- Slip-on shoes
Shoes must stay secure during freefall and landing.
✅ 3. Weather-Appropriate Layers
At 10,000–14,000 feet, temperatures are much colder than ground level.
- Summer: Light long sleeves recommended
- Winter: Thin jacket or sweatshirt
- Avoid bulky jackets
Skydiving centers usually provide a jumpsuit if needed.
What NOT to Wear for Skydiving
Avoid these completely:
- Jewelry (necklaces, rings, earrings)
- Watches
- Scarves
- Hoodies with loose strings
- Hair clips or loose accessories
Anything that can:
- Fall off
- Get tangled
- Distract you
will be removed before jumping.
Does the Skydiving Center Provide Equipment?
Yes. Professional skydiving centers provide:
- Jumpsuit (if required)
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Harness
- Parachute system
You only need to bring proper clothing and shoes.
How Clothing Differs for Tandem Skydiving
For first-time jumpers, tandem skydiving is the standard option.
In tandem skydiving:
- You are securely attached to an instructor
- Harness fit is crucial
- Tight or restrictive clothing is discouraged
If you’re new, learning about beginner safety is also important.
You can read this detailed guide here:
👉 Is Skydiving Safe for Beginners?
What to Wear Based on Season (USA)
☀️ Summer
- T-shirt or light long sleeves
- Breathable fabric
- Sports shoes
🍂 Fall / Spring
- Long sleeves
- Light jacket
- Comfortable pants
❄️ Winter
- Thermal base layer
- Thin jacket
- Gloves (if allowed)
Avoid heavy winter coats — they interfere with the harness.
Hair, Glasses & Personal Items
Hair Tips:
- Tie long hair securely
- Avoid loose ponytails
- Use simple hair ties
Glasses:
- Regular glasses are allowed
- Goggles fit over glasses
- Contact lenses are fine
Personal Items:
- Leave phones, wallets, keys on the ground
- Lockers are usually provided
Is Clothing Different for Indoor Skydiving?
Yes.
Indoor skydiving:
- Less strict clothing rules
- Often allows casual sportswear
- No aircraft involved
Outdoor skydiving requires stricter clothing standards due to safety risks.
Safety Rules You Must Follow
- Follow instructor instructions
- Dress comfortably
- Avoid risky accessories
- Ask questions before jumping
- Dress for safety, not style
Official skydiving safety recommendations are also published by the
United States Parachute Association (USPA)
Final Checklist: What to Wear for Skydiving
✔ Athletic top
✔ Flexible pants
✔ Lace-up sports shoes
✔ Weather-appropriate layers
✔ No jewelry
✔ Hair secured
If you follow this checklist, your skydiving experience will be safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Related FAQs
Can I wear jeans for skydiving?
Jeans are not recommended because they restrict movement and feel uncomfortable under the harness.
Do I need special clothes for skydiving?
No special clothes are needed — just comfortable athletic wear.
Can I wear glasses while skydiving?
Yes. Skydiving goggles fit over glasses securely.
What happens if I wear the wrong shoes?
You may be asked to change or reschedule your jump.
Is there a dress code for skydiving?
Yes. Most drop zones require athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes.
