What to Wear Skydiving

Congratulations on booking your first skydive! As the day approaches, it’s natural to be wondering: What should I wear to go skydiving? Your outfit can significantly influence your comfort and, by extension, your overall experience. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to help you choose what clothes to wear skydiving.

How Should I Dress for Skydiving?

When we discuss what to wear when skydiving, comfort is key. Let’s look at the ideal skydiving outfit criteria, and answer some frequently asked questions along the way.

Fit & Mobility

Your skydiving outfit should be snug, but not restrictive, allowing for full range of motion. Loose clothing can be a nuisance, flapping painfully in high-wind speeds. Opt for clothes that fit well and avoid anything with excess material or flappy elements like large collars and hoods.

Leggings or Jeans?

Can you wear leggings skydiving? Is it okay to wear jeans skydiving? Yes and yes! You can wear any of these options – no restrictions on our part. We recommend you wear whatever you are most comfortable in. The key is mobility. You’ll need to perform maneuvers like arching in freefall and lifting your legs for landing, so ensure whatever you choose doesn’t restrict these movements. In terms of whether it’s better to wear shorts or pants when skydiving, we’d suggest long pants as they’ll help to protect your legs from the wind and grass.

Coverage & Wind Resistance

The 120 mph wind speeds during freefall can cause clothing to flutter and shift unexpectedly, so we do suggest you wear garments that provide adequate coverage. For your top, consider something that can withstand that wind force (especially around your décolletage, ladies). If you have sensitive skin, you may opt for a shirt that covers your shoulders, so the harness isn’t lying directly against your skin. 

Temperature Considerations

While the ground temperature gives a general idea of what to expect, remember that the air will be cooler at altitude. If it’s warm on the ground, the cooler temperatures above can be refreshing. However, on colder days, adding an extra layer can help you stay comfortable during the jump. For every 1,000 feet in elevation, we can anticipate the temperature to drop by about 3.5°F.

Shoes: Safety First

Close-toed tennis shoes with laces are ideal for skydiving. Avoid heels, sandals, flip-flops, and boots to ensure safety and comfort throughout your experience. No hooks for laces as they can serve as a snag hazard.

Glasses: Clear Views All the Way

Special goggles are available to fit over your glasses, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. Seeing the breathtaking views from two miles above is nothing short of awe-inspiring, especially with Lake Okeechobee as your backdrop! While there’s a slight risk of losing glasses, it’s rare. Contact lenses are recommended for a more secure and comfortable option.

Jewelry & Accessories: Less is More

Leave your jewelry at home to avoid losing any precious items during your skydive. This also minimizes the risk of injuries or discomfort.

GoPros & Cameras: Leave It to the Pros

While it might be tempting to document your experience firsthand, the United States Parachute Association wants you to have a minimum of 200 skydives before you wear any of your own personal camera equipment, including GoPros. Not to worry, though – we offer an awesome video package to capture your exhilarating moments professionally.  

Do’s	Don’ts
Fitted clothing	Loose or flappy clothing
Offers full range of motion	Too tight or restrictive
Covers legs, shoulders, and neckline	Shorts, loose/low cut necklines
Close-toed tennis shoes	Boots, flip-flops, sandals, heels
Glasses or contacts	GoPros or jewelry

In summary, the right attire can make a significant difference in your skydiving experience, enhancing both comfort and safety. By choosing fitted, comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of motion, opting for close-toed shoes, and considering the specific needs for glasses, jewelry, and cameras, you can ensure that your focus remains on the thrill of the jump rather than any discomfort or inconveniences. As you gear up for your skydive, keep these tips in mind and get ready to embrace the sky with confidence and excitement!

Haven’t booked yet, but you’re ready to take the leap? What are you waiting for?! Book your skydiving adventure with us at Skydive Palm Beach – the premier destination for tandem skydiving in South Florida! For more information, visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to jumping with you soon so you can experience the thrill of a lifetime!!