What Should I Wear Skydiving?
Last Updated: September 2026
Wear closed-toe athletic shoes and clothes you can put a harness over. The dropzone issues the jumpsuit, goggles, and tandem harness. You bring what goes underneath. Dress for the hangar and the plane, not for a photo on the rail.
Quick Facts
- Shoes: closed-toe sneakers
- Clothes: athletic layers
- They provide: suit, goggles, harness
- Leave in the car: flip-flops, dresses, loose hats, dangling jewelry
- Glasses: usually fine under their goggles
What Shoes Should You Wear Skydiving?
Shoes are one of the most commonly overlooked parts of skydiving preparation.
Recommended:
- Running shoes
- Athletic sneakers
- Walking shoes with secure laces
Avoid:
- Sandals
- Flip-flops
- Slides
- High heels
- Boots with loose hooks or hardware
If you can comfortably jog in them, they’re usually a good choice.
Good
- Athletic shoes you can walk and shuffle in
- Shirt and shorts or pants you can lift your legs in
- A layer you can take off if the hangar is hot
- Hair tie
Bad
- Sandals, slides, heels
- Dresses and skirts
- Loose hats
- Expensive or dangling jewelry
- Anything that will not stay on in the door
By Season
**Spring** — layers. Morning can be cold at altitude even when the lot is warm.
**Summer** — Light athletic clothing works best. Temperatures at altitude are cooler than on the ground. Even on hot days, the aircraft ride can feel noticeably cooler. Still closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen on skin the suit will not cover.
**Fall** — same as spring. A light jacket for the wait, not for the jump.
**Winter** — warm layers under the suit if they jump that day. Confirm they are operating before you drive.
Beginner Mistakes
- New white shoes you care about
- A dress “because it will be covered by the suit”
- Bringing your own camera against their rule
FAQ
**Can I wear glasses?** Usually yes, under dropzone goggles. Say so at check-in.
**What about contacts?** Usually fine. Bring a case.
**Do I need a jumpsuit?** They issue one.
**Can I wear a hoodie?** If it fits under the harness and they allow it. Zippers and drawcords should not float free.
Ready to Find a Dropzone?
Search tandem skydiving near your ZIP. Start at /air.
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Find this near you
Search a city, state, or ZIP. Set distance to 20 or 50 miles. Filter to Tandem skydiving. Or browse Air: /air. Independent directory, not a booking service. Book on the operator’s official website.
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