Choosing the right clothing for archery is crucial for both safety and performance. Your outfit should be snug, breathable, and comply with official dress codes whilst protecting you from Britain’s unpredictable weather.
Table of Contents
Why Your Archery Clothing Matters
Your clothing acts as essential safety equipment, just like your arm guard. Loose fabric, jewellery, or open-toed shoes can catch the bowstring, affect your stance, or leave you vulnerable to painful string slap. The right kit should provide three key benefits:
- Complete freedom of movement
- Clear bowstring path
- Year-round comfort
Official Dress Code Requirements
Before buying any archery gear, check the rules that apply to your shooting venue:
| Governing Body | Key Restrictions (2024-25) | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery GB (Rule 307) | No blue denim, olive drab, or full camouflage patterns; tops must cover midriff; footwear must enclose toes | Record-status tournaments may refuse entry for non-compliance |
| World Archery | Shirt must display name and country; sports shoes required | Applies mainly to international competitions |
| USA Archery | Must present “professional, athletic appearance”; denim allowed if not torn; camouflage banned only in televised medal matches | More relaxed than Rule 307 |
Breaking these dress codes can result in removal from the shooting line. Build your wardrobe around garments that meet all requirements: plain or club-branded sportswear in dark green, white, or neutral colours with enclosed trainers.
Essential Clothing Principles for Archers
Close Fit Without Compression
Choose semi-fitted t-shirts or polo shirts that follow your body shape without feeling tight. Baggy sleeves are dangerous around bowstrings.
High-Performance Technical Fabrics
Modern polyester-elastane blends wick away sweat and maintain their shape after repeated draws. Merino wool or recycled synthetic base layers provide warmth without adding bulk.
Quiet Surface Materials
Micro-tricot or brushed knits reduce noise during field courses and minimise string sound. These materials appear in specialist archery clothing lines from brands like Erreà.
Weather-Resistant Layering System
UK archery sessions run throughout the year. Use a three-layer system:
- Moisture-wicking base layer
- Insulating mid-layer (soft-shell gilet or fleece)
- Packable waterproof outer shell
Ensure your bow arm can move freely by avoiding thick cuffs or heavy hoods.
2025 Archery Fashion Trends
Performance-Focused Design
Italian brand Erreà, now World Archery’s official supplier, combines Active Tense® support panels with sleek designs, bringing professional team styling to club-level clothing.
Subtle Bow-Themed Graphics
The broader “bow trend” in spring/summer 2025 streetwear has influenced casual archery wear, featuring minimalist bow outlines and ribbon graphics on mid-layers and caps.
Earth-Toned Technical Trousers
Whilst camouflage remains banned in UK record shoots, muted khaki and charcoal soft-shell trousers with articulated knees are becoming popular for practice sessions.
Sustainable Materials
Brands like Houdini and Athletic Archery promote recycled or biodegradable fibres, matching archery’s connection with the outdoors.
Building Your Complete Practice Outfit
Upper Body Clothing
Base Layer (12-18°C and below): Lightweight merino wool/polyester blend long-sleeve top
Range Shirt (all seasons): Short-sleeve polo or crew neck in smooth stretch jersey, without chest pockets or metal buttons
Cold Weather Mid-Layer: Fleece-backed soft-shell gilet keeps your torso warm whilst leaving arms free; zips should lie flat against the string path
Wet Weather Shell: Unlined waterproof jacket with slim sleeves; avoid large Velcro wrist tabs
Lower Body Clothing
Light Trousers/Shorts: Stretch nylon hiking or training trousers; ensure belt loops sit flat under quiver belts. Competition shorts must reach fingertip length.
Leggings for Indoor Sessions: Permitted under both US and UK rules when opaque; choose squat-proof fabric.
Footwear Requirements
Flat, wide-base trainers (skate or court shoes) provide stable contact and survive damp grass better than cushioned running shoes. Waterproof hiking shoes work well for winter field rounds. All footwear must enclose toes according to regulations.
Essential Archery Accessories
| Item | Purpose | Top Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Arm Guard (Bracer) | Prevents string slap and protects sleeves | Hard plastic for recurve bows; leather for traditional appearance |
| Chest Guard/Plastron | Keeps bowstring clear of chest and prevents bruising | Mesh guards provide better ventilation in summer |
| Finger Tab or Glove | Protects drawing hand and improves release | Choose size so leather edges align with finger joints |
| Hat | Blocks sun and rain; soft brim avoids string contact | Bucket or baseball cap styles work best |
| Hair Tie | Essential if hair reaches collar length | Low ponytail or bun; avoid protruding clips |
What to Avoid Wearing
Never wear these items to archery practice or competitions:
- Open-toed shoes, sandals, or heels (zero stability and banned by all rulebooks)
- Dangling jewellery, scarves, and hoodie cords (snag risks)
- Baggy sleeves, front buttons, or chest zips (interfere with string path)
- Full camouflage or blue jeans at UK record events (instant disqualification under Rule 307)
- Offensive slogans or graphics (prohibited by all governing bodies)
Selecting the Best Archery Kit: Buyer’s Guide
Check Club Requirements First
If your club has registered shooting shirts, purchase these before anything else. They guarantee rule compliance and team unity.
Invest in Quality Base Layers
One premium base layer or gilet that lasts multiple seasons beats several cheap cotton t-shirts that lose their shape quickly.
Test Before Purchasing
Mimic a full draw in the changing room: arms overhead, anchor at jaw. Fabric should neither stretch to transparency nor bunch at the shoulders.
Understand Brand Sizing
Street fashion labels producing bow-themed tops often use different sizing from established sports brands. Always check size charts.
Keep Backup Items
Maintain spare compliant shirts and waterproofs in your kit. British weather and accidents love tournament mornings.
Recommended Starting Kit List
| Garment | Why It’s Recommended | Approximate UK Price |
|---|---|---|
| Erreà Archery Polo | Official World Archery partner; ventilated panels, minimalist logo | £32 |
| Houdini Desoli Long-Sleeve | 100% merino wool, recycled fibres, ideal for layering | £70 |
| Athletic Archery Track Trousers | Four-way stretch, slim cuff, UK sizes S-XXL | £45 |
| Decathlon Kiprun Waterproof Shell | 10k/10k rating, streamlined cuffs, excellent value | £39 |
| Vans Authentic Skate Shoes | Flat, grippy sole widely recommended by coaches | £55 |
Prices correct as of July 2025
Future Trends in Archery Clothing
Smart Fabric Technology
Smart fabrics with embedded posture sensors are in development, promising real-time feedback on draw alignment for training purposes.
Inclusive Design Approach
Brands are moving beyond traditional “men’s” and “women’s” labels, offering torso length and shoulder width options based on individual body shape rather than gender.
Sustainability Focus
Expect Rule 307 to reference recycled content requirements within two Olympic cycles as governing bodies align with International Olympic Committee climate commitments.
Pre-Range Checklist
Before heading to practice or competition, ensure you have:
✓ Shirt passes dress code requirements and fits snugly without snags ✓ Trousers allow full squat movement; no denim or camouflage for competitions ✓ Enclosed, flat shoes properly tied ✓ Arm guard, finger tab, and chest guard packed ✓ Hair tied back, jewellery removed, spare layer in quiver pouch
Conclusion
Proper archery clothing combines safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. By following these guidelines, you’ll stay comfortable, shoot accurately, and meet all official requirements. Remember that your clothing is safety equipment—invest in quality pieces that will serve you well throughout your archery journey.