Whether you’re a professional or an amateur in archery, one cannot master the true skill without having proper clothing gear. Having a good clothing system will enable you to enjoy this sport in all climates and weather conditions, keeping comfort a top priority. Coordinating a complete layered look can tackle all sorts of environments, varying from moisture and humidity to extreme cold.
Archery and bowhunting are tough practices that demand high skill and precision. Top-quality clothing gear will give you freedom of movement and turn out to be the perfect camouflage partner that is bound to take your hunting game to the next level. Once you own a full clothing kit, you’ll never be able to shoot without one!
When it comes to apparel, there are a lot of options, brands, and choices to choose from, but we’ve handpicked the best clothing gear to keep you on top of your archery game. A complete guide is given below about every little detail you should know before you step foot into the market.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Archery Clothing
- OUR TOP PICK: Zicac Outdoor Camo Ghillie Suit
- RUNNER-UP: HECS Hunting 3-Piece Camo Suit
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: SITKA Men's Windstopper Jacket
Comparison of the Best Archery Clothing
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What Makes Clothing Great for Archery?
Since archery is more of a static sport, you should not be intimidated by the specifics of clothing gear. The main focus is comfortable and fitted gear with minimal accessories. A few main clothing features that are the ultimate necessity to strike perfect shots in archery are:
Comfortable Material
This is what actually makes fabric stand out for sportswear. Lightweight materials, such as polyester and elastane, are a treat to wear since they last longer as well. Talking about comfort, your clothing material should be well suited to the climate. The layered dressing should be breathable in humid summers, but should also be warm enough to withstand rain, wind, and snow.
Minimalistic Design
Archery clothing is very simple and minimalistic in design as well. Pockets, zippers, and buttons are preferably avoided in shirts because nothing should stick out from your dress. All other accessories such as chains, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces have a high probability of getting entangled in your bowstring, hence they should be avoided as well.
Tight Fitting
Flowy outfits, long robes, baggy shirts, and wide sleeves are a big no when it comes to archery. Anything that might get in the way of your bowstring will create issues. So, the ideal clothing criteria comes down to well-fitted shirts, tight sleeves that cling to your arm, and athletic pants. Such clothing will allow the unrestricted upper body and arm movements to aim effortlessly.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying Archery Clothing
To make your investment count, you’ll need to keep certain considerations in mind before you decide to shop. A few features are listed below that are a must-have in archery clothing. Flexibility, comfort, durability, and high maintenance are some top highlights to be included in your outfit.
Versatility in Weather Conditions
For hunting grounds, weather fluctuations and sudden rain are a big concern, so, naturally your outfit should be prepared for the worst. Depending on your location's weather patterns, clothing with layers is the perfect shield to withstand all kinds of environments and climates. Lightweight and breathable materials are suitable in rocky terrain, whereas rainy and cold days demand extra layering and waterproof fabric to keep you toasty and dry.
Efficiency of the Material
The durability of any product lies in its construction materials, and the same goes for archery wear. High-quality material is bound to deliver enhanced longevity. Merino is a suitable material to regulate body temperature with limited moisture. Since archery and bowhunting are tough activities, you’ll prefer having clothing gear with protection against everyday wear and tear, rips, fading, etc.
Camouflage Capabilities
If you’re into archery as a hunting medium, you’ll know all about the importance of perfect camouflage. Your gear should have similar patterns, shades, and colors to your hunting location to give the ideal disguise. Bowhunting, in particular, demands a subtle blend in your surroundings to deceive the animal.
Additional Features
Various archery gear has certain features and advancements to make it a top-buy, owing to their enhanced practicality. To draw minimum attention from the prey, scent elimination jackets work best. Moreover, noise-free zippers and Velcro straps are a plus point while hunting. Breathable material with accessible pockets and adjustable hoody are other handy features to keep you on top of your bow hunting game. Although the cost can increase with such features, they are definitely worth the buy.
Review of the Best Archery Clothing
Getting the right clothing gear is a tricky thing because you need to contemplate many factors and variations according to your need and demands. Keeping in mind the quality, performance, and budget restrictions, we have lined up the top clothing equipment for your next archery session!
Best Overall:
Zicac Outdoor Camo Ghillie Suit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This outfit is all you need to step up your hunting game with a bow and arrow. The sizes work perfectly, and the trousers' waist can be adjusted to fit up to 58.2". Many buyers commended this clothing because it delivered top-quality material at a reasonable price. It feels really comfortable to wear and does not weigh you down.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For years, archery has been used for hunting animals in the woods and forests. You can achieve a complete getup with this suit, including trousers and a jacket to cover you completely. The polyester is resistant to damage and wearing off, hence it’s bound to last a long time.
Ideal for archery in the woods and forests, the leaf-like design exceeds expectations by camouflaging you effortlessly, and at the same time, the dirt-resistant fabric keeps you light and free of mud.
Moreover, the breathable properties are a huge plus point, enabling air to ventilate throughout, and relieves some of the moisture and sweat in the summer heat. Likewise, you can pair it with some clothing underneath for an extra layer in colder climates.
Bottom Line
The quality of the fabric, paired with the ultimate camouflage capabilities, is what crowned this product number one on our list. You can enjoy your archery session on hunting grounds being completely covered, lightweight, and freely moving at all times.
Runner-up:
HECS Hunting 3-Piece Camo Suit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The HECS has definitely received a lot of praise. Many buyers reported that it works miraculously to conceal the scent. Hunters can get really close to the game and aim from a close distance without attracting the animals attention. Being light-weight and thin, this attire also helps free movement to get perfect shots with the bow and arrow.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The main highlights in this product are its comfort, durability, and lightweight feel, which makes it a treat to use. It doesn’t add bulk at all, and the three-piece suit keeps you thoroughly warm in cold weather, like rain or snow.
However, the real treat is the carbon fiber grid that blocks your scent effectively to prevent the animal from sensing your presence. As a result, one can really master hunting with precision by getting closer to the animal.
Imprinted with a mossy oak design, it serves the camouflage function really well, particularly for archers who want to target huge animals with minimum attention. The headcover is adjustable and offers enhanced protection in unpredictable weather by keeping the bowstring in sight at all times.
Bottom Line
Overall, HECS technology is a bonus if you choose this suit that is bound to advance your hunting game. The sizes are variable, which can be selected according to one’s preference. Being lightweight, you can also pair it with some underclothing for more protection and warmth.
Best for the Money:
SITKA Men's Windstopper Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Particularly built for cold atmospheres, this wind stopper jacket has the perfect insulating medium to keep you toasty and warm. It doesn’t create any hustle or noise, which makes it a great choice for hunting and archery. People appreciated the innovative zipper design and subtle placement of the pockets.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Sitka jacket is the ultimate weapon for hunting in cold weather due to the fleece and insulating material used in its stitching. It can bear extremely low temperatures and keeps your body temperature regulated at all times.
The Wind Stopper Technology gives the hunter confidence by making the jacket absolutely quiet even in windy conditions. The owners really put a lot of thought and effort into the design, which is appreciable due to the pockets placement and the diagonal zipper. Functionality and practicality are what this jacket is all about.
Furthermore, the archer can shoot in colder climates because the fleece keeps you warm. You can even connect it to a harness port for enhanced safety, and the jacket comes off really quickly and effortlessly.
Bottom Line
Built for rough climates, this jacket delivers in performance. Pair it with some additional clothing, and you’re good to survive the lowest temperatures out there. Archers can benefit most by preventing frostbite and keeping their arms functioning to take down big animals. Plus, the different hues of color make it adaptable to various kinds of hunting locations.
Best Archery Camo Clothing:
NEW VIEW Hunting Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product has testified itself in terms of protecting the archer in freezing temperatures without compromising on the comfort level. All the zippers and drawstrings offer adjustable sizing to make sure the shirts and trousers fit the buyer. The inside is fleece, whereas the outer water-resistant material keeps you dry and warm at the same time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Excelling in its camouflaging capabilities, the New View Hunting Jacket has a camo tree color that gives realistic results to deceive animals. This gear provides a very natural color combination to blend into the background without alerting the prey. It is waterproof, light to wear, extremely fluffy on the inside for insulation, and weather-protected to bear all kinds of unpredictable and sudden changes.
The breathable fabric keeps you dry, while the 3D hood is convenient and adjustable to one’s preference in the face of cold. All the Velcro straps, zippers, and pull-string attachments enhance feasibility so one can get a tight fit to avoid the clothing from getting in the way of the bowstring.
A favorite feature is a large number of pockets to store survival gear in a single jacket, which has been really handy during hunting sessions.
Bottom Line
With this product, you’re getting quality and comfort in a reasonable price range. It can stand harsh rain without getting wet, and at the same time, it is insulated wonderfully for toasty and cozy body temperature. This is an all-in-one outfit built for archers.
Editor's Pick:
Kryptek TARTAROS Hoodie
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Being an ideal medium for layering, you can withstand chilly spells of cold with this jacket. It provides a distinct warmth, and at the same time, it wicks away sweat and moisture in humid weather. The material is comfortable and quiet.
Why it Stands Out to Us
All the shades of tan and brown with a contrasting green color customize this jacket to blend into the surroundings. Wearing this item gives a hidden and invisible look to the archer, due to a 3D appearance. The iconic Spartan emblem stands out to induce warrior vibes so you can hunt in style and class.
Overall, it’s built for archers because the drawstrings can tighten the hoodie, and flexible material allows free arm motion for perfected shots. The stitching is very neat, and a front pocket allows the archer to keep the necessary items with them at all times.
Don’t be afraid to layer it up with clothing beneath to protect you against the frosty wind. It’s versatile because the breathable polyester also favors use in humid heat by preventing humidity and moisture buildup.
Bottom Line
It is so impressive to see how the manufacturers have perfected each feature in this hoodie. A good-fitting jacket can protect you from severe weather so that you can focus on hunting and free-range of upper body mobility, and that is exactly what this outfit promises.
Types of Clothing Suitable for Archery
Archery dress criteria are quite specific, so you can’t decide over many clothing options. Every tournament has its own guidelines, but the overall dress code is quite similar. If you’re new to this sport, read along to find out what type of clothing gets the approval.
Shirts
Well-fitted and collared shirts are preferred in many tournaments that can withstand outdoor elements such as heat and rain. Upper garments should completely conceal the body's front and back, including the midriff, at full draw position. This includes long sleeves that cover your entire arm length or straps of three inches. Loose t-shirts, tank tops, robes, and cloaks are not suitable.
Lower Body
Skirts, shorts, trousers, and leggings are generally acceptable if they reach down to the knees. This gives an athletic vibe to the archer and prevents any hindrance during shooting. Denim and jeans aren’t allowed because they tend to be too tight and stiff, restricting free movements.
Footwear
Comfortable shoes with a secure grip are bound to get the job done. The shoe size should be a tight fit for maximum stability and security to maintain your position with no clumsiness. Moreover, bear in mind that the shoes should be sturdy and well-built to conquer rocky ground, wet grass, and heaps of mud. Flipflops and open-toe shoes such as sandals, high heels, etc. do not live up to the criteria.
Accessories
No loose jewelry items, such as bracelets, watches, rings, and necklaces, are allowed. Hair must be tied properly to avoid getting stuck in the bowstring, which can be really painful. However, you can wear a bucket hat for sun protection and to shield your face in rainy weather.
Benefits of Investing in Quality Archery Clothing
Wearing the right apparel will take you to a new level of comfort and safety as you realize the importance of appropriate clothing gear in archery. The dress code for any sport should be respected since it not only ensures discipline but safeguards one from dangerous accidents. A few major benefits that you are bound to get from quality archery clothing are:
Protection for the Archer
First and foremost, dressing in the right attire will guarantee the archer's protection and safety. Snug clothing will minimize interference with the bowstring to avoid accidents and injuries because baggy and open shirts catch the string as you release. A chest guard can be worn over the shirt to boost defenses and prevent frequent injuries. Moreover, wearing covered shoes offers improved balance and stability.
Ease and Comfort
If you stick to the archery clothing rules, you will realize that the guidelines are designed for the archer's ease. Long-sleeved shirts with complete upper body coverage allow body motion in all directions, which gives a free hand in aiming at the target.
Open shirts and flowy robes cause great trouble by constantly distracting you. You can choose lightweight and breathable shirts for dry weather or layered thermal for battling colder regions.
Hunting Perks
Archery and bowhunting have always been deeply rooted in the game of hunting. Since the earliest of times, wearing specific apparel for hunting has testified its benefits. Sturdy boots with soft soles, imprinted shirts with camouflage, and silent zippers are a customer favorite because one can easily hunt down the target without drawing attention to themselves.
Archery clothing is designed uniquely for hunting purposes, such as additional back pockets or zippers underneath the armpits that enhance storage space without hurdling the bowstring.
Conclusion
Every sport has its own dress codes that should be respected and followed. As far as archery is concerned, the right attire will give you confidence and a better sense of control while aiming. If you’re a beginner in this field, wearing the right apparel will kick start your journey to becoming a professional.
Our selected choices can tackle any kind of archery you’re interested in, it all comes down to your preferences and budget range because, in the end, you need to dress to win!
People Also Ask
Since clothing is such a versatile topic, many archers get confused when it comes to dressing the right way. However, you don’t need to worry because we’ve prepared a complete clothing guideline for archers and bowhunters. Give a read to this section and find concise answers to all the queries stuck in your mind.
What Do You Wear for Archery?
Minimalistic designs, well-fitted shirts, and secure footwear are the optimum choices. Lightweight, breathable, and collared shirts with long-sleeves and fitted arms are adequate to wear on a hot summer day.
However, what must be avoided is wearing baggy and flowy clothing, or any jewelry items that might be a hurdle in the way of your bowstring. Shoes should be comfortable because you’ll need to stand in one spot for long hours without tiring yourself.
Are Long Robes Suitable for Archery?
Why Do Archers Wear Hoods?
Hoods, tunics, and cloaks have been common in medieval times as part of everyday wear. The practice of wearing hoods during archery has been seen throughout history, adding a flair of mystery, but it’s not a compulsion anymore.
The most logical explanation seems to be that hunters are able to shield their eyes against the sun or rain without disturbing a precise aim. Instead of hoods, many archers wear bucket hats to Olympic games for keeping the sun out, without blocking the view of the bowstring.
Not at all, despite the fact that movies and historical archers often wore robes, cloaks, and tunics, this dress code is unacceptable for archers. Long robes with open sleeves are highly likely to get entangled in your bowstring and won’t give you a free hand to perfect your aim’s target.
Comfort while aiming cannot be overlooked, and long robes are the complete opposite of that. So, it is recommended to opt for closely-fitted dresses that won’t tug at your arm while shooting.
Are There Specific Clothing Requirements for Archery Tournaments?
Yes, different tournaments have their own set of guidelines and clothing requirements, but the overall specifics are the same.
World Archery allows shorts, skirts, trousers, and sweaters with full-length shirts that cover the arms and upper body. Open-toe footwear, denim, and baggy pants are not allowed.
The National Field Archery Association supports shorts and skirts only if they are two inches above the knee and collared shirts are a necessity. Shirts with collars are also an important dress code for the Archery Shooters Association, while tank tops, t-shirts, and flip flops are banned.
As far as the policy for USA Archery is concerned, wearing camo is not allowed, and only full-coverage upper garments with shorts and skirts are permitted.
Is Camo Necessary for Archery Hunting?
If you want to master hunting, camouflage is the oldest trick in the book. Wearing dark shades that blend in the surroundings can make the slightest difference in deceiving animal vision and winning your game.
Although wearing camo is not a necessity, it can make a great difference to go unnoticed by your prey. The clothing line for archery often comes with various prints and color intensities to adapt to any kind of hunting environment.
