What to Wear Clay Pigeon Shooting in Summer: A First-Timer’s Clothing Checklist
The first impression of newcomers to a clay shoot is the noise of the guns. Then there's the fact that almost everyone looks as if they're just out for a stroll. By mid-morning on a summer’s day, you will probably spot more polo shirts, jeans, walking shoes and shooting vests than tweeds. Knowing this is very helpful when trying to decide what to wear to your first clay pigeon shooting lesson or session.
Generally speaking, comfortable casual outdoor clothing is all that is needed for a first lesson. This type of clothing allows you to move your arms freely, stand firmly on the ground and be prepared for whatever the weather decides. All that needs adding now is your hearing and eye protection, and you'll be ready to go.
A simple way to put this together is: a lightweight breathable polo, shirt or t-shirt; comfortable trousers or shorts; enclosed footwear (to keep stones out); and a lightweight waterproof jacket (in case of rain). While a purpose-made clay vest does come in handy, there is generally no need to purchase one prior to your first session.
This is not a formal game-day
Unlike game days where the game birds are hunted over natural terrain, clay shooting takes place on a designated shooting area or ground. The artificial targets fired into the air are used exclusively for the sport. As such, the general “dress code” for clay shooting is less formal than what you would expect for a formal driven game day. So, unless specified otherwise by either your host or the location of your shooting session, there is no need to arrive wearing your best tweeds (or breeches, stockings, shirt and tie, etc.) or a heavy field coat. Your “game-day” will undoubtedly take place in a different environment. Our full guide to Dressing for the Shooting Season describes these items of clothing and their uses in detail.
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Be aware of what the ground provides
While many “have-a-go” shoots supply both your shotgun cartridges and basic safety equipment (hearing protection and eye protection), some also include vests and caps. Always check what you need to bring along with you based upon booking information provided. Also ensure that you understand any specific footwear or clothing requirement at your chosen location. If wet weather appears imminent, then find out beforehand what arrangements have been made.
One element of your outfit is not open to personal choice, and that is your safety equipment. All clay shoots require that you wear some form of hearing protection. In addition, suitable eye protection must be worn whilst standing behind a gun stand. Only use the safety equipment supplied by the ground or whatever has been approved by them. Keep it on whenever you are instructed to do so. Follow your coach's instructions throughout the session.
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Your top can help you feel free
It's going to be warm outside, so don't think too much about dressing up. Go for a lightweight top such as a polo, t-shirt or lightweight shirt. The fit is what counts. Before you leave the house, raise both arms and swing your upper body. If the material pulls over your shoulders, bites into your sleeves or bunches at the collar, it will only get worse during the course of your lesson.
Huge hoods, long drawcords, big scarves and large shoulder padding are worth avoiding. This is why the men’s Schöffel Cordoba polo shirt is made out of soft stretch jersey with two reinforced shoulder patches. This is also why the women’s Barbour Bowford polo top is a rich cotton polo with elastane. These are just examples; a nice-fitting top you have somewhere else may be perfect.
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Do I need a clay shooting vest?
No, not for most first lessons, but there are certain aspects about a special clay shooting vest that are helpful. It is cut with open armholes (unlike many other jackets). It contains cartridge pockets; it also provides either reinforcement or smoothing of the area where the shoulder rests. Other types of vest like quilted or fleece vests, can provide some degree of warmth, but may restrict you enough to limit your ability to shoot.
If it is very hot, then look for the Beretta Full Mesh Vest which is an example of what you want in a vest: mesh throughout, a small piece of cotton on the shoulder and plenty of roomy cartridge pockets. Fit is far more important than the brand name. The armholes should be unobstructed, the shoulder pad should be correctly positioned, and the vest should not rub against your chest or back.
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What about my bottom half?
The easiest type of bottoms are simply comfortable trousers. They offer protection to the legs while still giving you freedom to walk and move around. Jeans are suitable for a casual lesson, provided there are no constricting bands around your hips or knees. If it is going to be extremely hot and the location permits it, shorts could work, but make sure you know what lies underfoot and whether they are acceptable.
While decorative stitching, embroidery etc., may be aesthetically pleasing, stretch and sturdy pockets are more functional. The Härkila Fjell trousers contain articulated knees and stretch panels. On the other hand, the women’s Schöffel Whitwell water-repellent trousers utilise a lightweight four-way stretch fabric. As mentioned, again the goal is maximum mobility (and not necessarily purchasing a complete outfit for day one).
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Dress for the weather, not for the month
You do not always get summer weather on a summer date. In a hot, dry environment, use breathable tops, relaxed trousers (or approved shorts), supported by stable footwear. A hat is helpful for shade and can also serve as part of the safety gear that the venue issues.
If you expect changing weather, bring a light waterproof jacket that can be removed. Make sure the jacket does not constrict across your shoulders or bunch up against your upper arm. A thick winter shooting coat is not typically used for a warm-weather session; it adds weight and bulk to areas where you need to move freely.
When cooler and wetter, consider wearing light layers, long trousers and waterproof footwear with grip. Dry socks left in the vehicle can be worth more than a complex second outfit. See our lightweight country wardrobe guide for more information regarding temperature fluctuations and how to avoid overdressing.
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The best way to dress is based upon fit rather than fashion
Men: look for shoulder seams. If the sleeves of a short-sleeved or button-down shirt rise with your arms, it may pull against your back. A vest should sit snugly without pinching the armholes. Trousers should feel comfortable when you turn.
Women: look at the shoulder, bust and armhole rather than just size. Patches should rest correctly and vests should close without gaping or pulling apart. An oversized men’s vest may be loose at the shoulder but restricting through the bust. Prioritise footwear for traction and stability.
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What should stay at home?
Keep at home: slip-on shoes, slick soles, unstable heels, cumbersome jackets, heavy shoulder pads and loose accessories. Bulky layers create discomfort in a warm lesson, and brand-new boots can cause problems before even completing the first hour.
You cannot win points for appearing more experienced than you actually are. Clean polos, comfortable trousers and sensible shoes can be perfectly fine. Allow time to adjust borrowed items and listen to the safety briefing without feeling rushed.
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Before leaving home
Double-check all booking details, review the forecast, take recent rainfall into account along with the current weather and confirm what type of equipment the range has available. Test your top and outer layer for freedom of movement. Select footwear that fits the actual surface rather than the photo on the venue's website.
Should you want to buy special clothing for ease during this experience, browse our clay-shooting clothing collection or ask the team in Bakewell. A good purchase should address one of three major concerns: fit, movement or weather protection. It doesn't have to make a novice look as though he or she has been there longer.
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Clay-shooting clothing FAQs
Can I wear jeans clay pigeon shooting?
Yes, usually. Comfortable jeans are appropriate for most casual initial lessons. However, be cautious using extremely tight-fitting jeans and check with the venue regarding their dress code. Especially for corporate or sponsored events.
Can I wear trainers for clay shooting?
Trainers that are enclosed and supportive are acceptable for most dry, firm grounds. Wear walking shoes or boots with better traction when the surface is wet, muddy or uneven.
Do I require a shooting vest for my first lesson?
A properly fitting clay shooting vest is far more beneficial when continuing beyond your first lesson: specifically regarding free arm movement and cartridge carrying.
What should a woman wear clay pigeon shooting in summer?
Begin with breathable tops, relaxed trousers or permitted shorts, enclosed supportive footwear and a light waterproof. Ensure freedom of movement across your shoulders and chest. Shooting vests are optional. However, if you elect to wear them, they should fit properly rather than just being an oversized men’s version.
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