​WHAT TO WEAR FOR SHOOTING

A guide for those new to the sport and the more established sportsman

In the main this piece refers to Driven Shooting and SIM ( Clay shooting)

The opening consideration: You cannot be overdressed

These occasions give the participants a very full experience. It is not all about how many birds you hit. That sense of purpose is irrevocable but, especially if you are new to the sport it is not the be all and end all and however experienced (or not) you are, everybody has good days and bad days. So the prime factor is the day itself, a world away from the outside world.

On formal or semi formal shoots the camaraderie, the ritual meals; Breakfast, Lunch, Supper are a large part of the occasion. Unlike other forms of the sport such as Rough Shooting and Deer Stalking which has its own atmosphere, that is no less rewarding, but you spend most of your time trying not to be noticeable while stalking and tracking prey.

So back to our opening remark. With our years of experience making shooting wear, we have often been asked by newcomers to the sport, or visitors to the UK, what is the correct dress for shooting?  The answer is that although the most important consideration is practicality, it is an opportunity to fully express yourself with the tweed colour and pattern you choose to wear. So your shooting wear should be comfortable when swinging the gun, if worn in the field. Warm and dry to varying degrees depending on where you are in the world, and aesthetically what you like. Tweed is the tradition in the main which goes from demure but still beautiful plain colours, or  a nice subtle weave pattern to out-and-out bold colourful checks that are so far from anything you might normally wear in your day-to-day life you might never have considered before. Your alter ego now has an outlet. ENJOY wearing clothes unique to you. It is a big part of the sport and you will be in the good company of others.

Our Shooting Wardrobe recommendations

Having set the scene let us now go into the details of your potential ideal Shooting wardrobe and accouterments.Here is our total wardrobe recommendation

3 PIECE SUIT.

Matching Jacket, Waistcoat/vest, Breeks . There are many choices for these individual garments.

Jacket

Shooting Jacket with action shoulder or centre pleat  if worn to shoot in.  Shoulder patches are a matter of preference some people prefer to have a tweed patch or none at all.  The bellow pockets are traditional and have a great look but if you prefer to use a cartridge bag then simple flap jacket pockets are fine, in fact the chosen style for deer stalking in the highlands. A Norfolk jacket has the addition of styling features and a belt which can have practical uses such as hooking on a bag or anything you fancy, and keeping you snug in bitter weather.

If you aren't planning to shoot in your jacket then a classic sports jacket or hacking jacket will work well.

Waistcoat / Vest

Styling and pocket choices are up to you, anything from a simple 5 button waistcoat with jetted pocket to a double breasted waistcoat peaked lapel.

Breeks More commonly known inaccurately as ‘Plus Fours’, here at Bookster we make Plus 2's 

This is really a matter of preference but most people wear plus 2's which allow a 2" fold of fabric below the knee, this give room for bending the knee when the leg fastening is just below the knee as it should be.  See our article on Breeks lengths here

You may wish to add a pair of trousers ( this would make a 4 piece ensemble but worth mentioning)

Trousers are often ordered at the same time so you can wear combinations for occasions other than shooting. From a standard style with various options up to our classic High waist Fishtail back version with braces. These are real show stoppers and are very popular addition. You can get far more use from your outfit than just in the field.

A Hat

most commonly a cap mostly matching the rest of the outfit but some like to wear a different pattern

Long Wool Socks

Also a decorative garter

Footwear:

Long leather boots (Field Boots) are the most traditional and impressive choice, usually laced but these days shorter field boots are very popular too as well as zip long leather all purpose country style boots. Some are happier in brogue shoes with long socks and a decorative garter.

Again there are technical options but it is not a great look however practical they may be…….

It is also sensible to have a comfortable pair of full length Wellingtons ( Wellies, long rubber boots) for the worst of conditions.

We highly recommend that the rubber includes a proportion of Neoprene which adds to the comfort and warmth especially in winter. Even expensive pure rubber boots can be very unforgiving.

Ties and cravats (be as loud as you like if you are extrovert….)

Shirts

Tattersall Check Shirts ( Cotton, Cotton Wool blend or Wool) are de rigeur . They really cannot be beaten but go for quality, cheap Tattersall shirts look awful.

Cuff links and Tie pins

Not essential but as well as being practical they are the most obvious conversation pieces and the choice out there is extraordinary.

Gloves

Shooting with a trigger finger flap.

Braces / Suspenders

Not obligatory (although many people swear by them) if you don’t like them but if you do, go for the best quality.

---------------------------------------------------

In addition to the base suit and accessories mentioned above, and when you can add to your wardrobe in time, these  garments fit in well to different climates and more casual shooting days.

Shooting Vest /Gilet

Many people prefer to shoot in a Vest or Gilet, especially in good weather but go a size up for colder weather to add a quilted jacket or jumper. Perfectly acceptable for standing for driven shooting with useful cartridge pockets, plenty of comfort for taking shots . If the tweed matches the rest of your ensemble all well and good, but you could always go a bit bolder and use it as a statement piece. These can all be ordered with or without shoulder patches, right/left or both sides.  As with all our garments, you can choose any cloth on the website, or contact us if you don't see what you are looking for.

Field Coat/Shooting Coat

These coats are like a portable microclimate, Features include poachers pockets, storm collars and cuffs. Sized to be roomy, they can be worn over a shooting vest and taken on and off depending on the temperature. Ready to made field coats usually have a waterproof membrane but we recommend adding a lightweight waterproof coat or cloak to be worn over your vest or jacket should rain come in.

THE SOCIAL SIDE OF THE DAY

Aside from the obvious actual shooting part of the meets there are Breakfast, Lunch Supper or Dinner to attend.

For breakfast, you can arrive part ready for action in breeks and a shirt and tie with a pullover or a waistcoat, but if you feel comfortable in a jacket, that’s fine too. Some only actually wear their tweed jacket for lunch, supper or dinner.

Do get in touch with us here at Bookster should you need any advice or help with choosing your custom garments.  You can see our full range of shooting / Field Wear here Bookster Custom Field Wear