Skateboarding is an exciting recreational and competitive sport, providing a unique way to explore the outdoors in style. However, it can also be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions. One of the most important things to consider when skateboarding is what to wear. Wearing the right clothes and protective gear can help prevent injuries and make your skateboarding experience more enjoyable.
Unlike other sports, skateboarding is not strict when it comes to clothing. However, the apparel should be loose fit and flexible to allow free moves and provide comfort and confidence while riding a board. Here, we’ll discuss what to wear when skateboarding to help you select the best possible gear and apparel for the best performance.
Generally, all you need to wear is durable pants, a loose fit comfortable top, and skate shoes when skateboarding. It is crucial to wear protective gear, but most experienced skaters ignore it (which is wrong).
Let’s explore the appropriate clothes for girls and guys when skateboarding.
We are going to divide skateboarding apparel into three basic sections; skate Tops, bottoms, and footwear to explain them in detail. Also, we’ll give a touch to protective gear, what does it include, and why it is necessary to wear while riding.
When it comes to tops, there is no restriction in terms of design and color. However, a loose-fitting and breathable top is essential for maximum comfort while skateboarding. Just remember that whatever you choose needs to allow free movement so that you can maneuver the board easily.
T-shirts made from cotton, polyester, or other moisture-wicking fabric, are perfect for this purpose.
Whether you are a girl or a boy, a baggy tee with a cool logo or graphics will make you look stylish as well. However, cropped tank tops are a popular choice for girls as they provide good ventilation to keep cool, while also allowing for a range of movement.
And when the weather changes, a hoodie or a light jacket can be easily layered to keep you warm and comfortable. A long-sleeve tee along with a hoodie, or a jacket is a great choice for skateboarding. It will keep you warm, protect you from the cold wind, and also provide better protection against abrasions and injuries.
Read a detailed review of the Element skateboard brand. Along with making quality boards, it also manufactures stylish and durable clothing and accessories.
b. Right Bottoms to Wear
When it comes to bottoms, stretchable and breathable fabric is a must. A pair of loose-fitting shorts or cargo pants that are made from moisture-wicking material will keep you cool and comfortable during the ride.
Jeans are the go-to choice for most skateboarders, but there are a few things you need to consider while choosing them. Look for jeans that are made from lightweight and stretchable fabric, so they don’t restrict your movement while you ride. Also, look for a pair with reinforced stitching and pockets to keep your belongings safe. Baggy jeans would be a perfect choice.
Sweatpants or colored jeans with a t-shirt or tank top is an excellent choice. Skinny jeans can also be worn as long as they provide enough flexibility and comfort.
I personally prefer Volcom pants because they are extremely lightweight, and flexible enough to allow free movement while performing tricks.
c. Right Footwear
Now, let’s talk about the most important part of skateboarding apparel – the shoes. To get the best performance while skating, make sure to choose the right pair of skate shoes. These shoes are specifically designed for the sport to provide better grip, cushioning, and protection than regular sneakers or running shoes.
Skateboarding shoes should have flat soles, padded soles to absorb impacts, and a thick and durable upper.
Along with flexibility, we recommend considering these factors while choosing skateboard footwear;
Sole – The outer sole is going to make contact with grip tape and concrete to take all the beating, so make sure it is made of durable material. Most brands use vulcanized rubber or polyurethane. The inner sole must have soft cushioning to provide comfort while riding and protection from impacts.
Upper – Since your feet are going to turn and twist a lot while skateboarding, so your shoes will. To prevent your footwear from tearing apart in the middle of a session, make sure it is made of durable material. Leather, suede, and mesh are some of the popular materials used for making skateboarding shoes.
Skate shoes come in three styles:
High top
Mid top
Low to
High tops provide better ankle support and protection, while low tops offer more flexibility. Mid top shoes are the most common option as they provide a good balance of both.
Shoes designed specifically for skateboarding offer extra grip and support, making them ideal for hitting the ramps and doing tricks. They also usually come with a reinforced toe box and extra cushioning in the heel area, which helps protect your feet from impact. Vans or DC shoes are the best shoes to wear when skateboarding.
d. Protective Gear
When it comes to skateboarding, safety should always be the number one priority. And wearing protective gear is essential for keeping you safe on the skateboard.
Protective gear includes a helmet, knee pads, and wrist guards. Wearing a helmet is crucially important – even experienced skaters should always wear one when out on their boards! It will help protect your head from any injury in case of an accident.
Since falling is inevitable in skateboarding, pads will provide additional protection to your knees and wrists from bruises.
In addition, gloves might be a good idea if it’s cold outside; these will help keep your hands warm and protect them from blisters caused by gripping onto the board too tightly.
e. Additional Accessories
Apart from clothing and protective gear, there are some accessories that can be handy and make you look cool during skateboarding sessions.
A good pair of sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun and dust while riding outdoors.
You might want to consider wearing a cap or bandana to keep your hair out of your face,
I personally prefer wearing an elbow and knee sleeve for extra protection in case of any falls.
Is It Okay to Wear Shorts When You Skateboard?
Shorts are a comfortable and easy-to-wear option for skateboarding, but it all depends on the type of shorts you wear, and the weather.
Loose and breathable shorts made from moisture-wicking material will keep you cool and dry during long skate sessions. However, if you choose to go with baggy jeans or jean shorts, make sure they have plenty of room for movement.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting shorts or shorts with too many pockets or zippers – these can get in the way and make it difficult to skate comfortably.
Most of the skaters I know, including myself, prefer to wear loose shorts in summer when boarding. We also see girls wearing DIY cut off denim shorts while skateboarding, it looks stylish and promotes breathability.
Can You Skate In Sweatpants?
Sweatpants are a popular choice among skaters, but they might not be the best option. Although sweatpants are comfortable and offer more coverage than shorts, they can be too heavy and limit your movement.
If you do decide to wear sweatpants while skateboarding, opt for a lightweight and breathable fabric. Stay away from bulky, loose-fitting sweatpants that can get caught on the board or restrict your movement.
Why Do Skaters Wear Baggy Clothes?
Baggy clothes are loose-fitting clothes and they do not restrict body movements. Skaters prefer to wear baggy clothes because they feel more comfortable and allow free movement while skateboarding.
Skating involves plenty of physical activity. Your body is in motion almost all the time while riding. Tight fitted clothes can cause more sweat, resulting in an uncomfortable situation. Whereas, baggy clothes offer breathability and promote airflow to minimize sweat. And best of all, loose clothes allow a full range of motion to perform tricks without any irritation.
Additional Tips for Hot Weather
If you are skateboarding in the summer, it’s important to stay cool and comfortable. Lightweight shorts made from breathable material will keep you cool and allow for more freedom of movement.
For extra protection against sunburns, wear a long-sleeved shirt or rashguard. A wide-brimmed hat or a bandana will also help keep the sun off your face and protect you from heatstroke.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on any exposed areas of your skin before heading out!
Additional Tips for Cold Weather
When skateboarding in the winter, stay warm and protected with layers. Wear a base layer such as a long-sleeved shirt or thermal top to keep your core warm.
On cold days, opt for thicker fabrics such as jeans or leggings that are made from materials like fleece or wool. This will help trap warmth and provide extra insulation.
While skating outdoors, a waterproof jacket will keep you dry in the rain or snow. Gloves and a hat are also important to keep your hands and head warm.
Wrapping Up
Skateboarders need gear that provides protection and comfort while allowing them to move freely around their boards, all without sacrificing style points. It’s important to wear the right clothes and protective gear to stay safe.
When choosing skateboarding clothes, opt for comfortable and breathable materials that will provide enough coverage without restricting movement. Once these basics are taken care of, feel free to get creative with colors and patterns – after all, having fun with fashion is part of what makes skateboarding so enjoyable.
Remember to always wear a helmet, knee pads and wrist guards for added safety. Additional accessories like sunglasses, backpacks or waist bags are a great way to protect your belongings while on the go!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you wear while skateboarding?
Skaters should wear comfortable clothes that provide enough coverage without restricting movement. Clothes made from breathable materials such as cotton or polyester are ideal. Skaters should also wear protective gear such as helmets, knee pads and wrist guards.
Can girls skateboard?
Yes, girls can skateboard! Skateboarding is for everyone and there are plenty of female skateboarders out there. Girls are also participating in competitive games, even in the Olympics.
How should I dress for skating?
Choose clothes that are comfortable and allow for maximum freedom of movement. Look for loose-fitting, breathable materials such as cotton or polyester. Always wear protective gear such as helmets, knee pads and wrist guards for safety.
What do most skaters wear?
Most skaters will wear comfortable clothes such as jeans, shorts, or sweatpants. Some opt for long sleeves to provide extra protection from the sun or cold weather. Skaters should also wear protective gear such as helmets, knee pads and wrist guards to ensure safety while skateboarding.
I got inspired by my father after watching him performing heroic tricks on a skateboard. Started at the age of 8 and performed in multiple competitions, now I coach professionals for tournaments. It's not just a sport for me - more like a passion and meditation! After years of experience with different skateboarding products, here are my reviews about Best Skateboard Brands and Best Skateboard for Beginners. It's an era of technology, you can also check unbiased reviews of Best Electric Skateboards. You can also read Benefits of Skateboarding.
