Quick answer: dress in layers, in earthy green, brown or tweed shades, with a quiet waterproof outer, sturdy waterproof boots and gloves and a hat you can rely on in changing weather.
Shooting clothing essentials
- Waterproof outer layer: a quiet, breathable jacket or smock that will not rustle or catch on undergrowth.
- Insulating mid layer: a fleece or padded gilet you can add or remove as the day warms up.
- Breathable base layer: wool or technical fabric wicks sweat and keeps you warm when standing still.
- Tough trousers or breeks: hard-wearing, water resistant and comfortable to stand in for hours.
- Waterproof boots or wellies: warm, grippy and comfortable enough for a full day.
- Hat, gloves and neck warmer: most heat loss is from the head and hands.
What to wear as a Gun, a beater or a gamekeeper
| Role | Priority | Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Gun | Warmth while standing, freedom to shoulder a gun | Warm layers, quiet jacket, tweed or waxed pieces, waterproof boots |
| Beater | Durability and waterproofing while walking through cover | Waterproof jacket, tough trousers, waterproof overtrousers, wellies |
| Gamekeeper | All-weather, hard-wearing, practical pockets | Smocks, jackets and trousers built for long days outdoors |
Colour and fabric
Stick to natural green, olive, brown and tweed shades that blend in and look right on a shoot day. Choose quiet fabrics that do not rustle, and avoid bright colours and white, which can be visible to birds.
Our shooting ranges
Browse shooting and country clothing, hunting coats and jackets, shooting gilets and fleeces and shooting boots. For dedicated field clothing see Deerhunter, Hoggs of Fife and waterproof smocks. Read our Deerhunter clothing guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear for a pheasant shoot?
A waterproof jacket, warm layers, hard-wearing trousers, waterproof boots or wellies, and a hat and gloves. Add a warm mid layer for standing at the peg.
What should I wear beating?
Prioritise waterproofs and durability: a waterproof jacket, waterproof overtrousers over tough trousers, and wellies or waterproof boots. See our waterproof trousers guide.
Do I need to wear tweed to a shoot?
No. Tweed is traditional and looks smart, but modern technical fabrics in muted colours are perfectly acceptable and often warmer and drier.
Is waxed jacket good for shooting?
Yes. Waxed jackets are hard-wearing and traditional, but they need looking after. See our wax jacket care guide.
Browse every guide in The Field Guide.
