If you’re just getting into skateboarding, figuring out what to wear can be a big issue. If you look at any given skater, everyone seems to wear something a bit different, but you don’t want to stick out when you’re at the skatepark. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to figure out what to wear skateboarding and odds are you already own everything you need!
The best clothes to wear skateboarding are the ones you feel most comfortable in. Loose-fitting and flexible fabrics that allow your body to move freely are best. However, try to avoid less durable materials and don’t wear your favorite pants since it’s not uncommon to accidentally rip a hole in them.
With that said, whether you’re a guy or girl, and the time or year you are skating, the clothing options you choose will definitely change. So here are some outfit options I like to follow for any season.
How To Choose The Right Clothing For Skateboarding
When you decide what to wear, the most important thing on your mind should be comfort. With more comfortable clothes, you’ll feel less restricted and be able to enjoy a longer session.
What comfortable means to you might be different than someone else, but generally looser fitting clothes are the way to go. Since skateboarding involves a lot of bending, jumping, and twisting, the last thing you need is an overly tight v-neck.
For the upper body, things such as cotton t-shirts, tank tops, or hoodies are a great option most times of year. In hotter weather, athletic materials that are quick-drying can be more enjoyable to wear since you won’t feel as drenched in your sweat.
Now before you go and throw on your favorite t-shirt and pants to head to the skatepark, just be sure to ask yourself if you’re ok if they got a hole. Spills and tumbles are an inevitability when skating, and it’s a serious bummer to ruin your favorite clothes because of it. That’s why it’s often better to wear your “okay” shirts and pants so if they get beat up, it’s not the end of the world.
Are Pants Or Shorts Better For Skateboarding?
As for the lower body, it’s fine to skateboard in both shorts or pants, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Shorts are more enjoyable to skate in during warmer days but offer less protection when you fall. Pants are warmer and slightly more restricting but do a much better job at generally protecting your skin.
Most people I know, including myself, wear athletic shorts or cut-off jeans while skateboarding in the late spring and summer. Once the weather starts to cool, the pants come out again.
Although jeans offer a bit of extra protection, I find that the most at-risk areas are the shins and ankles. When you’re wearing shorts, tall socks can go a long way to add a bit of coverage to your lower legs. They can help mitigate any road rash or other abrasions, but trust me when I say a board to the shin will hurt just the same.
Can You Skate In Sweatpants?
Yes, you can skate in sweatpants, and they’re super comfortable to wear on cooler days. However, sweat pants are some of the easiest bits of clothing to put a hole in, so they aren’t the most ideal if you’re trying new tricks. With that said, on days that you know you won’t be falling much, sweatpants are a fine option for cruising around in.
Choosing The Right Footwear For Skateboarding
With shirts and pants out of the way, it’s time to talk about shoes. Normal shoes such as runners or sandals are not the same as skate shoes, and it’s important you have the proper footwear.
Skateboard shoes are designed with a flatter soul and less cushion compared to a standard running shoe, for example. Likewise, the outside of the shoes are typically made of canvas or suede, which holds up better against the grip tape compared to the plastic or mesh material of a regular shoe or sandal.
With this more low-profile yet durable construction, skate shoes keep your feet better protected, help you feel more balanced, and maximize the grip you have on your board.
If you don’t own any skate shoes, check out my guide to the best skateboard shoes and shoe brands to help get you started.
What Should Girls Wear When Skateboarding?
The best thing to wear for girls while skateboarding is looser-fitting mom jeans or shorts if it’s a warmer day. Baggy cotton t-shirts or crew necks are another solid choice depending on the time of year. Ultimately, it once again comes down to what is most comfortable.
At my local skatepark, there’s a huge community of female skaters, and most are wearing the same things as the guys; loose-fitting pants, shirts, and skate shoes. Most girls I know wear loose jeans and a crop top during the summer while opting for regular jeans and a hoodie in the fall and winter.
What To Wear Skateboarding Based On The Season
Here’s a quick breakdown to give you ideas of what to wear based on the time of year in both hot and cold weather.
| Clothing Type | Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Body | – Cotton T-shirts – Light Sweaters – Cotton Long Sleeve | – Athletic wear – Tank Tops – Cotton T-Shirts | – Cotton T-shirts – Light Sweaters – Cotton Long Sleeve | – Hoodie & Long Sleeve – Flannels |
| Lower Body | – Loose Jeans – Cut-Off Jeans | – Athletic Shorts – Cut-Off Jeans | – Loose Jeans – Cut-Off Jeans | – Pants – Long Johns (optional) |
| Shoes | Any Skate Shoe | Any Skate Shoe | Any Skate Shoe | Any Skate Shoe |
| Pads | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Gloves | – Glove Liners | – Glove Liners | – Fleece Gloves |
When you’re skateboarding in the winter, fall, and early spring, wearing layers is a game changer. When you first start skating, you’ll often be a bit cold, but that quickly changes as you get moving. By layering together a hoodie, long sleeve, and t-shirt, you have options to stay comfortable as you begin to warm up.
Just remember that cotton takes a while to dry once it’s wet, so athletic wear can be a good choice to avoid feeling too cold once your skate session is over.
Should You Wear Pads When Skateboarding?
If you’re just learning how to skateboard, wearing pads is never a bad idea. They help you to feel more confident and prevent you from feeling discouraged after a solid fall.
Although many skaters opt not to use pads, it’s truly about what you feel most comfortable with. I often wear a helmet skateboarding and wrist guards as an extra precaution. I know lots of transition skaters who wear full pads every time they skate while street skaters who never wear pads.
If you’re a parent, it’s probably a good idea to encourage your kid to at least wear a helmet because, let’s face it, kids can be clumsy.
As for those of us who are childless and fully grown, you do what you want. Just don’t tell your mom about it.
Happy Shredding!
Brendan 🙂
