Shooting Etiquette - What should I wear?

3. Tie

A tie can be optional at some shoots but wearing one is considered essential at formal events. Shooting ties are available in various fabrics and styles.  The most popular fabric for a country tie is silk, which is simply a perfect fabric for providing radiant and rich colours. Plus, silk encourages a tie to sit smoothly on your shirt! These ties are available in plain colours or can be patterned. Many patterned ties sport game birds on them which are beautifully printed and are definitely worth considering. The downside to silk ties however, is that they are difficult to keep clean. A spill or stain will be very difficult to remove.  

Having said that, silk shooting ties offer a classic formal feel and really are perfect for all seasons!

4. Breeks and Trousers

If you are to attend a formal shooting event, then there often is an expectation that you will wear tweed breeks or trousers. Tweed breeks, also known as plus twos, or plus fours, are a traditional attire, usually worn with long knitted socks up to the knee.

Tweed is preferred due to its style and durability. It is a rough-surfaced woollen cloth material that is usually handwoven with traditionally mixed bright colours. Tweed clothing is an icon of British country clothing as it is able to deal with harsh climates. There are many different types of tweed fabrics available, with the most popular being Harris Tweed and Donegal Tweed.  However, tweed fabric can be difficult to maintain and keep clean, which is why many manufacturers now coat the fabric with a protected solution called Teflon. This also means that any spills or stains on these Teflon coated garments will now be easy to brush or wipe off. 

So, usually, tweed breeks and trousers are worn for formal events.  For less formal shooting events however, many people prefer to wear moleskin trousers.  Moleskin is a heavy cotton fabric that is extremely comfortable to wear and it is called moleskin as the texture feels similar to the skin of a mole. It's true to say that Moleskin trousers are very popular all year round. Due to the weight and construction of the fabric, moleskin trousers are truly great for retaining heat and are therefore simply ideal for those cold winter months! Interestingly, the high cotton content makes this fabric breathable, which is why they are also great for summer months too!

Moleskin fabric is very durable and hard wearing, which is why shooters really do like to wear moleskin trousers.

5. Socks and Stockings

If wearing breeks (or plus twos or plus fours) then long knitted stockings/socks up to the knee will be necessary. In addition, to prevent the stockings/socks from falling down, garters are usually worn.

There are many different styles of shooting sock available including cable and knitted stockings. Cable stockings include a cable stitch up the side of the socks, whilst knitted stockings offer great comfort and warmth. Both styles feature a knitted terry turnover top!

On those colder shooting days, it is an idea to wear two pairs of socks. Silk liner socks offer extra warmth without having bulk. Silk fabric is a lightweight fibre that has natural thermal properties. This is a natural fibre which will draw moisture from your feet, keeping them dryer and warmer all day.  Alternatively, try a tactel liner sock such as 1000mile tactel liner. These socks will really grip your foot, reducing friction and, as a result,will prevent blisters from forming.

6. Hat

Another decision you'll need to make is which hat to wear. A traditional choice is a tweed flat cap! Tweed fabrics offer great warmth and comfort, especially when lined with satin. It's worth knowing that many shooting hats come complete with a waterproof and breathable inner lining for extra protection. Alternatively what about a baseball cap or beanie hat? Many baseball caps come with ear flap protectors for windy shoot days, or perhaps you might think that a waterproof beanie is more suitable. Whatever you prefer, remember to choose an appropriate colour such as green, black or brown.

7. Jacket or Coat

If you're attending a winter shoot, then a warm waterproof and breathable coat will be needed. During late summer or early autumn months perhaps a jacket may be more suitable than a coat. 

A coat is longer than a jacket and offers more warmth. Another key difference is that usually a coat will go down to your thighs but a jacket will only go down to your waist.

Often, and traditionally, a tweed jacket is made from soft country colours such as browns and greens. There are many benefits to wearing tweed, including:

• outstanding warmth
• it will stand the test of time
• it is durable

Many tweed shooting jackets available today are protected with a teflon coating. Do remember that tweed, if wet or dirty can be very difficult to clean! A teflon coating provides a clear barrier that allows water, mud and dirt to easily be wiped off!

If tweed is not for you, don't despair! There are many other waterproof and breathable shooting coats and jackets that may be more suitable, which are made from polyester. Polyester jackets are easier to maintain and these are generally cheaper than tweed jackets. 

Raglan Sleeve A useful shooting jacket will have a number of features, including various sized pockets and a waterproof and breathable membrane. When choosing a jacket or coat, the style of sleeve should be an important issue. Many jackets and coats will feature either what is called a 'set in' sleeve, and others a 'raglan' sleeve. A raglan sleeve is most commonly found on sports clothing as well as jackets, as it allows more freedom of movement. The sleeve is made from one continuous piece of fabric from the nape of the neck to the underarm, in turn creating more space for movement and ideal for wearing extra bulky garments under the jacket. Many traditional tweed jackets are designed with a raglan sleeve.

Set in Sleeve If you're looking for a longer coat with a raglan sleeve, then a long wax coat may be suitable. This style of coat will offer great protection in the most extreme weather, whilst allowing you to continue to shoot.  A set-in sleeve is generally chosen because these types of coats offer a more professional and formal appearance. They are often used for mingling at formal events. The location of the seam on a 'set in' sleeve may restrict arm movement, hence making it difficult to move your arms up and down in a smooth motion.  So,whilst these coats are not always the best item to wear for actual shooting activity, they do look really good when socialising at an event!

When buying a shooting jacket make sure you have plenty of space to move your arms smoothly and also make sure the pockets are big enough to hold all of your cartridges.

8. Shooting Waistcoat

• Waterproof Over Trousers - depending on the weather, they are always handy, so it's good to keep a pair in your shooting bag 
• A spare Waterproof Coat - be prepared for extreme weathers!
• Towelling Scarf or Neckgaiter - to protect your neck from those harsh, windy conditions
• A towel -  to wipe down your shotgun when it's raining and to dry off your hands when sweaty
• Insect Repellent - to deter midgets and other insects, especially during humid conditions 
• Indoor Shoes - for your 'after shoot' meal or drinks
• A cartridge Belt - to carry  - and have quick access to - extra shotgun cartridges
• Leg Gaiters
• Shatterproof Sunglasses 
• Cash (for meals/to give Tips, etc)

We do hope that you have found this guide to be helpful.  If you have any views, or if you you would like to contact us with any queries or questions, we will be delighted to hear from you!

Thank you - and we wish the very best of times outdoors, pursuing your activities!