How to Choose the right skydiving suit is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a skydiver. The correct suit affects fall rate, comfort, progression, and overall performance — whether you’re flying freefly, relative work (RW), formation skydiving, or training in the tunnel.

This guide explains how to choose the right skydiving suit based on your discipline, experience level, and flying goals.

1. Start With Your Skydiving Discipline

The first thing to consider is how you fly, because different disciplines demand very different suit characteristics.

Freefly

Freefly suits are designed for higher speeds and dynamic movement. They typically feature:

  • Lower drag materials
  • Tighter, more streamlined fits
  • Reinforced areas for durability
  • Minimal grip

If you fly head-up, head-down, or mixed freefly, a suit built specifically for freefly will give you better control and consistency.

Relative Work (RW) & Formation Skydiving

RW suits are built to maximise stability and grip. Key features include:

  • Higher drag panels
  • Grips on arms and legs
  • A slightly looser fit for fall-rate control

RW suits help teams fly together consistently and are essential for formation work.

Tunnel Flying

Tunnel suits need to handle high repetition and abrasion. Look for:

  • Durable fabrics
  • Reinforced seams
  • A fit that allows full range of movement

Many skydivers choose a suit that works both in the tunnel and in freefall, but tunnel-specific durability is important if you fly regularly.

2. Understand How Fit Affects Performance

Fit is one of the most overlooked aspects of choosing a skydiving suit.

A poorly fitting suit can:

  • Affect fall rate
  • Restrict movement
  • Create instability
  • Wear out faster

A made-to-measure skydiving suit is built to your exact body measurements, ensuring:

  • Consistent performance
  • Better comfort
  • Improved longevity
  • No excess fabric or restriction

This is especially important for freeflyers and experienced jumpers who rely on precision.

3. Speed, Drag, Grip & Mobility — What Do You Need?

Every skydiving suit is a balance of four key elements:

Speed

Lower drag fabrics increase fall speed and responsiveness, ideal for freefly and advanced flying.

Drag

Higher drag helps slow fall rate and increase stability, often preferred for RW and team flying.

Grip

Grips are essential for formation skydiving but unnecessary (and sometimes undesirable) for freefly.

Mobility

Good mobility allows full movement in the air and reduces fatigue during long tunnel sessions.

The right suit balances these factors based on how you fly.

4. Experience Level Matters

Beginner Skydivers

If you’re newer to the sport:

  • Stability and comfort matter most
  • A forgiving fit helps progression
  • Versatility across disciplines is useful

Intermediate to Advanced Jumpers

As skills develop, performance becomes more important:

  • Discipline-specific design
  • Precise fit
  • Custom fabric and panel choices

Advanced jumpers often benefit most from made-to-measure suits tailored to their exact needs.

5. Made-to-Measure vs Off-the-Rack Suits

Off-the-Rack Suits

  • Faster to buy
  • Limited sizing options
  • Compromises on fit

Made-to-Measure Suits

  • Built to your measurements
  • Designed around your discipline
  • Better performance and durability
  • Ideal for progression and long-term use

For skydivers who fly regularly, made-to-measure suits offer better value over time.

6. Think Long-Term: Durability & Use

A skydiving suit isn’t just for a few jumps — it’s an investment.

Consider:

  • How often you jump
  • Tunnel vs outdoor use
  • Abrasion points
  • Reinforced seams and panels

A well-built suit designed for your flying style will last longer and perform better across hundreds of jumps.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Skydiving Suit

The right skydiving suit depends on:

  • Your discipline
  • Your experience level
  • How you want to progress
  • The fit and performance you need

Whether you fly freefly, RW, or spend hours in the tunnel, a suit designed specifically for your needs will improve comfort, control, and confidence in the air.

If you’re unsure, choosing a made-to-measure skydiving suit tailored to your flying style is the safest way to ensure consistent performance and long-term satisfaction