So you’ve been invited shooting – perhaps for the first time and you want to make sure you are dressed appropriately for the field.

Shooting has its own etiquette and wearing the right kit is part of it. But as well as looking stylish and appropriate, you need to think about being comfortable and safe. Follow our advice below and you won’t go far wrong.

This shooter seems the part but look closely: he doesn’t have any ear protection

Our top tips for what to wear shooting

• Check the dress code with your host
• Guns usually wear brown or green clothing
• Ear protection is a must
• Also a hat
• Practical footwear

Protect your ears

Not wearing ear protection is major no-no. Moulded earplugs, digital headphones or disposable plugs or all options. Choose something that keeps your ears warm too.

Scottish gamekeepers in their tweeds

Hat

A tweed flat cap never looks out of place in the field.

From left: Shirt by Purdey; English moleskin jeans by Orvis, Cardigan by Huntsman, Shooting vest by Huntsman.

Shirt

If you want to be traditional you need to wear a green or brown check shirt. On the grouse moor opt for darker colours to avoid being seen by the birds.

The grouse moor calls for dark colours

Tie

Check with your host but in general a tie is expected on formal shoots.

A tie is a must at a formal shoot day

Shooting vest/waistcoat

If you’re on a formal shoot, many Guns will be wearing a three piece tweed suit with matching breeks or trousers, waistcoat and jacket.

Jacket/coat

You’ll be game shooting mostly during the winter so make sure your coat is warm and waterproof. When buying a shooting jacket, make sure you have enough movement to swing your gun. You’ll also want a jacket with deep pockets to keep some cartridges.

Bag

A cartridge bag is essential. Run out of cartridges and it’s game over.

Dress comfortably but correctly. We like this useful Tethera bag from Cumbrian designer Monty Lewis.

Breeks/trousers

On a formal shoot, you should wear tweed breeks or trousers. At less formal shoots, you can wear moleskin trousers.

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Stocks/stockings with garter

Wear long socks with stockings, tied with garters to stop them falling. Two pairs of shooting socks will keep your feet warm in winter

Boots/wellies

The best bet is shooting boots with good ankle support, as this will suit you on uneven ground as well as flat earth.

Tweed jackets by Campbells of Beauly

Featured stockists above: Campbells of Beauly, Orvis, Purdey, Monty Lewis, Huntsman.

What to wear clayshooting

For clayshooting, there is no official etiquette on what to wear. However you’ll almost certainly enjoy your day on the clay ground moor if your clothes are smart and functional. Go for items that allow movement and take account of the weather conditions.

Ear protection

On the clay ground this is even more important as more shots are fired than in game shooting.Make sure your hearing protection has a comfortable fit that doesn’t impede gun mount, or bad habits will set in. Options include disposable ear plugs, high end digital headphones and moulded earplugs.

Eye protection

All clay shooters need to wear eye protection and a shooting school can provide this for you. There are a variety of tints available which help you pick to the clays – experiment to see which works best for you. If you wear glasses then consider prescription eye protection.

This shooter looks great on the clay ground with his hat, ear and eye protection, shirt and shooting vest

Shirt or T-shirt

This depends on the weather. Most clay shooting happens in the summer season, but unlike game shooting, there’s often a lot less physical exercise. You also have the luxury of not needing to carry your clothing with you, as you would in the shooting field, so wearing several light breathable layers that can be discarded when needed is a good idea.

Shooting vest

A well fitted shooting vest is essential as this will aid gun fit and gun mount.

Gun

If you are attending a clay shoot you will be expected to bring your own gun. If you are attending a clay shooting lesson, the school will be able to provide you with a gun and ensure the gun fit is right for you. If attending a clay shoot, always return your gun to its slip between stands while waiting to shoot.

Comfortable footwear

This is a judgement call based on the weather. Wellies will be fine in the wet. In dry weather, trainers or walking boots or some other comfortable footwear will suffice.

Waterproof sports holdall

This is not essential when having a clay lesson but during a clay shoot you will need one for carrying cartridges, chokes and a cloth to keep your hands clean and a snack to keep your concentration levels up. This is also handy for storing extra kit if you have to remove a layer in the heat. We like the Tethera bag featured above.

This girl’s waterproof jacket is perfect for the clay ground as it doesn’t restrict her movements

Waterproof jacket

Ideally overcoats should be removed before shooting if it’s comfortable to do so as this will affect gun fit. If you intend to shoot with it on during the rain, ensure when you buy it there is no restriction of movement.