In archery, your clothing is part of a clean shot: nothing should touch the string and nothing should flap around your bow arm. Women archers have a few questions of their own: how does the chest guard sit, which cut works with narrower shoulders, and how do you stay warm on a 3D course without restricting your draw? This guide answers the key questions and shows which pieces work for tournaments, field courses and training.
Why the cut matters for women archers
Women's models are narrower at the shoulders and upper body and closer-fitting at the waist. In archery this is more than a question of looks: a top that creases at the chest and bow arm can slow or deflect the string on release. A women's cut lies flatter where the string passes.
That is why most of our tops come with a dedicated women's cut, for example the women's PODIUM tournament polo, the women's HERO team jersey or the women's CAMPFIRE base layer. Some pieces, such as the MODULAR shell jacket and the base layer pants, are unisex.
Chest guard: what to wear underneath
Many women archers wear a chest guard. It keeps clothing flat against the body so the string doesn't catch. This only works if the top underneath fits closely:
- Close-fitting, not loose: a base layer or a close-fitting jersey lies flat under the chest guard. A loose T-shirt bunches up and creases.
- No pockets, zips or drawstrings on the bow side: anything that sits on top of the chest can brush the string.
- Raglan sleeves: without a shoulder seam nothing rubs at full draw, and the top stays in place.
Our jerseys and base layers have raglan sleeves and a low-set collar, so your drawing hand stays free at anchor.
What to wear: an overview
| Situation | What matters | Our picks for women |
|---|---|---|
| Tournaments, indoor and outdoor | neat look, close enough for the chest guard | PODIUM tournament polo, HERO or SKELETON team jersey |
| Cool days | warm first layer without creases | CAMPFIRE base layer, HERO or SKELETON team base layer |
| 3D and field courses | layers, weatherproof, freedom of movement | KOLIBRI jacket, MODULAR shell jacket, TRAIL and HIKE pants |
| Training and fitness | free shoulders, quick-drying | SPEED racerback top, CRUNCH shirt, SPRINT leggings |
Tournaments: polo or jersey
The PODIUM tournament polo is the classic choice for championships. The women's model comes in black/white, red/white and white. Check the tournament invitation beforehand: some organisers specify colours or club clothing.
For a sportier look, choose the HERO or SKELETON team jersey in the women's cut. They are light and stretchy and glide almost frictionlessly over a base layer. As a set with a matching base layer, get the HERO bundle or the SKELETON bundle. Between ends, the women's HERO team jacket or SKELETON team jacket keeps you warm.
Cool days and field courses: think in layers
Outdoors, layering works best: a close, warm first layer, light insulation if needed, and a layer against wind and rain on top.
- First layer: the women's CAMPFIRE base layer (260 g/m², 90% polyester, 10% elastane) keeps you warm, dries quickly and lies flat under the chest guard. Pair it with the CAMPFIRE base layer pants.
- Insulation: the women's KOLIBRI ultralight jacket is very light and has close-fitting, stretchy sleeves, so your bow arm stays free.
- Weather protection: the hood and sleeves of the MODULAR shell jacket are removable. As a vest it protects your torso without restricting your bow arm.
- Pants: the women's TRAIL outdoor pants are water-repellent and robust; the women's HIKE zip-off pants turn into shorts on warm days.
More on layering in our guide How to layer outdoor clothing for archery.
Training and fitness
For strength training, running or mobility work you don't need tournament clothing. The SPEED racerback top leaves your shoulders completely free, and the CRUNCH workout shirt dries quickly. Combine them with the SPRINT workout leggings or the BACKSPIN workout pants. After training, the CURL workout hoodie keeps you warm.
Finding the right size
- Measure, don't guess: measure your chest, waist and hips with a tape measure and compare them with our size chart. Sizes from other brands don't transfer.
- Base layers fit closely: they should feel like a second skin without squeezing. For the HERO team base layer we recommend one size smaller.
- Jerseys have an athletic fit: close enough for the chest guard, with room to move at full draw.
- Not sure? Send us the model and your measurements and we'll help before you order.
More tips in our guide Archery clothing size and fit.
Club clothing with a women's cut
If you are planning jerseys for your club, the design is available in a women's and a unisex cut, so the club jersey fits everyone on the team. How ordering works is explained in our guide How to plan an archery club jersey.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need special clothing as a woman archer? To start with, a close-fitting sports top is enough. What matters is that nothing flaps around your bow arm and chest. Dedicated archery clothing is worth it once you train regularly or shoot tournaments.
What should I wear under my chest guard? A close-fitting top without pockets or zips on the bow side, such as a base layer or a close-fitting jersey. Loose shirts crease under the chest guard.
Women's or unisex cut? The women's cut is narrower at the shoulders and upper body and lies flatter at the chest. If you prefer a straighter cut or have broader shoulders, unisex works too. Compare both size charts.
Which pants for a 3D course? Robust, water-repellent pants with freedom of movement, such as the women's TRAIL. On warm days, the HIKE zip-off pants are practical.
