What to Wear on a Roller Coaster

Knowing what to wear on a roller coaster can make or break your theme park experience. From comfortable clothing to secure shoes and weather-appropriate attire, dressing smart ensures you’re ready for hours of fun without distractions or safety concerns.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the perfect outfit for your day of thrills. Of course, you can also read about what not to wear to a theme park first.

What to Wear on Roller Coasters

Before checking your closet and deciding what to wear on roller coasters, check the park’s rules on attire. Some may even have ride specific dress codes involving clothing, shoes or accessories. It’s best to always know before you go and get caught out!

Once you’ve checked the park’s guidelines, now you’ve got to decide what to wear!

Choose Comfortable, All-Day Clothing

Theme parks often involve walking 15,000+ steps over eight or more hours. Go for clothing that won’t chafe or restrict movement. Breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials can keep you cool on warm days and prevent discomfort during long hours of activity.

Make sure your outfit also allows you to comfortably bend and sit in ride seats without restriction.

Dress for the Weather

Your outfit should match the forecast:

• Hot days: Light, breathable fabrics in lighter colors.
• Cold days: Layer up but ensure layers can be securely fastened.
• Rainy days: Consider a poncho or waterproof jacket. For added comfort on roller coasters, swim goggles can protect your eyes from raindrops at high speeds.

Avoid Bulky or Baggy Clothing

Bulky jackets or baggy pants can interfere with safety restraints, especially on roller coasters with tight harnesses. If you’re a larger person, streamlined clothing may be the key to ensuring the safety lights on restraints turn green rather than red.

If it’s colder out, consider thermal leggings and undershirts to help keep you warm while keeping down the bulk. This way you can wear a sweatshirt (or jumper as it’s called in the UK) instead of a jacket.

Wear Appropriate Shoes

While sandals may be comfortable, not all are roller-coaster-friendly. Avoid flip-flops or backless sandals that can easily come off. You wouldn’t want to lose your footwear or accidently hit someone below in the face!

So leave those flip flops and backless crocs at home and instead consider:

• Sneakers or closed-toe shoes for secure footing.
• Sturdy sandals with back straps if allowed by the park.

We have seen some theme parks allow guests to remove their shoes during their turn on a coaster. However, we don’t love this because while an evacuation is rare, it still could happen. Could you imagine trying to come off a steel roller coaster on an extremely hot day barefoot?

Mind Your Accessories

In the past, we’ve worn necklaces and lanyards while on roller coasters that have caused issues. They flap around in the rider’s face, in the face of the person on either side, or pull on the neck. If you’re going to wear them, make sure they’re long enough to securely put in your shirt. Otherwise, some tips would be:

• Hats and sunglasses: Store them in a locker, bag, or with a non-rider. If allowed, sit on your hat or securely hold your sunglasses during the ride.
• Jewelry: Tuck necklaces or lanyards into your shirt. Dangling items can get caught in restraints.
• Pockets: Pants or shorts with zippered or deep pockets are ideal for holding small items like phones or keys.

Consider Practical Bottoms

Your pants, shorts, or skirts should allow for easy movement and flexibility. For long dresses or skirts, ensure they don’t drag on the ground or risk getting tangled in seat belts or restraints.

Secure Your Hair

For those with long hair, avoid bulky clips or elaborate hairstyles. A simple hairband can prevent discomfort when your head presses against coaster seat backs.

We’ve actually broken a hair clip on a roller coaster before!

Additional Tips for What to Wear on a Roller Coaster

Before letting you go, here are a few additional considerations before you set out on your roller coaster park adventure:

• Pack Light: Use lockers or bags for loose articles to prevent losing anything mid-ride.
• Prepare for Changing Conditions: Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings or a small rain poncho for unexpected weather.
• Focus on Functionality Over Fashion: While looking good in photos is nice, safety and comfort should always come first.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for a Fun, Hassle-Free Day

Choosing what to wear on a roller coaster is about balancing comfort, safety, and practicality. By following these tips and preparing for weather, park rules, and ride conditions, you can focus on enjoying the thrills without worrying about your outfit. Whether you’re zipping through loops or plunging down steep drops, the right clothing can make all the difference in your roller-coaster experience.

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