Start with the basics: wear clothing you can move in
Choose clothes that let you bend, reach and twist without feeling restricted. A session can involve lifting, swinging and stepping around broken material, so it is better to wear something simple and practical than anything tight, long or delicate.
Lightweight T-shirts, long-sleeve tops and comfortable pants are usually a good choice. If you are coming after work from Stellenbosch, Paarl or Bellville, it helps to bring a change of clothes rather than turning up in something you would rather not get dusty or marked.
Closed shoes are not optional
Closed shoes are essential. They protect your feet from loose fragments on the floor and give you better grip while moving around the room. Sandals, slip-ons and open shoes are not suitable for this kind of activity.
Good trainers or sturdy casual shoes work well, as long as they fit properly and stay secure on your feet. If you are driving in from Somerset West or the northern suburbs, check your shoes before you leave, because a loose sole or open heel can make the session uncomfortable.
- Choose shoes with a firm sole
- Avoid anything open at the front or back
- Make sure the fit is secure, not loose
- Skip heels, sandals and soft slip-ons
What the safety gear covers, and why it matters
Before any session, participants are usually provided with safety gear such as a helmet, face shield, gloves and overalls. This helps protect the head, eyes, hands and clothing while you are inside the room. The briefing before the session is there to explain how to use the gear properly and how to handle tools safely.
Wearing this gear properly is part of the experience. It is not just about looking prepared, it helps keep the session controlled from start to finish. If you wear long hair, tie it back before you put on the helmet and face shield so nothing gets in the way.
Dress for the room, not for the photo
People sometimes arrive thinking they should wear something dramatic for the occasion, but practical clothing is the better choice. You do not need jewellery, scarves or anything that can snag, fall off or interfere with your movement. Keep the outfit simple and you will have less to think about once the briefing starts.
- Leave loose jewellery at home
- Avoid long scarves, belts with dangling ends and oversized accessories
- Choose tops with sleeves if you want a bit more coverage
- Wear clothing that can handle dust, marks or a bit of wear
If you are booking a group session in Cape Town or one of the surrounding areas, it is worth reminding everyone beforehand so no one arrives dressed for a dinner out rather than a smash session.
Bring layers if the weather turns cold or wet
Cape Town weather can shift quickly, especially when a coastal wind picks up in Woodstock or Observatory. On cooler days, bring a light jacket or hoodie that is easy to remove before the session starts. For winter bookings, it is also wise to plan for wet roads and damp conditions on the way in.
If you are travelling from further out, keep a spare top in the car. That can be useful after a session, especially if you want to head on to lunch, a team outing or an event nearby without staying in your gear. A dry layer also helps if you are coming from the coast and the sea air has made everything feel a bit damp.
If you are booking for a group, keep the dress code simple
For team events, birthdays, student groups and staff socials, the easiest approach is to tell everyone to come in comfortable clothes and closed shoes. That avoids delays at arrival and keeps the briefing moving. It also helps when the group includes people coming from different parts of the Western Cape with different ideas of what to wear.
A simple reminder message is usually enough. Tell the group to avoid heels, flip-flops, skirts that limit movement and anything they would not want to get dusty. If you are arranging a launch event, content shoot or mobile event, it is worth checking the dress code with the coordinator in advance so the whole group arrives ready.
- Comfortable clothing
- Closed shoes only
- No loose accessories
- Hair tied back if needed
