What to Wear to Your First Archery Session: A Complete First-Timer’s Guide

What Should You Wear to an Archery Lesson?

If you’ve booked your first archery session at OnPoint Archery in Scarborough, you’re probably excited — and maybe a little nervous about the details. One of the most common questions we get from beginners, especially here in the GTA, is a surprisingly practical one: “What should I wear?”

The short answer: comfortable, close-fitting athletic clothes and flat, closed-toe shoes. But there’s more to it than that. Wearing the wrong outfit can actually affect your shooting — loose sleeves can catch the bowstring, dangly jewelry can distract your aim, and open-toed shoes are a safety risk. Here’s everything you need to know to dress right for your first session at Toronto’s largest indoor archery facility.

Why Clothing Matters in Archery

Archery is a precision sport where small details make a big difference. The bowstring travels at high speed along the inside of your forearm during every shot, and any loose fabric in its path can snag — ruining your release and potentially causing bruising. Close-fitting tops with snug sleeves are essential. Think yoga tops, fitted t-shirts, or athletic long-sleeves. Avoid anything with billowy sleeves, hoods with loose drawstrings, or chunky zippers positioned on the chest where the string passes.

At OnPoint Archery, our NCCP-certified coaches see this all the time: a beginner shows up in a baggy hoodie, and within two shots the drawstring is catching the bowstring. A quick outfit adjustment fixes it, but it’s better to arrive prepared. Good clothing choices let you focus on what matters — learning proper form and hitting the target.

The Perfect First-Session Outfit: A Checklist

Here’s exactly what we recommend for your first archery experience at OnPoint:

• Top: A fitted t-shirt, tank top, or athletic long-sleeve. The key is snug sleeves — no billowing fabric near the arms or chest. Avoid hoodie drawstrings and anything with bulky front zippers.
• Bottoms: Athletic leggings, yoga pants, joggers, or comfortable jeans. You’ll be standing for about an hour, so pick something you can move in comfortably. Avoid very short shorts or loose skirts — the bowstring passes close to your body on release.
• Shoes: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Flat sneakers, trainers, or any comfortable athletic shoe works perfectly. No sandals, flip-flops, heels, or wedges — both for safety and stable footing on the range floor at 40 Continental Place, Scarborough.
• Jewelry: Remove long necklaces, dangling earrings, and chunky bracelets before you shoot. The bowstring can snag these painfully. A simple watch, stud earrings, or a wedding ring are fine.
• Hair: If you have long hair, tie it back in a low ponytail or braid. Loose hair can get caught in the bowstring or drift into your line of sight during aiming.
• Glasses: If you wear glasses, they’re completely fine — our instructors will help you find a comfortable anchor point that works with your frames. Contacts work perfectly too.

What We Provide (So You Don’t Need to Buy Anything)

Good news for first-timers: you don’t need to purchase any special archery equipment. At OnPoint, your session includes everything:

• A recurve bow sized to your draw length and strength
• Arrows matched to your bow
• An arm guard to protect your forearm from string slap
• A finger tab or shooting glove to protect your drawing fingers
• A target set at beginner-friendly distances (typically 10 to 15 yards)

All you need to bring is yourself — dressed comfortably — and a willingness to learn. Our certified coaches handle the rest, walking you through stance, grip, draw, anchor, aim, and release in a structured, supportive session.

Seasonal Tips for Toronto and Scarborough Weather

Since OnPoint Archery is a fully climate-controlled indoor facility in Scarborough, you don’t need to dress for outdoor shooting conditions. But you’ll still want to plan for Toronto’s weather on your way to and from the range:

• Winter (November–March): Layer up for your commute — we’re at 40 Continental Place, just off Highway 401 near McCowan Road. The range stays warm and comfortable year-round, so you can shed your heavy coat, boots, and scarf once you arrive. A simple fitted long-sleeve or t-shirt underneath is perfect for shooting.
• Summer (June–September): Light athletic wear is ideal. You’ll be comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt. Just make sure your top fits close to the body — no overly loose tanks or muscle shirts that could interfere with the bowstring path.

What NOT to Wear: Common First-Timer Mistakes

Over years of coaching beginners in Scarborough, we’ve seen a few outfit choices that cause problems on the range. Avoid these:

• Open-toed shoes or sandals — safety comes first. Dropped arrows, bow stands, and range equipment make closed-toe footwear non-negotiable.
• Baggy hoodies with dangling drawstrings — these are the number one culprit for bowstring interference.
• Dangly earrings or long pendants — they snag painfully and can break mid-shot.
• High heels, wedges, or platforms — unstable footing ruins your stance, and balance is fundamental to good archery form.
• Very short shorts or mini skirts — the bowstring travels within an inch or two of your body during release, and loose or minimal coverage increases the chance of string contact.

Ready to Shoot? Book Your First Session

Now that your wardrobe is sorted, the only thing left is to book your session at OnPoint Archery. We welcome complete beginners every day at Toronto’s largest indoor archery facility. No experience? No problem. Our NCCP-certified instructors coach you through every step — from stance to bullseye — in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Located at 40 Continental Place in Scarborough, we’re easy to reach from anywhere in the GTA. Whether you’re coming from downtown Toronto, Markham, Pickering, or North York, we’re just minutes from Highway 401. Still have questions? Check our FAQ page or give us a call — we’re happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a dress, skirt, or loose clothing to archery?

We recommend against it. The bowstring travels close to your body during each release, and loose or flowing fabric can snag, interfering with your shot and potentially causing discomfort. Fitted leggings, joggers, or jeans are a much safer and more practical choice for your first session.

Do I need to buy special archery shoes?

Not at all. Any flat, closed-toe athletic shoe or sneaker works perfectly. The priority is stable footing and foot protection. Since our Scarborough range has a flat indoor surface, the same trainers you’d wear to the gym are ideal. No need for specialized footwear.

Will the bowstring hurt my arm if I wear short sleeves?

We provide arm guards to all beginners, which protect your forearm from the bowstring. Proper form — which our instructors teach in your very first session — also minimizes or eliminates string contact. Most beginners shoot comfortably for a full hour with no issues. If you’re concerned, a lightweight long-sleeve adds an extra layer of peace of mind.

What if I wear prescription glasses? Will they interfere with aiming?

Glasses are no problem in archery. Our coaches will help you find a comfortable anchor point (where your drawing hand rests against your face) that works around your frames. Many competitive archers — including Olympians — shoot with glasses. Contact lenses work perfectly as well, and some archers prefer them for a slightly wider field of view.