6 Things You Should Always Wear to the Gun Range

If you’re serious about becoming a safe and competent shooter, you need to prepare before you even step into the lane. Knowing what to wear to the gun range is just as important as bringing the right firearm and ammunition. Proper range clothing and safety gear not only protect you from hot brass and loud gunfire, but also keep you comfortable so you can focus on building skill.

Many new shooters arrive in casual clothing and quickly learn how unforgiving the range environment can be. Sparks, heat, lead exposure, and constant gunfire require a wardrobe that balances protection, comfort, and practicality. 

Here are six essentials that every shooter — and especially new concealed carriers — should wear to the range.

1. A Hat with a Firm Brim

A simple baseball cap or range cap does more than shield you from the sun. The brim protects your face from hot brass, which can eject unpredictably from semi-automatic pistols. Without a hat, you risk having a casing drop between your glasses and your face — something every shooter wants to avoid.

At outdoor ranges, a hat also reduces glare and helps maintain focus on the front sight. Indoor shooters benefit too, as it adds one more layer of defense against ricocheting brass from the shooter next to them. A sturdy brimmed cap is a small accessory that makes a big difference in safety and comfort.

2. Ballistic-Rated Eye Protection

Eye protection is non-negotiable. Every time you shoot, brass ejects at high speed, and unburnt powder or metal fragments can ricochet toward your face. At outdoor ranges, wind can blow dust and debris into your eyes, and at indoor ranges the confined environment amplifies risks.

The best shooting glasses meet ANSI Z87.1 ballistic standards. These lenses withstand high-velocity impacts far beyond what normal sunglasses can handle. Some models also enhance contrast, making it easier to distinguish your front sight and target against the background.

Even at home, wear protective glasses when cleaning your firearm. Springs can slip, cleaning rods can snap, and solvents can splash unexpectedly. Your eyes are irreplaceable — protect them every time you handle a gun.

3. Ear Protection That Actually Works

A single gunshot can exceed 160 decibels, well above the threshold for instant and permanent hearing damage. Ear ringing after a range session is not a minor inconvenience — it’s a sign of hearing loss that won’t return. That’s why proper ear protection is critical.

Passive options like earmuffs or foam plugs reduce sound levels by up to 30–40 decibels. For the best protection, many shooters combine plugs and muffs. Active electronic hearing protection goes further, dampening dangerous decibels while still allowing you to hear range commands and conversation.

If you plan on shooting regularly, invest in quality active earmuffs. They make training safer, more enjoyable, and more effective because you won’t struggle to hear your instructor or spotter.

4. Long Pants and a Long-Sleeve Shirt

At first glance, a tank top and shorts may seem comfortable for a summer range trip, but exposed skin invites trouble. Hot brass burns are one of the most common injuries on the firing line. Casings bounce unpredictably and can land on your arms, chest, or legs, leaving painful welts or worse.

Covered clothing also helps reduce lead exposure. Every round you fire deposits microscopic lead particles, especially indoors. Wearing long sleeves and pants minimizes the amount of skin that comes into direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

Choose breathable fabrics like cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat and allows heat to escape, keeping you cooler than synthetic fabrics that trap heat. Many companies now make range clothing for women designed to balance function and style, offering breathable long sleeves and pants with holster-compatible waistbands.

5. Closed-Toe, Supportive Shoes

Never step onto a range in sandals or flip-flops. Casings often land near your feet, and open shoes guarantee painful burns. Closed-toe footwear protects against falling brass, dropped magazines, and uneven ground at outdoor ranges.

The ideal range shoe offers stability and comfort. Sneakers, hiking shoes, or casual boots all work. Some women prefer heeled boots, which can be stylish and functional if they provide ankle support. Heavy-duty steel-toed boots are unnecessary unless you’re in an industrial training environment. Focus on footwear that lets you move confidently and protects your feet from stray brass and debris.

6. Your Everyday Concealed Carry Holster

Many new shooters leave their holster at home when heading to the range, but that’s a mistake. If you carry daily, you should train from the holster you actually use. The goal is to build muscle memory so your drawstroke in practice mirrors your drawstroke in a real defensive encounter.

Bring your IWB holster, OWB holster, or even your belly band or ankle holster if that’s your primary method of carry. Practice drawing safely, reholstering deliberately, and transitioning from concealment. Training this way builds confidence and reduces hesitation under stress.

The holster is not just an accessory. It’s part of your concealed carry system, and the range is the perfect place to verify that it works with your wardrobe, your firearm, and your skill level.

Final Thoughts

Dressing for the gun range is about safety and performance. A hat, ballistic-rated glasses, reliable ear protection, long sleeves, sturdy shoes, and your everyday holster together create a foundation for safe and effective practice.

The more comfortable and protected you feel, the more focus you’ll bring to your training. That focus translates directly into accuracy, confidence, and readiness. If your goal is to carry responsibly, start by preparing for every range session with the same care you’d bring to a real defensive encounter.

Carrying a firearm is a commitment. Dressing correctly for the range ensures you honor that commitment — every time you step up to the line.