Why ISSF Changed Rifle Shooting Jacket & Trouser Rules for 2025: Restoring Fairness and Skill to the Sport

A New Era in Rifle Shooting: The 2025 Rule Change

The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has introduced sweeping changes to the design and specifications of rifle shooting jackets, trousers, and footwear — effective from January 2026.

These changes mark one of the most significant shifts in the technical regulations of rifle shooting in recent years, aimed at restoring the balance between technology and talent in the sport.

Why the ISSF Decided to Change the Rules

1. Equipment Was Doing Too Much of the Work

Over the years, rifle shooting gear — especially jackets and trousers — became increasingly stiff and supportive. Double-layered canvas, synthetic reinforcements, and ultra-rigid designs started providing mechanical advantages far beyond their original purpose.

As a result, the gear itself was contributing excessively to body stability and rifle control, reducing the influence of an athlete’s core strength, balance, and technique. ISSF officials termed this phenomenon “technical doping” — where equipment performance overshadowed shooter skill.

The new regulations aim to bring the sport back to its roots: the shooter’s ability should decide the score, not the stiffness of the jacket.

2. Restoring Fairness and Accessibility

The cost of high-end rifle clothing had reached a level where many promising athletes, especially from developing nations, struggled to compete on equal footing.

The ISSF acknowledged that the growing gap between top shooters with expensive gear and those with modest budgets was limiting inclusivity and fairness.

By simplifying material requirements — particularly by limiting double-layer zones and tightening stiffness tolerances — the Federation hopes to make competitive shooting more affordable and accessible worldwide.

3. Improving the Image and Comfort of the Sport

The visual and physical stiffness of shooting jackets and trousers also became a concern.Athletes often appeared restricted, unable to move naturally, which detracted from the modern, dynamic image the ISSF wants to present on the world stage.

From an ergonomic standpoint, excessively rigid clothing was causing discomfort and even postural strain for some shooters.The new rules encourage more natural body movement, a better spectator experience, and improved athlete health.

What Exactly Has Changed

Jacket Regulations

• Double-layer material is now allowed only in the shoulder and sleeve areas to maintain necessary rifle support.

• The rest of the jacket must be single-layer canvas.

• Stiffness tests are more stringent: single-layer areas must flex by at least 3.0 mm within 15 seconds, ensuring the jacket is flexible enough to allow movement.

• Button overlap increased from 70 mm to 80 mm, preventing excessive chest compression.

  
  

Trouser Regulations

• Double-layer canvas is permitted only in the lower back and hip region for support; the legs must remain single-layer.

• Stiffness standards mirror those of the jackets.

  
  

Footwear Regulations

• High-ankle rifle boots that restrict movement will no longer be permitted.

• Athletes must use low-cut or pistol-style shoes, allowing natural stance and foot flexibility.

  
  

The Bigger Picture: Skill Over Suit

This rule update is not merely about uniforms — it’s about philosophy. By limiting how much equipment can assist a shooter, the ISSF is reaffirming that rifle shooting is a sport of precision, balance, and control — not mechanical advantage.

Coaches and athletes now need to refocus on:

• Core stability training

• Posture and balance conditioning

• Breathing and trigger control

  
  

As one international coach aptly summarized:

“We are going back to real shooting — where the jacket supports you, but doesn’t shoot for you.”

Impact on Shooters and Manufacturers

For Shooters

• Athletes will need to test whether their current clothing complies with the new rules.

• Some may need new jackets and trousers, while others might simply modify existing ones to meet the new stiffness tests.

• Training regimes must adapt — reduced rigidity will initially make holding positions harder, but over time, this will strengthen skill and consistency.

  
  

For Manufacturers

• The change opens a new wave of innovation.

• Brands that quickly adopt ISSF-2026 compliant materials and designs will capture global demand.

• Manufacturers must clearly label compliant gear and educate buyers — transparency and testing certification will become key marketing differentiators.

  
  

What This Means for India

For India, one of the fastest-growing rifle shooting markets, these rules represent both a challenge and an opportunity.

• Challenge: Many Indian shooters currently rely on older double-layer jackets that may no longer pass inspection.

With proper awareness campaigns, upgrade programs, and athlete education, India can emerge as a hub for compliant, high-performance rifle gear with new companies like TAP Sports emerging in the market

The Road Ahead

The ISSF will begin enforcing the new clothing standards from 1 January 2026, with a transition period extending through 2028.A further review is planned for 2029, potentially tightening specifications even more.

Athletes, coaches, and equipment makers have a full season to adapt — and those who prepare early will have a clear advantage.

At its heart, this rule change is a reset button: bringing rifle shooting back to where it belongs — in the hands of skill, not stiffness.

Conclusion

The 2025 ISSF rifle clothing rule change represents a positive evolution for the sport.It aligns shooting with Olympic ideals of fairness, accessibility, and athlete skill.

For the shooting community, it’s time to adapt, innovate, and embrace this new chapter — where the steadiness of your hand, not the stiffness of your jacket, defines your success.