Skip to Content

The Perfect Apple Picking Outfit

With fall approaching, it’s almost time for one of the best seasonal activities of the year: apple picking at your local orchard!

Two young women posing with apples in an orchard. Apple picking outfits can be comfortable as well as stylish.

Make sure nothing gets in the way of a fun adventure outside by wearing a great apple picking outfit. You can also get creative with fall fashion to really get into the spirit of the season.

Use this guide to get tips on how to decide what to wear, and even check out some examples of what to wear apple picking for some fall inspiration.


Apple Picking Outfit Ideas

If you need a little help with what to wear apple picking, check out these examples to get you started. We’ve pulled together four different styles with outfits for women and men.

Casual

Women’s

Sweater weather is a favorite for many. This warm fleece sweater is super soft and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

REI Co-op New Route Fleece Pullover – Women’s | REI Co-op

Pair it with a comfortable pair of jeans with a relaxed fit that are also sure to become a staple in your closet. Finish the outfit off with a cute pair of shoes you can wear just about anywhere.

Men’s

For the guys, check out this classic Henley sweater that comes in four different colors to fit any aesthetic.

Patagonia Better Sweater Henley Pullover – Men’s regularly $119.00 on sale $82.73

Jeans never go out of style, and this pair comes in two denim washes. Slip on shoes complete the overall look.


Fun and Comfortable

Women’s

This ready-for-anything jumpsuit is super comfy, cute, and comes in two colors.

REI Co-op Beyonder Jumpsuit – Women’s | REI Co-op

Grab your favorite zip hoodie in case you get cold, then step into a pair of sandals that will keep you on your feet as long as you need.

Men’s

If you’re active and you like to be able to move, you’ll want an apple picking outfit that can keep up.

This t-shirt comes in two colors to match your style and looks great with a pair of stretchy yoga pants. Tough and rugged sandals can go anywhere you go.

prAna Bear Squeeze Journeyman 2 T-Shirt – Men’s regularly $35.00 on sale $26.73

For All Your Adventures

Women’s

If apple picking is a more relaxing day for you, put on an outfit that will be practical on more challenging outings and hikes.

This classic flannel comes in nine colors for a functional option to match any wardrobe. 

REI Co-op Wallace Lake Flannel Shirt – Women’s | REI Co-op

Hiking pants are super durable and have two colors to choose from. Pull on a pair of breathable boots you’ll have for years to come, complete with fond memories of apple picking.

Men’s

Guys, here’s a flannel you’ll love that comes in two colors. Slip into a pair of versatile hiking pants with your choice of three colors.

Outdoor Research Feedback Flannel Shirt – Men’s regularly $90.00 on sale $67.73

Get yourself where you need to go in any terrain with this pair of hiking boots, and you’re good to go!


Smile for the Camera

Women’s

If you’re going to a place as photo-ready as an apple orchard, you might as well snap some fun pictures!

This dress has the perfect pattern and colors for fall. Throw on a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes and step into a pair of crisp white shoes for an insta-worthy look.

prAna Ayla Dress | REI Co-op

Men’s

Keep it casual but stylish in this short sleeve button-down that will look great with an orchard for a backdrop.

Vuori Bridge Button-Down Shirt – Men’s | REI Co-op

These pants come in a few different colors to match anything, like a pair of wear-anywhere sneakers.


Things to Keep in Mind

As with any physical or outdoor activity, your first consideration should always be practicality. Apple picking isn’t particularly strenuous, but you will be outside, walking around and carrying apples as you go. Choosing what to wear to an apple orchard can mean the difference between having a great day and a not-so-great day!

Think about where you live (or where you’re visiting) and what the weather is generally like so you have an idea of how warm you should dress for the day.

The shoes you pair with your apple picking outfit are just as important as the clothes. Apple orchards can be hilly, uneven, or rocky, so your footwear should be able to handle moderately rough ground.

Finally, get festive! Fall fashion allows for lots of creativity with colors, prints, and textures. Your apple picking outfit can be practical and stylish. Don’t forget to snap some photos!

Two women posing for an apple orchard photo.

What to Avoid

The flip side of a sensible apple picking outfit is that there are definitely some things you’ll want to steer clear of.

Probably the most obvious is shoes. Leave the heels and overly dressy kicks at home. The last thing you want while you’re out apple picking is to twist your ankle in a pair of pumps or get your fanciest shoes dirty.

When it comes to how to dress for apple picking, uncomfortable or restrictive clothing is only going to put a damper on your otherwise fun day. You can still be creative and wear a wide range of clothes, but nothing should interfere with your ability to walk, reach, and move around easily.

Dress for the weather and think about the time of year so you don’t end up with way too many layers if it’s a warm sunny day or not nearly enough coverage for cooler temperatures with a fall breeze.

Be thoughtful about the materials you wear; more delicate cloth might snag on a tree branch as you pass by or reach for a perfect juicy apple. Something more durable is probably a better choice.

Weather and Layers

Always check the weather forecast before you put on your chosen apple picking outfit; while you might know what typical weather is where you are, fall is a time of year that can have unusually warm or cool days.

A woman holding apples in her sweater.

It’s also a good idea to bring an extra layer along just in case it gets chilly or buggy. If bugs are a real problem in your area, you can even find clothes treated with bug repellant so you don’t have to worry about them at all.

If the weather is warm, you can definitely get away with wearing sandals. Just be sure to go with more comfortable, substantial sandals so you can still get around the orchard comfortably.

Be Prepared

In addition to checking the weather, see what you can find out about the apple orchard you’re going to.

Is the ground flat and soft with wide spaces between trees, giving you a broader range of clothes and shoes to choose from?

Or is it rocky with lots of little hills and trees that are closer together? In that case, you might opt for an apple picking outfit with boots, jeans, and a flannel so you can navigate easily and won’t get any tears in your clothes.


Fall Fashion

With some practical guidelines in place, now comes the fun part!

Get into the fall spirit as much as you want. There are so many great colors to choose from, like orange, maroon, green, and brown.

Prints are a fun way to express yourself any of time of year. One fall classic you really can’t go wrong with is flannel, which comes in tons of different colors and weights.

A man holding a bushel basket of apples.

If skirts, dresses, and jumpsuits are more your thing, go for it! You can add tights if it’s a little on the cooler side and make a dressier outfit.

Tops

You have so many options for shirts to choose from. Long sleeves and flannel or plaid will work in most situations, or you can bring a hoodie for a little extra layering.

If it’s a bit breezy for you, try a windbreaker over whatever shirt you choose.

Pants

Comfortable pants come in many forms. Jeans are a great go-to, or you can pick a pair of joggers or leggings. Bonus points for anything with good pockets for the convenience factor!

Shoes

Footwear is super important when you’re out on your feet. An easy choice is sneakers or boots, but if the terrain and weather allow for it you could also go with sandals or flats. Just make sure they’re comfortable to walk in.

Don’t Forget the Kiddos

Two small children in an apple orchard.

You’ll want to apply these same guidelines to kids’ outfits that you select for children visiting the apple orchard with you. Durabilty, comfort, and ease of washing are key things to keep in mind!


Throw On Your New Apple Picking Outfit!

Don’t let your clothing put a damper on your trip — think about what to wear apple picking ahead of time so you’re comfortable and look good!

Now that you know how to put together a great apple picking outfit, you just need to plan a trip to an orchard! We have a Best Apple Orchards series that will help you find apple orchards and farms near you for a day of apple picking.