Editing Orienteering (section)

===Personal clothing===
IOF rule 21.1 is that the specification for clothing is delegated to the national organising body, and no specific clothing is required.<ref name=iof-rules2>{{cite web|url=http://www.orienteering.org/i3/index.php?/iof2006/document_library/rules_and_guidelines/foot_orienteering|title=IOF Foot-O Rules|access-date=2008-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614090613/http://www.orienteering.org/i3/index.php?%2Fiof2006%2Fdocument_library%2Frules_and_guidelines%2Ffoot_orienteering|archive-date=2008-06-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> Unique among English speaking countries, Ireland and the UK require legs to be covered. Rule 7.1.1 requires ''full body cover'': the torso and legs must be covered, <ref name=bof-rules>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/downloads/documents/2007Rules_Jan07.pdf|title=BOF Event Rules|access-date=2008-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704171146/http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/downloads/documents/2007Rules_Jan07.pdf|archive-date=2008-07-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> while organizer may allow shorts (e.g., in park or street orienteering).  In the United States, rule A.34.1 states that competitors are free to choose clothing that they are most comfortable in (full leg cover is ''not'' required), unless specifically stated in the meet announcement. In Australia, under the 2021 rules, 2.1.21, the choice of clothing is also left up to the competitor, and full leg cover is not required. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Australian Orienteering Rules|url=https://orienteering.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/OAFootCompetitionRules2021.pdf}}</ref> In Canada, no specific clothing is required, but participants are encouraged to wear clothing suitable for the weather, and hiking or running shoes. Similarly in New Zealand, there are no rules in force limiting orienteers to running only in full leg cover. 

The early competitors used standard athletic clothing, i.e., shorts and an athletic vest, which provided little protection for racing through [[undergrowth]]. Purpose-made lightweight [[nylon]] full-body suits were later adopted. The early ''O-suits'' were made in muted colours but modern suits are generally multi-coloured. Clubs often organise the bulk purchase of clothing, which are then made in the club colours with the club's name prominently displayed. Some competitors prefer [[Spandex|lycra]] [[tights]] or leggings. [[Gaiters]] are also often worn. Lightweight studded (and often cleated) orienteering shoes are commonly used.