The uniform of the fly fisherman, or angler, is difficult to mistake. It consists of two main components: hip boots and a fishing vest. Both components are designed to meet the needs specific to the sport of fly fishing; namely, to prevent the fisherman from getting wet, to keep him warm and to allow him to store and access all the various pieces of equipment he may need.

Hip boots are colloquially called waders. They are specifically intended to be used by fishermen standing in rivers. Made out of rubber, PVE, neoprene or Gore-Tex, waders completely cover the legs to the tops of the thighs or all the way up to the waist. These items of clothing are available with integrated boots, but they may also have stocking feet that can be worn inside separate footwear. Waders are designed to protect the fisherman from the water while permitting him to wade out into deeper waters in hopes of getting a bigger catch. They also help to keep the feet and legs warm in autumn and winter.

The characteristics of waders are such that they are useful not only to fishermen, but to anyone needed to spend time standing in bodies of water. These garments are used by many environmentalists and scientists who need to stand in swamps or lakes to determine the quality of water. Waders are often used by civilians and emergency personnel during flooding situations. In some parts of the world, people use these items of clothing as everyday urban rain protection. Such usage is especially common in Japan and Russia. Waders are even used by pastors during full immersion baptisms.

A vest is defined as a sleeveless garment for the upper body usually worn over a shirt. A fishing vest certainly meets this definition, but this particular garment is characterized by multiple small pockets that practically cover the vest's surface area. When fly fishing, a fisherman needs to carry and use multiple fishing flies and fishing-related tools. While these items can be carried to the river in a fishing box, it is not feasible to take such a box into the middle of the river, which is where a fly fisherman stands while exercising his craft. Therefore, he needs a garment capable of storing numerous fishing flies, and the pockets of the fishing vest allow him to do precisely that. Most pockets on fishing vests can be securely closed, usually with Velcro or zippers, in order to prevent the fisherman from losing any supplies.

While most fishing vests come in solid colors, usually khaki, some are made of material with camouflage patterns. While it may seem silly for a fisherman to use camouflage, there is actually some proof that it is effective in fooling fish. After all, a six foot individual wearing solid colors is far more visible than one whose clothing blends into the background. Camouflage fishing vests are increasing in popularity because they allow the fisherman to appear to be part of the surroundings. Top manufacturers of fishing vests include Columbia, Filson, Fishpond, Simms, Williams and Cabelas.