What to Wear to Play Paintball

Many first time paintball players often ask us two questions: The first is “Does it hurt to get shot?” and the second is usually “What should I wear?” This blog post will look at the best attire for first time paintball players and attire players should purchase as they become more experienced.

What to Wear to Play Paintball

Long sleeve shirt and long pants
Sweatshirt, sweatpants, and multiple layers if weather permits
Dark or camouflage colors
Loose fitting attire that allows activity and movement
Clothing you don’t mind getting dirty
Athletic sneakers or combat boots
Bring a change of clothes

Ideal attire for a paintball game offers full coverage of arms and legs (some fields even prohibit shorts). While it may be counterintuitive to wear long sleeves and pants when you will be running and staying very active all day, even a thin layer of clothing will act as a protective barrier between skin and paint. This barrier is needed to keep paint off of skin (although it is completely non-toxic and harmless, it can be annoying to wash off) as well as to prevent severe welts.

Player in sweatpants and long sleeve shirt

The intensity of welts will decrease with every layer of clothing between bare skin and paintball, as well as a range of other factors. It is recommended to wear as many layers of clothing as weather will permit. Sweatshirts and sweatpants are excellent choices if it is chilly enough outside.

Another good reason to wear thick layers of clothing is strategy. Soft materials will actually cause paintballs to break less often because it absorbs much of the impact of the shot. When paint does not easily break on a player, this decreases their chances of getting shot out and increases the chances of winning.

Also consider dark or camouflage colored clothing to avoid easy detection. Older clothing or clothes that can get dirty are recommended. Most paint is washable, but you may be crawling in the dirt or mud and risk of staining is high. Make sure your wear something that loose fitting and allows for free movement.

Shoes should be comfortable and easy to run in. Athletic sneakers or combat boots are a great choice. Make sure you don’t mind getting them dirty, just in case.

Always bring a change of clothes for the ride home. If you wear multiple layers, you can simply strip off the outer layer of clothing for a clean outfit. Don’t forget a trash bag to transport your dirty clothing home.

Safety Gear to Wear During Paintball

Goggles (available for rent at paintball fields)
Hat or beanie
Gloves

Any paintball field, AC Paintball included, will provide goggle rentals. Goggles act as a safety mask to cover face and ears, and most will come with a visor to cover the forehead as well. A hat or beanie is optional, but a good idea to protect the the top and back of your head. Gloves are highly recommended for easier crawling and to prevent painful hand shots. Any type of gloves that allow full movement will be sufficient for new players.

Paintball Gear for Experienced Players

Battle dress uniform army fatigue pants (BDUs)
Army combat uniform (ACUs)
Paintball jersey
Paintball pants
Vest
Pod pack
Pod belt
Neck protector
Specialized goggles

You will probably want to invest in your own safety gear and specialized paintball clothing as you play more and more. Which items or articles of clothing you choose to wear is a personal preference. Many players pick and choose the pieces they find most beneficial to their game. Check out some of the most popular options below:

Player in military style BDUs

BDUs and ACUs: BDUs and ACUs are heavy duty military style clothing most often in traditional gray or green camouflage designs. The material is comfortable, durable, and blends in seamlessly with the environment. Tops often feature several pockets and pants offer reinforced knees.

Paintball Jersey: Paintball jerseys are specially designed for the game and can be customized with team name or colors. Speedball jerseys are made of lightweight, ventilated material that absorbs impact and promotes bounce. These are loose enough to fit over protective pads and often flaunt a vibrant pattern and colors. Woodsball jerseys, on the other hand, often come in more muted colors and camouflage patterns for easier blending with the environment. These feature cuffs at the wrist to keep out dirt and a more fitted style to be worn underneath a vest.

Paintball Pants: Paintball pants are dark colored or match the pattern of the paintball jersey. These are ideal because they come with built in knee padding for easier kneeling, crawling, and impact protection.

Player wearing a paintball jersey

Paintball Vest: Vests are ideal for woodsball players and offer built-in padding to absorb impact. Several pockets can hold anything players may need on the field such as radios, maps, squeegees, watch, water bottles or personal items such as wallets and keys.

Pod Packs: Pod packs are harnesses that carry pods which hold extra paintballs. Pod packs can be horizontal or vertical. Horizontal pod packs strap around the waist in a horizontal position. This is a very accessible pack as the pods are easy to reach and put back into place. However, these tend to stick out from the side increasing visibility and it can be difficult to lay down and roll quickly. Vertical pod packs are worn vertically along the waist. These are held closer to the body than horizontal packs, but it can be more difficult to put pods back in place.

Pod Belt Pouch: A pod belt pouch is a smaller alternative to a pod pack. It is a simple belt pouch that can hold between one and three pods. It is recommended if you don’t need to carry very much extra paint.

Goggles: Frequent paintball players will probably want to invest in their own mask. It may be the most important piece of gear because players are required to wear on on the field at all times to protect the eyes and face. Masks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Quality masks will provide anti-fog shields and comfort lining.