Whether you’re headed out to the arena for an entire day of paintball or out to the woods for some real-time gameplay, what you wear is as important as your skills. Basically, you shouldn’t just wear the first thing you see in the wardrobe or wear anything that you wear every day and hit the field. Paintball is a hell of a lot of fun, but you don’t want to be an ill-prepared participant and have a bad day because you didn’t dress carefully. From head to toe, you need to carefully think about what should you wear to paintball. The best outfit for paintball not only includes proper and covered clothing for your upper and lower body, but also your hands, feet, neck, and most importantly, your head! What’s more, playing paintball can get messy, so don’t go wearing anything favorite lest your clothes permanently look like that!
While some players go the usual attire way and don a long-sleeved t-short and jeans, you might also want to go for cool camouflage clothing. Plus, there are so many other accessories that you need to choose before you step out onto that field. However, no matter what you decide to wear, there are some basic guidelines you need to follow, which we’ve listed in our handy guide. To that end, here are the 13 best outfit options for paintball
How To Choose What Should You Wear to Paintball Games?
Paintball involves more than just going for the Best Pump Paintball Guns or the Best Cheap Paintball Guns. Just like you carefully choose the Best Outfits For Horseback Riding or the Best Wetsuits For Kayaking, you need to do the same for paintball too. So, what gear do you need to go play this fun and vibrant game? Read on:
Head and face protection
One of the most important parts of the body you need to protect is your face and head, which largely depends on the outdoor location. For instance, helmets and masks provide maximum protection, as they are cover your face from the forehead to the chin, and from ear to ear. Not only do they stop a paintball, but also they comply with ASTM standards for eye protection. Masks, on the other hand, cover from the face to the mask, while some masks even cover your entire head.
If you want additional protection for the head, then wear a baseball cap backward, which will give your head additional protection. Also, you could consider wearing a bandana too, which is a headband that comes with attachments for further protecting your head from injuries.
Upper and lower body gear
As a thumb rule, go for long-sleeved upper clothing when choosing paintball clothes, such as a long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt. Also, you’ll need to wear something on top of that, such as a dark-colored jacket or sweatshirt for padding as well as for change of weather. Finally, we highly recommend that you wear loose clothing to avoid experiencing a stinging sensation in case you’re shot by your opponents.
During paintball, your legs are exposed to a whole lot of different elements such as twigs, thorns, dirt, and rocks, which might even end up causing minor injuries to your knees and legs. What’s more, you might even have to kneel, crawl, etc., while paintballing, thus exposing your lower body to scratches, hits, and bruises. So, go for dark-colored long pants such as jeans, cargo pants, sweatpants, etc. A great option is to go for jumpsuits.
Hands and feet
The hands are perhaps the most vulnerable part of the body and prone to being shot since you rely on them to point the gun and shoot your opponents. Thus, you need to invest in high-quality hand gloves to protect your hands from an attack by your opponents’. Some of the best hand gloves on the market for paintballing, besides paintball-specific ones, are fingerless weight-lifting ones, gold football ones, and gardening ones. Also, avoid winter gloves, welding gloves, and latex gloves, as they’re cumbersome for trigger sensitivity and too thick and difficult.
When it comes to your feet, consider what kind of shoes you’d wear depending on whether you’re playing speedball or woodsball. If you intend to play scenario paintball or woodsball, then go for shoes with adequate tread and ankle support such as running shoes, hiking boots, and trail runners. If you’re going to be playing speedball, then you could wear cleats, but avoid ones that come with metal spikes. Also, it goes without saying that avoid open-toe sandals.
What are some important dos and don’ts for choosing what should you wear to paintball?
- Don’t go for thin shirts and pants: Stick to thick shirts and pants as they considerably absorb the energy generated when a paintball that’s traveling at a high velocity strikes your body. One idea is to add multiple layers to minimize the impact of the paintballs. Moreover, they’ll increase space between the clothing layer and the skin.
- Wear additional protection if required: If you have a lower pain threshold, then we’d suggest going with maximum gear to minimize the pain. So, we recommend getting chest and neck protectors, elbow pads, and knee pads.
- Don’t leave any part of the skin exposed: No matter whether you’re playing with friends or with a serious set of opponents, don’t leave any part of your skin exposed as paintballs can hurt really bad if they come into contact with the skin. In fact, they leave welts and pain a lot, so make sure that doesn’t happen.
Paintball Equipment Tactical BDU Shirt Emerson G3 Combat Shirt
13
What should you wear to paintball when it comes to the upper body? This fantastic Paintball Equipment Tactical BDU Shirt Emerson G3 Combat Shirt is what you need. The Gen3 tactical shirt is made from high-quality cotton and nylon material, making it comfortable to wear in all seasons. So, even if it’s humid, this shirt isn’t going to make you uncomfortable. What’s more, more, it even has a 65 percent polyester-Teflon and 35 percent cotton coating that ensures that the paintball doesn’t strike too hard and dries up quickly too. Available in sizes Small through XX-Large, you can go in for any size that feels comfortable. If your size is between sizes, then order a size up. It might be slightly short, so it might not be the best option for very tall men.
Pros:
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Features a mixed coating.
- Comfortable and moisture-wicking.
Cons:
- Expensive.
IDOGEAR GL Tactical Pants Multicam Combat Pants
12
Available in two colors, camo, and a darker black-blue camo, this IDOGEAR GL Tactical Pants Multicam Combat Pants is one of the best outfit for paintball options. Armed with a high-quality YKK zipper closure, these pants are made from 50 percent polyester and four-way-stretch woven accents. Thus, they’re stretchable, water-resistant, and resistant to rips and tears as well. The low-profile adjustable system at the waist allows for adjustment from both side, and the pant has six different-sized pockets with large carrying capacities and hoop-and-loop covers. Available in multiple sizes, these pants are comfortable, breathable, and lightweight, and even comes with a service and a 45-day money-back guarantee!
Pros:
- Durable YKK zipper.
- Large pockets.
- Comes in multiple sizes.
Cons:
- The sizing is slightly off.
HK Army Paintball 2014 Pro Gloves
11
The HK Army Paintball 2014 Pro Gloves is what should you wear to paintball for protecting your hands. Available in a combination of black with four different colors, the ambidextrous pair of gloves are available in four sizes from Small to X-Large. They boast a hook-and-loop closure with low-profile velcro, thus ensuring that they don’t loosen up in the middle of rigorous gameplay and making for an easy release at the same time too. The palm area is made from thermoformed neoprene and silicone screen-printed palm offers both grip and protection. The TPR logos blend in very nicely into the design, standing out at the same time. All in all, the gloves are both protective and lightweight, making them perfect for a fun-filled game of paintball.
Pros:
- Well-designed and ambidextrous.
- Neoprene and silicone palm offers both protection and grip.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Some users reported that the stitching gets caught in the velcro.
Adidas Hybrid Pro Men’s Boxing Groin Guard
10
Men, this one’s a rather important part of your best outfit for paintball – the Adidas Hybrid Pro Men’s Boxing Groin Guard. Available in both black and white, this guard is made from FLX 3.0 Maya PU, complete with a multi-layered and high-density EVA foam padding. The anatomical, shatter-resistant plastic cup provides unrestricted mobility while you play paintball while offering oodles of protection. What’s more, the padding is a high-quality one, allowing for stability and ease of movement. Adding to the comfort are the adjustable straps and the velcro strap closure, which make it easy for adjusting the protector according to your preference and comfort.
Pros:
- Anatomically designed groin cup.
- Velcro strap closure and adjustable straps.
- Shatter-resistant.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Virtue VIO Ascend AF Paintball Masks/Goggles with Anti-Fog Lens
9
If you’re wondering what should you wear to paintball for protecting your head and face, then it’s the Virtue VIO Ascend AF Paintball Masks/Goggles with Anti-Fog Lens. The well-designed mask-goggles boasts a single pane anti-fog lens with 100 percent UV protection for distortion-free visibility and a massive peripheral field of view. A removable dual layer of eye foam sits beneath the mask, which is lightweight, comfortable, and protective. The efficient single-piece design offers rigid and non-flexible face protection and increased coverage during gameplay. Moreover, the mask is breathable as well, allowing for maximum airflow even during the most intense of games. Finally, the mask is compatible with replacement foam, lenses, straps, and all VIO line visors.
Pros:
- Compatible with all sorts of mask accessories.
- Protective, comfortable, and lightweight.
- Offers a wide field of view perfect for paintball.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that the liner starts to peel off after a while.
OneTigris Padded Patrol Belt
8
The OneTigris Padded Patrol Belt is perhaps one of the best outfit for paintball options and also one of the most useful. Available in three colors and two sizes, the heavy-duty belt is made from 1000D nylon, making it as robust and durable as they get. What’s more, it’s comfortable and breathable at the same time, thanks to the soft padding strap that’s also removable. The best part about this belt is that it features three rows of webbing straps for add-on gears that you’ll require during paintball such as cans of CO2, extra feeds and pellets, and more. At the same time, it features a quick-release buckle for easy access that’s highly useful too. One tip: Remove the buckled strap from the panel for adjusting the waist size.
Pros:
- Available in three colors and two sizes.
- Comfortable and breathable.
- Lots of space for additional paintball accessories.
- Quick-release buckle.
Cons:
- Adjustment is slightly difficult as the velcro is off.
Exalt Paintball FreeFlex Knee Pads
7
One of the things that you should wear to paintball is knee pads, and there are no better knee pads than the Exalt Paintball FreeFlex Knee Pads. Some pants come with them sewn right into the design, but if you don’t find those, then these are your best bet. The well-designed pass-through retention strap prevents sliding and twisting during the game and keeps the pad in place Moreover, the absorptive and dense molded padding protects your knees against impacts, while the integrated memory foam knee cup molds to your anatomy for immense levels of comfort. What’s more, the retention strap is both rotatable and removable, and the velcro strap adjustment won’t inflame or irritate the skin. The best part? The adjustment system sits well-concealed behind the pad, which means no accidental detachment or loosening.
Pros:
- Comes in four sizes and two colors.
- Very comfortable and well-designed.
- The retention strap is removable and rotatable.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Won’t fit underneath slim-fit jeans.
JFFCESTORE Skull Full Mask and Fast Tactical Helmet
6
Besides a mask, what you also need to protect your head is a helmet, like this JFFCESTORE Skull Full Mask and Fast Tactical Helmet. One of the best outfit for paintball options for safety, this high-quality and durable helmet comes with 9 pieces of self-adjusting EVA inner padding, make your entire playing time very comfortable. The adjustable suspender straps and neck/chin pad allow for customization of fit, no matter your head size. Moreover, they can be adjusted with a single hand! What’s more, the helmet even comes with hook and loop panels for mounting headset holders, signal recognition lights, survival lights, or mounting flashlights. The best part? This helmet is very versatile and comes with a skull-full polycarbonate mask.
Pros:
- Keeps your head safe and protected.
- One size fits all.
- Adjustable straps and chin/neck pad.
- Hook and loop panels for extra accessories.
Cons:
- Some users with slightly larger heads said that the mask is tight.
HARGLESMAN Tactical Boots
5
Next, we will talk about shoes, since running around the paintball field in your favorite sneakers might not be a good idea. That’s why we recommend the HARGLESMAN Tactical Boots, which come in as many as five colors and a whopping eight sizes, which means that they’ll suit everyone’s shoe sizes and sensibilities. Designed with a rubber sole, these amazing boots feature a breathable and moisture-wicking lining that keeps your feet dry. That combined with a quick fasten-up buckle makes these very convenient ankle boots for wearing during paintball. On the outside, the suede leather boasts an anti-impact design, protecting your feet against the speed of paintball pellets. Moreover, the tongue prevents dirt, sand, pebbles, and other debris from entering your shoes. Rounding up the features is the removable insole, all-terrain outsole, and a flexible and ultralight EVA midsole.
Pros:
- Available in five colors and eight sizes.
- Comfortable and moisture-wicking.
- Protective against paintball pellets.
- Removable insole and cushioned EVA midsole.
Cons:
- Some of the colors are very expensive.
- Some users found it bulky.
GZ XINXING Black Tactical Airsoft Paintball Vest
4
A vest is one of the most important and best outfit for paintball options because that’s what ends up absorbing most of the shocks and impacts of pellets. Behold the GZ XINXING Black Tactical Airsoft Paintball Vest, an excellent vest that comes in not one, but four colors and is available in five different sizes, all of which can be adjusted. In fact, its largest size, XX-Large has a maximum chest size of a whopping 50 inches. Made from high-density 900D nylon, the well-built vest resists wear and tear, making it perfect for paintball play. The vest has enough well-designed space to carry a medic pouch, two communication pouches, a flashlight and map pouch, and 3 standard magazine pouches. Besides a 30-days full refund assurance, the vest is durable and will last you a long while.
Pros:
- Fits people of almost all sizes.
- Lots of pouches and space.
- Durable.
Cons:
- The sizes run a bit small.
- The buttons don’t button up very well.
NO B Tactical Baseball Cap
3
If you aren’t wearing a helmet but rather a mask, then what should you wear to paintball is also a well-fitted cap, such as the NO B Tactical Baseball Cap. The cap is an adjustable and foldable mesh mask and cap rolled into one, and an excellent accessory for protecting your head. Available in eight camo colors, the $20 cap is portable, foldable, and lightweight. The cap is made from 1000D nylon which lends it additional durability and also resists both dirt and water. What’s more, the cap even comes with a mesh ear protector, complete with adjustable straps for battles that are fought up close. Adding to the comfort is the soft padded insides of the cheeks, along with protection along the nose bridge as well. Finally, the cap features no pressure points for good ventilation and breathability.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable.
- Soft inner padding for comfort.
- Mesh ear protector.
- Resistant to dirt and water.
Cons:
- Some users found the cap a tad large.
- Slightly difficult to find the fit with goggles.
Tippmann Neck Protector
2
Costing less than $10, the Tippman Neck Protector is one of the best outfit for paintball options. The one-size-fits-all neck protector is simply but elegantly designed and is made from soft and thick neoprene. Thus, it provides maximum protection as well as the ultimate levels of comfort. What’s more, the neck protector even features moisture-releasing vents on the side so you won’t be sweating profusely on the inside. Moreover, it doesn’t bite on your neck either and will keep you comfortable knowing that your neck is covered. So, you can go out in the field and play the best paintball of your life with this outfit and without any worry.
Pros:
- Moisture-wicking.
- Comfortable.
- Inexpensive.
Cons:
- During first-time use, the edges might rub your skin.
Arcturus 3D Leafy Ghillie Suit
1
Finally, another great outfit to wear to paintball is a ghillie suit, such as the Arcturus 3D Leafy Ghillie Suit. Available in two colors and sizes, this amazing ghillie suit weighs less than 2 lbs. Designed from a strong yet lightweight mesh base, the 3D leaf suit is breathable and perfect for playing paintball in all seasons. It comes with a custom carry bag, but it’s the leaves on the suit that’ll leave you astounded. The large and dynamic leaves give the suit more depth and don’t grab stickers, pick up twigs or catch onto branches. So, if you’re out in a wooded area playing some real-life paintball, then this ghillie suit is what you need for super stealth. Finally, the two-piece set comes with a jacket and pants with a comfy elastic waist and a drawstring, making it very, very comfortable.
Pros:
- Jacket and pants set with elastic waist and drawstring.
- Comes with a carry bag.
- Well-designed leaves for camouflage.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- None!
