What to Wear When Paintballing

Last Updated on November 9, 2022 by Ellen Christian

Wondering what to wear when paintballing? Check out these tips for what to wear when you play paintball for the first time.

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Wondering what to wear when paintballing? Check out these tips for what to wear when you play paintball for the first time.

What to Wear When Paintballing

Now that the weather has cooled down, it’s the perfect time to get outside and play paintball. You might wonder how you should dress if you’ve never played before.

Check out my thoughts on the best paintball gear and what to wear to paintball events.

Playing paintball is a fun activity that you can do with friends outside. Don’t worry if you don’t have a paintball field in your area, you can play outside in any open area where you have room to run and hide.

Do you need special clothes to play paintball?

No, you don’t need special clothes to play paintball. You can wear whatever you’re comfortable in as long as it’s not too loose and doesn’t have anything that could get caught on the equipment. I’ve seen people play in jeans and a t-shirt with no problems.

That being said, some clothes are better suited for paintball. Wearing clothing you don’t mind getting dirty is a good idea, as paintballs can stain clothes.

Many people wear camouflage overalls or paintball jumpsuit because it helps them blend in with their surroundings. Others prefer to wear bright colors so their teammates can easily spot them.

paintballs in a hand

Does getting hit with a paintball hurt?

It depends. Paintballs are designed to break upon impact, so if you’re hit on bare skin like your arm or leg, it might sting like a rubber band. You probably won’t feel much if you’re hit in a more padded area like your stomach.

Wearing protective gear and layers of clothes provide padding. This can help reduce the pain if you do get hit.

Many paintball fields require players to wear face masks to protect their eyes and mouths from being hit. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants can also help reduce the pain if you’re hit.

Wondering what to wear when paintballing? Check out these tips for what to wear when you play paintball for the first time.

What kind of shoes should you wear for paintball?

The type of shoes you wear for paintball is up to you. Some prefer sneakers or soccer cleats because they’re comfortable and provide good traction. Others prefer to wear boots because they offer more ankle support and protection. You might consider wearing hiking boots to keep your feet dry if you’re playing on a muddy field.

If you’re going to wear camouflage clothes, then wear shoes to match, like combat boots.

Never wear open-toed shoes or flip-flops because they aren’t safe to run in.

a person wearing paintball gear and holding a paintball gun

Do you need head protection for paintball?

Yes, it would be best if you had head protection for paintball. A paintball can break your skin if it hits you in the head, so it’s important to wear a helmet or mask to protect your face. Many masks also have goggles to protect your eyes from paintballs.

You might also want to wear a bandana or scarf around your neck to protect that area from paintballs.

Many paintball players wear a baseball cap to keep their hair out of their faces. In the summer heat, it can keep your head cool.

Do you wear gloves for paintball?

Some people choose to wear gloves when they play paintball. Gloves can protect your hands. They can also help you grip the gun better, so you don’t drop it.

Paintball guns can get hot in the sun, so gloves can also prevent your hands from getting sweaty.

If you don’t want to invest in paintball gloves, you can use winter gloves or fingerless gloves like golf gloves.

a person wearing green paintball gear in a field

What should you wear under your paintball gear?

You can wear whatever you want under your paintball gear, but I recommend you wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Many people choose to wear shorts and a t-shirt so that they’re cool and comfortable. Others prefer long pants like blue jeans or cargo pants and a long-sleeved shirt to avoid getting scratched by the branches and leaves.

Leave as little skin exposed as possible. Wearing layers provides extra padding. Long sleeve t shirts and cargo pants are great options for extra protection.

Does paintball ruin clothes?

Does paintball paint wash out? Paintballs can ruin clothes. The paint can be difficult to remove, and it might stain your clothes.

If you’re worried about ruining your clothes, you might want to wear older clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You could also wear a paintball vest over your clothes to protect them from the paintball paint.

Smiling young man and woman posing with paintball markers outdoors.

What to wear to paintball the first time

The important thing is to choose clothes that won’t restrict movement, and you don’t mind getting dirty. Avoid having your skin exposed.

There are lots of clothing options, but this offers good protection.

  • Blue jeans or cargo pants
  • Hiking boots or running shoes
  • Long sleeve t-shirts with chest protectors
  • Baseball cap
  • Goggles
  • Gloves

Remember to bring a change of clothes for the ride home. You don’t want to get back in the car with paint all over your clothes.

If you’re planning on playing paintball, you may also need the following equipment:

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