You’ve planned for a paintball game and arrived at a location, picked an amazing group of friends, and had a good night’s sleep so everything turns out just fine. But the question that will bug you most is ‘what should I wear to paintball first time?‘.

Well, it’s ideal to wear loose-fitted thick long pants along with a long-sleeved t-shirt, and hiking boots. Also, put on a beanie or headwrap along with a helmet, and most importantly must wear light yet sturdy gloves.

Not only you’ll know what to wear as a beginner but you’ll also get to know additional tips regarding your outfit at the end.

What Do I Wear to Paintball so It Doesn’t Hurt?

There are certain things you can wear that will make your paintball experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you decide what to wear:

  • Headwear

Hey, it’s your head and you must ensure that it’s safe. If you’re looking for an easy option, a fitted baseball cap backward will do the trick. If you want something a bit more stylish, you could also go with a headwrap or beanie.

The best option is to wear a mask or a helmet for head protection as it’s the only way to protect your eyes and face from paintballs. It should encompass your full face from ear to all the way to the forehead, so it can’t get hit by stray balls.

Along with complying with ASTM eye protection regulations, it should also be certified to stop a paintball!

  • Gloves

Paintballs can hurt you, especially if you’re struck in the hands from a close range.  Plus, if you’re playing in an area where there are lots of brush or trees on the field, paintball gloves can protect your hands from scrapes and bruises.

Moreover, hand gloves will also help keep your grip on the marker so that you can make a shot with precision. Many paintball players prefer to wear full gloves that cover from the tip of their fingers to the wrist. Whereas others love fingerless gloves.

However, we’d suggest you avoid wearing latex-type, welding, or winter gloves as they’re quite bulky and thick.

  • Clothing

When you’re just starting out, it’s best to wear clothing that is loose. comfortable and leave as little skin exposed as possible. In that case, a hoodie or old sweater works great as they’re thicker than a shirt. Most importantly, they’ll cover most of your arms and torso mitigating the sting of a blow.

Also, you can put on old jerseys if you have one. Otherwise, you can buy some that have breathable panels along with a little padding.

In the case of women, try wearing a cushioned or sports bra below a typical bra. That way when you get shot near your breast area, you’ll be spared the agony.

  • Footwear

Most paintball players often overlook the importance of wearing proper shoes and opt for just the basic ones. Wearing basic running or athletic shoes is not ideal for playing paintball. This is because running shoes are not made for providing traction or protection from any sort of impact.

That’s why you must go for boots, hiking shoes, or trail shoes. With that being said, you must never use cleats while paintballing. And if you’re a lady, a pair of tennis shoes is a great option. It’s comfortable and provides the utmost protection from impact. 

There are lots of tennis shoes out there, but we prefer the INZCOU. And also remember that most fields don’t allow open-toed shoes, so skip the sandals.

Are Jeans OK for Paintball?

Yes, jeans are OK for paintball. They’re great since they’re thick and absorb the impact of the paintballs. You can also wear joggers or tracksuits because they are thick and comfortable to move in.

You don’t want anything too tight or too loose—you just want something that’s going to be flexible and make it easy for you to move around while still being safe.

Overall Tips on Paintball Dressing

Paintball dressing is a serious matter. It may not seem like it at first, but the right outfit can make or break your game. And most importantly save you from the stinging hit of paintballs.

  • Dress for the Weather

Consider the weather whenever you’re going to play! You don’t realize how crucial it is until you end up sweltering in the summer or shivering in the winter.

If it’s summer, you better put on one or two layers of light-fitting clothes instead of a sweatshirt. Because thick clothes can protect you from the pain, in hot weather, they can overheat you resulting in dehydration, nausea, and other complications.

  • Wear the Clothes that You Don’t Care

Paintball is a messy sport that demands crawling, and kneeling. That’s why you’ll want to wear old, comfortable clothing. If you’re wearing something new, make sure it’s washable!

The majority of paintball colors are made of water-soluble, easy-to-clean polymers. However, there are low-cost paintballs that will most certainly stain your clothes.

Therefore, wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

  • Put on Camouflage

It’s important to wear clothing that will help you blend into your surroundings and remain undetected by the other players. One way to do this is by wearing camouflage clothing.

But if you don’t have access to this type of clothing, then you should also consider wearing dark-colored clothing or white/light-colored camouflage. Just make sure that whatever color you choose does not stand out too much!

  • Ignore Skinny Clothes

Paintball is a game that requires agility and flexibility. You will be running around and bending over, so it’s important to wear clothing that gives you freedom of movement.

That’s why you must avoid wearing skinny jeans. These types of pants are stiff and can restrict movement, which is a huge problem when playing paintball.

How Should I Dress for Paintball? 

The best way to dress for paintball is to wear clothing that is both comfortable and protective. For instance

  • Sweaters and hoodies can shield your arms and body.
  • Jeans or cargo pants can protect your lower body and let you move freely.
  • To protect your head, you can wear a baseball cap, headbands, or beanies. Best of all is a helmet.
  • Gloves can be worn to protect your fingers and hands.
  • Your foot can be protected by boots from both impact and falling.

You can add layers to your clothing in case you’re scared of getting hurt by paintballs. However, as we mentioned earlier, keep the weather in mind.

FAQs

  • Can you wear shorts to paintball?

Yes, you can put on shorts but you shouldn’t if you want to avoid injuries. You are more likely to bruise your leg when you wear shorts. 

  • Can I wear a t-shirt to paintball?

Yes, you can play paintball in t-shirts. But one thing is certain: you’ll be sorry the moment you’re hit by a hard pellet of paintball. You can’t escape paintball pain with a T-shirt.

  • Do you need gloves for paintball?

You absolutely need gloves when paintballing. Your hands are your most sensitive parts and you don’t want to get hit there, 

Conclusion

A good pair of gloves that covers your hands, a mask or helmet, and thick and loose clothes are the best. You can even wear layered clothing. But get the outfit depending on the weather of the ground where you’ll play. That’s all the answers to your question about “what should I wear to paintball first time?”

Remember to have fun, listen to your instructor and remember that safety is paramount!