As a passionate paintball player, I understand the significance of choosing the right clothes for the game. Whether you’re a novice eager to explore the world of paintball or someone who snap-shoots like a ninja, knowing what to wear for paintball is essential for ensuring both safety and success.
This guide aims to provide valuable insights and tips on paintball clothing, catering to various conditions and addressing common queries. Additionally, I will share my personal paintball outfit tips that prioritize comfort and functionality while allowing you to express my unique tactical fashion sense.
What to Wear to Paintball for the First Time?
For the first time, you don’t need to go shopping. Just grab a lightweight and breathable long-sleeved shirt to avoid getting welts or scratches. In paintball clothing tips, there is a common rule of thumb: Wear as many layers as possible so you can adjust to changing conditions. Also, it would be wise to wear a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat at bay under your long-sleeved jersey for optimal comfort.
As for the bottom, the importance of wearing sturdy, long-lasting trousers cannot be overstated. Sweatpants are cozy, but they don’t protect you that much. Opt for paintball-specific pants with additional padding and reinforced knees to protect yourself from blows.
Unsolicited tip: Pick a bandana or something lightweight to protect your head from paintball.
What Do Girls Wear to Paintball?
When it comes to paintball attire, the fundamentals remain consistent for both men and women, with a few additional considerations tailored specifically for female players. For female players seeking specific recommendations, consider the following paintball clothing tips:
Hair Protection: As women often prioritize hair care, styling your hair in a low bun and covering it with a headwrap or bandana can offer both practical and aesthetic benefits. I have also seen some women wear a hat backward.
Enhanced Protection: To ensure maximum protection, female players should wear a supportive sports bra and layer it with a padded vest for extra security.
What To Wear to Paintball in Summer
Preparing for a paintball session on a hot day requires clothing that prioritizes comfort, protection, and style. To stay cool, dry, and protected during summer paintball battles opt for loose, breathable clothing made from microfiber. You can also pick performance polyester to keep your skin dry and cool. Furthermore, consider wearing a tank top or a loose-fitting t-shirt paired with lightweight tactical shorts or pants to combat the heat while allowing freedom of movement.
For added protection without sacrificing comfort, consider incorporating a lightweight vest into your attire. While it may initially feel excessive, its benefits become evident as the game progresses, offering both protection and ease of movement. Last but not least, wear a long-sleeved shirt and lightweight trousers to protect your skin from bruises and welts.
But, even if you couldn’t help getting a bruise, I have you covered in this guide.
What To Wear for Paintball in Winter?
Even when the temperature drops, I don’t let the weather limit my excitement for paintball. However, dressing adequately is crucial to ensure both comfort and mobility during cold-weather paintball sessions. But as winter games can be “tricky”, it’s important to know what to wear to paintball so it doesn’t hurt.
- A thermal beanie or balaclava
- A neck protector
- Fingerless gloves
- Good-quality thermal socks
- Waterproof boots
In winter, layering is the key to staying warm while allowing freedom of movement. To prevent chilling, start with a thermal underwear shirt and leggings. Continue with a fleece or soft-shell jacket on top for further warmth and breathability. Also, don’t forget that layers shouldn’t be too tight allowing room for easy movement. Lastly, opt for thick, waterproof padded pants that provide ample protection against potential impacts.
What Not To Wear to Paintball?
While certain clothing choices are ideal for paintball, some items should be avoided. Here are some examples:
Clothing Made of Cotton: Despite its soft feel, cotton is a terrible choice for paintball because of its high absorption rate. Once paint touches cotton, it gets heavy and slows you down. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are a much better choice as they are lightweight and dry rapidly.
Baggy Clothes: The temptation to play paintball in loose, baggy clothes is understandable, but it’s not a good idea. Remember, you are not in your home watching Netflix on your couch. That’s why you need to wear fitted or semi-fitted clothes that don’t get caught easily on obstacles or branches.
Open-toed Shoes: Sandals and other open-toed footwear are not allowed on the paintball field. Due to the rapid pace of the game, you can easily twist your feet and sprain your ankle. Also, a paintball landing on your bare foot is not going to feel good.
Do Paintball Places Give You Clothes?
Rental services are commonly available at paintball places offering clothes for an additional cost. Most reputable paintball places care deeply about their customers’ safety, and thus they provide a variety of gear alternatives. With this in mind, you can rent everything you need so that you don’t have to spend a fortune on protective gear right from the beginning.
So, what clothes do paintball places provide? Paintball rental packages usually include paintball masks, neck protectors, and gloves. If you need a jumpsuit or a vest, you will probably need to pay extra money. In any case, I advise you to communicate with the paintball field you plan on visiting beforehand. They are always more than welcome to inform you about their policies and pricing. To put it briefly, renting clothes or other equipment for paintball is often a worthwhile choice, especially for beginners who are still exploring the sport.
Do Paintballs Stain Your Clothes?
Beginners often ask “Do paintballs stain your clothes?”. The short answer is, yes, paintballs may cause stains. However, paintball paint is water-soluble, non-toxic, and can be easily washed off. Just make sure you put your clothes in the laundry as soon as possible for better results. For extra protection, it’s recommended to wear dark-colored apparel. Dark colors like black, navy, or forest green are ideal because they make stains less noticeable.
Newcomers, also, ask: “Is paintball messy?”. Paintball involves running, diving, and crawling through various terrains, all while dodging incoming paintballs. So, yes, it can be messy and that’s the fun part.
Do You Need To Shower After Paintball?
Picture this: You’ve just completed a day on the paintball field dodging paintballs like a ninja. You win, but your victory comes at a price. Unless you are Tom Hanks starring in “Cast Away” or the boy from “The Blue Lagoon”, you can take a proper shower after an intense and sweaty activity.
Paintball battles can get intense, resulting in sweat-soaked clothes, paintball marks, and dirt buried in your most secret spots. What’s a better excuse to have a refreshing shower? Firstly, it removes the dirt leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized. The warm water cleans your skin from head to toe. And speaking of the head, you might be wondering, “Does paintball stain hair?”. While it might take a little extra effort to wash it out, a good scrub with shampoo should banish those stubborn paintball pigments, leaving your hair squeaky clean once again.
Conclusion
Choosing the right paintball attire is crucial for your comfort and safety on the field. Whether you’re a girl, playing in summer or winter, or thinking of wearing your lucky outfit, understanding the significance of proper clothing for paintball is a life-saver.
Layer up as much as you can and try to expose as less skin as possible. Also, don’t forget to wear moisture-wicking fabrics in the summer that help regulate body temperature and keep you dry during intense gameplay. Do your duty and take a shower. You’re a winner!