What to Wear to Paintball: Top Choices to Stay Protected

By Shelby Bonner Jun 10, 2023

You are ready for an exciting game of paintball, but what should you wear? Paintball is an active, intense sport and you want your clothes to help you not hinder you.

Whether you are playing indoors or out, in the spring or fall, you want clothes that will protect you and keep you at the right temperature.

Let’s take a look at some top outfit choices for your next paintball experience.

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Dark Clothes

For any game, you want to blend in with your surroundings and not be easily spotted. Not only will dark clothes help you stay hidden, but they will also hide mud and paint stains better.

Check out dark clothes here.

Neutral Color Clothes

Why not try neutral color clothes like camouflage, greens, browns, and greys to help blend into your environment and to help keep you cool during hotter months if you are playing outdoors?

Check out more neutral colors here.

Old Clothes

Whether you are playing indoors or outdoors, you are bound to get dirty from mud stains, grass stains, and of course, paint stains. Paint from paintballs generally washes out easily, but still go for older clothes in case those grass stains stick or you get a tear with your next epic slide move.

Loose Clothes

Since paintball is such an agile, active game, you want your clothes to move with you. Loose-fitting clothes will allow you to run and duck as needed, while also allowing airflow and breathability so you aren’t overheating

Check out these oversized clothes.

Layers

Being hit by a paintball is no easy thing. To help with bruising and impact, layers are your friend. Each layer will provide an added piece of protection and help absorb the impact from a paintball.

Try out these layering suggestions.

Goggles

Goggles while playing paintball are a must. With the speed and force of the paintballs coming at you, you will want to protect your eyes, face, and ears. There are many different shapes and styles to choose from and some paintball venues will even rent you goggles.

Some things to consider when you are trying on your next set of goggles are the size (does it cover just your eyes or your whole face?) and the material, anyone made from a polycarbonate lens will stop a paintball from hitting you and some higher end goggles have a comfort lining and an anti-fog shield.

Baseball Cap

To help stop paint from getting in your hair, many players wear baseball caps. Not only do they provide a layer of protection, but they can also act as a visor.

Take a look at these hats.

Beanie

If the weather is colder or a baseball cap is just not for you, consider wearing a beanie. Like a ball cap, it will provide a layer of protection for your head and help keep paint out of your hair. It can also help protect your ears and keep your head warm.

Discover these beanie choices.

Sadana or Scarf

Many players opt for a Sadana or scarf around their head, face, and neck for protection from the paint and the impact. It offers more coverage and more protection than other head-covering options.

Try out these scarves.

Padded Headband

Why not consider a padded headband on its own or in addition to other headgear? It will keep your hair back, add protection, and wick away sweat from your eyes.

Why not try an eco-friendly headband?

Loose Pants

Loose pants are a must for the amount of bending, running, and diving you will be doing. Camafolouge, cargo, and sweatpants are popular choices that will allow you to breathe and move throughout your entire game.

Check out these loose pants.

Hoodie

A hoodie is a great choice on its or worn with other layers. Try to go for soft materials that will help absorb the paintball impact even more. Go baggier to help with movement and breathability in your next game.

Discover these sustainable hoodies.

Jersey

A jersey is the perfect item to keep you moving and cool. It has breathable panels to let air flow in and can be layered over a sweater or long-sleeve shirt.

Plus, you can customize it with your team's logo and colors.

Take a look at these jersey ideas.

Coveralls

Coveralls will offer you protection from the neck down, making it a great choice for paintball. Want even more protection? Why not try a camouflage pattern pair to help you hide from your opponents even better?

Find coveralls here.

Sneakers

With how much running will be doing, why not choose a comfortable, supportive pair of sneakers? They will move with you and protect your toes and feet from paintballs.

Check out these sustainable sneaker brands here.

Hiking Boots

Ankle injuries are one of the most common paintballing injuries. Why not try a pair of hiking boots to provide extra support for your ankles and to help you keep your grip and balance on uneven terrain?

Try out a pair of vegan hiking boots.

Gloves

Your hands are one of the most common areas to get hit during paintball. Often you are tucked away with just your face and your hands on your paintball gun showing as you plan your next attack, making those areas a prime target.

There are gloves specifically meant for paintballs that have a rubber backing to help protect your digits, but other gloves like golfing, gardening, and weight-lifting gloves will work too.

Why not try out a pair of vegan leather gloves?

Pod Pack or Belt

A pod pack is a harness that goes over your torso either horizontally or vertically. Its purpose is to hold your extra paintball pods as you play.

A pod belt is smaller than a pod back and therefore more inconspicuous. However, unlike a pack, a pod belt holds fewer paint pods.

Vest

A padded vest is often worn over a sweater or under a jersey for added protection. Many vests also have storage for your personal belongings, radios, and extra paint pods.

Find other vests here.

Extra Padding

Extra paddings such as a padded sports bra, elbow pads, neck protectors, and shin guards are handy to have. They will not only offer protection from paintballs, but also scrapes, grass burns, and impact as you dive and jump.

Check out padding options here.

Regardless of what you wear, make sure to bring a change of clothes and a bag to transport your muddy, painted clothes home with you.

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About the Author: Shelby Bonner

Shelby Bonner is a freelance graphic designer and writer who is passionate about fashion, and ethical, environmentally friendly fashion. She enjoys finding new brands, and following the latest styles each season.