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Protection & clothing

What to Wear to Paintball: A First-Timer's Guide

What to wear for your first paintball game: layers, long sleeves, gloves, shoes with grip, neck protection, and what to avoid wearing.

Quick answer

Wear old, loose layers that cover your arms and legs: a long-sleeve top with a hoodie over it, durable pants, gloves and shoes or cleats with good grip. Add a neck protector if you can. Dark or muted colors suit woodsball. Avoid anything you mind getting paint on, loose jewelry and open shoes. The field provides or rents the mask.

The right clothes take the sting out of hits and keep you comfortable.

Checklist

Item Why
Long-sleeve top plus hoodie Padding against hits
Durable pants Knees and legs
Gloves Hands are a common hit spot
Shoes or cleats with grip Muddy fields
Neck protector Very sensitive area
Beanie or headband Comfort and sweat
Spare clothes For the drive home

Avoid

  • Shorts and t-shirts only.
  • Jewelry and watches.
  • Open shoes.

Wondering about the sting? See does paintball hurt. Browse protection and clothing.

Common questions

Does paint wash out?

Most modern paintballs are water-soluble and wash out of most fabrics. Rinse soon after playing.

Should I wear camo?

It helps in wooded fields. For speedball, bright jerseys are common.

What about hats?

A beanie or headband under the mask straps adds padding and keeps sweat off the lens.