The Complete Guide to Paintball Clothing UK

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Ever found yourself crawling through the mud at a paintball site near Stoke, rain drizzling down, with nothing but an old boiler suit between you and a barrage of paint? If so, you’ll know that what you wear can make or break your day. Paintball isn’t just about having a fancy marker; it’s a sport where your gear is your armour. And that armour has come a very long way.

What started with players running around in old army surplus gear has exploded into a high-tech world of specialised clothing. We’re talking jerseys that breathe better than a marathon runner, trousers with more padding than a sumo wrestler’s suit, and protective vests that could almost stop a small car. This isn’t just about looking the part. It’s about performance, safety, and, let’s be honest, gaining that tiny edge over the opposition.

This guide will take you on a journey through the evolution of paintball clothing. We’ll look at how we got from simple camouflage to space-age fabrics. We’ll break down every piece of kit you could ever need, from your head to your toes, and explain why it matters. Whether you’re a weekend warrior playing in the woods or a speedball pro sliding into bunkers, we’ll help you figure out what to wear to stay safe, comfortable, and ready for victory. So, grab a brew, get comfy, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of paintball clothing.

The Evolution of Paintball Gear: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Paintball didn’t start as the fast-paced sport we know today. It began in the 1980s as a survival game, played by a handful of mates in the woods using markers designed for tagging trees and cattle. Back then, there was no such thing as ‘paintball clothing’. Players just wore whatever they didn’t mind getting ruined.

From Forestry Tools to Weekend Warfare

The very first players, a group of friends in New Hampshire, USA, used Nel-Spot 007 pistols. These were never intended for sport. They were tools. So, the dress code was purely practical. Think thick work trousers, old jackets, and maybe a pair of basic goggles from a hardware shop. The goal was simple: don’t get stung too badly by the oil-based paintballs of the era.

As the game, then called the “National Survival Game,” trickled into the UK in the mid-80s, the fashion didn’t change much. Early British players adopted a similar, DIY approach. The go-to uniform was military surplus clothing. It was cheap, tough, and the camouflage patterns were perfect for hiding in the dense British woodlands that hosted the first games. Army & Navy stores up and down the country did a roaring trade in old DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material) jackets and combat trousers.

This military look became iconic. For years, paintball was synonymous with running around in camo, pretending to be soldiers. It was effective, but it wasn’t comfortable. The thick cotton fabrics were heavy, hot, and held water like a sponge – not ideal for a rainy Saturday in Manchester.

The Rise of Specialised Brands

As the sport grew more popular and organised in the 1990s, companies started to spot a gap in the market. They realised that paintballers needed something better than sweaty, ill-fitting army gear. This was the dawn of specialised paintball clothing.

One of the first big changes was the move away from cotton to lighter, synthetic materials. Brands like JT USA and Scott started producing thin, vented jerseys. These were a revelation. They let air circulate, wicked sweat away from the body, and were much lighter than a military jacket. Players could move faster and stay cooler.

Trousers followed suit. Companies began designing paintball-specific pants with features that military trousers lacked. Key among these was padding. They added sewn-in padding on the knees, hips, and shins – all the places that take a beating when you’re sliding, diving, and kneeling behind cover. They also reinforced the knees with super-tough materials like Cordura or Kevlar to stop them from ripping after a few games.

This was a game-changer. Suddenly, players could be more aggressive and athletic without worrying about scrapes, bruises, or wrecking their clothes.

The Speedball Revolution and Its Impact on Fashion

The late 90s and early 2000s saw the birth of speedball, a faster, more intense version of paintball played on small, symmetrical fields with inflatable bunkers. This new format changed everything, including what players wore.

Woodland camouflage was useless on a speedball field. In fact, it made you stand out. Teams started wearing bright, colourful jerseys to represent their sponsors and create a strong team identity. The sport became a vibrant spectacle, and the clothing reflected that. The baggy, almost pyjama-like style of the early 2000s was born. Players wore oversized jerseys and huge, heavily padded trousers.

This style wasn’t just for show. The loose fit was thought to encourage ‘bounces’ – when a paintball hits you but doesn’t break, meaning you’re still in the game. The sheer amount of padding also gave players the confidence to perform aggressive moves like sliding head-first into a bunker (known as ‘supermanning’).

The Modern Athletic Era

Today, the pendulum has swung back a little. While the bright colours remain, the ridiculously baggy clothing has been replaced by a more athletic, streamlined fit.

Modern paintball gear is designed for athletes. It’s made from advanced, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabrics, much like you’d find in professional football or cycling. The padding is still there, but it’s lighter, more flexible, and more targeted. Instead of bulky foam, manufacturers use compression-formed pads that move with your body.

Some key innovations of the modern era include:

Integrated Protection: Many jerseys and trousers now come with built-in, lightweight padding in crucial areas like the chest, elbows, and knees.
Stretch Zones: Panels of four-way stretch material are sewn into trousers and jerseys, particularly around the groin and knees, to allow for complete freedom of movement.
Ventilation: Huge areas of mesh venting are used on jerseys (under the arms, down the sides) and trousers (behind the knees, in the crotch) to dump heat and keep players cool.
Player-Specific Features: Trousers now include handy features like squeegee pockets for cleaning your mask lens, adjustable waistbands, and padded flys to protect your sensitive areas.

From a simple need for protection, paintball clothing has evolved into highly specialised athletic equipment. It’s a perfect example of how a sport and its technology grow together, each one pushing the other forward.

Deconstructing the Modern Paintball Kit: Head to Toe

Building the right paintball outfit is about more than just picking a cool-looking jersey. Each piece of gear has a specific job to do, protecting you, keeping you comfortable, and helping you perform at your best. Let’s break it down, piece by piece.

Head and Neck Protection: Your Most Important Gear

Before we even talk about clothing, we have to talk about safety. Your head is the most important part of your body to protect.

The Goggle System: Non-Negotiable

This is the single most important piece of equipment you will ever buy. Never, ever step onto a paintball field without a proper paintball mask. Sunglasses or safety specs from B&Q are not enough. Paintball masks are specifically designed to withstand the impact of a paintball travelling at 300 feet per second.

Modern goggle systems consist of several parts:

The Lens: This is the bit you see through. Good lenses are dual-pane (like double glazing) to prevent them from fogging up. They also offer a wide field of vision. A thermal lens is a must-have for the damp UK climate.
The Frame: This holds the lens in place and provides the structure of the mask.
The Skirt/Bottoms: This is the flexible part that protects your jaw, mouth, and chin. Some are soft and flexible for better communication and bounces, while others are more rigid for maximum protection.
The Strap: A high-quality, adjustable strap keeps the mask firmly on your head.

When choosing a mask, comfort and fit are king. It should be snug but not tight. Try a few on before you buy. Remember, you’ll be wearing it for hours.

Supplementary Head Protection

While a mask covers your face, the top and back of your head are still exposed. A shot to the dome can really sting!

Headbands and Head Wraps: These are popular for both protection and style. They provide a thin layer of padding for your forehead and help absorb sweat, stopping it from dripping into your goggles.
Beanies and Caps: A simple beanie or a backwards baseball cap can offer a surprising amount of protection for the top and back of your head. They are a cheap and effective option for casual players.

Neck Protectors

Getting shot in the neck is one of the most painful experiences in paintball. A neck protector is a padded collar that wraps around your neck, covering your throat and Adam’s apple. They’re a simple, inexpensive piece of kit that can save you a world of pain.

Upper Body Wear: The Core of Your Comfort

What you wear on your torso is all about balancing protection, mobility, and temperature control.

The Paintball Jersey

A proper paintball jersey is a world away from a simple t-shirt or hoodie. They are engineered for the sport.

Materials: Modern jerseys are made from lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester. This pulls sweat away from your skin to keep you dry and comfortable.
Padding: Most jerseys have thin padding sewn into the shoulders, chest, and elbows. This is not designed to make you bounce paintballs, but to soften the impact and take the sting out of close-range shots. It also helps when you’re crawling or diving.
Ventilation: Look for jerseys with large mesh panels, usually down the sides and under the arms. This is crucial for staying cool during intense games, especially on those rare sunny British days.
Durability: The forearms and elbows are often reinforced with tougher material to withstand slides and crawling on rough terrain.

Padded Vests and Base Layers

For players who want extra protection, there are dedicated padded tops that you can wear underneath your jersey.

Padded Vests/Chest Protectors: These provide significant padding for your torso, both front and back. They’re great for younger players, first-timers, or anyone who is a bit nervous about getting hit. Some are simple foam vests, while others are more advanced, with segmented padding that moves with your body.
Slider Shorts and Compression Gear: These are worn as a base layer and have integrated padding for your hips, thighs, and groin. They’re designed for aggressive players who do a lot of sliding and diving. They also provide muscle compression, which can help with fatigue.

Lower Body Wear: Your Foundation for Movement

Your legs do a lot of work in paintball. Your trousers need to be tough enough to handle it while allowing you to run, crouch, and slide without restriction.

Paintball Trousers: The Workhorse of Your Kit

Paintball trousers are perhaps the most feature-packed piece of clothing you’ll wear.

Heavy-Duty Construction: They are typically made from tough, rip-stop materials that can handle the abuse of a day’s play.
Knee Padding: This is the most important feature. The knees are heavily padded and reinforced with ultra-durable materials like 1000D Cordura or ballistic nylon. Some high-end trousers even have dual-density foam for extra impact absorption.
Hip and Shin Padding: Many trousers also include light padding on the hips and sometimes removable shin pads.
Stretch Zones: To stop the tough material from feeling restrictive, manufacturers place large four-way stretch panels in key areas – above the knees, in the crotch, and on the lower back. This gives you an incredible range of motion.
Adjustability: An adjustable waistband and ankle cuffs allow you to get the perfect fit.
Ventilation: Zipped vents on the thighs or mesh panels behind the knees help you regulate your temperature.
Pockets: Paintball trousers have pockets for essentials, including special microfibre-lined squeegee pockets.

What About Jeans or Tracksuit Bottoms?

For your first time, they’ll do. But you’ll quickly find their limitations.

Jeans: They are restrictive, heavy, and offer zero padding. When they get wet and muddy, they stay that way all day.
Tracksuit Bottoms: They are comfortable but offer no protection. A paintball will sting right through them, and they will rip to shreds the first time you slide or kneel on a sharp stone.

Investing in a proper pair of paintball trousers is one of the best upgrades a new player can make.

Extremities: Hands and Feet

Don’t forget the small stuff. Protecting your hands and having the right footwear is crucial.

Gloves: Saving Your Knuckles

A shot to the hand, especially on a cold day, is eye-watering. Paintball gloves are designed to protect you without sacrificing your ability to feel and operate your marker’s trigger.

Padding: They have padding or hard-shell armour over the back of the hand and fingers.
Trigger Fingers: The index and middle fingers are usually left unpadded or covered with a very thin material to ensure you can pull the trigger quickly.
Grip: The palms are made from a grippy material to help you hold your marker securely, even in the rain.

Footwear: Grip and Support are Key

The terrain on UK paintball fields can be challenging – mud, wet leaves, loose gravel, and steep hills. Your footwear needs to be up to the job.

Trail Running Shoes: A great option for speedball and flatter woodsball fields. They are lightweight and have an aggressive tread for good grip.
Hiking Boots: The best choice for woodland paintball. They provide excellent ankle support, which is vital for preventing twists and sprains on uneven ground. They are also usually waterproof, a massive bonus in the UK.
Avoid Trainers: Standard running shoes or fashion trainers are a bad idea. They have very little grip and offer no ankle support. You’ll be slipping and sliding all over the place.

Choosing Your Gear: A Guide for Every Player and Condition

Now you know what’s out there, how do you choose the right gear for you? It depends on where you play, how you play, and your budget.

Scenario/Woodland Paintball vs. Speedball

The environment you play in is the biggest factor in your clothing choices.

The Woodland Warrior’s Wardrobe

Colours and Patterns: This is where camouflage and muted, earthy colours (greens, browns, greys) shine. They help you blend in with your surroundings, making you a harder target to spot. Look for patterns like DPM, MTP (Multi-Terrain Pattern), or modern digital camo.
Durability: Woodland play involves crawling through undergrowth, leaning against trees, and diving into rough ditches. Your gear needs to be tough. Prioritise trousers and jerseys with heavily reinforced knees and elbows.
Practicality: Pockets for carrying maps, tools, and paint grenades can be useful. A tactical vest or harness might be a good addition to carry your paint pods and air tank, distributing the weight evenly.
Footwear: Ankle-supporting, waterproof hiking boots are almost essential.

The Speedball Athlete’s Attire

Colours: Bright is right. Speedball is about visibility and team identity. Match your team’s colours or pick something that stands out. There’s no tactical advantage to hiding.
Lightweight and Athletic: You need to be able to move explosively from bunker to bunker. Choose the lightest, most flexible gear you can find. A streamlined, athletic fit is better than a baggy one.
Maximum Padding: Speedball involves a lot of sliding and diving on hard or astroturf surfaces. Prioritise trousers and base layers with excellent, well-placed padding, especially on the knees, hips, and shins.
Ventilation: Speedball is an intense workout. Maximum ventilation in your jersey and trousers is crucial to avoid overheating.

Dressing for the Great British Weather

Let’s face it, the weather in the UK is unpredictable. A sunny morning can turn into a miserable, rainy afternoon in the blink of an eye. Layering is your best friend.

Winter Play:
- Base Layer: Start with a thermal, moisture-wicking base layer (top and leggings). Avoid cotton, as it holds sweat and makes you cold.
- Mid Layer: A thin fleece or another long-sleeved top can be added for insulation.
- Outer Layer: Your jersey and trousers go on top.
- Extras: A waterproof jacket to wear between games is a must. Waterproof boots and warm, thick socks will keep your feet happy. Don’t forget a beanie and warm gloves.
Summer Play:
- Keep it Light: Wear a single, highly-vented jersey. You might be tempted to play in a t-shirt, but a jersey offers much better protection and will actually keep you cooler by wicking sweat away.
- Hydration: It’s not clothing, but it’s vital. Drink plenty of water.
- Vent Your Gear: If your trousers have zipped vents, open them up between games to cool down.

Budgeting: What to Buy First

A full set of high-end paintball gear can be expensive, but you don’t need to buy it all at once. Here’s a sensible order of priority for a new player:

A Quality Mask (£50 – £150): This is your most important purchase. Don’t skimp. A comfortable, non-fogging mask will improve your day more than anything else.
Good Footwear (£40 – £100): You probably already own something suitable, like hiking boots. If not, this is a worthy investment for both safety and performance.
Gloves (£15 – £30): A cheap but essential piece of kit that will save your hands a lot of pain.
Paintball Trousers (£70 – £150): This is a significant step up from rental gear or old clothes. They will make you more comfortable, better protected, and more confident.
A Paintball Jersey (£30 – £70): While a jersey is a big improvement, an old hoodie or long-sleeved top will do the job while you’re starting out. Upgrade to a proper jersey when you can.

The Future of Paintball Clothing: What’s Next?

Paintball technology never stands still. Clothing is constantly evolving, borrowing ideas from other sports and from military research. So, what does the future hold?

Smart Fabrics and Integrated Tech

The next big leap will likely be the integration of technology directly into our clothing.

Impact-Hardening Materials: Imagine padding made from materials like D3O. This stuff is soft and flexible under normal conditions, but the molecules lock together on impact to become rigid, absorbing and dispersing the force. This would allow for incredibly thin and light padding that offers amazing protection.
Built-in Comms: We could see jerseys with integrated throat-mics and earpieces, allowing for seamless communication with teammates without bulky headsets.
Biometric Monitoring: Fabrics with woven-in sensors could track your heart rate, core temperature, and hydration levels, feeding data back to a smartwatch or heads-up display in your mask. This could help players manage their exertion and stay in peak condition during long games or tournaments.

Customisation and Bespoke Fits

Just like a tailored suit, the ultimate in performance gear is something made to measure.

3D Scanning: In the future, you might be able to get a 3D scan of your body and have gear custom-made for your exact dimensions. This would provide a perfect fit, maximising comfort and mobility.
Modular Padding Systems: Instead of fixed padding, we might see clothing with internal pocket systems, allowing players to add, remove, or reposition different types of pads depending on the field they are playing on or their personal preference. Want extra knee padding for a speedball game? Just slot it in. Need to be lighter for a long scenario game? Take some out.

The “Exoskeleton” Concept

While a full-on Iron Man suit is probably a long way off, the idea of a paintball ‘exoskeleton’ isn’t pure science fiction. This wouldn’t be a powered suit, but a system of interconnected, hard-shell protective plates worn over a base layer.

Full-Body Coverage: This system would cover the chest, back, shoulders, arms, and legs with articulated plates that move with the body’s joints.
Bounce Heaven: It would be virtually impossible for a paintball to break on such a surface, making the wearer incredibly resilient.
The Downside: Such a system would likely be hot, heavy, and noisy. It would almost certainly be banned from competitive play, but for recreational “Mag-Fed” (magazine-fed marker) games or zombie-themed scenarios, it could be a whole lot of fun.

The journey of paintball clothing from basic workwear to the high-tech gear of today is a story of innovation driven by the needs of the players. As the sport continues to grow and change, the clothes we wear to play it will undoubtedly continue to evolve in exciting and unexpected ways. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting, choosing the right clothing is a key part of the game. It keeps you safe, helps you perform, and lets you express your own unique style on the field. Now, get geared up and go play.