If you are looking to go airsofting, you may be wondering what the appropriate attire may be. Looking at what others are wearing online or at your local field, you may be surprised to see the diversity in what people wear. In this article, we will discuss some of the popular options for what clothes you should wear for airsoft.
Generally, all you need are jeans, a shirt, and closed-toe shoes. It is extremely popular for players to wear their favorite camo, which includes trousers, a combat shirt or BDU top, boots, and a hat or helmet.
Since clothing is entirely based on personal preference, the options are limitless. Some factors may impact your choice, such as if you are playing inside or outside, if you are matching your team, how well you want to blend in with your surroundings, and your budget.
Now, let’s dig into each of these factors and find out what best fits you!
One of the most significant factors in choosing what to wear for airsoft is where you will be playing. Factors, such as budget and wanting to match your squad or team, still may impact this.
For casual players, simple jeans, a shirt, tennis shoes, and a hat or beanie is more than sufficient. This attire allows you to play comfortably while not worrying about blending in with the non-existent brush. Since it is close quarters, choosing to wear something that helps you blend in is not nearly as important. Choosing to wear casual clothes is also quite budget-friendly as you don't really need to buy anything.
Alternatively, for those looking to dress up more, black attire is quite common for indoors. Whether you are playing Speedsoft or general indoor airsoft, many opt for black outfits.
Thankfully, the cost of military attire in black can be quite low. Brands like Rothco and Propper offer budget-friendly options when it comes to clothes. Prices are usually lower for solid colors like grey, black, or tan.
If you are buying new, the Rothco Pants are approximately $30, check Amazon for current price.
BDU shirts are $30, whereas combat shirts are slightly more at roughly $45.
Although you can still wear whatever shoes you own, you may choose to buy some that fit your black attire. The price of shoes can vary widely from $40 shoes to $200 boots.
Hats or beanies are a popular choice for indoors as they are light and offer some protection if you get shot in the head. If you aim for a more tactical look to match your black gear, you may opt for a helmet.
Before buying, use reviews on sites like Amazon to determine if the helmet you want will last. Emerson Gear has budget-friendly options when it comes to helmets. A simple black PJ style helmet is only $37.
Do note that wearing a helmet is only a viable option if your mask allows for it. Standard paintball style masks don't allow for helmets, but masks that are more open on the top, such as Dye, can be made to fit with helmets.
Alternatively, using goggles and a mesh mask will easily allow you room for a helmet.
Outdoors can see more factors impacting what you may want to choose. When playing outdoors, wanting to blend in with your background becomes more prevalent. The type of camo you select will depend on where exactly you live.
If you want help identifying the camo that will be useful for your region, you can look up maps that show the best camos for your country. The prices will vary on the brand and style of camo.
Patterns that have been in production for many years will tend to cheaper. However, newer patterns, such as Multicam, will always cost more. Additionally, buying from brands like Rothco, Tru-Spec, or Propper will help save when comparing to higher-end brands like Crye. (Cyre Combat Pants, Cyre Combat Shirt)
If you opt for more unique camo patterns, such as AUSCAM or M38, prices can skyrocket. The features and authenticity of these brands and camos are all preferential, so choose based on what you want and what your budget will allow.
Although choosing a camouflage that best blends in with your surroundings is helpful, you may decide to match who you are playing with.
For some events, particularly MilSim events, there are rules for what camos you can wear. For MilSim events, the typical requirements are green camo and tan camo. Again, the cost will be determined by the brand and pattern you go with.
For example, Multicam pants and a combat shirt from Propper will cost approximately $140. In contrast, their woodland pants and BDU top will cost around $58.
Like indoors, your ability to wear a helmet will be determined by what face protection you choose. You may want to either buy a painted helmet to match or get a helmet cover to pair with a helmet.
Helmet covers are easy to apply, can quickly change the camo on your helmet to match different uniforms, and only cost $10-$15.
Since your budget can significantly impact what you purchase, you can save by shopping for used gear at military surplus stores. Additionally, there is the option to buy from Chinese brands from sites like eBay or Amazon.
Military surplus stores can be a great way to find what fits you and see some of the different camo patterns. If you are looking for other gear, such as holsters, hydration pouches, mag pouches, or utility belts, surplus stores are a great source.
Although we have discussed how cost varies based on uniform, it would be wise to think about general comfort. If you are playing in a cold climate, you may be able to layer up underneath.
For your torso, you can find matching jackets to put over your top. If you are layering up, please be conscientious that you may have a harder time telling when you are hit!
On the opposite end, you also have those playing in the heat. During summer, especially in desert cities, comfort moves from preferential to mandatory. Although this varies from person to person, wearing thick BDU pants and a top can become quite uncomfortable.
Choosing breathable materials that help with the heat, like cotton or jersey, will provide a much more enjoyable experience. Some opt to dress in breathable and sun-proof fabrics while others wear less material and use sunscreen. Whichever you choose, make sure you stay hydrated and that all of your skin is protected!
Your choices are endless with the clothing you wear for airsoft. Unless you are signing up for a MilSim event with restricted uniforms, you have the complete freedom to wear whatever you want.
Your outfit can vary if you are playing indoors or outdoors, if you're going to match your teammates, how comfortable you want to be, and how much you want to spend. So regardless of what you choose to wear, stay safe, and have fun!