This week in the Nation we will be discussing the color of your skin.  No, I don't mean anything racist by that term.  If you want some crazed opinions then go to the Vent section.  No, what I mean is what you wear to the paintball arena.  If you have been keeping up with the sport or just starting out and surfing the web, you might notice that there is a variety of styles that people go for when doing the "paintball thang." What is the best clothing to wear?  Do I need a jersey to play?  What kind of jersey is the best?

The best type of clothing to wear in paintball is of course clothing that you don't mind getting covered in dirt, paint, and possibly getting torn up. I prefer the clothing I wear to be a little baggy.  Balls for some reason tend to just bounce off my baggy stuff but maybe that is my luck.  I tend to see a lot of players follow suit as well.  Wear comfortable tennis shoes or cleats.  Don't be some sandal-loving hippie or you will pay for it, mark my words, by some huge welts and cuts on your feet.

Camouflage is another common question.  Do you need it?  Depends.  It depends on the type of arena you play in and if you are in tournament play. If you are just playing Rec Ball (you just walk onto a paintball arena game) then it is your choice.  If you are playing a tourney, I would go with a jersey.  If you are playing a scenario game, then I say go for the camo. Camo gear is most effective in woods play.  When running in the woods you want to blend in and pray that the other team does not see you.  Especially if you are a sniper.  Colorful clothes just won't cut it in this instance. You go out there in flaming red and yellow and paintball marksmen will be plugging you with so many balls you will feel like Britney Spears.  But dark colors or camo is optional and your own preference.

In tournament play you want your team to go out and be the best and be the most intimidating it can be.  Sporting a team jersey shows unity and makes any team think, "Oh crap, these guys have got it together."  Now if you have seen paintball jerseys you will notice that most are bright colored and fancy.  You wonder why the hell you would want to become a target?  Well, in tournament play you are usually in a enclosed area on a speedball course. Your opponents know you are there and they will see you so in reality it won't make much of a difference.

There are so many paintball jerseys out on the market, which one is the best for me?  Again personal preference.  I tend to go for a jersey style that is intimidating and professional.  I recommend the JT Jerseys from jtusa.com .  They are made of tough material, can take a beating without tearing, clean up is simple, and the designs aren't too flashy but yet they say something to the other team.

Below is a graphic of numerous kinds of paintball jerseys.  I included it so you can see what kinds are out there.  Oh yeah, one more thing before I go:  Wearing layers of clothing don't always work.  Don't go out there in the arena looking like an Eskimo.  Layers can work sometime but not all the time.  Happy balling!