Compression shirts in airsoft

[DrFumbles]

Hi all, I'm just wondering what the general consensus is for wearing compression shirts during Airsoft is? Tops like Under armour Heat gear etc?

I've heard they are great for gym wear but as I'm a fairly rotund guy I've not had the confidence to just wear one without another layer over the top.

With the recent heat I've seriously considered just wearing one under my rig to keep me cool I've just been too self conscious to do so.

 

[Austeyr]

The likelihood of somebody caring is slim to none. Wear what you feel is comfortable and beneficial to you

 

[Tank423]

As an also rotund guy my advice is don't wear a compression top under a shirt on a game day, I did it once and regretted it a couple of games in, it was hot and sweaty on a relatively cool day. I'd highly recommend a UBACS instead

 

[Galvatron]

I prefer a UBACS too for the hot weather. I only wear compression tops under a shirt when it's cold.

Not wanting to diminish your experience being self conscious, only the most extraordinarily fit of players don't look like a hot mess in this weather. I don't think most players could care less and if anyone said anything, it'd be forgotten about in minutes unless they were a complete prick.

 

[Tackle]

Yep, definitely go with a ubacs, especially as the long arms give some protection when crawling around, compression tops only really work on the slimmer guys, anyone with a bit of middle age spread etc (like me), will testify that they do their very best to ride up, leaving you looking like Daffyd from little Britain, not a good look

 

[Cannonfodder]

I always thought they're a fad for vain gym bros to show off, do they actually offer any advantages over a looser fitting shirt? A loose fit would allow air to circulate better and the type of material is going to have more effect in wicking away sweat than fit. In my experience baggy clothes also help to absorb the power of hits making them a little less ouchy. Another problem with any kind of t shirt is that a lack of any collar means that slings can easily shift and start rubbing on your neck.

Personally I pick a UBACS if I'm wearing a plate carrier or a more traditional style jungle shirt for chest rigs or place style webbing. The ACU style shirts tend to be a bit thicker so I avoid those in the warmer months.

At the end of the day it's your loadout so go with what you're comfortable in and if anyone does have a problem with it then it's exactly that, their problem.

 

[Lozart]

Hi all, I'm just wondering what the general consensus is for wearing compression shirts during Airsoft is? Tops like Under armour Heat gear etc?

I've heard they are great for gym wear but as I'm a fairly rotund guy I've not had the confidence to just wear one without another layer over the top.

With the recent heat I've seriously considered just wearing one under my rig to keep me cool I've just been too self conscious to do so.

Click to shrink...

Compression shirts are to help stimulate blood flow and aid in recovery. People wearing them in the gym are either misinformed or just want to show off how they look. Yes, they can help prevent chafing, but if you're looking to wear one to help you keep cool then you're looking at the wrong things. You need either something light that allows airflow or something that wicks sweat away from your body. UBACS work because they have a wicking body that is less bulky and more comfortable under body armour than a button-up combat shirt/BDU jacket.

If you want an undershirt for a BDU/combat shirt then look at the wicking base layers for runners/cyclists etc rather than "gym bro" stuff. Go Outdoors own brand stuff is cheap and works well. Look for cotton ripstop BDUs instead of twill too, as they tend to be lighter.

 

[Tommikka]

@Lozart has hit the target on the primary purpose of a compression shirt

@DrFumbles you referenced keeping cool, so I assume it’s the wicking element that you are after. So go for something made of wicking material (some designs aim towards a degree of tightness which is partly aimed at helping to hide it as an under layer, others may be looser just letting the specific materials abosorb and wick sweat, air flow through the material to reduce sweat etc. Loose wicking undershirts help with that by further aiding air flow)

A potential problem is the added layer could add to insulation and generate more heat than it absorbs away

But everyone is different, and different things will feel better than others

I like baggy clothing, it has air flow, absorbs some of the initial impact and is less likely to highlight extra flesh padding



A good thing to try is a cooling rag. On a simple basis get a piece of damp fabric, otherwise get a cooling cloth/rag/hood etc
The disadvantage is that you eventually need to re-dampen it and it will also soak into your other clothes, so instead of visible sweat marks you have visible wet water marks. You could just splash yourself with water - but the “cooling material” should hold the water a bit longer than just your clothing

 

[DrFumbles]

Just had a chance to sit down and read all the replies. Sounds like a UBACS would be beneficial instead so I'll have to look for one in my size.

Thanks for all the advice guys, I appreciate it!

 

[Hatchet]

Also depends what kit you're running on top of it (plate carrier, etc) which might make you favour a ubacs, etc.
I used to prefer a modified lightweight shirt with ubacs arms sewn on as a sort of best of both worlds (for me). Might not work as well with a PC as it would with a belt rig, etc.

 

[Barny]

Its all about what works for you. Ive run a 3mag belt, pistol, dump, grenade and hpa bottle on it too. And then either a ubacs or t-shirt on top to aid cooling air to the upper body which worked really well at keeping temps down.

The other option is my goto now, a chest rig with the bottle mounted high up. This again works really well

Headwear is also a thing to consider, your heed can release a lot of heat so it needs airflow to get it out and keep you cooler

 

[TheFull9]

The totally standard common-or-garden MoD issued 'coolmax' t-shirts that are currently parts of PCS wick very fast; I've never made one fade even after 100+ washes, will take years to wear even the smallest holes, cost a pittance, come in a very nice subdued colour that blends in decently anywhere but is fairly light so won't soak up the sun.

They're all over every surplus retailer and eBay and it's something you can confidently buy used because, again, they don't fade and it takes an effort to wear one out. If you want the bare minimum with even less fabric than a combat shirt, way to go.

A UBACS with a nice hero sleeve roll is great in the summer though of course as has been mentioned. People often seem think they're limited to vests and armour, but they're ideal in the summer with a chest rig, that's my previous go-to in the heat since they have high collars and the long sleeves to keep the sun off my vampire-white skin.

I have splashed out on 'sun shirts' from 13th Heaven Co and OTTE Gear recently to combine the long sleeves and collar/hood with a thin t-shirt fabric. Those I anticipate will become my upper garments in summer. Not sure if they're easily available here from any outdoor suppliers, I know they're all the rage for outdoor workers in really hot climes.