What is a A Ghillie suit?

A Ghillie suit is a type of camouflage clothing that is used by hunters, military personnel, snipers and airsoft players to blend in with their surroundings. The suit will normally me made up of a jacket, pants, and hat, covered with strands of burlap, jute, or synthetic material that look like leaves and grass. The idea is to create a 3-dimensional look that breaks up the wearer's silhouette and helps them blend in with the natural environment. Ghillie suits are designed to be worn in forests, fields, or sometimes deserts, and are commonly seen used for hunting, paintball, airsoft, and military operations.

A Quick History of Ghillie Suit's

The ghillie suit was first produced by Scottish gamekeepers as a movable hunting curtain. The Lovat Scouts Scottish Highland regiment of the British Army was the first army unit to use them during the Second Boer War In 1916, Lovat Scouts were also the first British Army sniper unit. 

Why Are they called ghillie suits?

The term "ghillie" comes from the word "gille", translated from Scottish Gaelic it means "servant" or a "lad" Most High-quality Army sniper's ghillie suits are made by hand, and lots of snipers generally construct their own unique suits.

Are Ghilli suits effective?

Ghilli suits can be perfect in many situations for hiding or blending in with the environment. The effectiveness of a ghilli suit relies on several factors, like the surroundings and lighting conditions of where you are and the skill of the person wearing it. 

Generally, ghilli suits are most effective in areas with dense leafy vegetation or long grass etc, where the suit's loose-hanging fiber strands can be used to mimic the surrounding bushes and brush, to break up the wearer's silhouette. But, in sparse surroundings, a ghilli suit may stand out more and be less effective. 

Can you wear a ghillie suit in public?

Yes, you can wear a ghillie suit in public, but it in an urban setting, it may attract attention and could be mistaken for a costume or disguise, but you should never go into a town with your ghillie suit and an airsoft or toy gun. It's best you just ware them at airsoft events where it would not be thought of as out of place.

Is a ghillie suit better than camo?

Ghillie suits offer a high level of Camouflage than regular army camo clothing as they have a 3-dimensional look that breaks up the wearer's silhouette and can mimic the surrounding foliage. But on the downside, they can be heavy and hot to wear. Camo army clothing, on the other hand, is lighter and more breathable than a Ghillie suit. Its also more streamlined and bit less obtrusive. but camo clothing will not provide the same level of Camouflage as a Ghillie suit in environments with dense vegetation.

Frequently asked questions

Why are Ghillie suits used?

Ghillie suits are used for hunting, paintball, airsoft, military operations, and other scenarios where blending in with the environment is important,

What materials are Ghillie suits made up of?

Ghillie suits are normally made up of a jacket, trousers, and hat covered in strands of burlap, jute, or synthetic materials, but an excellent addition can be some added bits of natural foliage to complete the look. This will help you conceal your possession from enemies in the field.

Are Ghillie suits hot to wear?

Yes, Ghillie suits can be hot to wear, especially on hot days of airsoft skirmishing and if you are running around a lot. But if you wear some lightweight and breathable clothing underneath the suit, you should be fine and stay comfortable, but it's wise to take a water bottle with you if you are planning on a long day airsofting.

How do I clean a Ghillie suit?

Cleaning a Ghillie suit depend on the material it is made of, but most Synthetic materials they can be cleaned with soap and water, while burlap and jute may need to be brushed or shaken out.

Can I customize a Ghillie suit?

Yes, many Ghillie suits can be heavily customized by adding additional fibres or trimming to better match the environment. In fact, most army snipers will have some customization and Accessories going on, and this includes Camouflage on their gun.

How long does a Ghillie suit last?

The lifespan of a Ghillie suit depends on how durable the materials are and the frequency of use. With proper care, a Ghillie suit can last for several seasons, and some parts, like elastic loops and fibres, can be replaced with twigs and foliage, which make you even more invisible.

Does the US military use ghillie suits?

Ghillie suits are sniper clothing used to disguise their surroundings. Students in the US Army Sniper course learn how to make ghillie suits for training.

How much does a ghillie suit cost?

The cheapest price of ghillie suits start at around £30 and can go to over £100

Below is a selection of some of the different types of ghillies available.

Sniper Ghillie Suit: 

Designed for military and tactical use, they are made with heavy materials and offer full body coverage.

Hunting Ghillie Suit: 

These suits are designed for hunting. They're lighter in weight than sniper ghillie suits and can be more breathable, and features 3D leaf-like Camouflage. This type of ghillie is sometimes used for Bird Watching or Wildlife photography. 

Snow Ghilli Suite:

 It will come in pure white and will be made to blend in with snow.

Desert Ghillie Suit: 

These suits are designed for use in arid desert environments and are made with lighter, more breathable materials.