The paint can holder provides an attachment plate with hook, and an attachment device for attaching the paint can holder to a painter's body or fastening the paint can holder to a painter's clothing, for example a pair of openings through which a strap or belt is disposed. The hook may be provided with a movable retaining device that closes the hook to retain the handle of the paint can. The attachment plate is preferably contoured to the shape of the painter's body and may be provided with ridges that reinforce the plate and help to stabilize the paint can.