What to Wear for Pickleball? Clothing that’s Comfortable and Functional
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When getting ready to venture onto the pickleball court for the first time, you might wonder, “What do you wear to play pickleball”? Pickleball is a sport where you can wear different clothing depending on your style, comfort level, and weather.
Unlike other sports in which you have to wear a uniform, equipment, or extra padding, pickleball is easy and is less expensive to outfit.
Some pickleball players dress similarly to those who play tennis. Some keep it simple and wear a shirt and shorts while others have a style all their own.
Before heading out on the pickleball court, make sure you check out our pickleball clothing guide below.
We will categorize different attire in the article below by Men’s and Women’s apparel, but before we get too far, here are the types of pickleball clothing we recommend:
- Capri’s
- Dresses
- Jackets
- Leggings
- Pants
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Skorts
- Tank Tops
What to Look for in Pickleball Clothing
Depending on your style and preference, there are different things to look for when shopping for pickleball clothing. Wearing the proper clothing when playing pickleball can either assist or hinder your performance. You definitely want to wear something comfortable, breathable, functional, fits well, and is easy to move around in.
Fortunately, as pickleball has progressed, the style of clothing has also progressed so you don’t have to neglect it in order to wear something functional.
Be sure to consider some of the following questions before making your clothing purchase:
- What type of fabric do you like? Do you want something that is moisture-wicking? Do you need spandex fabric that stretches so as you lose weight when playing your clothes adjust with you:)? Are you looking for fabric that’s more sustainable?
- Do you want to wear clothing that includes UV protection?
- Are you someone who likes patterns and vibrant colors, or do you like solid colors?
- If you’re a woman, do you prefer to play in shorts or skirts and dresses?
- Do you want to wear something that has built-in pockets for your keys, phone, and/or pickleballs?
- Are you playing during colder months? You might want to consider pants or leggings to keep your legs warm.
What Pickleball Apparel Do the Pros Wear?
Many times, the pickleball pros wear the clothing of their sponsor. You can see which paddles the pros use here for an idea of who might be their sponsor.
There are some pros who work with particular clothing brands to design their own collection. For example, the mother/daughter pickleball duo, the Waters, has an activewear collection by Faye + Florie in which they have curated the looks of outfits. In addition to Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters, Faye + Florie has also collaborated with pickleball pros Michelle Esquivel and Martina Kochli to design vibrant pickleball skirts.
Popular Pickleball Clothing Brands
You can find great pickleball clothing at big-name brands such as Adidas and Fila. You can also find clothing from pickleball brands that are known for their paddles such as Selkirk and JOOLA. In addition, there are other activewear brands that are catering specifically to pickleball, such as Faye + Florie, and Pickleball Bella.
Recommended Pickleball Clothing
The following is the pickleball attire that we recommend. We have divided the list into Men’s and Women’s. We also suggest some accessories you should remember to consider at the bottom of the list.
The clothing below can be purchased at Pickleball Central. If you purchase through a link on our website, you will get an automatic discount applied to your order (some exclusions may apply).
Men’s Pickleball Clothing
The following are items that men could wear to play pickleball.
Men’s Shirts
Men’s pickleball shirts come in many different colors and styles. There is sure to be a shirt to suit your style here.
Short-Sleeve Shirts
It’s important to wear a shirt that is breathable for those times when you get hot on the court. Men’s short-sleeved shirts are typically made of polyester or cotton fabric. Some come with moisture-absorbing fabric or anti-odor technology that reduces bacteria. Some shirts feature mesh to keep them breathable. Other shirts have fabric with UV protection to guard against harmful rays.
This particular shirt is a FILA Essentials Heathered Mesh Crew. It includes anti-odor technology that effectively reduces the development of bacteria and odor while also wicking moisture away from your skin. It features mesh on the back yoke and sleeve insert as well as fabric with 30+ UV Protection.
Men’s Long Sleeve
For those cooler days or protection from the sun, a long-sleeved shirt is perfect to wear. Long-sleeved shirts are comfortable and allow flexibility of movement.
Men’s Jacket
Men’s pickleball jackets can be worn both on and off the court.
Men’s Pickleball Shorts
Many brands make shorts that are great for being on the court. When shopping for shorts, make sure that you find a pair that is comfortable and breathable. Also, make sure they’re the correct length for you. You don’t want shorts that are too short or too long to hinder movement on the court.
Men’s Pickleball Pants
If you’re playing pickleball in cooler weather, pickleball pants are a great option. They give you an extra layer of warmth. They can be worn as you warm up, or even as you play. Be sure to wear shorts underneath so you take these off if you get too warm!
Women’s Pickleball Clothing
The following are different types of pickleball apparel that women can wear to play pickleball.
Women’s Shirts
There are many different styles of shirts that women can wear for playing pickleball. Depending on your style and preference, there’s sure to be a shirt for you!
Women’s Short Sleeve Tee
Short sleeve tees are great to wear on the pickleball court. They are comfortable and functional.
Women’s Tank Top
Look great when you play! Tank tops are totally functional and great to wear when playing on warm days.
This is a FILA Essentials Full Coverage Tank. This tank is made of a polyester/spandex blend. It has a seamline down the center back and binding at the armhole and neckline.
Women’s Long Sleeve Top
Wearing a long sleeve shirt provides extra coverage when playing in cooler climates. Lightweight long-sleeve shirts can also provide protection from the sun.
Women’s Pickleball Jacket
A pickleball jacket is great for cooler days to wear on or off the court.
This FILA Essentials Jacket allows you to move comfortably on the court. It is made with breathable four-way stretch fabric that moves with your body and wicks moisture away from your skin. It features 50+ UV Protection fabric, thumbholes, and a faux vent at the center back for added breathability. It has a self-fabric collar and raglan sleeves. It features a full front zipper along with front zippered pockets.
Pickleball Skorts
Skorts are great to wear when playing pickleball. They are a cross between a skirt and shorts. They are comfortable and stylish while providing the modest coverage of wearing shorts.
This Pickleball Bella Skort offers figure-flattering lines with two pleats both front and back. It is made from breathable four-way stretch polyester and spandex that includes UV protection. It features a comfy no-roll no-bind waistband and no-slip grip strip at leg openings so shorts don’t roll up or chafe. It also includes pockets for your phone and pickleballs.
Pickleball Skirts
Depending on your style, pickleball skirts are great to wear for playing pickleball. They are comfortable and breathable. There are all kinds of skirt styles to choose from such as A-line, straight-cut to flared, and ruffles.
>>READ MORE: Pickleball Skirts and Skorts for Comfort and Style<<
Pickleball Shorts
You can move around the court with ease while wearing pickleball shorts.
Women’s Pickleball Pants
Pickleball pants are a great option to keep you warm if you’re playing pickleball in cooler weather. They can be worn as you warm up, or even as you play.
Pickleball Dress
If you prefer to play in a 1 piece outfit, a pickleball dress is your best option.
Additional Items to Wear When Playing Pickleball
When playing pickleball, in addition to wearing comfortable, functional clothing, you will also want to wear the proper shoes. Be sure to wear court shoes for mobility on the court.
Whether playing indoors or outdoors, you might also want to play with a hat or visor and eye protection. RIA has eyewear that is great for sunglasses and lenses that can change for indoor play to help with the lighting and provide eye protection.
You can look great and play comfortably with any of the pickleball clothing suggestions listed above! Whatever your style and preference are, there is an option for you! Have fun shopping!
See you on the courts!
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