Deciding on what is pickleball attire may not be easy at first glance. If you’re wondering what to wear to play pickleball, here's everything you need to know.

Pickleball is becoming an increasingly popular sport in the United States, but when getting ready for the game for the first time, you might wonder what is pickleball attire? What should I wear before I get started with the game? And that's exactly what we look at in what follows.

Pickleball is a sport that allows you to choose your clothing depending on your style, comfort level, and weather. Women can opt for skirts, shorts, with t-shirts or go for tennis-style dresses, while men might prefer shorts and t-shirts. You may also put on others depending upon the weather.

When getting ready to start your pickleball game for the first time, you might wonder, "what should you wear while playing pickleball?" The sport allows you to get pretty flexible with what you choose to wear on the ground, depending upon your style, comfort level, and weather. So essentially, it all comes down to your preferences and needs, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

Based on our extensive research, and of course, after closely observing many pickleball players and enthusiasts on the field, we have crafted this guide to help you learn more about what is pickleball attire.

What Factors to Consider While Choosing Pickleball Attire

Pickleball is a fast-paced, strategy game that you can play indoors or outdoors; therefore, you need clothing that has the perfect combination of comfort and aesthetics. Depending upon your preference, style, and needs, there are several different things that you need to look for when shopping for pickleball attire. After all, your pickleball attire affects how you look and impacts your performance during the game. So you definitely want to look for something comfortable that also fits in well and allows you to move freely during the game.

Some of the factors that you should consider while choosing pickleball attire include

Comfort

Comfort is of utmost importance when choosing attire for any sport, and pickleball is not an exception. You need to look for the comfort and feel of the fabric because if you are wearing something that makes you feel good, it will also enhance your performance.

Ease of Movement

But comfort alone shouldn't be the only consideration. There is no point in wearing attire that makes you feel good but restricts your movement. So make sure you opt for attire that allows you to move around easily, which will enhance your pickleball skills while helping you reduce the risk of injury.

Color

Who says your pickleball attire needs to be functional only? It can also be fashionable. Pickleball is becoming increasingly popular, so why not bring some style to the court. Feel free to choose the brightest and trendiest colored clothes for your game and stand out through your performance and your attire.

The Outside Weather

And while you choose some of the brightest and trendiest colors for your pickleball attire, don't forget the outside weather if you intend to play pickleball outdoors. Think along the same lines as you do while choosing your outdoor workout gear, which often means choosing attire that is a loose fit, lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking.

As a Pickleball player, it's only natural to want to look and feel good about yourself to boost your confidence in the game. Here are some of the additional tips that you should consider when buying pickleball clothing and accessories.

• It is best to choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabric for your pickleball attire.
• If you choose the play pickleball indoor, opt for lighter clothing as players tend to sweat more in an air-conditioned game setting,
• When playing pickleball in an outdoor setting such as a park or beach, choose lighter-colored clothing. Moreover, you can also opt for a fabric that offers UV protection,
• Make sure your attire is loosely fit, so it doesn't restrict your movement. You can also opt for spandex fabric attire that is stretchable and offers a better fit even if you lose weight.

With these considerations in mind, let’s look at pickleball attire for men and women.

Pickleball Attire for Men

Pickleball attire for men is all about their choice and comfort. They can choose the following items depending upon their need for comfort and the outside weather.

Men’s Shirts

Men can choose from a variety of shirts that are available in different colors and styles. You can choose from the following types of shirts.

Short-Sleeved Shirts

If you are playing sports during the summer heat, go for short-sleeved shirts that are breathable and moisture-wicking, so they keep you cool while you get hot on the court. Moreover, you can choose short-sleeved shirts made with fabric that is designed using anti-odor technology that reduces bacteria and keeps you fresh on the court for longer. Furthermore, you can also opt for shirts made with fabric that offers UV protection so you can play outdoors with the peace of mind that the scorching sunshine will not cause damage to your skin.

Long-Sleeved Shirts

If you prefer to play pickleball on cooler days in an outdoor setting, you may need a long-sleeved shirt that keeps you warm and allows you to play your game comfortably. You can find long-sleeved shirts that are moisture-wicking, offer UV protection, and have antimicrobial properties while allowing you flexibility of movement.

Polo Shirts

Men who do not prefer crew-neck t-shirts can also go for polo shirts that come in both short and long sleeves you choose, depending upon your preference. Many sports gear manufacturers also make polo shirts made from moisture-wicking fabric that offers UV protection. You can also find polo shirts with anti-microbial and odor-resistant properties.

Pickleball Jacket

A Pickleball jacket may not be a part of your essential pickleball attire, but you may need it during the cooler months of the year. You can wear a lightweight pickleball jacket both on and off the court to keep yourself warm and comfortable before, during, or after the game.

Men’s Bottoms

Boxer Briefs

For ultimate comfort and support during the game, you need boxer briefs under your pickleball clothing. It is best to opt for a breathable fabric that also resists shrinkage.

Shorts

You can find pickleball shorts from several brands but when choosing one for yourself, make sure you opt for a pair that is comfortable and breathable. Moreover, you should also ensure that the shorts are the correct length for you because you wouldn't want shorts that are too short or too long as they can hinder your movement during the game. Furthermore, you should opt for breathable, moisture-wicking material that is soft and ergonomically designed so you can keep comfortable and get your full movement on the court.

Pickleball Pants

When playing pickleball outdoors during the cooler months, pickleball pants make a great choice. They keep you warm and comfortable as you play. But remember that your body temperature tends to rise during the game, so it's a good idea to wear your shorts underneath so you can take off your pants if you get too warm.

Pickleball Attire for Women

There are several pickleball attire options that women can choose from, which include the following.

Women’s Shirts

Some of the options for shirts that you can choose for your pickleball game are

Short-Sleeved T-Shirt

For a seamless movement on the court, most women opt for a short-sleeved t-shirt that keeps them comfortable and functional on the court. When choosing a short-sleeved t-shirt for your pickleball game, opt for a breathable fabric that is soft and comfortable. Moreover, it's best to choose a moisture-wicking fabric that can keep you dry, especially in hot and humid weather conditions.

Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

You can also choose a long-sleeved t-shirt if you are looking for extra coverage while playing pickleball in a cooler environment. Moreover, long-sleeved t-shirts also offer better protection from the sun if you are playing outdoors. Opt for a quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabric that is also lightweight and stretchable so you can play your game in full swing.

Tank Top

For players who like to keep it totally functional, tank tops make a great choice, especially on warm days. You can choose lightweight, breathable, mesh fabric tank tops that not only feel good but also make you look great when you play.

Pickleball Jacket

To give yourself some extra coverage, you can invest in a pickleball jacket that can keep you warm and wick moisture away from your body on cooler days of the year.

Sports Bra

Regardless of the type of shirt you choose as your pickleball attire, you need a comfortable and supportive sports bra that can offer you the support you need during the game. It's best to opt for a breathable, moisture-wicking sports bra that doesn't restrict your swings.

Women’s Bottoms

While there is variety for women's tops, there are also several options for women to choose from as their bottoms. From shorts to skirts, and leggings, find out some of the choices women can make for their pickleball attire.

Pickleball Shorts

Pickleball shorts make a great investment if you like to keep them short and simple. They are breathable and comfortable and allow you to move around the court with ease and convenience.

Pickleball Skirts

For women who are looking for style and comfort while playing the game of pickleball, pickleball skirts make a great choice. You can choose skirts made from super soft, comfortable, and breathable material and opt for a variety of styles ranging from straight cut to flared, A-line, and ruffles.

Pickleball Skorts

Skorts also make another perfect choice of bottoms for women playing pickleball. Since they are cross-between shorts and skirts, you get the best of both worlds when you opt for skorts as your pickleball attire.

Pickleball Capris

Capris make a nice choice for pickleball bottoms for women. They fit well and provide more coverage than shorts, skirts, or skorts. Choose capris made from moisture-wicking, breathable fabric and stay comfortable on the court.

Pickleball Leggings

During the colder months of the year, you can go for leggings which make great wear that offer better protection for your entire legs.

Pickleball Pants

Pickleball pants and leggings essentially serve the same purpose; however, pants are slightly loose compared to leggings, so you can wear them during the game or after the game to keep yourself warm.

Pickleball Dress

A Pickleball dress makes the best choice for women looking for a one-piece outfit for their pickleball game. You can find a pickleball dress made from soft, stretchable, and breathable fabric that allows you to move freely and stay comfortable as you play.

Pickleball Attire Accessories

Apart from your basic apparel comprising a top and a bottom, here are a few accessories that you need to complete your pickleball attire.

Cap/Hat

Caps or hats are critical to wear as you play the game. They offer protection to your face against the sun and also prevent sweat from getting into your eyes. You can choose from a variety of colors and styles that match your outfit and complete your look.

Sweatbands

Another important accessory that you need as part of your pickleball attire is sweatbands. They absorb sweat and allow you to focus more on your game than your dripping sweat. While they may not be the most stylish part of your attire, sweatbands are super functional and a must-have on the court.

Gloves

Gloves may not be an essential part of your pickleball attire, but many players claim that they feel better while playing when they wear gloves.

Gloves improve cushion, reduce hand fatigue and keep you comfortable as you play pickleball.

Socks

To ensure that your feet remain clean and dry, you need a pair of socks under your shoes. Make sure you opt for soft, moisture-wicking socks that absorb sweat and shocks.

Shoes

Perhaps an essential accessory that you need for better foot support while playing pickleball is a great pair of shoes. Opt for shoes that provide a better grip and great support to your feet.