Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport right now. Just because you’re going out to smash some pickleball records, doesn’t mean you can’t look cute in your pickleball outfit — because fashion designers are churning out collections to appeal to every kind of player and their personal, sporty flair.
Pickleball is a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone from all walks of life, regardless of their skill, and that’s one of the many reasons it’s soaring in popularity, along with its simple rules and social-y nature. It’s played both indoors or outside and combines fun elements of tennis, Ping-Pong and badminton, using a pickleball paddle and lightweight perforated ball.
Pickleball fashion often incorporates playful patterns and bold colors to add a fun touch to players’ looks. But just like your choice of pickleball paddle, your game attire should be equally thought out to highlight your personal fashion sense without sacrificing comfort and performance.
What to Wear for Pickleball
Specific types of athletic apparel can help elevate your game and maybe even give you an edge over your opponent. Here are some things to look for when pulling your pickleball outfit together:
- Moisture-Wicking Fabric: Polyester, polypropylene, nylon or those fancy synthetic blends work as hard as you do. They whisk away sweat from your body, leaving you feeling fresh, dry and ready to dominate the game.
- Breathable + Lightweight Clothing: Stay light, breezy and cool as a cucumber in clothing that feels like a breath of fresh air on your skin. Look for cotton, polyester, nylon, linen, silk and rayon. Plus, clever designs with mesh panels or ventilation features take breathability to a new level.
- Sun protection: Grab a cool hat or a snazzy visor to shield your face from those UV rays. You can even look for clothing with SPF protection, which a lot of athletic apparel comes with anyway.
Our Favorite Pickleball-Ready Styles
Pickleball Dresses
Wearing a pickleball dress offers comfort and flexibility while raising the fashion bar of your competition. Designed with the necessities you want in your pickleball attire: lightweight, breathable fabric and moisture-wicking technology, athletic dresses let you bring fashion with you to the court. Most have built-in shorts and and unique details for added comfort.
Editor’s Pick: Budget Buy
The tennis dress features a ribbed polo collar, contrast binding, and a pleated hem for a sporty look, along with a half-zip closure for adjustable fit. It includes built-in shorts with side pockets and a removable bra for support. Made from stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric, this athletic dress is perfect for various sports and casual wear.
Price: $39.99
Editor’s Pick: Splurge Worthy
When you’ve planned a day on the court, of course you want to show up in style. Luckily, adidas offers tons of cute, comfy breathable clothes that are perfect for all types of summer sports including pickleball. We love this Tennis Y-Dress that comes in a variety of colors. Choose from classics like black and white or summery colors like lilac or this soothing, stunning green. Plus, now is a great time to load up your cart at adidas! The brand is running up to 50% off select summer styles now through June 13. Grab this perfect pickleball ‘fit and stock up on all other essentials you’ll need for a summer you’ll never forget!
Price: $90
Pickleball skirts should have deep pockets on the built-in shorts underneath for holding onto your spare balls and other items you need to store while you’re playing your game. But the most important characteristic your pickleball skirt should have is facilitating an extensive range of motion. Stick to breathable fabrics that incorporate stretch and flexibility to enable more comfortable movement during lateral shifts and lunges.
Pickleball Shirts
There are a plethora of women’s pickleball shirts for a variety of preferences and playing styles. Pickleball shirts should allow for a full range of movement on the court. Above all else, your pickleball top should be comfortable so you’re not distracted from your game.
These are some popular types of pickleball shirts:
- Performance shirts: These athletic-style tops are breathable and made with moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry during intense competition. Performance tops come in long, short and sleeveless options.
- T-shirts: This classic option is comfy and versatile and comes in a huge range of designs and styles – and graphic prints.
- Tank tops: If you want to stay cool and comfy on the court and have optimal arm mobility, tank tops are the way to go. The fabric is lightweight, breathable and allows for easier movement.
- Polo shirts: A dressier option for those who prefer a country-club-y look on the court. They’re made of soft, stretchy fabric and often have a button-down collar. But FYI, your polo shirt doesn’t have to be a Ralph Lauren one.
Pickleball Shoes
Obviously, personal preference should be forefront when picking a pickleball shoe, but there are some key things to look for while you’re perusing your options. If you already have tennis shoes in your pickleball arsenal, then you’re ready for the game. But if not, these are some of the top things to consider when you’re shopping for a new pair of pickleball sneakers:
- Court-specific shoes: Instead of opting for general athletic sneakers, court shoes offer improved grip and stability on indoor or outdoor courts, which is critical for fundamental aspects of pickleball, like rapid lateral movements.
- Cushioning and support: Look for shoes with sufficient cushioning and arch and ankle support for abrupt stops and starts to reduce strain on your joints.
- Lightweight and breathable: Opt for lightweight, breathable shoes with materials that enhance ventilation and promote airflow to keep your feet comfortable even during extended matches.
- Non-marking soles: You want to avoid leaving scuff marks on the court. That’s why purpose-built pickleball shoes are made with non-marking soles.
Editor’s Pick: Budget Buy
These women’s running shoes feature a thick EVA foam midsole for exceptional energy return and shock absorption. Enhanced stability is provided by an X-shaped TPU torsion plate in the midfoot and a TPU film on the upper for reinforcement and a snug fit. The 3D mesh fabric upper ensures lightweight breathability, while the patterned rubber outsole offers non-slip wear resistance. These versatile shoes are suitable for various activities, making them a reliable option for pickleball with their cushioning, stability, breathability, and traction.
Price: $45.99
Pickleball Visors & Hats
Wearing a hat or visor while playing pickleball offers several benefits. It helps shield your eyes from the sun, reducing glare and improving visibility on the court. Additionally, a hat or visor can help keep sweat out of your eyes, maintaining clear vision and comfort during intense play. Finally, it provides some protection against harmful UV rays, helping to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage.
Editor’s Pick: Budget Buy
This adjustable visor offers a custom fit, keeping you cool and comfortable with its lightweight, breathable fabric during long pickleball games. Its bright, colorful design ensures you stand out on the court, and its durable materials promise longevity even in hot weather. This visor makes an excellent gift for pickleball enthusiasts, suitable for various occasions, and adds a fun, retro style both on and off the court. Wearing it during a pickleball game helps protect your eyes from the sun, manage sweat, and enhance your overall comfort and performance.
Price: $26.42
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