Comfortable athletic wear that allows a full range of motion, like shorts or a skirt and a t-shirt or tank top, paired with court shoes offering good support and traction are recommended for pickleball.
Thinking about trying pickleball? It’s a fantastic sport, but you might wonder what to wear. Specifically, what clothing and shoes are recommended for this game pickleball? You want to be comfortable and ready to move.
Choose athletic clothes that feel good and won’t restrict your movement. Court shoes designed for lateral movement will help prevent injuries and keep you stable on the court.
What Clothing and Shoes Are Recommended for This Game Pickleball
Pickleball is a super fun game that mixes tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s easy to learn but can get pretty fast and active! So, what you wear can make a big difference in how well you play and how comfortable you feel on the court. Let’s talk about the best clothes and shoes to wear when you’re playing pickleball.
The Importance of Comfortable Clothing
When you’re playing pickleball, you move around a lot. You’ll be running, reaching, and bending. That’s why comfortable clothing is really important. You want to choose clothes that let you move freely without feeling restricted. Think about fabrics that are light and that allow air to flow through them. These will keep you cool and dry. Nobody wants to feel sticky and uncomfortable in the middle of a great game.
Moisture-Wicking Fabrics are Your Friend
One of the best things you can wear while playing pickleball is clothing made from moisture-wicking fabrics. These special materials help pull sweat away from your skin. This helps your body stay cool and reduces that uncomfortable, clammy feeling. Look for fabrics like:
- Polyester: This is a very common fabric for athletic wear because it’s durable and lightweight.
- Nylon: Nylon is another great option that is both strong and quick-drying.
- Blends: Many clothes combine different fabrics to get the best of both worlds, like polyester and spandex.
Avoid cotton as much as possible. Cotton soaks up sweat and doesn’t dry quickly, which will make you feel wet and heavy.
The Right Fit
The fit of your clothes is almost as important as the fabric. You don’t want clothes that are too tight because they can limit your movement. But you also don’t want clothes that are too loose, because they can get in your way. You should pick clothes that fit just right – not too tight and not too baggy. Clothing that is properly fitted will let you move freely while you play.
What to Wear on Top
When it comes to tops, you have a few options. The best choice for you depends on the weather, and your personal preferences.
T-Shirts
T-shirts are a popular choice for playing pickleball. Choose t-shirts made from those moisture-wicking fabrics we discussed. Look for shirts that are not too tight or too loose. You want to be able to swing your arms easily without your shirt getting in the way.
Tank Tops
Tank tops are a great choice for warm weather, as they help keep you cooler. The same rules apply: look for moisture-wicking materials and a good fit. Make sure the straps stay put and don’t slide down your shoulders while you’re moving around.
Long-Sleeve Shirts
On cooler days, you might want a long-sleeve shirt for a bit more warmth. Again, stick with moisture-wicking fabrics so that you won’t get too hot and sweaty. You could also choose a light jacket or windbreaker for those very chilly games.
What to Wear on the Bottom
Just like your top, your bottoms need to be comfortable and allow for movement. Here are some choices you can consider.
Shorts
Shorts are a good choice for most pickleball games. The perfect pair of shorts should not restrict your legs when you move. Look for shorts that are comfortable and come to around your knee or slightly above. As with shirts, look for moisture-wicking materials, especially if you tend to sweat a lot.
Skirts and Skorts
Skirts and skorts (a skirt with shorts built in) are also options for pickleball. Skorts are especially popular because they give you the look of a skirt with the comfort of shorts. Make sure the skirt or skort isn’t too short so that you’ll be comfortable bending and moving around the court. A good length will come down close to the knee.
Pants or Leggings
If it’s cold outside, you might want to wear pants or leggings for extra warmth. Look for athletic leggings or pants made from moisture-wicking materials. Make sure they fit well so they don’t slide down when you move, or limit your range of motion.
The Right Shoes for Pickleball
The right shoes are super important for pickleball. They help you move safely and comfortably on the court. The wrong shoes can lead to injuries, so it’s very important to choose the right ones. You need shoes that give you support, good traction, and stability.
Tennis Shoes or Court Shoes
The best kind of shoes to wear for pickleball are tennis shoes or court shoes. These shoes are made to handle the kinds of movements you make when playing court sports like pickleball. They offer good support to your ankles and provide good traction so you don’t slip.
Here’s what you should look for:
- Lateral Support: Pickleball involves a lot of side-to-side movement, so shoes should offer good support to keep your ankles stable.
- Non-Marking Soles: Make sure your shoes have non-marking soles. These won’t leave marks on the court surface. Some courts have rules about the kinds of soles you can wear.
- Good Traction: The soles should have a good grip so that you don’t slip when you change direction quickly.
- Comfortable Fit: The shoes should be comfortable and not too tight or too loose. You’ll be wearing them for a long time while playing, so ensure they feel good.
Avoid Running Shoes
Running shoes are designed for forward movement, not for the lateral motions used in pickleball. They don’t offer as much side-to-side support, which can increase your risk of injury. They are also not designed for sudden stops and direction changes, like in pickleball. So it’s best to leave your running shoes at home when you play pickleball.
Proper Fit is Crucial
When buying new shoes for pickleball, make sure that they fit just right. Your toes should not be hitting the end of the shoe, and your heel shouldn’t be slipping out of the back of the shoe. Your shoes should also have enough room for your toes to wiggle a little bit. This prevents your toes from getting squished. Try on the shoes with the socks you plan on wearing when you play.
Other Helpful Accessories
Besides clothing and shoes, there are a few other accessories that can make your pickleball experience even better.
Hats or Visors
If you play outside, a hat or visor can help protect your face from the sun. A good hat or visor will help you see the ball more clearly and feel more comfortable. Especially in the summer. Look for one made of a breathable material, to help you stay cool.
Socks
The socks you wear can also make a difference in how comfortable your feet feel. Choose athletic socks made from moisture-wicking materials. These will help to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Avoid cotton socks as they tend to get soggy with sweat. Socks with extra padding can also provide extra cushion.
Wristbands or Headbands
If you sweat a lot, wristbands and headbands can be very useful. Wristbands can keep sweat from running down your arms and interfering with your grip. Headbands help keep sweat out of your eyes. Look for ones that are comfortable and made from absorbent materials.
Sunglasses
When you play outdoor, a good pair of sports sunglasses can help protect your eyes and improve your vision by reducing the sun’s glare. Make sure they fit well so they don’t move around when you play. The glasses should be designed to stay on your face and protect your eyes.
Seasonal Considerations
The best clothes to wear for pickleball will change depending on the weather. So it’s important to think about the season, before heading to the courts.
Summer
In the summer, it’s really important to wear lightweight, breathable clothes. Look for moisture-wicking tops and bottoms, like tank tops and shorts. Don’t forget your hat or visor and sunglasses, as well as sunscreen, for outdoor games. Remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Winter
When it’s cold, wear layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, then add a warmer layer like a long-sleeved shirt or light jacket. You might want to wear pants or leggings instead of shorts. Make sure you still have a range of motion. Remember your gloves and hat, especially if playing outdoors.
Spring and Fall
For those in-between seasons, you might need to wear a mix of clothes. Bring a light jacket, just in case it gets chilly, but make sure that you wear moisture-wicking clothes as a base. Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing as the weather changes.
Quick Checklist for Your Pickleball Outfit
Here is a quick checklist to help you remember what to wear when playing pickleball:
- Moisture-wicking top (t-shirt, tank top, or long-sleeve shirt)
- Comfortable bottoms (shorts, skirt/skort, pants, or leggings)
- Court shoes with good support and non-marking soles
- Athletic socks
- Hat or visor
- Optional: Wristbands, headbands, and sunglasses
Choosing the correct clothes and shoes for pickleball will help you feel more comfortable and play your best. Remember to consider the weather, and focus on clothes that move with you and keep you dry. With the right gear, you can fully enjoy your time on the pickleball court!
Ask the Pro – What should I wear to play Pickleball?
Final Thoughts
For pickleball, comfortable, breathable athletic wear is ideal. T-shirts, shorts, or skirts work well. Moisture-wicking fabrics will keep you dry during play.
Proper footwear is crucial. Choose court shoes with good support and non-marking soles. Running shoes are not suitable because they lack the necessary stability for the quick movements.
Therefore, what clothing and shoes are recommended for this game pickleball? Athletic clothes that allow free movement combined with appropriate court shoes are must. These will help ensure both performance and safety.
