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The Ultimate Pickleball Attire Guide [Tips, Looks, References]

Published on

March 18, 2025

https://www.11pickles.com/post/

Pickleball isn’t just a game; it’s a high-energy, fast-paced battle of wits, sharp reflexes, and the right amount of friendly smack talk. In order to bring your A-game, you need more than just a solid slam or delicate dink—you need the perfect attire. Just like in any major sport, picking the right outfit is crucial. Proper pickleball wear will keep you cool, comfortable, and moving like a pro on the court (or at least looking like one). We’ll dive into what to wear, why it matters, and which brands will have you feeling like a champ on the court. Whether you're a newbie just joining the pickleball hype or a seasoned player who’s already ruling the kitchen, this ultimate pickleball attire guide has you covered.

At 11 PICKLES, we’re all about the good vibes, great games, and the all-inclusive spirit that makes pickleball the best sport on the planet. Whether you’re here for the fashion, the latest gear, or just some solid tips to level up your game, we’ve got answers to all your questions. From style guides that keep you looking fresh to must-know tricks that’ll have you dominating the kitchen, we bring you everything pickleball—all with a side of fun. So grab your paddle, lace up those court shoes, and let’s talk all things pickleball!

How to Dress for Pickleball

For some, pickleball is just a fun way to stay active and socialize; for others, it’s a fight for glory. The beauty of pickleball? You could roll onto the court in whatever you want; the game is simple enough that it’s always possible to win in any outfit. Technically, you could even win a match barefoot and half-naked… but let’s be real, nobody’s signing up for that experience!

Don’t worry, we’re not here to be the fashion police! We’re just here to show you how the right gear can keep you playing your best; when you’re chasing down a wicked volley, the last thing you need is for your clothes to get in the way. When it comes to playing at the highest level possible, choosing the proper pickleball attire actually matters.

Is There a Pickleball Dress Code? (Spoiler: Not Really!)

Ok, so maybe you should wear clothes. That’s a good start! But unlike tennis or golf, pickleball doesn’t have a strict dress code. While some private clubs and tournaments might have specific rules about attire, most pickleball courts allow players to wear whatever they find comfortable and functional. This is great news, especially for new pickleball players.

When starting out, you won’t have to invest in sport-specific gear just to go play, although you may want to if you get a little more serious about performance and style. Although there isn't a technical dress code, you will realize that there’s a pattern to what people are wearing out on the court. Pickleball players tend to op for athletic wear similar to what you’d see in tennis, running, or gym workouts.

11 PICKLES is a firm believer in this idea of no dress codes! For just going out and having fun, we have a whole lineup of products and apparel that are meant to bring the vibes to the court. We’ve got clothing for every type of pickleball player.

What to Wear for Pickleball Based on Comfort & Functionality

The key to picking the right pickleball wardrobe is choosing clothing that protects you from the elements and allows you to feel comfortable as you are making quick movements all around the court. When shopping your pickleball outfit, focus on:

Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: Keeps sweat at bay and prevents discomfort.
Lightweight, Breathable Materials: Ensures you stay cool even during intense rallies.
Flexible and Stretchy Fit: Allows full range of motion for quick movements.
Non-Restrictive Waistbands and Seams: Prevents irritation and discomfort.
Properly Fitted Clothing: Loose but not baggy, so nothing gets in your way
Long-sleeves & UPF Layers: Protects you from UV rays during long days on the court.

Check out top-ranked professional Ben Johns reasoning for wearing long-sleeve shirts during play.

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Comparing Pickleball Attire to Other Sports

Pickleball attire is very similar to what’s worn in other racket sports like tennis and badminton. However, it differs from sports like golf, where a collared shirt might be required, or basketball, where looser jerseys and longer shorts are standard.

Here’s how pickleball attire compare to some other sports:

Tennis vs. Pickleball: Almost identical in style, though pickleball clothing can be a bit more relaxed. Pickleball is a sport of colors; in tennis, white colors dominate the court. Tennis shoes can often be a good substitution for pickleball shoes especially on outdoor courts that require aggressive tread patterns.
Running vs. Pickleball: Running shorts and moisture-wicking shirts work well, but you may prefer more supportive fabrics for lateral movements. Running shoes often lack the grip needed for pickleball courts.
Basketball vs. Pickleball: Basketball clothing is often looser, which might not provide the best support for quick directional changes. Some people like basketball shoes for ankle support and cushioning. They tend to be heavier though, have different grip treads, and not always the best choice for the lateral movements required in pickleball.

Why Proper Pickleball Attire Matters

Proper pickleball attire is like wearing the right gear to a superhero mission—sure, you could show up in your pajamas, but you're not going to fly (or in this case, dink) with the same finesse. You wouldn't expect to run a marathon in flip-flops, so don’t expect to dominate the court in jeans and an old T-shirt!

The right clothes keep you comfortable, focused, and agile, letting you concentrate on what really matters: your game. It's not about getting bogged down in fashion; it's about choosing the best gear to enhance your play.

Comfort, Mobility, and Performance on the Court

When it comes to pickleball attire, fit is everything! Too tight, and you’ll feel like you’re in a straitjacket, limiting your ability to move and react like a pro. Too loose, and you’ll be tripping over your own clothes while trying to chase down a sneaky shot. The goal is freedom: clothing that lets you sprint, pivot, and dive without any distractions.

You might think those slow, steady rallies won’t require much running. But trust us, one moment you’re just casually hitting the ball; and the next, you’re in a full-blown cross-court sprint trying to snag a shot that’s just out of reach. And when that happens, the last thing you want is to be yanking up your pants or worrying about your shirt riding up. You’ll need that focus for the fast-paced action ahead—so make sure your gear has your back.

Check out how quickly those “chill” games can turn into all-out sprints, and why the right fit will keep you in the game!

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The Role of Breathable and Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

When it comes to picking the perfect pickleball gear, one of the biggest things to consider is how well it handles sweat. Let’s face it, no one wants to be that player who's dripping like they've just come out of a sauna, right? Moisture-wicking fabrics, like those magical polyester blends and high-tech performance materials, are here to save the day. These fabrics pull sweat away from your skin, keeping your body cool, dry, and in full-on game mode—no more worrying about your paddle slipping on that crucial shot or dealing with uncomfortable chafing.

And if you live in a place where humidity could rival a steam room, this is a total game-changer. Pickleball players from Houston & Orlando, you know what we’re talking about. You’ll be able to focus on your killer serves and volleys instead of trying to wring out your shirt every other point. Sure, it’s fun to distract your opponents with some fierce gameplay, but let’s not have them distracted by your puddle of sweat—keep your cool, and let your skills do the talking!

Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball Attire: What’s the Difference?

Depending on whether you’re playing inside or outside, you’ll want to adjust your clothing & shoes accordingly.

Indoor Pickleball: Climate-controlled settings mean lighter, breathable clothing works best. You won’t need to worry about sun protection, but you may want layers if the facility is air-conditioned. Indoor shoes with non-marking soles are best to ensure that courts don’t get scuffed up and that you have shoes that have a lighter grip tread that functions better on smooth, polished surfaces.
Outdoor Pickleball: Playing in the sun means choosing UPF-rated clothing for sun protection, a hat or visor, and light-colored, heat-resistant fabrics. Outdoor conditions also require durable shoes that can handle different court surfaces.

What to Wear for Pickleball: Essential Clothing Items

Alright, now that we’ve covered the essentials of picking out the perfect pickleball attire, it’s time to get to the fun part—shopping! We’ve rounded up our top picks from the best pickleball clothing brands, so you can gear up like a pro..

Whether you’re hunting for stylish fits to keep you cool on the court or searching for that perfect match for your game, we’ve got you covered with ideas for both men’s and women’s attire that will have you looking sharp and playing even sharper. Let’s dive into the hottest picks to level up your pickleball wardrobe.

Top Pickleball Clothing Brands

In order to find the best pickleball brands, look no further than what the pros are wearing. Many of the top players have sponsorships with these brands or endorse them simply because they are some of the most comfortable fits for the court. If you are looking for pickleball attire that keeps up with your game, it’s always a good idea to check out what these brands have in their lineup.

Men’s Picks from Pickleball Specific Brands:

Women’s Picks from Pickleball Specific Brands:

Women’s Pickleball Attire: Blending Style & Function

Women’s pickleball clothing is the perfect mix of performance and style, with a touch of flair that keeps you feeling fierce on the court! Whether you're playing a casual game or hitting an intense match, there are six killer fits to keep in mind when shopping for your perfect outfit.

Tank Tops & T-Shirts
Skirts & Skorts
Leggings & Shorts
Athletic Dresses
Supportive Sports Bras
Hats & Visors

Check out some of these top options for women’s court wear that won’t break the bank:

Men’s Pickleball Attire: Top Picks for the Court

Men’s clothing tends to have a relaxed fit—loose enough for easy movement but not so baggy that it gets in the way of quick pivots and fast volleys. Here are 6 of the top fits to complete a court-ready look.

Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts
Polo Shirts
Athletic Shorts & Joggers
Compression Gear
Hats & Visors
Headbands

Here are some great budget friendly options for men’s pickleball attire:

Choosing the Right Footwear for Pickleball

Pickleball sneakers are your secret weapon on the court, designed for top-notch performance and comfort. In fact, proper pickleball shoes are the most important part of your attire selection when it comes to preventing injuries. You can really feel the difference between shoes that grip the court and shoes that do not.

The best sneakers for pickleball will boost your game and help protect you from injuries like sprained ankles or knee strains, so you can focus on winning, not worrying about what’s underfoot. Look for shoes with cushioning, durability, stability, lightweight design, and breathability to keep you moving fast and feeling confident—no matter how intense the match gets.

Why Court Shoes Matter More Than You Think

Think of pickleball shoes like cleats for other sports. Sure, you could play without them, but the difference is huge! While it might be tempting to grab any old sneaker, pickleball-specific shoes are built to keep you locked into the court.

Regular sneakers aren’t built for the quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and sometimes slick court surfaces that pickleball demands. Running shoes, for example, are great for forward motion but can leave you slipping when you need to pivot or chase down a tricky drop shot. There is also a huge difference between picking shoes for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Best Pickleball Shoes for Indoor vs. Outdoor Play

Don’t skip out on factoring in this step. If you know you will be playing primarily indoors or outdoors, it is crucial to pick a shoe with the right grip for the surface. There certainly is a difference between the way that the two shoes are constructed.

Indoor shoes have non-marking soles that won’t damage the softer indoor surfaces, and they give you a lighter grip pattern that can help you glide along those slick surfaces easily while staying strong on your feet. Outdoor shoes tend to come with more aggressive grips that can withstand the constant friction on concrete while giving you extra traction on rougher surfaces.

These are some of our top choices for indoor and outdoor courts:

Indoor Courts - Head Motion Pro Men’s & Women’s
Outdoor Courts - Babolat Jet Mach III Men’s & Women’s

What to Wear When Playing Pickleball to Prevent Injuries

Aside from wearing clothes that fit and aren’t too baggy in design, picking a proper pickleball sneaker is the number one way to prevent injuries of the achilles, knees, and ankles. You mainly want a shoe that’s not only going to protect your feet when moving forward and backward but also from side to side with all the lateral movements that pickleball requires. That’s why it’s best to avoid running shoes and stick with court specific sneakers.

The good thing is that all pickleball shoes are designed with this in mind. The main goal is to keep you up on your feet and off the sidelines. So when picking out a shoe it’s best to choose a shoe that will work best to adapt to your style of play. We’ve already compiled some of the best picks out there based on play style.

For a balanced, all-around skill set:

Are you a speedster who loves to dart across the court to make those impossible saves?

These shoes are meant for power players, keeping you comfortable and in control between slams:

Accessories & Extras: Finishing Your Pickleball Look

You’ve locked in the essentials—court shoes to keep you steady and performance gear to keep you moving. But why stop there? It’s time to take your outfit from standard to stand out.

At 11 PICKLES, we believe pickleball is more than just a game; it’s a vibe. So why not let your outfit reflect that? Accessories are the perfect way to show off your style, rep your pickleball personality, and keep the good times rolling. Whether it’s a bold hat, a statement tee, or a tote bag that boldly claims that you are a "Pickelball Legend," adding a little flair reminds everyone (including yourself) why you love this game.

Hats & Visors for Sun Protection

Top off your look quite literally with a hat that works to wick away sweat or simply block a little bit of sun. We’ve got some options here for you that will have you looking fresh and help you show off your favorite city.

11 PICKLES has hats to let everyone know which town you are repping:

These options are meant for performance and are always stylish with their minimalist style:

Socks & Compression Gear to Match Your Personality

We’ve covered shoes, clothes, and hats, but there’s one crucial part of your outfit that’s often overlooked—socks! Not only do they add comfort with every stride across the court, but they’re also your chance to show off a little personality and flair without slowing you down. Whether you go for top brand appeal, funky patterns, or bold colors these socks are the perfect way to round out your pickleball look.

11 PICKLES: Your Guide to More than Style

At 11 PICKLES, we’re all about keeping you in the loop with the latest and greatest from the pickleball world! From style tips to game-changing guides, we’ve got you covered. Head to our main page for more awesome reads, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a beat!

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