What to Wear for Pickleball: Clothing, Shoes and Sun Protection Guide

Pickleball has a reputation as one of the friendliest sports around. Games are quick, courts are social and nobody is checking whether your socks match. That relaxed attitude carries over to clothing, too. There is no strict dress code at most venues, which makes it easy to start.

Still, what you wear makes a real difference to how you play. Pickleball involves quick side steps, sudden stops, low lunges and overhead reaches, often in the Australian sun. A comfortable, breathable outfit lets you move freely, stay cool and focus on the ball. This guide covers what to wear for pickleball, from tops and bottoms to shoes, sun protection and layers.

Is there a dress code for pickleball?

Most pickleball venues, whether community courts, tennis clubs or dedicated facilities, have relaxed dress guidelines. The usual expectations are:

• Appropriate footwear. Court shoes are often required, especially indoors.

• Clean, comfortable sportswear. Gym gear, tennis clothes and casual athletic wear all work.

• No offensive slogans. The standard courtesy for public places.

Tournaments and some clubs may have additional rules, so check the venue’s website or ask the organiser if you are unsure.

What makes good pickleball clothing?

The same principles apply whatever your age or ability.

• Breathable fabric. It helps you stay cool and comfortable during long games.

• Freedom of movement. Your clothing should not restrict lunges, reaches or quick turns.

• A secure fit. Nothing that rides up, slides down or flaps.

• Durability. You will wash it often, so choose well-made pieces.

• A bit of stretch. Helpful for reaching and bending.

• Pockets or a ball-friendly waistband. Handy for storing a spare ball.

Tops

Sports jerseys and tees

A lightweight, breathable jersey is ideal for pickleball. Mesh fabrics let air flow through, which helps in hot conditions. A relaxed fit gives room to swing, and short raglan sleeves give extra freedom through the shoulders. Our Bajada Padel Jersey is made from 100% breathable polyester mesh with a relaxed fit and extended length, and it works just as well on a pickleball court as it does for padel. For more on mesh fabrics, see our guide to breathable padel jerseys.

Polos

A polo is a smart option for club play and social sessions. Look for a lightweight, stretchy fabric and a collar that lies flat. Our Fairway Polo collection is designed for golf but is comfortable and sharp on court too.

Tank tops and sleeveless tops

Many players like sleeveless tops for maximum airflow. Check that the armholes do not gape and that the top stays put during overhead shots.

What to avoid

Heavy cotton in hot weather can feel damp and clingy, and very tight tops can restrict your swing. Choose lighter fabrics, and make sure you can reach overhead comfortably.

Bottoms

For men

• Lightweight shorts with a secure waistband

• Athletic shorts with a stretchy fabric

• Track pants or joggers for cool weather

For women

• Skorts, which are popular for their coverage and ball pockets

• Shorts in a stretchy, breathable fabric

• Leggings or tights for cooler conditions

• Athletic dresses, often with built-in shorts

What to look for

• A waistband that stays in place when you lunge

• A length that suits your comfort

• Pockets, if you want to carry a spare ball

• Fabric that moves with you

Shoes: the most important choice

If there is one place to invest, it is your shoes. Pickleball involves a lot of lateral movement, quick stops and pivots on hard court surfaces, so the right footwear helps you move safely and comfortably.

• Choose court shoes. Tennis, pickleball or other court-specific shoes offer lateral support and grip.

• Avoid running shoes. They are designed for forward motion and can feel unstable when you move sideways.

• Look for non-marking soles if you play indoors.

• Check the fit. A snug heel and enough room for your toes.

• Wear good socks. Moisture-managing sports socks help prevent blisters.

Sun protection

Many pickleball courts are outdoors, and the Australian sun is strong.

• A cap or visor to shade your eyes and face. Our trucker hats are breathable, and our post on how to style a golf trucker hat shows how to style one.

• Sunscreen applied before you start and reapplied regularly.

• Sunglasses to reduce glare, if you are comfortable playing in them.

• Lip balm with SPF.

• Light, long-sleeved or sun-protective tops if you play for long periods.

The familiar Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide advice applies on court as well.

Eye protection

Pickleball is played at close range, and balls travel quickly. Many players choose protective eyewear designed for racket sports, particularly when playing doubles at the net. It is worth considering, particularly if you wear glasses. Speak to an optometrist for advice.

Layers for cooler conditions

Mornings and evenings can be chilly.

• A light hoodie or zip-up for warm-ups and breaks. Browse our hoodies and sweats.

• A long-sleeved base layer for winter sessions.

• A beanie or headband for the walk to court.

Remove layers as you warm up.

Accessories

• Wristbands or a headband to manage sweat

• A towel for hands and grip

• A water bottle to stay hydrated

• A small bag for your paddle, balls and spare kit

• Hair ties and clips if you have long hair

Colour considerations

Pickleballs are often bright yellow or neon, so choose colours that help you see the ball against your clothing.

• Avoid matching the ball colour exactly, since it can make the ball harder to track.

• Light colours reflect heat, which suits hot weather.

• Darker colours hide sweat and look sharp.

• Bright accents add personality.

Outfit ideas

Hot summer day

Mesh jersey, lightweight shorts or skort, cap or visor, court shoes, sunscreen.

Mild spring or autumn session

Jersey or polo, shorts or leggings, zip-up layer, cap.

Winter morning

Long-sleeved base, jersey or tee, track pants, hoodie for warm-ups.

Social session with friends

Breathable top, comfortable shorts, supportive shoes, a spare tee for the cafe afterwards.

After the game

Swap into a fresh graphic tee, jeans and sneakers. See our guide on how to style a graphic tee.

Sizing and fit tips

• Check the size chart for your garment. Use our Padel Sizing Guide for Bajada jerseys, Pickleball Sizing Guide for Ace & Angle jerseys, Golf Sizing Guide for Fairway Polos, Hoods & Sweats Sizing Guide for layers or Streetwear Sizing Guide for tees.

• Relaxed fit is forgiving. A relaxed jersey leaves room to move.

• Test the movement. Reach overhead, lunge and rotate before you buy.

• Think about layers. Leave room for a base layer if you play in cooler conditions.

Looking after your kit

• Wash soon after playing. Do not leave sweaty clothes in your bag.

• Follow care labels.

• Air dry where possible.

• Keep shoes clean and dry, and rotate pairs if you play often.

Pickleball clothing vs padel and tennis

Clothing needs across racket sports overlap heavily. If you play more than one, a single wardrobe can cover them all. See our guide to what to wear to play padel.

Quick answers

Do I need special clothes for pickleball? No, but breathable, flexible sportswear helps.

Can I wear tennis clothes? Yes. Tennis and pickleball clothing are very similar.

What shoes should I wear? Court shoes with lateral support. Avoid running shoes.

Should I wear a hat? Yes, for outdoor courts. A cap or visor shades your eyes.

Is there a dress code? Usually relaxed, but check the venue.

What should I bring? Water, a towel, sunscreen and a spare top.

Dress for the game

Pickleball clothing should be comfortable, breathable and easy to move in. Choose a lightweight top, flexible bottoms and supportive shoes, add sun protection and you are ready.

Ready to kit up? Explore the Bajada collection and our streetwear for after the game, designed in Australia by Sharp by Design.