What To Wear To Play Pickleball (Best Outfits For Women)

Comfortable and chic gear to level up your game!

With so much excitement, I’m gearing up to try pickleball for the first time — a sport my friends have been raving about lately. As we chatted about our plans to get paddles and a net to play at a nearby court, the question of what to wear to play pickleball came across my mind. 

I looked up more about the sport and apparently, it’s pretty easy to learn (so glad!). There are some elements of tennis but it’s simpler since the court is smaller and involves less running. Also, the paddles feel lighter than rackets. 

When it comes to the best pickleball outfits, the most important thing is to choose comfortable pieces made with breathable fabrics and are appropriate for the weather conditions. And chic, of course, so you can feel your best during game time.

This post includes everything you need for what to wear to play pickleball — from sports bras, tops, tennis skirts, athletic shorts, to accessories such as headgear, socks, shoes, and more. 

Let’s dive in and get ready to play pickleball in style!

What To Wear To Play Pickleball In 2024 
(Best Pickleball Outfits For Women)

Pickleball Clothing (Tops & Dresses)

While there’s no official dress code, having a perfect pickleball outfit can totally change the game. Here are a few of my top picks for tops that give you freedom of movement on the courts. 

When playing this popular sport, go for pieces made with lightweight materials like the sports bras below. Tennis dresses are also a great way to get dressed quickly and look put together. This Lilly Pulitzer pick has the style of popular polo shirts and golf skirts combined. Made with moisture-wicking materials, it also has UPF 50+ and built-in shorts which are convenient since you’ll likely pick up balls on the court often. 

For in-between weather or chillier days on outdoor courts, opt for an athletic sweater vest, light jacket, or a shirt with long sleeves to keep your body temperature comfortable throughout the match. 

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Pickleball Apparel (Bottoms)

For bottoms to wear on the pickleball court, a great option is tennis skirts or athletic shorts made with an airy fabric that have a built-in layer. This way, even during quick movements you don’t have to worry about showing too much. The best options I’ve found are from Lululemon, Free People Movement, Tory Sport, and Zella. 

Another essential to add to your pickleball wardrobe is leggings, a classic look for athletic wear. You can’t go wrong with these pairs below! 

Although there’s no strict dress code, USA Pickleball notes a rule that players may be required to change apparel (which includes braces, compression shoes, shoes, and socks) if they’re wearing a shade that’s close to the color of the ball being used.

Accessories

With the right gear and accessories, you can ace your looks for pickleball matches. 

These Asics pickleball sneakers feature gel cushioning for shock absorption, flexible construction, reliable support, and solid rubber soles. 

Socks also contribute to happy feet throughout your pickleball tournament — if you’ve ever had a pair constantly fall off, you know how annoying it is! I wear these Feetures socks ALL the time for running — they stay put and feel so plush thanks to the high-density cushioning without the bulk.

A great pair of socks and the right court shoes can help with blister prevention since this active sport involves so many lateral movements. 

A visor is a good idea to protect from the sun and makes it easy to put your hair up into a high ponytail. I love the pink one below (it also comes in more colors)!

And I found these pickleball paddle earrings from Nordstrom that are adorable. Since they’re studs, they won’t be dangly and just add to the enjoyment of the game 🙂

More accessories to level up your pickleball game are these green striped paddles, a tote bag with paddle pockets, and a portable net that you can easily set up and play.

In addition to the right clothes and accessories, don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses to protect from the sun’s rays if you’re playing in outdoor courts. 

Also, be sure to pack a snack like FULFIL’s Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars. I love these! They have a soft and chewy nougat center covered by layers of delicious chocolate. Each 40g bar is also made with eight vitamins, 15g of protein, and 1g of sugar. Fun fact: these are the official bars of the 2024 Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour. 

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Wendy Sy

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