Our Pickleball Clothing Buyers’ Guide – Choose the Perfect Game-Day Outfit

Pickleball’s remarkable rise has seen it become one of the most popular racket sports in the world and attracted vast numbers of new players. Often described as a cross between tennis, badminton and ping-pong, it is a fantastically fun and accessible sport that appeals to a wide demographic. The sport’s popularity means it now supports a growing pickleball clothing and equipment sector dedicated to providing consumers with apparel tailored to the needs of pickleball players. Blending style, comfort and performance, these pickleball-specific products help you get the most from your games and ensure you enjoy the experience.

The rise of pickleball

Pickleball is regarded as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and is particularly popular in North America. Created in 1965, the sport experienced steady growth until around 2014, when it gained significant traction with the general public and participation numbers skyrocketed. In 2013, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) boasted approximately 4,000 members. By 2015, this had more than doubled to 10,000 members and 70,000 by 2023 (USA Pickleball).

There are several explanations for this rapid growth. First and foremost, pickleball is extremely accessible. It benefits from simple rules and does not require much equipment – just a paddle, a ball, and a net. Pickleball courts are also considerably smaller than tennis courts. You can usually fit four pickleball courts in the space occupied by a single traditional tennis court. This makes it a more attractive financial proposition for facility owners and ensures the sport is less physically taxing and more appealing to a broader range of players.

It is important to recognize that there is a social component to pickleball’s popularity, too. Most often played in doubles, it is a low-barrier sport that allows people who may not enjoy other more physically demanding or expensive sports to get together recreationally. As with all sports, pickleball’s growth has spurred an interest in pickleball-adjacent clothing and equipment, resulting in the development of new sports products that utilize the latest textile technologies.

Pickleball clothing overview

Early in the sport’s development, pickleball players typically wore traditional tennis attire or borrowed clothing from other rocket sports. However, in recent years, this has begun to change. Pickleball clothing that reflects the demands of the sport and the needs of its players is now more prevalent.

Lightweight T-shirts, stretchable shorts, skorts and breathable hats are all now commonplace on pickleball courts around the world and an increasing number of manufacturers are specifically targeting pickleball players. Typically, the emphasis is on freedom of movement, as the sport requires quick pivots and good lateral weight transfer. 

Another important factor is pickleball players’ desire to move quickly from the court to other casual environments. It is not uncommon for participants to fit in a game of pickleball around other commitments, such as personal errands or lunch with friends, and they do not necessarily want to have to change their outfits to do so. This means there is an additional focus on stylish, casual pickleball clothing that remains comfortable while performing everyday activities. It follows the more general fashion trend in which the wider public has adopted athleisure clothing outside sporting environments.

Key components of a pickleball outfit

While a good game-day pickleball outfit will reflect your personal style and comfort preferences, the following items of clothing are a useful place to start.

  1. T-shirts, tank tops and polo shirts

T-shirts, sleeveless tank tops, and polo shirts are all popular options when it comes to pickleball. When looking for suitable pickleball shirts, aim for lightweight and comfortable designs that utilize moisture-wicking fabrics like technical cotton or merino wool. Pickleball shirts made from these materials do not get as heavy when damp with sweat and allow for improved circulation and better breathability.

  1. Shorts or skorts

Most pickleball players opt for shorts or skorts in the warmer summer months, as these allow for maximum freedom of movement. We recommend looking for pickleball shorts designs that guarantee a little stretch and enable you to move freely. You may also want to consider additional features like built-in liners or pockets, which are really useful for storing additional balls.

  1. Leggings or compression pants

If you are playing in cooler weather, leggings or compression pants may be a better option, as they will keep you a little warmer. However, elasticity is even more important in these layers, as trousers are more likely to restrict movement than pickleball shorts or skorts. 

  1. Hats and visors

Predominantly an outdoor sport, pickleball exposes players to the sun and some protection is a good idea. A breathable pickleball hat or open-top visor offers a little UV protection, keeps you cool, and shields your eyes, preventing glare and helping you to perform at your best. Pickleball hats with sweat-wicking bands are particularly useful if you perspire a lot.

  1. Footwear

The right shoes can make a big difference to your game, giving you greater control over your movement and more stability. Generally, you want to look for shoes with non-marking soles and opt for designs that prioritize grip, comfort and stability. Good ankle support is also helpful, as it supports the rapid side-to-side movement involved in the game.

  1. Outer layers

Finally, you may also need an outer layer to keep you warm in cooler weather, in between games, or on your way to and from the court. These will usually take the form of a lightweight jacket, sweater, or hoodie. Some people prefer a zipped design to better regulate their temperature, while others prefer the simplicity of pull-over designs. Again, it is best to go for breathable materials.

What makes good pickleball clothing?

Great pickleball clothing balances style, comfort and performance. With this in mind, we recommend considering the following factors when choosing pickleball apparel.

  1. Breathability

Breathability should be one of your main concerns when selecting pickleball clothing. Look for mesh or moisture-wicking fabrics that help you stay cool during play. It will not only improve your performance but also help you stay comfortable. Ventilation zones or perforated cooling features are also a great addition to a design.

  1. Odor-control technology

During a good pickleball game, you will inevitably work up a little bit of a sweat. While this can result in unpleasant odors, it does not have to. Pickleball clothing with integrated antibacterial anti-odor protection, such as that provided byPolygiene StayFresh™, helps your pickleball apparel stay smell-free and fresher for longer, even after intense games.

  1. Mobility

To really enjoy a game of pickleball, you need a full range of movement. You do not want anything that will inhibit you in any way. As such, your clothing should enable you to bend, stretch, and lunge without restricting you. Fabrics with good elasticity, such as spandex or elastane blends, are often your best option when it comes to ensuring you can realize your more dynamic on-court movements.

  1. Moisture-wicking properties

We touched on this briefly in the breathability section above, but moisture-wicking properties really deserve their own section. By pulling sweat away from the skin and allowing it to evaporate, moisture-wicking fabrics keep you cool while ensuring your clothing dries quickly. Crucially, they also deprive odor-causing bacteria of the damp and warm conditions they thrive in, so you smell less.

  1. Durability

As with all sports clothing, you want your pickleball gear to stand the test of time. This will ensure you need to replace it less frequently, saving you money. There are three key ways to ensure durability. First, purchase from a reputable brand. Second, opt for materials that are designed to last. Third, consider Polygiene-treated products. By keeping your clothing odor-free, Polygiene StayFresh enables you to wash items less frequently, minimizing the damage your washing machine does to your clothes and extending their lifespan.

  1. Sun protection

As many pickleball matches take place on outdoor courts, we recommend looking for clothing with good UV protection. Brands will often provide information on UPF ratings for their products and it is always worth considering long sleeve or high-neck designs if you are going to be exposed to the sun for long periods.

Versatile pickleball clothing

At Polygiene, we also believe pickleball players need to consider clothing versatility. Most players want apparel that offers optimal on-court performance and off-court style and functionality. You want to be able to finish a game and go out to eat with your friends, pick up the kids, or head to the shops without having to change or worry about whether you smell or not.

This is where pickleball clothing featuring Polygiene StayFresh technology really comes into its own. By preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria, Polygiene technology enables you to go about your day with total confidence, making it an excellent option for those balancing active lifestyles with busy schedules.

If you are interested in picking up Polygiene-treated pickleball clothing, we recommend checking out Sigrún®. A premium tennis and racquet sports clothing brand that strikes the perfect balance between style and performance, its Match Tee features Polygiene StayFresh technology and is ideally suited to the pickleball court.

Sigrún® is a premium racquet sports apparel brand based in New York

Polygiene StayFresh antibacterial clothing technology

Polygiene StayFresh is a groundbreaking antibacterial odor-control textile technology. Easily integrated into products during manufacturing, it provides 24/7 protection against odor-causing bacteria, preventing their growth and the unpleasant odors they produce. Skin-safe and comprehensively tested, the technology is based on silver chloride, a salt that occurs naturally in water and soil. This silver chloride technology acts on bacteria in three ways:

  1. Binding to the cell wall to prevent growth.
  2. Inhibiting bacterial enzymes to limit energy production.
  3. Interfering with bacterial DNA and cellular replication.

By inhibiting bacterial growth and eliminating odors, Polygiene StayFresh delivers several game-changing benefits.

  • Greater confidence – you can go about your day without worrying about bad smells.
  • Improved environmental footprint – because you need to wash your clothes less frequently, you use less water, energy and detergent, reducing a product’s overall environmental impact. 
  • Longer-lasting clothes – less frequent washing also means your clothes last longer. Washing machines contribute to considerable wear and tear in fabrics, so fewer washes means longer-lasting apparel. 

Our top tips for putting together a pickleball outfit

Alongside the advice provided earlier in this article, we have a few additional tips for putting together a great game-day outfit.

  1. Weather considerations

Make sure your pickleball outfit is adapted to the climate you will be playing in. Comfort is critical for good performance and enjoyment. In warmer weather, go for light, breathable fabrics with good moisture-wicking characteristics. If it is slightly cooler, start introducing lightweight layers that you can remove once you start to warm up.

  1. Material choice

Selecting the right material is probably the single most important factor when choosing your outfit. Make sure you opt for sport-specific fabrics and select Polygiene-treated materials where possible.

  1. Dress codes

Pickleball is generally a very relaxed sport and you are unlikely to encounter strict dress codes that prevent you from playing if you turn up in the wrong outfit. However, in competitive environments and tournaments, you may find organizers enforce a dress code. Check when you enter the event and make sure you have the appropriate attire.

  1. Pockets

Pockets are a feature that is often overlooked but can actually make a pretty big difference. They provide you with a place to keep extra balls, speeding up play and facilitating a smoother on-court experience. Of course, they are also a highly practical addition to any design, enabling you to stash loose items safely and securely.

Pickleball clothing with Polygiene StayFresh

Innovative Polygiene anti-odor solutions are ideally suited to pickleball clothing, providing players with valuable performance benefits that contribute to a more comfortable and confidence-inspiring feel on and off the court. In a sport where accessibility is one of the main appeals and there is a significant social aspect, Polygiene StayFresh ensures you stay smell-free and guarantees a fresher-for-longer feel. Coupled with the environmental benefits associated with Polygiene Freshness technologies, this makes for a powerful pickleball combination.

Learn more about Polygiene StayFresh™.