Pickleball Outfit for Beginners and Beyond

Are you playing Pickleball? Most likely! Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports out there. It's a great way to have fun, stay active, and connect with others. Whether you enjoy a little friendly competition or want to socialize, Pickleball is for you.

Unlike other sports, you can wear almost anything on the Pickleball court: no tennis all-white rules or collared shirt golf attire. People can show up in jeans and T-shirts and join a game. However, just because you can wear anything, should you?

The answer is no.

Football great, Deion Sanders is known for the saying, "If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you play good." What you wear can help you feel more comfortable and even play better. Here are some tips on what to wear.

What Should I Wear as a Beginner Pickleball Player?

Wearing the right outfit can make a big difference, whether you're just getting started or are a seasoned pro. If you are just getting started or don't play regularly, showing up with style is a confidence booster.

Clothing can change our perception of ourselves and the reactions of others. When unsure of ourselves, the slightest setback or minor hurdle can impact our learning. A poor shot, missing a serve, or a sideways glance from someone on the court can tank our esteem, especially when we are new to the game.

Showing up in a fabulous outfit is a form of "fake it until you make it." It's like broadcasting confidence in yourself and your future as a player. The next time you play, show up like you are playing Pickleball, and let your style show confidence in your future self!  

What is the Perfect Pickleball Outfit for Women? Style Meets Function

When it comes to pickleball attire, comfort and flexibility are key. A good outfit should be stretchy and allow the body to bend and twist with ease. Breathable fabrics that blend spandex with polyester, nylon, or cotton work well for athletic wear. 

Pickleball is a game of bursts and high energy followed by slower movements. Your clothing should wick away moisture to keep you comfortable and cool throughout the day. New tech fabrics, like TurboDry, are constructed to wick moisture and keep you cool while playing. 

Check out our TurboDry collection here.

What Kind of Tops Are Good for Pickleball?

Creating a stylish look on the court starts with your top. Separates—a top and bottom—create the most options for finding the best fit for your body. Being comfortable and confident is most important.

Pickleball uses a lot of upper-body movement, so wearing a top that moves with you is important. If your shirt is too loose, it might get in the way when you swing, and if it's too tight, it could feel uncomfortable or make you feel self-conscious. A well-fitted top can give you a more streamlined look while still letting you move freely.

The length of the top is an important consideration. There are plenty of choices for those of us who don't feel comfortable in crop tops. It's helpful to look for tops with a hem that falls at or below the hips, which gives enough coverage to keep the torso covered during overhead movements.

The Pickleball Dress is another fun and stylish option to try. Remember when you were younger and wore shorts under a skirt or romper? This dress is made to be worn just like that—with shorts that peek out a little for a sporty, cute look. The dress usually falls around mid-thigh, giving great coverage during overhead shots. Plus, it keeps you covered when bending at the kitchen line, so you can play confidently and comfortably.

Our Everywhere Pickleball V-neck Dress is a great place to start—it's comfy, stylish, and works for all levels of play. Whether you're just learning or already a pro, this dress looks great on the court.

Sleeves are another consideration for pickleball tops. For indoor play where sun protection is not an issue, racerbacks offer freedom of movement and airflow to your arms and back. To have the most flexibility in a sports bra style, look for racerback tops that are high under the arms and have a broad back panel. For sun protection outside, add sun-blocking shoulder wraps or sleeves.

Sometimes, we feel self-conscious about our upper arms or shoulders. While you are beautiful as you are, you want to be confident. Choose a top with short, slightly loose sleeves. Wearing the same color top and bottom is another way to elongate your silhouette and decrease attention to any one area of the body.

The Boatneck Pickleball Dress is perfect if you want comfort and more coverage. Its easy style and flattering fit make it a great choice for beginners and seasoned players alike.

Sould I Wear Shorts?

Absolutely! 

Leggings are great for yoga but not the best for Pickleball. Try switching to shorts—they're cooler, easier to move in, and perfect for playing in the sunshine. Shorts let you lunge and take wide steps without feeling restricted. The goal is to move freely around the court with clothes that support your actions and don't get in the way or break your focus.

Don't worry about needing to look a certain way to wear shorts—what matters most is feeling comfortable and staying cool. The key is finding the right inseam for your height and deciding how much leg you want to show. If you're under 5'5", a 5" inseam usually gives good coverage for the upper thighs without feeling too baggy. If you're taller than 5'5", you might prefer a longer inseam—around 7" to 9"—which offers more coverage and can help you feel more secure, especially if you're concerned about wobbly thighs.

So go ahead—find the shorts that make you feel great. Let your legs enjoy the sunshine and the game!

What to Bring to the Court?

A stylish bag that holds your paddle, water bottle, sun protection, and shoes makes getting to the court easy. If you're just starting out, our casual and practical Pickleball Tote is a great choice and helps you show up prepared.

It's also super important to wear or bring proper court shoes. Running shoes aren't made for quick side-to-side movement and can lead to injuries. Look for shoes with a flat sole that keeps you feeling balanced and supported and have the right amount of cushion. And don't forget to pair them with soft, seamless Pickleball Socks—they're comfy and show off your love for the game!

What is Pickleball Style

On and off the court, the best pickleball style is one that helps you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to play your best. The right outfit can really boost your game—and your mood. Join Saltie Rose and Style Your Confidence!