What to Wear to Play a Game of Pickleball | Apparel & Gear Tips
Pickleball has become a full-blown movement. Participation in the sport has surged by an astounding 311% over the past three years, making it one of the fastest-growing activities across all age groups and regions. As the game spreads from neighborhood courts to larger social circles and community events, what you wear matters more than ever for comfort, confidence, and connection.
At Eleven Social Club, we believe your pickleball gear should work as hard as you do. The right apparel doesn’t just help you stay cool and move freely; it supports performance, reduces injury risk, and lets your personality shine on and off the court. In this guide, we explain what to wear for pickleball so you can stay comfortable and competitive every time you step on the court!
Why is it Important to choose the Right Pickleball Attire?
- Agility and Movement: Pickleball requires fast pivots and lateral motion. Flexible pickleball clothing supports a full range of motion without restriction.
- Breathability and Comfort: Moisture-wicking gear helps regulate sweat and keeps players cool during intense rallies.
- Sun Protection: Outdoor pickleball exposes players to long hours of sunlight. UV-protective activewear helps prevent sunburn and heat fatigue.
- Injury Prevention: Supportive attire offers stability, reducing the risk of strain or discomfort during matches.
- On-Court Performance: Functional, well-fitted apparel boosts confidence and keeps players focused.
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Pickleball Apparel Essentials: Gear Yourself from Head to Toe with Eleven Social Club
Whether you're gearing up for a quick rally or an all-day tournament, your pickleball outfit should balance breathability, performance, and style. At Eleven Social Club, we design performance pickleball apparel that meets the demands of the modern game, blending function, comfort, and Miami-inspired fashion for every type of court.
Tops
Start with a Pickleball shirt that prioritizes moisture-wicking material, ventilation, and UV protection. Our SunSafe Performance Tops feature UPF 50-rated fabric and a lightweight construction, making them ideal for long matches in the sun or intense indoor sessions.
Whether you prefer a fitted performance top or a hoodie for layering, our pieces are designed to move with you, no matter your movement patterns.
Bottoms
Your base layer should be just as flexible as your game. Our training shorts, court skirts, and leggings combine stretchy fabrics, strategic ventilation, and style-forward design for every weather condition. Whether you’re diving for a shot in doubles or working the no-volley zone, Eleven’s bottoms stay cool and supportive from warm-up to cooldown.
Headwear
Court visibility is key, especially during outdoor pickleball. Our hat and visor options help shield your eyes without overheating. Designed with breathable panels and sweat-wicking linings, they pair perfectly with our UV-protective tops for complete sun protection during long games.
Socks
Never underestimate the power of the right pair of performance socks. Ours are crafted with natural fabrics and cotton/spandex blends that offer compression, blister prevention, and all-day cushioning. They are ideal for use with pickleball shoes or any non-marking court shoe with proper traction.
From breathable apparel to essential accessories, Eleven Social Club outfits every player with performance-driven garments that elevate comfort, showcase personality, and keep you court-ready all season long.
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Is There a Difference between Men’s and Women’s Pickleball Apparel?
Yes, there are some differences between men’s and women’s pickleball apparel, mainly in fit, style, and available garment types. However, both prioritize performance, comfort, and mobility.
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Men’s pickleball clothing typically includes relaxed-fit performance tees, polos, and athletic shorts with breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. At Eleven Social Club, we offer men's pieces in inclusive sizes with design features tailored to broader shoulders or longer torsos.
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Women’s pickleball apparel often includes fitted tops, tank styles, skirts with built-in compression shorts, and high-stretch leggings. Many items also incorporate feminine design elements, such as tapered silhouettes, colorblocking, or female-inspired graphics, without sacrificing function.
Ultimately, while both lines offer similar technical fabrics and performance features, the key differences come down to fit, comfort, and personal style. Each is thoughtfully designed to support the quick pivots, lateral movement, and sun exposure that pickleball requires.
Best Pickleball Accessories for Performance and Comfort
- Polarized Sunglasses: Block intense glare and enhance visibility on outdoor courts. Ideal for sunny-day pickleball matches where ball tracking is key.
- Transition Sunglasses: Automatically adjust to changing light conditions, making them perfect for players moving between indoor pickleball and outdoor play.
- Wristbands: Keep your hands dry and grip secure during fast-paced rallies. Essential for maintaining control of your pickleball paddle.
- Cushioned Slides: Give your feet a break post-match with recovery-focused slides designed for comfort and support after hours in pickleball footwear.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid when Dressing for a Pickleball Match
Even seasoned players can fall into common gear traps that impact performance and comfort on the court. Here are key pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Wearing running shoes instead of court-specific footwear: Running shoes lack the lateral support and traction needed for fast-paced, multidirectional pickleball movement. Opt instead for court-ready brands or dedicated pickleball shoes engineered for grip and responsiveness on tournament ball surfaces.
- Choosing cotton over performance fabrics: Cotton traps moisture and can lead to discomfort during long rallies. Swap it out for moisture-wicking performance fabrics designed to move with you and keep sweat in check.
- Neglecting sun protection: For outdoor matches, prioritize gear with built-in sunscreen-level protection or breathable layers.
Avoiding these missteps ensures your pickleball attire supports peak performance and long-term comfort.
Pickleball Shoes: What Makes Them Different?
Whether you're playing indoor or outdoor pickleball, footwear matters. Indoor shoes need soft, non-marking soles for gym floors, while outdoor models prioritize durability and traction on rougher surfaces.
Pickleball shoes are designed for quick lateral movement and traction on court surfaces, with non-marking soles and reinforced support. In contrast:
- Running shoes: Built for forward motion, they lack the side-to-side stability needed for pickleball.
- Tennis shoes: Offer good support but are often heavier and less tailored to the faster pace and agility demands of pickleball.
- Cross-trainers: Versatile but lack the grip and cushioning needed for prolonged court play.
Pair your footwear with Eleven Social Club’s performance shorts or skirts for all-day comfort, style, and game-ready support.
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Weather-Proofing Your Pickleball Wardrobe
- Hot Weather: Stay cool with SunSafe performance tops made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric with built-in UPF protection. Pair with active shorts or breathable court skirts that offer stretch and airflow for intense outdoor rallies. Add polarized sunglasses and a lightweight visor for sun glare control.
- Cooler Weather: Compression-friendly fits and flexible fabrics keep you warm and agile. Layer with a hoodie designed for warmth without sacrificing movement.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Play: Indoors? Go for lightweight t-shirts and shorts. Outdoors? Elevate your outfit with our weather-resistant outerwear and UV-rated hats that shield you from wind and sun alike.
Pickleball Outfit Ideas for Your Next Game
Not sure what to wear for different pickleball settings? These curated outfit combos make it easy to dress smart for performance, comfort, and style:
- Casual Open Play: SunSafe Tank + Performance Skirt + Visor + Court-Ready Shoes. This breathable combo is perfect for outdoor rallies. The skirt’s built-in shorts allow for full mobility, while the visor keeps glare off your eyes during quick points across the pickleball net.
- Tournament Ready: Training Tee + Active Shorts + Polarized Sunglasses + Wristbands. Designed for serious play, this outfit delivers sweat control and UV protection. Performance fabrics keep you cool under pressure, while accessories like wristbands add grip and style.
- Cool Weather: Long-Sleeve + Leggings + Trucker Hat. Layer up without overheating. Our long sleeves paired with stretch leggings offer warmth and flexibility on indoor courts. Add a hoodie for some extra warmth and comfort.
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Eleven Social Club: Where Performance Meets Style
At Eleven Social Club, we design performance-driven pickleball apparel for players who care about how they move, feel, and express themselves on and off the court. Inspired by the energy of the game and the lifestyle that surrounds it, our gear blends breathable, UPF-rated fabrics with bold, modern style. From rallying under the sun to grabbing a post-match coffee, we make sure you look sharp, stay cool, and play with confidence.
