The Pickleball Trend Explained
Pickleball has been around for nearly six decades, yet its recent surge in popularity seems to have come out of nowhere. The sport’s rise has attracted a new generation of players and reinvigorated the sportswear movement.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport typically played by two or four players. While it resembles tennis, it uses specific equipment and scoring rules. For instance, players are armed with solid paddles instead of stringed rackets to hit perforated, hollow plastic balls. The game is played on a court the size of a badminton court, with a low net separating the two opposing sides.
Why Is Pickleball Trending?
One of the main reasons pickleball is trending is its beginner-friendliness. Requiring a smaller court, a lower net and lighter equipment, the sport is easier to pick up than tennis. Less strenuous and gentler on the body, it appeals to a broader audience, including seniors and people with limited mobility.
At the same time, with social media driving the current pickleball phenomenon, it has transformed into an aspirational lifestyle for younger players. Showing up on court in a pleated tennis skirt with a stylish paddle of your own has become the trend du jour.
What To Wear To Play Pickleball
The pickleball aesthetic is all about blending performance with playfulness. It embraces vibrant hues and bold patterns, expressed through fluid, relaxed silhouettes that will move effortlessly with the body to support performance.
Apparel
Choose seamless, breathable and moisture-wicking tops to keep yourself cool. Fitted polo tees enhance performance while channelling a chic tenniscore vibe.
When it comes to bottoms, opt for styles that allow freedom of movement. Tennis skirts, skorts and bike shorts strike the perfect balance between comfort and style, ensuring you can move with ease. Coordinate your tops and bottoms for a chic, streamlined look that never misses.
Designed for racket sports, tennis dresses are also a perfect choice for pickleball. They offer an effortless, put-together look that transitions seamlessly from the court to brunch. Complete the outfit with a sleek windbreaker to add sporty flair and provide lightweight coverage on breezier days.
Shoes
Court sneakers are the go-to shoes for playing pickleball, delivering stability and traction. Fashion-forward players can also experiment with trendy flat-sole options like Mary Jane sneakers — their lighter weight allows for agile play, while the flat soles provide lateral support. Though not specifically designed for the court, they can still be a comfortable choice.
Accessories
Reach for scrunchies and headbands to keep your hair neatly in place. They add flair when coordinated in colour and design with the rest of your outfit.
Visors and sporty sunglasses elevate the old-money athletic aesthetic while protecting you from the sun.
Complete the look with slouchy, oversized bags — roomy enough to carry pickleball paddles, towels, water bottles, a change of clothes and more — for a stylish laid-back vibe.
Ready to put together a 10/10 pickleball outfit? We’ve got the perfect accessories to complement your look.