The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.
Pickleball is having a huge moment–and rightfully so. If you’ve played, you know it’s a fun social sport and pretty easy to learn (I took a lesson with some friends last summer)! Plus, you know you get to wear cute outfits (I won’t lie, that’s one reason I love to play golf, too). If you’ve recently started to play– or maybe you’re just curious about the sport– I thought I’d share some of my favorite Pickleball outfits.
Here’s what to wear for comfort, style, and yes, court performance.
Choosing Your Cute Pickleball Outfit
What Do You Wear to Pickleball?
There’s no official dress code, which is great news if you love a good tennis dress or skort (I’m a big skort gal). The best pickleball outfits strike a balance between sporty and breathable, with enough coverage to move confidently and enough style that you’d wear the look to brunch after. When in doubt, wear what you’d wear for a tennis lesson.
Some staples I reach for:
- Skorts with built-in shorts or liners – Just like a regular tennis skirt! Breezy and feminine, but with coverage underneath.
- Supportive tank tops or performance tees – Pair your skort with a cute tank or sporty tee. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or spandex blends.
- Tennis dresses – Activewear dresses are perfect for Pickleball because they’re lightweight, sweat-wicking, and you don’t need to match separates.
- Lightweight long sleeves or UPF tops – If you live somewhere sunny, you’ll want some form of sun protection (and a really good non-toxic sunscreen).
- High-support sports bras – These are especially important for quick lateral movements (and physical activity in general). SheFit makes the best high-support bra ever.
- Sunglasses – Bonus points if they stay put when you’re sweating. Goodr Sunglasses are great for this.
Cute Pickleball Outfit Ideas
Skort and Tank
You can’t go wrong with a tennis skort, cropped workout tank, and court sneakers. I have a handful of skorts on rotation in my wardrobe, but if I had to recommend just one for Pickleball, it’d be this Americana 16 Inch Park Golf Skirt from Tuckernuck. I’m always partial to anything red, white, and blue.
While you could definitely pair it with a collared workout top like this White Sleeveless Connors Mock Neck (and a collar might be required if you’re at a country club), you could also opt for a simple cropped tank like this White Cotton Sasha Tank. Pair this outfit with comfortable sneakers that are supportive and cute like these New Balance 327s, or go with a pair of true court shoes if you plan to play more often. On makes a great pair called The Roger.
Tennis Dress
A cute activewear dress is a fool-proof Pickleball outfit. This affordable Amazon tennis dress is a great budget buy that holds up with lots of trips through the washing machine, but if you want to get something a little more special, I love this Fore-té Tate Dress. It’s made with UPF50+ fabric for sun protection, and has a cute zip mock-neck collar. The best part is that the shorts are built-in, but you can pull them down from the back without taking the whole dress off to use the restroom. Pair a tennis dress with sneakers or court shoes and a pair of sunglasses.
Another place to shop is called Recess Pickleball and their Merrit Dress is a cute option. It has ribbed paneling on the sides which adds a unique touch, and of course–built-in shorts.
Short-Sleeved Tee and Shorts
Not a skirt or dress girl? A pair of workout shorts and a t-shirt are totally appropriate for Pickleball. I recently discovered the Era High-Rise Short from Rhoback and love them. They have a high, wide elastic waistband and pockets. They’re made with four-way stretch to keep you comfortable, and they come in four colors. They have a 3.5″ inseam, which is borderline short for this 40-year-old mom (I usually stick to 4″+ inseams), but I don’t mind with these!
I’d pair these shorts with a relaxed white or black crewneck tee. The Drift Performance Crop Tee is perfect because the length will hit right at the waistband of the shorts. Accessorieze this look with a cute pair of sunglasses and a pickleball hat (how cute is this Pickleball Y’all Performance Hat?).
What Type of Shoes Are Best for Pickleball?
Pickleball is all about quick footwork and sudden stops. While you can wear regular sneakers, you’ll have way more support and grip with actual court shoes—either designed for tennis or indoor sports.
Here’s what to look for:
- Lateral support – you’re moving side to side, not just forward
- Non-marking soles – especially if you play indoors
- Low profile with stability – less chance of rolling an ankle
- Breathable uppers – your feet will sweat more than you expect
There are a handful of cute options on the market right now, including The Roger by On (or this pro-version), Game Court 2 Tennis Shoes from Adidas (on sale), and the Nike GP Challenge Pro sneakers.
Running shoes will work in a pinch if you’re playing casually on your driveway or a local park court. But if you’re showing up a few times a week, investing in a pair of pickleball or tennis shoes makes a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
When in doubt, stick to what you’d wear on the tennis court. You don’t need to invest in a whole new wardrobe to get started, but a good skort, a moisture-wicking top, and proper shoes will make your game—and your confidence—so much better. Plus, there’s something about dressing the part that makes the whole thing more fun.
Want cute outfit recs that work just as well for coffee runs as they do for court time? I’ve got you:
Shop The Post
