You’re Ready for Pickleball—Now What Should You Wear?

No longer a pastime reserved for retirees, Pickleball has been reinvented as summer’s coolest sport thanks to stores and designers claiming it as their own—Moda Operandi, Staud, and Nike, among them—and selling irresistible Pickleball fashion and merch to the masses. But why the sudden obsession? Originally invented by three Seattle-based dads for their children back in 1965, it’s an easy-to-play, low-impact game that appeals to young and old alike. Add that it’s simpler than tennis and usually played in doubles, and there’s an approachable, social appeal, too. 

So what’s an accepted Pickleball fashion-focused dress code? Forget the older crew who claimed it as their own in the early days and think more along the lines of tennis-obsessed fashion fanatics who clamor for Tory Burch’s pleated dresses or Gucci’s tennis skirts and you’re at a sartorially safe (and chic) starting point. But if you prefer Skims bike shorts over Nike’s tennis whites, never fear, there really is no official uniform for Pickleball fashion—just make sure your outfit favors comfort and mobility. 

ModeSens Fashion Director, Jing Leng took to the courts with a friend to try out the game for herself recently (pictured above), and both gave their Pickleball fashion looks a tennis-approved spin. While Jing favored a Tory Burch dress and APL sneakers, friend Christina opted for a lululemon skirt and classic Nike dunks, while a visor and baseball cap were their playful-yet-functional accessories of choice. Ready to explore your own Pickleball fashion look? Check out our edit below.