· By WLAM
What to wear for pickleball: a guide from shoes to shirts
Pickleball is easy to pick up, but the wrong clothes make two hours on court miserable: a soaked shirt stuck to your back, shoes that slip when you change direction, a sunburnt neck. This guide pulls together advice from trusted US pickleball sources and keeps what fits courts and weather in Vietnam.
1. Shoes: the one thing worth investing in
Pickleball is constant side-to-side movement. According to Pickleball Central, running shoes are built for forward motion and their soles often flare out, which makes it easier to roll an ankle on lateral steps. Choose court shoes or tennis shoes: a flat sole, good grip and lateral support.
If you play indoors, check whether the venue requires non-marking soles.
2. Shirt: sweat-wicking, neither tight nor baggy
- Fabric: go for synthetics such as polyester or nylon blended with spandex, which wick sweat and dry fast. Selkirk's guides advise against cotton because it holds sweat.
- Fit: close to the body without being tight or loose, so your swing stays free.
- Style: a tee or a polo both work. A collared polo has one advantage: after the game you can head straight to a café or the office and still look put together.
Read more: how to choose a sport polo.
3. Bottoms: stretch and pockets
Sport shorts, skorts or leggings all work. Avoid jeans and anything stiff that restricts movement. Pockets are handy for holding a ball while serving. For example, the 01W225 split-hem shorts have a stretch elastic waist and two side pockets.
4. Sun protection outdoors
Most pickleball courts in Vietnam are outdoors. A cap or visor shades your face and helps you track the ball. Clothing with a UPF rating blocks UV rays while staying breathable.
The UV index scale proposed by the WHO and international partners rates 11 and above as "extreme". At that level, the US National Weather Service advises limiting sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and covering up well. If you can, book early-morning or late-afternoon slots.
Read more: what UPF 50+ means.
5. A little-known rule: don't match the ball
Under USA Pickleball rules (section 2.G, revised in 2023), at tournaments, clothing close in color to the ball in play may be deemed inappropriate because it makes the ball hard for opponents to see. Officials can ask a player to change, and a player who refuses may forfeit the match. The rule does not apply to shoes.
It doesn't matter in casual games. But if you are entering a tournament, skip lime-yellow or neon-green shirts that match the ball.
6. Accessories to bring
- Protective eyewear: the ball can travel very fast at close range near the net.
- Sport socks: medium thickness, sweat-wicking, fewer blisters.
- Towel and wristbands: keep your hands dry for a secure grip.
- Take off jewelry that can snag or distract.
You'll find these small essentials in WLAM Accessories.
Quick recap
- Flat-soled court shoes with lateral support. No running shoes.
- Sweat-wicking synthetic shirt with a close fit. Avoid cotton.
- Stretch bottoms with pockets.
- Cap, eyewear and UPF clothing outdoors.
- Tournaments: avoid shirts the same color as the ball.
The WLAM Sport 2026 collection is made for exactly this: wear it on court, then straight into the city.