Summer Pickleball Apparel: How Play and Look Your Best

Angela Caltagirone Angela Caltagirone
6 minute read

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Key takeaways:

  • Summer pickleball clothing should be breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking.
  • Anti-chafe fabrics and clothing with UV protection are important for comfort and safety.
  • Polyester, nylon, spandex, and bamboo are recommended fabrics for pickleball attire.
  • Stylish, functional pickleball attire boosts confidence and performance.
  • Wear breathable hats, use cooling towels, take breaks in the shade, and stay hydrated.

Summer is the perfect time to hit the pickleball court and enjoy the sun. As the temperatures rise, don’t forget to choose the right summer pickleball apparel that keeps you cool, comfortable, and stylish. Here are a few tips to help you choose what to wear.

At PB5star, we're passionate about pickleball and dedicated to providing you with high-quality, performance-driven apparel that elevates your game. We believe that looking good and feeling good go hand in hand, which is why our commitment to sustainability and style sets us apart. 

Best Features and Fabrics for Keeping Cool Under Pressure

When the sun is blazing and the competition is fierce, your pickleball attire shouldn't be another opponent. To stay cool and comfortable on the court, choose apparel that works as hard as you do. 

Some of the best fabric choices for summer pickleball include:

  • Moisture-wicking fabrics and polyester blends: This is the most important quality to look for in summer sportswear. Moisture-wicking fabrics draw sweat away from your skin to the fabric's surface, where it evaporates. This helps you stay cool and dry quickly during your workout. Many of PB5star’s pieces, like this Vented Sleeveless Tee, use moisture-wicking fabric. 
  • Breathable: Breathable fabrics allow air to circulate through the fabric, which helps keep you cool. 
  • Mesh panels: Clothing with strategically placed mesh panels allows for enhanced ventilation, helping to regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating. Look for shirts, shorts, and skirts with mesh inserts in key areas like the back, underarms, and sides.
  • Lightweight: Lightweight fabrics are less bulky and will help you stay cooler.
  • Anti-chafe: Anti-chafe fabrics are treated with a special finish that helps reduce friction between your skin and the fabric. This is important for areas that are prone to chafing, including the inner thighs and armpits.
  • UV protection: Be smart about sun exposure to prevent skin damage. Opt for clothing with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). It will help protect you from harmful UV rays. Many performance fabrics now offer UPF 50+ protection, which blocks up to 98% of UV radiation.

Great! You know what qualities to look for, but what types of fabrics have them? Here are specific fabrics that meet some of the criteria above:

  • Polyester: A common and good choice is polyester. It is a synthetic fabric that is moisture-wicking, breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying. It is also durable and easy to care for.
  • Nylon: Nylon is another synthetic fabric that is moisture-wicking, breathable, and quick-drying. It is also strong and stretchy.
  • Spandex: Spandex is really common in sportswear and is a synthetic fiber that is added to other fabrics to give them stretch. It is not typically used by itself in sportswear, but it is a great addition to moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester and nylon.
  • Bamboo: Bamboo is a natural fiber that is moisture-wicking, breathable, soft, and odor-resistant. It is a good alternative to synthetic fabrics for people with sensitive skin.

Prioritizing function and comfort in your pickleball attire is the key to dominating the court, even when the heat is on. Don't let the summer sun slow you down – choose apparel that helps you stay cool, dry, and protected so you can play your best pickleball all season long.

That’s why at PB5star, we've designed our pickleball collection with your comfort and performance in mind. Our apparel features cutting-edge fabrics and technologies that breathe, wick away moisture, and shield you from the sun's harmful rays so you can stay laser-focused on your game and play your best, no matter how high the temperatures rise.

Where Function Meets Fashion for Summer

While performance is key when choosing summer pickleball apparel, looking stylish on the court can also boost your confidence and elevate your game. As pickleball continues to gain popularity, fashion brands are embracing the "pickleballcore" trend, creating collections that seamlessly blend functionality and style.

When selecting your summer pickleball outfits, consider these tips to stay cool, comfortable, and fashionable:

  • Choose coordinated sets or separates in eye-catching colors and patterns that reflect your personal style. Bold hues, geometric prints, and color-blocking are all on-trend choices for the summer season.
  • Opt for sleek, streamlined silhouettes that allow for unrestricted movement on the court. Look for sleeveless tops or tops with raglan sleeves (for sun coverage), shorts with built-in liners, and skirts with built-in shorts for added comfort and coverage.
  • Accessorize your outfit with fun, functional touches like visors, wristbands, and athletic socks in complementary colors. These accessories not only complete your look but also help keep sweat at bay and provide extra support.
  • Don't forget about the rules! Tournament players are not allowed to wear clothes that match the color of the ball they're using. Make sure your outfit complies with any dress codes or regulations for your specific league or event.

It shows in your performance when you feel confident and comfortable in your pickleball outfit. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and colors until you find the perfect look representing your personality and enhancing your on-court experience. With PB5star, you'll step onto the court feeling confident, energized, and ready to crush it.

Last Few Summer Tips to Remember

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but staying safe and cool is important when the temperatures soar. Here are a few tips to remember to stay during your summer pickleball play:

  • Wear a breathable, moisture-wicking hat or visor to protect your face and keep sweat out of your eyes.
  • Use a cooling towel or bandana around your neck to help lower your body temperature.
  • Cool down in the shade frequently and drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich fluids to replace lost fluids. Keep in mind that playing in high temperatures and humidity can cause fluid losses of up to 2.5 quarts (2.4 liters) per hour.
  • Be aware of the signs of dehydration, such as weakness, fatigue, nausea, loss of coordination, dizziness, and gastric problems, which can occur with just a 1-2% loss of body weight.

Elevate Your Game With PB5star

Staying cool and comfortable during those scorching summer pickleball matches is key to peak performance. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like moisture-wicking polyester or blends with spandex for added stretch. Prioritize features like mesh panels, UV protection, and loose fits that allow for maximum airflow. And don't forget a hat or visor to shield your face from the sun's rays!

At PB5star, we've got your summer pickleball wardrobe covered. Our women's collection and men’s collection combine cutting-edge performance fabrics with stylish designs, so you can look and feel your best on the court. We're committed to sustainability, producing smaller runs of high-quality gear to minimize waste and ensure exclusivity. Gear up with PB5star this summer and experience the difference that well-designed, comfortable apparel can make in your game.

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