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Quick Tips on What to Wear to Play Padel

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SGS Team

Padel is currently experiencing explosive growth across the globe, capturing the hearts of players who love its fast pace and social nature. 

 

As you step onto the enclosed padel court, you might notice that the game requires quick reflexes and constant movement. This is why proper apparel is not just a fashion statement. It is a functional necessity that impacts your performance on the padel tennis court. 

 

Wearing the right gear ensures you can move freely, enhance comfort, and stay cool under pressure while also helping you prevent injuries during the game.      

       

This comprehensive guide will map out exactly what to wear to play padel. We will cover the best fabrics for intense rallies, choosing padel shoes, and seasonal picks to keep you playing year-round. 

                          

an adult male holding a padel racket on a green padel court

 

What Makes Great Padel Apparel

 

The right padel apparel offers the necessary support to keep you comfortable, agile, and confident during every match. Key aspects to look for include:    

  

  • Fabric technology and comfort: Look for advanced moisture-wicking fabrics over cotton for sweat management and breathability in hot weather.

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  • Sustainability: Recycled yarns provide an eco-friendly option without compromising on quality or flexibility.     

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  • Durability: Look for snag-resistant fabrics that help your clothes survive friction against the wire mesh walls and turf.

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  • Quick dry finish: Choose fabrics that allow moisture to evaporate quickly to keep you comfortable after matches.

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  • Fit and mobility: Fitted tops are generally preferred because they prevent drag and do not get in the way of your racket swing.   

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  • Balance of tightness: Clothing should not be too tight to restrict blood flow, nor too loose to become a distraction.

 

Key Insight: The right fabric is a performance tool, not just a style choice. Avoiding cotton in favor of poly-kinit and poly-mesh fabrics ensures you maintain lateral movements and moisture management for intense rallies.

 

Tips for the Warmer & Colder Months

 

When the temperature rises, your gear needs to work harder to keep you cool. Lightweight custom polo shirts are a staple for men on the court, while racerback tanks are excellent for women as they free up the shoulder blades for overhead shots. 

 

Pair these tops with skirts or shorts that feature built-in compression layers. This combination prevents chafing and offers lateral support during long matches that involve sudden stops and directional changes.  

   

Accessories also become vital in the summer months. Visors keep the sun out of your eyes without trapping heat on top of your head. Sweatbands prevent perspiration, ensuring you maintain a good grip on your equipment. UV protection sleeves are another smart addition for extended outdoor play.  

       

Winter requires a different approach since padel is often played outdoors or in semi-open facilities. The goal is to stay warm without adding bulk, making thermal base layers a must. Sweatpants or brushed back leggings are fantastic for keeping your legs warm, while long-sleeve tops made from technical fabrics work well under water-repellent soft shell jackets when rain is expected. 

 

Practical features like thumb hole cuffs keep sleeves in place, and always packing a spare pair of socks ensures that you can change immediately after playing.

 

a padel team playing padel outdoors

 

How to Choose Padel Shoes

 

Choosing the right shoes is arguably the most critical safety decision you will make. While beginners often wear standard tennis shoes, padel-specific shoes or clay court tennis shoes are far superior for this sport.

                                  

Padel-specific shoes are engineered specifically for the vertical and horizontal demands of the sport. They have a robust outsole with a deep herringbone pattern that ensures you have enough grip to accelerate while still allowing controlled slides on the court surface. Standard clay court tennis shoes can work well too, as they share similar sole designs intended for sliding on sand-like surfaces.

                    

The importance of having the right shoes. Without the proper footwear, you risk sudden stops that can lead to ankle sprains. Effective injury prevention relies heavily on having good grip and lateral support to handle padel's quick lateral movements and aggressive changes of direction.

 

Proper padel shoes have these qualities: 

         

  • - A thick midsole provides essential cushioning to protect your feet and joints during play. 

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  • - Your footwear must offer stability that locks your heel in place during intense movements.

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  • - Reinforced toe caps add durability for the sport's demanding footwork.

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  • - Breathable upper mesh ensures overall comfort. 

 

Together, these features reduce friction, preventing blisters and discomfort during long matches. Do not overlook your socks when planning your kit. Seamless toes to reduce friction and moisture-managing yarns to keep feet dry are essential.    
           

Warning/Important: Never wear standard running shoes on a padel court. They lack the specific herringbone or omni-grip soles required for padel court surface, significantly increasing your risk of slipping, falling, or suffering a serious joint and ankle sprain.     

 

an adult female wearing a padel uniform and a visor cap playing padel outdoors

 

Accessories That Finish the Look       

 

Even the smallest accessories can play a significant role in enhancing both your style and performance on the court. Here are some key accessories that make all the difference:    

 

  • - Grip tapes in complementary hues can match your outfit perfectly. 

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  • - Damp-absorbing headbands or sweatbands and visors help manage sweat during play.

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  • - Lightweight caps or hats and sport sunglasses reduce outdoor glare. 

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  • - Use a compact cooling towel clipped to your bag for rapid wipe downs during changeovers. 

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  • - A small pouch is useful for carrying extra balls and energy gels. 

 

Organizing gear is easier with custom drawstring bags to keep everything separated. Brands can add logos to caps, wristbands, and towels in bulk orders. This ensures your team looks unified from head to toe.  
           

Did You Know: As of the end of 2023, the United States has a total of 227 padel courts across various states, facilitating both recreational and competitive play.

 

Stay Comfortable on Padel Courts With the Right Outfit                                  

 

Choosing the right outfit and accessories ensures both comfort and injury prevention on the court. With the proper gear, you can play confidently, move freely, and enjoy the game to its fullest.

                       

At Sports Gear Swag, we’ve got the custom padel apparel you need to complete your game-day look, from customizable padel jerseys and padel shorts, to a wide range of training accessories. Shop our collection today and gear up with quality and style you can count on.

SGS Team

SGS Team

Dedicated to delivering quality sports gear, design inspiration, and expert insights for athletes and fans alike.

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