Pickleball Fashion: A Complete Guide to Looking Dialed In on the Court

Two pros discuss and debate today's top style trends. 'How did you get so many beautiful young women to wear one of the ugliest pieces of clothing I've ever seen?'

Pickleball fashion isn't just about looking cute (though that's definitely part of it). It's about functionality, confidence, and knowing what actually works when you're grinding through matches.

The Balls Deep Podcast recently broke down the full playbook on what to wear and what to absolutely avoid, and honestly, some of the insights are game-changers for anyone serious about their on-court style.

The Shoe Game: Where It All Starts

Let's be real: your shoes matter more than you think.

They're the foundation of your entire outfit, and they directly impact how you move on the court. According to hosts Ava and Camila, the shoe conversation is more nuanced than most people realize.

Obviously shoes are incredibly personal. What works for one player might feel like torture for another.

Camila prefers Mizono, praising their blend of balance, support, and Aesthetics. Ava on the other hand is all about SQAIRZ.

The wide toe box is crucial because aggressive lateral stops can jam your toes if your shoes are too narrow, and that's a miserable feeling mid-match.

On shoes, the hosts also mentioned On shoes for street wear and Asics as a favorite among many players who've been wearing them forever.

The real takeaway? Keep your shoes clean and new-looking. "No matter how uncool the shoe is, if it's clean and looks new, then it looks nice," they note.

Socks, Shorts, and the Details That Matter

You'd think socks are just socks, but the Balls Deep crew has strong opinions here too.

Ava prefers thick socks, specifically ones that sit about an inch above the ankle. Camila gravitates toward Pilates-style socks or frilly socks (yes, really), though she admits they're more about style than function.

The real game-changer? Padded ankle socks from Amazon. "I cannot wear non-padded ones now," Ava says.

That's the kind of practical wisdom that actually changes your game.

When it comes to shorts, the hosts are divided on popular brands like Lululemon. Instead, they both love CRZ Yoga shorts from Amazon.

"I will always buy shorts from Amazon because I know what I spend my money on," Ava explains.

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Leggings and the Flare Debate

Camila loves flared leggings from Lululemon, but her husband Brian apparently hates them. "He made me throw them away," she laughs. "He said they were giving '80s mom vibes."

For everyday leggings, Camila recommends Athleta's 7/8 Salutation leggings.

"They're buttery soft and more reasonably priced than Lululemon," she says. Ava, meanwhile, has had mixed experiences with different brands. The key is finding what fits your body shape, because not every brand works for everyone.

Dresses: The MVP of Pickleball Fashion

Dresses are where the magic happens, and both hosts have specific requirements. Camila looks for dresses that don't squeeze too tight around the lower belly area.

Dresses from Alo often get major shout-outs. "I don't think I've ever gotten more compliments on a dress in my entire life," Camila says. "The spandex underneath is perfect, and it's the right length."

One more thing, they say: your dress needs a built-in sports bra. Period.

Camila learned this the hard way at a tournament in Las Vegas. "I was on center court, petrified that I was going to go for an overhead and give everyone a free show," she recalls. Thin straps are also a no-go. You need support that actually works.

The Arm Sleeve Controversy

Both hosts have strong feelings about arm sleeves that only cover the arms and back, leaving the front exposed.

"It's the bane of my existence," Camila says bluntly.

The argument? If you're wearing a tank top and then adding arm sleeves on top, your chest is still getting burned anyway.

The hosts acknowledge that arm sleeves have legitimate functional benefits for sun protection and compression, but the aesthetic of this particular style just isn't landing for them.

The Real Secret: Confidence and Consistency

At the end of the day, Ava and Camila's best advice isn't about any specific brand or piece of clothing; it's that your outfit should make you feel confident and comfortable.

As the old adage goes: Look good, feel good. Feel good, play good.

Whether you're a weekend player, a style-first competitor, or someone trying to find your on-court identity, the goal is looking dialed in every match.

And a final bonus: if you're shopping for someone who lives on the court, this episode basically serves as a head-to-toe gift guide. From shoes to jewelry to hats to dresses, the hosts covered everything you need to know to help a pickleball-obsessed person in your life level up their game-day look.