HEAD Men’s Padel shorts – £25.99
Adidas Women’s shorts – £21.99
Under Armour Top – £18.99
Under Armour Men’s Cap – £12.99
All products are from Amazon
One of the great things about padel is that you don’t need specialist clothing to get started. Unlike some sports with strict dress codes, padel is relaxed so wear what’s comfortable and allows you to move freely. That said, the right kit makes a genuine difference to your comfort and performance on court, especially as you play more regularly.
Here’s everything you need to know about what to wear for padel, with specific product recommendations at every price point.
The Golden Rules of Padel Clothing
Before getting into specifics, here’s what matters most when choosing what to wear for padel:
Freedom of movement: Padel involves quick lateral movements, overhead shots, and sudden changes of direction. Anything that restricts movement will affect your game.
Breathability: Courts are often enclosed and can get warm quickly. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics keep you comfortable throughout a session.
Fit: Not too baggy, not too tight. Loose clothing can catch on your racket; overly tight clothing restricts movement. A athletic fit is ideal.
Layers: UK padel courts are often outdoors or in unheated venues. Bring a light jacket or hoodie to warm up in and remove once you’re moving.
What to wear for Padel: Shorts for Men
Lightweight, breathable shorts are the standard for men playing padel. You want something with enough stretch to allow full movement and a fabric that manages sweat well.
HEAD Men’s Padel Shorts — £25.99
HEAD’s padel shorts are purpose-built for court sports and it shows. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, the fit is athletic without being restrictive, and they come in multiple colours so you can pick what suits you. At under £26 they’re an excellent value pick for anyone who wants proper padel-specific shorts without overspending. Regardless of padel, these shorts are well suited for any sporting activity, defintely an investement.
What to wear for Padel: Shorts for Women
Women’s padel clothing has improved significantly as the sport has grown. Lightweight shorts or skorts are the most popular choice for women on court.
Adidas Women’s Workout Essentials Shorts — £21.99
Adidas’s workout shorts are a reliable, versatile option that work perfectly for padel. Th fit is comfortable for court movement, and they come in multiple colours. At under £22 they’re an affordable starting point for women who want proper athletic shorts for their sessions. Just like the mens’ shorts these are versatile for any outdoor or indoor sporting activity.
What to wear for Padel: Sports Tops
A lightweight, breathable top is essential for padel. Heavy cotton t-shirts absorb sweat and become uncomfortable quickly.
Under Armour Men’s Lightweight Sports Top — £18.99
Under Armour’s HeatGear technology is well-proven across multiple sports and this top performs equally well on the padel court. It’s lightweight, breathable, and features anti-odour technology — useful for longer sessions or back-to-back matches. The fit is athletic and allows full movement for overhead shots and volleys. At under £19 it’s one of the best value sports tops on the market.
What to wear for Padel: Caps and Visors
A cap or visor is genuinely useful in padel — particularly on outdoor courts where sun glare can affect your visibility on lobs and overheads. Many professional padel players wear caps as standard.
Under Armour Men’s Blitzing Cap — £12.99
Under Armour’s Blitzing cap is lightweight, adjustable, and specifically designed for sport, furthermore it won’t shift around during play the way fashion caps do. The sweatband keeps moisture away from your eyes during intense sessions and the low-profile design doesn’t interfere with your peripheral vision. At under £13 it’s an easy addition to your kit bag.
What About Shoes?
Footwear is the most important part of your padel kit — far more so than clothing. Purpose-built padel shoes with a herringbone sole provide the grip and lateral support the sport demands. We’ve covered this in detail in our dedicated guides:
What NOT to Wear for Padel
Running shoes: Lack the lateral support padel requires and the sole pattern doesn’t grip court surfaces properly.
Jeans or heavy trousers: Completely restrict movement and become uncomfortable quickly.
Heavy cotton t-shirts: Absorb sweat and become heavy and uncomfortable during play.
Jewellery: Rings, bracelets, and necklaces are a safety hazard on court — leave them off.
Sunglasses: Unless they’re specifically sport sunglasses with a secure fit, regular sunglasses will move around too much during play.
Do You Need Padel-Specific Clothing?
Honestly, no — not as a beginner. Any comfortable athletic clothing you already own will work perfectly for your first few sessions. What you do need from day one are proper padel shoes — clothing can wait, footwear cannot.
As you play more regularly, investing in purpose-built court clothing improves comfort and lets you move more freely. But don’t let the absence of specific kit stop you from getting on court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dress code for padel?
Most padel clubs in the UK have no strict dress code beyond appropriate sports clothing and proper court shoes. Some smarter clubs may request that players wear proper sports attire rather than casual clothing — check with your club if unsure.
Can women wear skirts for padel?
Yes — skorts and tennis skirts are popular choices for women playing padel. Many padel-specific brands produce skorts with built-in shorts underneath.
What should I wear for padel in winter?
Layer up. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a lightweight mid-layer, and bring a jacket for warming up. Remove layers as you heat up during play. Thermal leggings under shorts work well on cold outdoor courts.
Do I need padel-specific clothing brands?
No — general sports brands like Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour all produce clothing that works perfectly for padel. Padel-specific brands like HEAD and Babolat offer court-optimised options but aren’t necessary, especially for beginners.
Ready to complete your padel kit? Check out our guides to the best padel rackets for beginners, best padel balls, and best padel bags.
Pingback: Is Padel Easy to Learn? A Honest Beginner's Guide - padelplayhouse.co.uk