So you've booked your first padel session (or your tenth) and you're staring at your wardrobe wondering what to actually wear. Good news: padel kit is refreshingly simple, and you almost certainly own most of it already. But a few smart choices make a real difference to how you move, how you feel, and — let's be honest — how you look on court.
Here's everything you need to know about what to wear for padel, whether it's your first time or you're already hooked.
Does It Really Matter What You Wear?
Up to a point, yes. Padel is all quick lateral movements, sharp turns, lunges and reaching — so comfort, stretch and breathability genuinely affect your game. You can turn up in an old gym tee and you'll be fine, but proper padel clothing moves with you instead of against you, wicks sweat through long rallies, and doesn't cling when things heat up.
The other half of it is confidence. Stepping on court in kit that fits and feels right just makes you play more freely. It's a small thing that adds up.
What to Wear on Top
Your top layer needs to do one job well: keep you cool and let you move. Look for:
- Lightweight, breathable fabric that wicks sweat
- An athletic fit — not so tight it restricts you, not so loose it flaps around
- Freedom through the shoulders for overheads and high volleys
A technical tee is the go-to for most players. If it's cooler, a quarter-zip or light layer you can strip off mid-warm-up works well. Our padel clothing range is built exactly for this — lightweight, sweat-wicking and cut for movement, with clean designs you'll happily wear off court too.
What to Wear on the Bottom
Shorts are the default for most players — light, flexible, with enough length and stretch to lunge comfortably. Plenty of players like shorts with pockets to hold a spare ball during serve.
Prefer a skort or skirt? They're a popular choice and work brilliantly for padel — just look for built-in shorts and a fabric that stretches. Whatever you choose, the rule is the same: it should move with you and never ride up when you reach.
The One Thing That Actually Matters: Shoes
If there's a single piece of kit worth getting right, it's your shoes. Padel is played on artificial turf, and grip is everything — both for performance and for not turning an ankle.
- Go for padel-specific or tennis shoes with good lateral support
- Look for a grippy sole designed for turf or all-court surfaces
- Avoid running shoes — they're built for forward motion, not the side-to-side movement padel demands
Most clubs will happily let beginners play in tennis shoes while you find your feet, so don't feel you need to splash out on day one.
Layers and Extras
Playing outdoors or through a British winter? A breathable mid-layer or light jacket for warming up (and cooling down) is worth having — something you can easily take off once the rallies get going. A cap is handy for outdoor courts, and a small towel never goes amiss.
What to Wear to Your First Padel Session
Keep it simple. Here's the no-stress checklist:
- A breathable top
- Comfortable shorts or a skort
- Proper court shoes (tennis shoes are fine to start)
- A layer to warm up in if it's cold
- Water, and a towel if you sweat a lot
That's genuinely all you need. The club will usually sort you out with a racket and balls for a first session, so don't overthink it.
Court to Street
One of the best things about padel kit is that the good stuff doesn't look like "sports gear." That's the whole idea behind what we make at Third Shot — pieces designed for performance on court that look just as right grabbing a coffee afterwards. No loud logos, no overcomplicating it; just quality essentials for men and women who play.
Ready to Play?
Padel's easy to get into and even easier to fall for. Sort your kit, grab a court, and the rest takes care of itself. If you're after clothing that performs as well as it looks, have a browse of our padel collection and step on court feeling ready.
See you on court.