Move over athleisure, because 2023 is all about “racket-wear” – fashionable clothing for playing racket sports like tennis, ping pong, and padel tennis. Over the past three years, the “racket equipment market” has grown sixfold in the US, with pickleball leading the way.
Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has gained popularity in the US and is now making its mark in the UK. With over 200 venues across the country and Pickleball England aiming for 25,000 members by 2025, the sport is thriving.
Pickleball players have embraced their unique style on the court, pushing the boundaries with vibrant neon colors and even tutu skirts with knee-high socks. The sport attracts players from all walks of life, from students to lawyers to retirees.
Luxury brands, sporting labels, and startups are capitalizing on the pickleball trend by creating dedicated pickleball attire or curated collections. It has proven to be a lucrative market, with new brands like Varley experiencing rapid success.
While established brands like Nike and Fila focus primarily on court attire, newer brands blur the lines between workout and casual wear. Traditional and nostalgic styles influenced by preppy culture are popular, featuring pleated skirts, contrasting trims, and chunky buttons. On the other hand, brands like Alice & Olivia, Rad, Nettie, and Recess embrace clashing colors and bold prints.
Pickleball fashion prioritizes movement, favoring clingy fabrics over loose ones. Norma Kamali, known for her Y2K-inspired club dresses, has even released a line of Pickledresses in stretchy jersey fabric, designed for the sport’s energetic nature.
While current pickleball rules specify that players may need to change out of “inappropriate” garments and that graphics and slogans on apparel must be in good taste, players generally take a more flexible approach to their on-court looks. However, as the sport grows, there may be more regulations imposed, which could lead to resistance from the pickleball community.
Despite potential changes, pickleball remains a unique and inclusive sport, reflected in its fashion choices. Players embrace the individuality of the sport and express themselves through their clothing.
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