Serving Up Style

Forget the old clichés of tennis whites and country club exclusivity. Pickleball, with its inclusive spirit and energetic gameplay, is rewriting the rules of courtside style. As players demand apparel that performs as well off the court as it does on, a new generation of brands is stepping up to the challenge. They’re ditching generic sportswear and embracing high-quality, versatile designs that reflect the modern pickleball player’s dynamic lifestyle.

No longer confined to the court, this new wave of athleisure seamlessly transitions from intense rallies to post-game social gatherings, workdays, and evenings out. These brands understand that pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that demands apparel that can keep up.

Here are five brands that are leading the charge, delivering both performance and style for pickleball enthusiasts.

Alo

A dominant force in the yoga world, Alo has quickly become a favorite among pickleball players who prioritize both performance and style. Known for fashion-forward designs and high-performance fabrics, Alo offers pieces that seamlessly transition from the court to everyday life.

One of the most popular items, the Match Point tennis skirt, has become a staple on pickleball courts everywhere. It’s a flattering fit, plus built-in shorts and a convenient side pocket make it a practical and stylish choice for any player. And with Alo’s signature Airbrush fabric, it offers a soft, comfortably compressive feel that moves with you.

But Alo doesn’t stop at skirts. Its extensive collection of sports bras, with more than 100 options in the Airbrush fabric, ensures a perfect fit and unparalleled support for every player. From bold colors to trendy cuts, Alo empowers players to express their individual style while enjoying maximum comfort and performance. It’s no wonder Alo is a constant presence both on and off the pickleball court.

“Alo’s sponsorship of pickleball pro Parris Todd is a smart move,” says Lydia Hirt, an influential pickleball player and marketing leader in the sport. “Parris is a top performer on the pro tour and has a strong Instagram presence. This allows Alo to authentically reach the pickleball community and tap into its growing popularity.”

J. Pritchard

More than just a clothing brand, J. Pritchard is woven into the very fabric of pickleball history. Named after the sport’s founding family, the brand carries a legacy of authenticity and a commitment to quality. “We are THE authentic brand of pickleball,” says Darren Gable, president and co-founder, “working with the founding family to honor their legacy and make sure we continue to tell the true story of how pickleball was invented.”

This commitment to heritage translates into classic silhouettes and sophisticated color palettes, bringing a touch of timeless elegance to the pickleball court. Performance polos and skorts—crafted from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics—are designed for optimal movement and comfort. But J. Pritchard doesn’t stop at on-court style. Its Social Club collection, featuring cozy joggers and crew neck shirts, ensures that you look just as good off the court as you do on it.

So far, the women’s Legacy skirt and the men’s Icon shorts have proven to be customer favorites, but the brand is constantly expanding its offerings. Pickleball enthusiasts can look forward to new additions like a weekender bag, polos, quarter-zip pullovers, and a dress. “Based on the success of the Icon shorts and the Legacy skirts, we are expanding that category,” Gable also reveals.

J. Pritchard is dedicated to bringing “high-level quality fabrications to the pickleball market that look as great as they perform.” And the brand’s connection to the Pritchard family remains strong. While not involved in the day-to-day operations, founding family member Frank Pritchard continues to be an ambassador for the brand, embodying the spirit of the sport and its enduring legacy. With plans to launch pickleball equipment in the future, J. Pritchard is poised to become a true all-in-one lifestyle brand for pickleball enthusiasts.

Lululemon

This athleisure giant has transcended its yoga roots to become a go-to for pickleball players seeking high-quality, versatile apparel. From Major League Pickleball events—where Lululemon outfits entire teams—to local courts across the country, the brand’s presence is undeniable. And with Life Time recently naming Lululemon as its official apparel partner for pickleball and tennis, the company’s influence in the sport is only growing.

Lululemon’s popularity stems from its commitment to creating apparel that performs as well as it looks. Signature buttery-soft fabrics and thoughtfully designed pieces are ideal for the dynamic movements of pickleball. For mixed doubles teams, coordinating styles like the quick-drying shorts with built-in liners for men and supportive, stylish sports bras and skorts for women offer a winning combination of comfort and performance.

“Lululemon has grown beyond just yoga,” says Hirt. “I’m sure we’ll see them continue to offer a variety of pickleball apparel items that we’ll all be wearing all day and night.” Indeed, the brand’s ability to seamlessly blend style and functionality makes it a favorite for players who want to look and feel their best both on and off the court.

Hirt believes Lululemon’s partnership with Life Time is a particularly effective marketing strategy. “Life Time has more than 750 courts across the country today, with more coming,” she explains. “There have been more than 4 million participants in pickleball at Life Time in 2024 so far, with Lululemon in the pro shops and favored by many on-court employees. It’s a very effective way to get in front of a huge audience of pickleball players.”

Gold Hinge

As pickleball attracts a younger demographic, brands like Gold Hinge are capitalizing on the trends shaping this generation’s style. With a strong presence on social media platforms like TikTok, Gold Hinge has captured the attention of tweens, teens and young professionals with its versatile and fun designs.

Its pleated tennis skirts—a viral sensation on TikTok—have become a must-have for young pickleball enthusiasts. Along with simple yet stylish skorts, they offer both fashion and function, allowing players to express their individuality while enjoying optimal comfort and performance on the court.

Gold Hinge’s focus on comfort and functionality resonates with this active demographic. The use of four-way stretch fabrics and ergonomic designs ensures a full range of motion, allowing players to move freely and confidently.

With a wide range of apparel and accessories, Gold Hinge is quickly becoming a favorite among the younger generation of pickleball players, proving that style and performance go hand in hand. Expect to see this brand dominating holiday wish lists this year as it continues to cater to the evolving trends of this growing segment of pickleball enthusiasts.

Vuori

This California-based brand has taken the pickleball scene by storm, especially among men seeking premium activewear that seamlessly transitions from the gym to the court. Vuori’s emphasis on performance, comfort and style has made it a favorite for players who value versatility and quality.

The Kore Short, a staple in Vuori’s collection, has become synonymous with pickleball. Its athletic fit, moisture-wicking fabric, and comfortable liner make it ideal for intense matches, while the stylish design allows for effortless wear beyond the court. Many men are looking for high-quality shorts to go straight from working out at the gym to the pickleball court, and the Kore Short is a favorite.

As the weather cools down, Vuori’s joggers offer the perfect blend of comfort and style, both on and off the court. With soft fabrics and modern designs, they’re great for warming up, cooling down, or simply relaxing after a game.

Vuori’s emergence in the pickleball world signifies the growing demand for apparel that meets the needs of today’s active lifestyle. The brand has come onto the premium activewear scene over the last couple of years and will continue to grow with the sport, offering both men’s and women’s apparel. With a commitment to quality and style, Vuori is poised to become a mainstay in pickleball wardrobes for years to come.

This rise of pickleball apparel is not just a fleeting trend. It’s a reflection of the sport’s growing influence and the evolving needs of players. We’re seeing a real shift in how people approach pickleball apparel. It’s no longer just about function; it’s about expressing personal style both on and off the court.  •