What to Wear for Padel — The Complete UK Guide 2026

Padel doesn't have a strict dress code — but the right kit makes a genuine difference to your comfort and performance. From breathable tops to the all-important court shoes, here's exactly what to wear for padel in the UK, whether it's your first session or your fiftieth.

The essential padel kit list

Tops and shirts

The best tops for padel are lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking. The enclosed glass court environment means it gets warm fast — even in winter. Any sports top designed for tennis, running or gym use is ideal.

• Best choice — dedicated padel or tennis shirts from Adidas, Nike, Head or Bullpadel. Designed specifically for the movement patterns of court sports
• Good alternative — any moisture-wicking running or gym top. Polyester or nylon blends work better than cotton which holds sweat
• Avoid — cotton t-shirts (hold sweat and get heavy), anything with zips or hard buttons that could scratch the glass walls, hoodies or thick layers

Bottoms — shorts, skirts and leggings

For men

Standard sports shorts are the go-to — lightweight, mid-thigh length, with a drawstring waist. Tennis shorts are ideal as they're cut for lateral movement. Many padel players also wear compression shorts underneath for extra support during intense sessions.

For women

All three options work well — sports shorts, tennis skirts (with integrated shorts underneath) and leggings are all popular on UK padel courts. Tennis skirts have become particularly popular in padel as they allow maximum freedom of movement while looking great on court. Capri leggings work well in cooler indoor venues.

Shoes — the most important item

We've covered this in depth in our best padel shoes guide, but the short version is: never wear running shoes on a padel court. They have the wrong grip pattern, no lateral support, and most clubs will turn you away at the door.

What you need is a court shoe with a herringbone grip pattern and good lateral support. Tennis shoes are a perfect alternative to dedicated padel shoes — they're designed for the same movements and work brilliantly on padel courts.

Accessories worth having

• Wristband — stops sweat running onto your grip. Cheap and effective. Most sports shops stock them
• Headband — keeps sweat and hair out of your eyes. Particularly useful in long sessions on warm indoor courts
• Sunglasses — essential for outdoor padel courts. Sport-specific wraparound styles stay on during movement
• Cap or visor — for outdoor play only. Won't be needed indoors but invaluable on outdoor courts in summer
• Grip tape — not clothing but worth mentioning. Extra grip tape on your racket handle can make a big difference in sweaty conditions

What to wear in summer vs winter

Padel clothing — do's and don'ts

Does padel have a dress code?

Most UK padel clubs have no formal dress code beyond requiring non-marking court shoes. A few premium clubs or members' clubs may ask for "appropriate sports attire" — which just means no jeans or casual clothing. As a rule, if you'd wear it to play tennis, you're fine for padel.