What makes a good pickleball outfit? Local brands share tips and ideas for your OOTDs

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity in the Philippines, choosing the right outfit has become part of the conversation for both new and experienced players.

Founders of local activewear brands told GMA News Online that clothing for the sport should prioritize comfort, support, and freedom of movement, while also taking into account the country's hot and humid climate.

Freedom to move

For Beah Martin, co-founder of Lilo Active, players' outfits should allow them to move comfortably without constant adjustments.

"Since pickleball involves a lot of movement, I think it’s important to wear something that doesn’t restrict you and makes you feel secured. You don’t want to keep adjusting your outfit while you’re playing," Martin said in an interview.

She pointed to features such as built-in shorts and pockets as practical additions to activewear.

The brand's Aligned Skirt has such features.

"It’s functional without sacrificing style," Martin said.

Photo courtesy of Lilo Active

Denise Ashley Laohoo, founder and creative director of OAT Active, echoed the importance of support, saying performance should come before appearance.

"The most important feature in any activewear—whether for pickleball or any other sport—is support. Performance pieces shouldn't just look good; they should give you the confidence to move freely without having to think about what you're wearing. The last thing anyone wants is to be adjusting their outfit or worrying about a wardrobe malfunction in the middle of a rally," Laohoo said.

She added that OAT Active incorporates details such as built-in shorts, rubber grippers to keep them from riding up, and pockets for small essentials.

"Our dresses feature built-in shorts with discreet rubber grippers to prevent them from riding up, along with thoughtfully placed pockets for essentials like a ball or your phone. These may seem like small details, but they're exactly the kind of thoughtful features you appreciate once you're on the court," she said.

On and off the court

Both founders also highlighted versatility, noting that many players prefer clothing that can transition from sports to daily activities.

"We design pieces that you can wear for your workout, but also for the rest of your day. You can finish a pickleball game, grab coffee, run errands or meet friends without feeling like you’re still in gym clothes," Martin said.

She added, "We focus on flattering silhouettes, premium fabrics and thoughtful details so you don’t have to choose between looking good and feeling comfortable."

Photo courtesy of Version Activewear

Laohoo shared a similar perspective, saying that performance, comfort, and style should "never be mutually exclusive."

"While our collections are designed to perform on the court, they're intentionally elevated enough to transition seamlessly into everyday life. We love seeing our community wear the same set from a morning pickleball session to brunch, a coffee run, or a walk around the city," she said.

Dressing for the Philippine climate

For Version Activewear founder Victoria Belle Ong, one important thing to consider about designing activewear in the Philippines is the climate.

"The material used [for the clothes] should be lightweight and should be comfortable," she told GMA news Online. "Not those fabrics that stick to your skin when you sweat."

Martin likewise emphasized breathability.

Photo courtesy of Lilo Active

"Breathability is definitely one of the biggest factors, especially with how hot and humid it gets here. That’s why we incorporated mesh fabrics into our Aligned Collection to improve airflow and help keep you cool during movement. We also use fabrics that feel soft on the skin while still providing enough support, so even when you’re sweating, you stay comfortable throughout your game," she said.

Meanwhile, Laohoo said OAT Active developed its own fabric after struggling to find one that met its standards.

"We spent months sourcing fabrics, but we couldn't find one that fully met our standards. We wanted a fabric that offered the perfect balance of support, sculpting, softness, breathability, and, most importantly, one that still felt presko even during intense movement under the sun," she said.

"Rather than settling, we decided to develop our own custom fabric. It adds about an extra month to our production timeline, but for us, it's a worthwhile investment. We'd rather take the time to perfect every detail than rush to release new collections."

The essentials

Beyond clothing, the founders identified key pieces of gear they consider essential for players.

Ong said "everyone needs a good top" when choosing a pickleball or any sport outfit.

Specifically, a cover up, such as Version Activewear's Twist Short Sleeve tops and Why Knot tops.

"I really think every pickle player should have a good cover up to wear so it's easy to switch from on court to off court," she said.

For Martin, the must-have in a pickleball outfit is a good pair of sneakers.

"Pickleball involves a lot of quick side-to-side movements, so having proper support and grip really makes a difference. Not just for performance, but also to help prevent injuries. Once you have the right shoes, a comfortable outfit that lets you move freely completes the experience," she said.

Photo courtesy of OAT Active

Laohoo, meanwhile, chose a supportive top or tank.

"Pickleball is a dynamic sport that involves constant movement—quick lateral shifts, lunges, and rapid changes in direction. The right level of support allows you to move confidently without distraction, so you can stay focused on your game instead of constantly adjusting your outfit," she said.

"While style is certainly important, function should always come first. A supportive top is the foundation of any great pickleball outfit, and it's often the one piece that makes the biggest difference in how confident and comfortable you feel on the court."

Among their current product offerings, Martin said Lilo Active's best-selling pieces are the Aligned Racer Back Top and Aligned Skirt, with prices ranging from around P1,500 to P2,500.

Laohoo said OAT Active's Rally Crop and Invisible Scrunch Shorts remain among its most popular items, alongside its dresses, with products priced between P1,450 and P1,950.

Ong said Version Activewear's Reversible Twist Short Sleeve is its best-seller, with prices ranging from P1,200 to P1,600. —JCB, GMA News