As pickleball continues to grow, we’re seeing some pickleball-specific style trends that strongly contrast with tennis. 

Since pickleball is a more approachable sport that prioritizes the social game as much as the physical game, the pickleball silhouettes reflect this laid-back, comfortable style. 

Tennis fashion, commonly known as “tenniscore” is an incredibly stylistic, refined, and elegant style that features pleated skirts, collars, polos, and pullovers. This specific style has been years in the making from country clubs across the globe. 

However, pickleball fashion, or pickleballcore, continues to evolve like the sport itself. While this aesthetic is still very young, pickleballcore already has some defining characteristics that differ greatly from tennis. 

Mainly, pickleballcore is a lot more focused on relaxed styles that you can wear both on and off the court, but still feel comfortable and put together. 

Riddhi Chheda, Founder at NOYO, an Indian-based pickleball fashion brand, shared the  key differences between pickleball and tennis fashion with the Hindustan Times.

“While tenniscore is all about preppy elegance and structured whites, pickleball style is more relaxed, expressive, and rooted in real movement. Tenniscore leans heavily on tradition, collared polos, pleated skirts, and that crisp country club polish,” said Chheda. 

“Pickleballcore reflects the social, spontaneous, and wellness-led culture surrounding pickleball. It’s a fashion movement that embraces ease, self-expression, and utility, rather than strict style rules,” she continued. 

“Tennis is more performance-meets-prep, pickleball fashion is about blending comfort with creativity,” added Chheda. 

While I love to wear tenniscore on the pickleball court, the silhouettes are definitively more rigid. Only at the pro tennis level do they get more experimental with their fashion. And even when they do, they receive backlash from tennis purists. Remember all the fashion drama with Serena Williams?

Comparing that to pickleballcore, experimentation is at the heart of every style and silhouette from pickleball newbies to Jorja Johnson and Tyra Hurricane Black. And while everyone has their opinions, there’s no doubt that comfort is at the center, but creativity is second. Pro and amateur players get to have a lot more fun with their fashion on the pickleball court. 

Chheda also noted, “The accessories are where it really comes alive.”

The accessories in pickleball fashion are what really helps define the look.  

Here are some staples in pickleball fashion:

1. Pickleball Bags

Especially compared to the oversized tennis bags, pickleball bags favor a tote bag style that has everything a player on the go would need. They’re extremely functional and distinctly pickleball, like this one from Ame & Lou.

2. Pickleball dresses

There’s also a rise in popularity with casual, throw-on athletic dresses for the pickleball court. They’re so easy, and you don’t have to think about matching a top and a bottom. 

Athletic dresses are comfort-forward and perfect for playing pickleball then going out to brunch with your doubles partner, in addition to being aesthetically stylish and on-trend. 

3. Pickleball hats

Hats are another accessory that really define pickleball style. Since pickleball is often played outside, players need sun protection and shade for their gameplay. 

Like pickleball bags, pickleball hats also feature so many fun logos, designs, and patterns that are pickleball-specific. 

But this is only the beginning for pickleball fashion. And I’m looking forward to how it continues to expand.

One thing I think will never change, though, is the prioritization of comfortable fabrics and silhouettes that you can wear on and off the court. We truly get to have fun with our fashion and be comfortable. That’s a major win for us pickleball players. 

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