DALLAS, TX - Whenever I receive an invite to join a mixed doubles match, I usually select the outfit at the top of my dresser. 

I’m not going for glamor, I’m going for comfort and breathability because pickleball is a genuine workout and I’ll be sweating on the court.

Some designers, however, aim to offer more elevated looks than my running shorts and old sneakers.

Fashion designer Norma Kamali provided a new option for pickleball players that could turn their local court into a runway.

Kamali is an American fashion designer with over 50 years of experience. Known for her innovative designs, most notably her sleeping bag coat, Kamali’s pieces are sold in stores across the country like Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter, and Nordstrom.

Neiman Marcus is currently selling Kamali's Sleeveless 4-Way Stretch Mini Pickleball Dress for $145 on their website.

At first glance, nothing about this dress appears to be out of the ordinary. After all, workout dresses have been trendy since the summer, and it was only a matter of time before luxury designers put their own spin on it.

This dress is labeled as a super mini with a built-in stretch bodysuit. It’s sleeveless for warm days and the fabric is a polyester and spandex blend.

Most importantly, it’s stylish, with a bodycon fit and shirred sides to accentuate your figure.

The styling for this dress was a bit misleading on the website. It was styled like a classic LBD (little black dress), paired with black combat boots and a pink sparkly handbag.

The handbag certainly couldn’t hold a water bottle or a paddle - but maybe a single yellow pickleball.

Further down on the page, Neiman Marcus offered additional styling options, all included with strappy heels, fine jewelry, and even Joe Malone perfume.

Something about this dress appeared to be missing - and that’s pickleball - or anything sporty chic or athleisure inspired. Instead, it resembled a classic mini dress perfect for a date or night out on the town.

I wondered if the word “pickleball” was a typo. Nothing about this dress, other than the title, showed any connection to the game. There were no sporty or stylish shoes paired with the dress. Even Golden Goose sneakers would fit the luxury brand identity.

This might seem obvious, but I don’t think anyone should be playing pickleball in red pumps.

This LBD sparked quite a conversation on the public pickleball forum Facebook group.

Posted about a month ago, user Belinda Cheng shared this dress and commented, “I wouldn’t and couldn’t wear this supposed pickleball dress. I doubt the designer plays pickleball. What do you think?”

This post sparked lots of laughing emoji reactions and comments, some in the affirmative, and some defending the dress.

“I think we should let people enjoy their lives if it isn’t hurting anyone else. Stop shaming folks for their appearance,” commented Jamie Gehrke.

And like with most Internet arguments, things quickly heated up.

“We’re just saying it would be difficult to play in as most of us are not built like her,” commented Barbara Bell.

According to Neiman Marcus, the model wearing this look was 5-foot-10 or 177 cm, which doesn't reflect the average female body type.

“Then buy what’s comfortable for you. This is adorable, could be practical and comfortable. Live and let live,” responded Rhonda Rhonda.

Cheng then returned to clarify her original intent with her post.

“No one is shaming anyone’s appearance,” responded Cheng. “If anything, I would be shaming the designer’s lack of practicality for an athletic dress.”

To post so boldly on a public Facebook forum is always a risk, and as with most arguments, both sides have their valid points. To me, the true culprit is the identity crisis this dress appeared to have. Is it an athletic dress or a date night dress? The Neiman Marcus styling team doesn’t appear to know.

According to a New York Times article titled What is a Pickleball Dress?, Kamali revealed she had never played pickleball. She apparently saw a gap in the market and went to work.

The whole world seemed to be buzzing about the sport, so she decided to rename a piece she’d already designed for her spring 2023 collection and call it the “Pickleball Dress.”

“You can play tennis in it, too, I’m sure, but pickleball is cool and of the moment. I think this look is maybe a little edgier than what people have been wearing,” said Kamali.

The dress was certainly edgier than anything else I’ve seen on my community courts.

She sold 25 dresses the day they were released on her website, so there is definitely a market for this LBD.

And while Kamalie's creation has its fair share of critics, there’s clearly a desire for it and more like it.

All I ask for is better styling.

And unless we’re having an elaborate steak and red wine dinner under the harsh fluorescent lights of a pickleball court, don’t style the dress with strappy heels.