Clothes for padel

Short answer: Padel is short, fast lunges with breaks in between. You heat up in bursts, and the air in a padel hall is often warmer than you expect, so choose a thin layer that moves moisture and socks that can handle the many stops.

The heat comes in bursts

A quick lunge creates more heat than five minutes of calm play. Your body warms up during one long rally and cools a little in the pause after. Your clothes need to handle both. A thin layer that moves moisture away from the skin is easier to wear than a thick top. See bamboo T-shirts for women.

The hall is warmer than expected

A closed padel hall with four courts gets warm within an hour. Many players, lights and closed doors make the air heavy, even on a cold winter evening. Arrive with a layer you can take off once you have warmed up, and keep it in your bag until the match is over.

Warming up and breaks

Before the first ball your body is cold, and a layer over your T-shirt helps your muscles get going. Take it off when you start to warm up, and put it back on when you change sides or rest between sets. A soft layer that pulls easily over your head makes the change quick. See bamboo sweatshirts for women.

Your feet work hard

Quick stops and changes of direction load the foot more than running in a straight line. Each time you brake, the foot slides a little inside the shoe, which creates friction under the ball of the foot and at the heel. A sock that fits well and does not bunch reduces that friction. See socks for women.

A fit that does not limit the stroke

A smash or a bandeja stretches your arms and shoulders, and your clothes should follow without pulling. A T-shirt with some room across the back and sleeves that do not squeeze gives free movement. It should not be so loose that it flaps or gets in the way of the racket.

After the match

When you stop, the heat drops fast, and a wet T-shirt turns cold within minutes. Change into a dry top before you get in the car or walk out into the wind. A dry pair of socks also makes a big difference for the rest of the evening. It takes two minutes in the changing room.

What to pack

Pack an extra T-shirt, a dry pair of socks and a warm layer for after the match. Put wet clothes in a separate bag so the rest stays dry. Hang everything up as soon as you get home instead of leaving it in the bag until the next day. That keeps odour away.

Washing after play

Padel clothes are wet with sweat and should be washed after every session. Wash at a moderate temperature with a mild detergent and let them air dry. Turn socks inside out so sweat and dust wash out. Skip fabric softener, as it can settle in the fabric and make it worse at moving moisture.

Frequently asked questions

What should you wear for padel

A thin layer that moves moisture, and socks that can handle the many quick changes of direction. Bring an extra layer for warming up and breaks.

Why do you get so warm in a padel hall

Because the hall is closed, and because the game gives short, intense lunges with little recovery in between. The air gets heavy quickly with four courts in use.

What wears out the most

The socks. Quick stops and changes of direction cause friction under the foot with every single lunge, so a pair that fits well matters a lot.