Padel is one of the few sports where what you wear genuinely matters beyond performance. You're on a glass-walled court, visible from every angle, often in a club environment where you'll spend as much time off court as on it. The kit has to work for both.
Here's what to look for.
On Court — the play range
For the match itself, you need fabric that moves and breathes. Padel is fast and physical — more so than most casual players expect. Synthetic performance fabric is the standard for a reason: it wicks sweat, it stretches with movement, and it dries quickly between games.
Fit matters too. Too loose and the fabric catches during movement. Too fitted and it restricts your swing. The sweet spot is a technical fit — enough room to move freely, without excess fabric.
For men: a performance tee and technical shorts is the standard combination. Look for shorts with an inner liner or compression layer — points can get physical and you want full coverage.
For women: the padel skort has become the signature piece of women's padel kit. It combines the practicality of shorts with the aesthetic of a skirt. Pair it with a fitted performance tee or a crop top depending on preference.
Off Court — the après range
This is where most brands stop thinking and most players make do with whatever they wore to the club. But the hour before and after a match is part of the padel experience. You're warming up, cooling down, having coffee, talking through the match. The kit should work for all of it.
A well-made hoodie or quarter zip is the essential après piece. Look for weight and fabric quality — a lightweight hoodie loses its shape quickly. A heavier cotton or cotton-blend holds better and looks better for longer.
The gilet is an underrated padel piece. Warm enough for cold court mornings without restricting movement, and good-looking enough to wear the rest of the day.
The accessories
A padel-specific bag is worth having. The sport has its own equipment — rackets are shorter and heavier than tennis rackets — and a bag designed around padel will carry everything without the bulk of a general sports bag.
The cap is personal preference but practically useful. Outdoor courts in British summer can get bright. A fitted snapback or structured cap keeps the sun off without affecting your game.
The AP Club Drop 1 range covers all of it.
From the play tee to the gilet, the skort to the duffle bag — everything in Drop 1 was designed to work together as a complete padel wardrobe. Shop the full range at apclub.co.uk.