If you're new to padel, the kit question comes up fast. You've booked your first session, you've watched a few videos, and now you're standing in front of your wardrobe wondering what on earth to wear.
The honest answer is: almost anything works for your first few sessions. But once padel becomes a regular part of your week — and it will — what you wear starts to matter.
Here's what to think about.
Performance First — What You Actually Need On Court
Padel is a quick, reactive sport. Short rallies, sudden direction changes, a lot of lateral movement. Your kit needs to move with you, not against you.
Tops
A moisture-wicking performance tee is the standard choice. Look for technical fabric that pulls sweat away from the skin — cotton feels comfortable off court but gets heavy when you're sweating. A good padel t-shirt should feel light, give you full range of arm movement, and look clean enough to wear straight after.
The AP Club Play Tee is built specifically for this — technical fabric, clean design, minimal branding. On court ready. Bar after approved.
Shorts
Padel shorts need stretch. Specifically lateral stretch — the kind that lets you lunge wide without the fabric pulling. Look for a mid-length cut with a secure waistband. Avoid anything too long or too baggy — it'll catch and restrict movement.
The AP Club Court Shorts are built for lateral movement with enough stretch to cover every rally.
Layers
If you're playing outdoors or warming up in cooler weather, a lightweight hoodie is essential. Something heavyweight enough to keep you warm during warm-up but not so thick it restricts your swing. The Vamos Hoodie works here — it comes off between sets and goes straight back on after.
Beyond the Court — The Après Question
Padel has a culture around it that most sports don't. The game ends and the evening continues. What you wear matters beyond the baseline.
This is where a lot of padel clothing falls short. Performance kit looks clinical off court. Generic branded kit looks like merchandise. The better choice is clothing that bridges both — technical enough to play in, considered enough to wear after.
AP Club's Après range is built for exactly this. The Vamos Hoodie and Golden Point Tee are worn off court by padel players, not labelled as padel clothing.
What to Avoid
- Heavy cotton tees — fine for casual wear, too heavy for active play
- Baggy shorts — restrict lateral movement
- Generic branded merch — it looks like an afterthought because it usually is
- Anything you'd be embarrassed to wear to the bar after — you'll end up there eventually
The Simple Answer
A technical tee, fitted shorts with stretch, and a heavyweight hoodie for before and after. That's the padel kit formula.
AP Club Drop 1 is built around exactly this. Explore the On Court range for performance pieces and the Après range for everything after.