You do not need a specialist wardrobe to start playing padel. You do need clothing that lets you move laterally, reach low balls, turn quickly and stay comfortable through a full session.
If you play regularly, the difference between generic gym kit and clothing chosen around the game becomes obvious: stretch matters, pockets matter, layers matter, and the right fit stops you thinking about what you are wearing halfway through a rally.
Looking for the kit rather than just advice? Shop padel clothing in the UK, or build a men's tee-and-shorts padel outfit or build a women's padel outfit with the tops and bottoms you prefer.
Men's padel clothing · Women's padel clothing · Padel shorts · Padel skorts
What should you wear to play padel?
Start with a breathable top, flexible shorts, leggings or a skort, sports socks and suitable court shoes. The goal is simple: unrestricted movement and enough comfort that your kit disappears once the point starts.
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Men's padel clothing
A lightweight T-shirt and stretch shorts are the simplest court kit. Look for fabric that moves easily through overheads and lateral changes of direction, and shorts with a secure pocket for a spare ball.
AP Club Court Shorts use four-way stretch fabric, an adjustable drawstring waist and a zip pocket. Pair them with a Vamos Tee, Play Tee or another piece from the Padel T-Shirts collection.
If you would rather start with a complete kit, build a men's padel outfit with a Play Tee and Court Shorts. Choose your styles and sizes for a £66 regular-price court kit before any eligible offers.
Women's padel clothing
Women's padel kit usually comes down to personal preference between shorts, leggings and a skort. All three can work well; the useful details are secure pockets, a waistband that stays in place and enough stretch for lunges and quick direction changes.
The AP Club Padel Skort has built-in shorts and two side pockets. The Women's Court Short uses a double-layer construction with a wicking undershort and hidden phone pocket, while AP Club Leggings give you a full-length option with pockets on both legs.
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Still deciding between court bottoms? Read our women's padel shorts, skorts and leggings comparison to choose the coverage and fit that works for you.
What should you wear for padel in British weather?
UK padel often means arriving cold, warming up quickly and walking off court into wind or rain. A layer you can remove easily is more useful than overdressing for the whole session.
For warmth before and after, browse Padel Hoodies. When the weather itself is the problem, the AP Shell and Padel Layers are built around British game weather.
A layer-by-layer system for British padel
Layer one: the base tee
Start with a light, quick-dry tee that moves through overheads, lunges and rotation. The Vamos Tee and the wider Play Collection use 135gsm quick-dry jersey with four-way stretch, so the base layer stays light and moves with the game.
Layer two: the mid layer
For cooler starts, add a layer you can remove once the pace picks up. The AP Club Quarter Zip is the mid-weight option; a gilet works when you want warmth through the core without adding sleeves.
Layer three: the shell
When wind and rain are the problem, use a lightweight outer layer rather than piling on more insulation. The AP Shell Jacket is the weather layer in the system: designed to sit over your court kit without turning the session into a fight with your jacket.
The lower half
Shorts, leggings and skorts all work if they move freely and stay secure through split-steps, lunges and quick direction changes. Pick the cut you stop noticing once the point starts.
After the match
The last layer is not for playing. A heavyweight hoodie, cap or other après piece handles the walk off court, the clubhouse and the rest of the day. The match ends. The club does not.
Do you need padel-specific shoes?
Clothing is forgiving; footwear matters more. Choose a court shoe designed to handle lateral movement and grip rather than a running shoe built mainly for forward motion. Padel-specific shoes are an obvious option, and suitable tennis court shoes can also work depending on the surface and sole.
What should you carry to court?
For a normal session: racket, balls, water, spare layer and anything you need after the game. A proper court bag keeps the whole thing simple.
The AP Club Duffle is sized for a racket, clothing and everyday kit, with 600D recycled canvas and YKK zippers.
The simple answer
If you are playing for the first time, wear comfortable sports clothing and suitable court shoes. If padel becomes part of your week, build a kit around how the game actually moves: stretch, pockets, layers and pieces you will still want to wear when the match is over.
AP Club is a British padel clothing brand offering technical courtwear and everyday layers.
Padel T-Shirts · Padel Shorts · Men's Padel Clothing · Women's Padel Clothing · Padel Layers
Still comparing where to shop? Read our UK padel clothing buyers' guide for an honest overview of brands, shops and what to check before buying.