Are you looking for the best shirts to wear while playing pickleball? Wearing the right clothes makes a big difference in your game, by keeping you comfortable, dry, and cool.
Outdoor sports need shirts that are comfortable, flexible, and wick away sweat during long games. Top brands like Nike and Adidas offer great options, but there are also lesser-known choices like Selkirk that are amazing.
We’ve put together a list of the best pickleball shirts on the market with all the features you need.
Buyers Guide for Pickleball Shirts
To help you choose which shirt is the best for your needs, here’s our buyer’s guide for pickleball shirts.
Comfort – Comfortable Pickleball Shirts for Maximum Performance
Comfort should be your number one priority when it comes to buying a pickleball shirt. Shirts made from soft, breathable materials like cotton or polyester blends are the best kinds for outdoor sports.
A comfortable shirt should fit you perfectly, not too loose or too tight, even when you’re stretching and performing a full range of motion. Another key factor that adds to your comfort is the sleeve length. Colder climates will require long sleeves, and the hotter you’re playing the shorter your sleeve should be.
Material – Cotton, Polyester, or Nylon: What really is the best?
The material of your shirt is one of the biggest factors that determine quality, flexibility, and comfort. So much so that we decided to give it its own category.
Cotton is the cheapest material among the bunch and it’s great for hot weather because of its softness and breathability. However, it absorbs moisture very quickly and doesn’t wick it away, leaving you drenched after a long hot game. Not to mention, a wet cotton shirt will feel heavier and even cause abrasions on your skin from friction. =
Polyester and Nylon are both synthetic materials. Polyester is lightweight and quick-drying, but it can trap sweat and odor. This is why you need to look out for “moisture-wicking” versions of this fabric. More on that later. Polyester is also known to retain its shape, even after being stretched.
Nylon is lightweight as well but is generally more durable than polyester. It’s the best at wicking moisture and at drying quickly but is more expensive than both polyester and cotton. It’s also less breathable.
The key to finding the right material for your pickleball shirt is to find one that combines all three materials in the best way possible. A common blend you’ll find in stores is 60% cotton and 40% polyester, with the occasional addition of 10% to 20% nylon.
Flexibility – Flexible Shirts for Unrestricted Movement on the Court
A shirt that offers flexibility is essential for unrestricted movement on the court. Cotton is by far the worst material for flexibility, so avoid buying 100% cotton shirts as much as you can.
Moisture-wicking – Best Pickleball Shirts to Stay Cool and Dry
Pickleball is a sweaty activity and moisture-wicking shirts are the solution to an afternoon of swimming in your own moisture. Moisture-wicking fabric is designed to pull sweat away from the skin towards the surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate easily or also drip away.
This works through capillary action with the use of synthetic materials like nylon or polyester that don’t absorb sweat. Capillary action is a liquid’s behavior to move into smaller spaces (like when tissue is placed next to something wet, eventually the entire tissue will get wet). The fabric is deliberately sewn to draw sweat away from the skin and towards the outer surface.
UV Protection – UPF-Enabled Pickleball Shirts to Protect from the Sun
UV protection is important during outdoor activities like pickleball to prevent skin damage and cancer. Pickleball shirts with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) can block a significant amount of harmful rays. UPF shirts are made with tightly woven fabrics that have the ability to reflect and absorb UV radiation, minimizing the exposure to your skin.
When shopping for UPF enabled pickleball shirts, look for a UPF rating of at least 30, which blocks 97% of UV radiation. Higher ratings like UPF 50+ can block up to 99% of UV radiation. Remember that UPF rating only applies to covered areas, so if the shirt has a low neckline, it’s recommended to apply sunscreen to the exposed areas.
Durability – Long-Lasting Pickleball Shirts
Pickleball shirts go through a lot of stress, especially with the sweat and motion that goes through every game. Shirts made with strong materials like nylon or polyester blends tend to be more durable than those made from cotton, but again, cotton is generally 50% of a shirt’s material.
Some ways you can tell if a shirt will last long is if they have reinforced seams and double stitching. Thicker shirts also last longer, but you don’t want one that will get heavy with sweat. Lastly, it’s useless to buy a shirt that will last you 10 years if you have to hand wash it every time. Easy maintenance will improve your quality of life, so look for shirts that can be easily washed using a machine without losing their shape, color, and fit.
Best Pickleball Shirts to Buy in the Market
Instead of ranking this like a normal listicle, where products are arranged one by one, we’re going to do something different. Below are the major brands you can rely on to deliver quality clothing, as well as brief explanations of their technologies that set them apart from the rest.
These brands have tons of clothing that you can choose from, so it doesn’t make sense to pick one shirt out of ten that uses the same technology.
Adidas
Starting with Adidas, this company is one of the most innovative sports companies when it comes to creating technology for outerwear.
Adidas Climachill Technology
Adidas’ Climachill technology is designed to keep athletes cool and comfortable, regardless of the situation. The fabric is engineered with a mesh-like material and titanium fibers that help to channel heat away from the body. In addition, small aluminum-silver dots are woven into the fabric to help pull heat away from the wearer’s body and provide a cool, refreshing touch to the skin.
Climachill apparel is strategically engineered to offer cooling and breathability in the areas where athletes need it most. This technology is perfect for pickleball players who want to stay cool and comfortable on the court.
Adidas Climalite and Climacool Technology
Climalite and Climacool are just like Climachill, but older. Adidas Climalite is a material developed for optimal humidity control. The material consists of 100% synthetic functional fibers that bind sweat to expel it as quickly as possible—basically moisture-wicking.
On the other hand, Climacool is designed to feel cool on contact and maintain a comfortable “microclimate”. This works by providing breathable fabric along parts of the shirt that are more prone to sweat, like the back and underarms. This improves cooling and airflow, making your body feel colder.
RDY Technologies
Adidas RDY technologies are designed to keep athletes comfortable and performing at their peak in any weather condition. RDY stands for “ready,” and Adidas has developed four different RDY technologies to address specific weather conditions.
Adidas HEAT.RDY
HEAT.RDY is designed to keep athletes cool and dry in hot weather conditions. This technology uses hybrid textiles, Aqua-X yarns, and lightweight fabrics to enhance the body’s cooling and moisture-wicking capabilities. HEAT.RDY also includes precise ventilation zones to keep the body cool when heat rises.
Adidas COLD.RDY
COLD.RDY is designed to lock in warmth and keep athletes warm in cold weather conditions. This technology uses a smart layering system, innovative yarns, and breathable fabric to provide insulation and prevent heat loss.
Adidas also has WIND.RDY and RAIN.RDY technology, but this isn’t a priority for pickleball players.
Adidas AEROREADY Technology
Designed to keep players dry and comfortable, AEROREADY focuses on removing sweat and moisture as fast as possible.
Train Essentials Feelready Training Tee
This Adidas training t-shirt is designed for a full range of motion during exercises like push-ups and push-presses. Its perfect fit and length make it a great choice for playing pickleball, as it won’t ride up or get in the way during your game. The breathable fabric with AEROREADY technology manages moisture to keep you cool and comfortable, while the new lift design offers stay-put coverage during overhead shots. The t-shirt is made with 70% recycled polyester and 30% cotton single jersey to help end plastic waste, and it’s easy to care for by avoiding fabric softener, using mild detergent, and washing it separately.
Features:
- Adidas training t-shirt designed for a full range of motion during exercises like push-ups and push presses
- Perfect fit and length
- Breathable fabric with moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology keeps you dry and comfortable
- Made with 70% recycled polyester and 30% cotton single jersey to help end plastic waste
- New lift design offers stay-put coverage during overhead movement
- Regular fit with crewneck
Extra care information:
- To care for your shirt, make sure to avoid fabric softener, use mild detergent, and wash separately.
Train Essentials Comfort Training Tee — Aeroready
The Adidas workout t-shirt is designed for consistency in training with a comfortable fit for everyday use. The shirt features a New Lift pattern that ensures you stay covered during overhead movements, like kettlebell swings or shoulder presses. The breathable fabric with AEROREADY technology helps to absorb moisture and keep you dry during workouts. The product is made with a series of recycled materials, with at least 70% recycled content, as a part of Adidas’ effort to end plastic waste.
Features:
- Regular fit with a crewneck design
- 76% recycled polyester, 12% cotton, 12% viscose single jersey fabric
- AEROREADY technology to keep you dry and comfortable
- New Lift pattern for coverage during overhead movements
- Made with at least 70% recycled materials
Extra Care Information:
- To maintain the quality of the Adidas workout t-shirt, it is important to follow some extra care instructions.
- Do not use fabric softener and only use mild detergent when washing.
- Avoid ironing the motif on the shirt, and wash separately to prevent color bleeding or damage to the material.
Club 3-Stripes Tennis Tee – Aeroready & Climachill
The Adidas Club collection tennis t-shirt offers style and performance on the court. It features moisture-wicking AEROREADY technology and breathable mesh panels to support all-action tennis and pickleball. The extra material under the arms provides ample room for movement during shots, while the drop tail hem ensures coverage throughout your swing. The symmetrical 3-Stripes design adds to the overall aesthetic and highlights your dedication to the game.
Features:
- Regular fit with a crewneck design
- 100% recycled polyester interlock fabric
- Moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology
- Mesh inserts under the arms for breathability
- Shaped drop tail hem for coverage during swings
- Symmetrical 3-Stripes design
Extra Care Information:
- To keep the Adidas Club collection tennis t-shirt in good condition, it is recommended to follow extra care instructions.
- Do not use fabric softener and only use mild detergent when washing.
- Remove the shirt promptly after washing and wash it separately to prevent color bleeding or damage to the material.
- Avoid ironing the motif on the shirt to prevent damage.
Melbourne Tennis Sleeveless Tee – Aeroready
The Adidas sleeveless tee is a part of the carbon recycling approach collection that incorporates captured industrial emissions in its yarn. Created for the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest tennis event, the tee features a FreeLift design and moisture-wicking AEROREADY technology to keep you confident on the court. The double-layer mesh construction helps to mask your body’s movements and keep you one step ahead.
Features:
- Slim fit with a round neck design
- 100% polyester jacquard fabric with a lining of 100% recycled polyester mesh
- AEROREADY technology for moisture-wicking
- FreeLift design for comfortable movement
- Double-layer mesh construction for masking movements
Extra Care Information:
- To maintain the quality of the Adidas sleeveless tee, it is important to follow extra care instructions.
- Do not use fabric softener and only use mild detergent when washing.
- Wash the tee separately to prevent color bleeding or damage to the material.
- It is recommended to wash and iron the shirt inside out to prevent any damage to the design.
- Remove the shirt promptly after washing.
Nike
Nike’s Dri-FIT Technology
Nike’s Dri-FIT technology is an innovative polyester fabric that uses sweat-wicking technology to keep the player cool and dry. Although it’s quite old compared to newer technology, it’s still great if you can find cheaper deals. Dri-FIT is lightweight, breathable, and stretchy, and is suitable for all climates. It works best as a single layer or a base layer under other layers.
Nike’s AeroSwift Technology
Nike’s AeroSwift technology is a new textured yarn that is woven to feel more comfortable, stretch more, and disperse moisture better. Shirts made with AeroSwift have been measured to wick sweat away from the skin 20% faster than previous shirts and also dry 25% faster. The Vapor kits with AeroSwift are 10% lighter than the kits they replace and stretch 50% more.
Nike Sphere
Nike Sphere is a high-performance technical material with thermal properties designed for Nike’s running apparel. It traps air and warms the body without adding bulk and weight that can potentially slow athletes down. This works by having strategic areas for body-heated air to flow around, over the skin.
Nike Hypercool
Nike Hypercool is designed to keep the player cool during intense activities. The fabric has a thin metalized film that blocks UV light and infrared heat, creating a clever cooling effect from the body’s surface. The integrated metallic thin polymer film works to combat the heat at the most intense areas, increasing airflow in key sweat zones on the body.
Nike Dri-FIT Ready
The Nike Dri-FIT Ready Top is a sweat-wicking shirt designed for fitness activities and sports activities. Its relaxed fit and quick-drying, breathable fabric help keep you cool during intense workouts and playing pickleball. The angled sleeves allow for better movement, making it perfect for weightlifting or stretching outdoors.
Features:
- Made with recycled polyester, which is created from cleaned and shredded plastic bottles, reducing waste and carbon emissions.
- Quick-drying and breathable fabric keeps you cool and comfortable during workouts and playing pickleball.
- Angled sleeves allow for better range of motion during exercises.
- Relaxed fit provides an easy and comfortable feel.
- Comes with a size guide to help ensure the perfect fit.
Extra care information:
- To keep your Nike Dri-FIT Ready Top in the best condition, it is recommended to machine wash it in cold water with like colors.
- Avoid using fabric softener and bleach, and tumble dry on low heat. Do not iron or dry clean.
Nike Dri-FIT Race Women’s Running Singlet
The Nike Dri-FIT Race Women’s Running Singlet is a lightweight and breathable running top designed to keep you speeding for the finish line. Made with 100% recycled polyester fibers, it features mesh in key areas to help keep you cool with every step. The singlet is part of Nike’s Race collection, which is designed for performance so you can reach your personal best.
Features:
- Lightweight fabric and streamlined design
- Mesh in key areas for breathability
- Nike Dri-FIT technology moves sweat away from your skin for quicker evaporation
- Solid front panels give you more coverage
- Reflective elements on the front left shoulder and back right
Extra Care Information:
- Machine washable
Nike Sphere Men’s 1/2-Zip Running Top
The Nike Sphere Men’s 1/2-Zip Running Top is designed to keep you warm and comfortable while running in cold weather. It features a soft fleece fabric that is powered by Nike Therma fabric to manage your body’s natural heat and keep you warm. The top also has Sphere nodes to keep your temperature high in cold conditions.
Features:
- French terry fabric feels soft, lightweight, and warm
- Mesh fabric at the top of the sleeves, shoulder, and upper back helps deliver ventilation
- Thumbholes convert into mittens to help keep your hands warm
- Dri-FIT technology helps you stay dry and comfortable
- Reflective design Swoosh on the left of the chest and reflective-design bars at the upper back
Extra Care Information:
- Machine washable
Nike Pro Dri-FIT Men’s Tight Fit Short-Sleeve Top
The Nike Pro Dri-FIT Men’s Tight Fit Short-Sleeve Top is a lightweight and stretchy top made with at least 75% recycled polyester fibers. It features built-in breathability with mesh over high-heat areas and sweat-wicking power to keep you cool and dry during workouts and playing pickleball. The flat seams feel smooth and make it comfortable to layer under other tops.
Features:
- Built-in breathability with mesh over high-heat areas at the back, sides, and underarms
- Nike Dri-FIT technology moves sweat away from your skin to help you stay dry and comfortable
- Lightweight, stretchy fabric with vents at the hem helps you move naturally
- Flat seams make it comfortable to layer under other tops
- Tight fit for a body-hugging feel
- Made with at least 75% recycled polyester fibers
Extra Care information:
- Machine wash according to care instructions.
Uniqlo
Uniqlo HEATTECH
HEATTECH is designed to provide warmth without the bulk. The fabric is made with high-quality polyester blends, acrylic, and rayon, which wick moisture away from the body and convert kinetic energy into heat. Air pockets within the ultra-thin fibers trap the heat, resulting in a lightweight layer of warmth.
Uniqlo AIRism
AIRism is designed to keep the wearer cool and dry. It actively wicks away moisture and heat from the skin, with a smooth and light feel. The fabric is highly breathable and quick-drying. Cupro fibers, which are breathable and absorbent, are also used in AIRism products to help regulate body temperature.
Uniqlo DRY-EX
DRY-EX is a high-performing fabric that moves moisture away from the skin and dries it quickly to keep the wearer cool on the go. The seamless 3D design provides freedom of movement, while the fabric’s odor-neutralizing properties help keep the wearer fresh and focused.
HEATTECH Fleece Crew Neck Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
The HEATTECH Fleece Crew Neck Long-Sleeve T-Shirt is made from ‘HEATTECH fleece’ fabric which is warm and soft. It has an excellent stretch for unrestrictive comfort and comes in a basic cut with just the right amount of room. The sleeves slim slightly down toward the cuffs, allowing the wearer to change the look by pushing up the sleeves. The cuffs stay put when pushed up, and they can be styled with any bottoms.
Features:
- ‘HEATTECH fleece’ fabric is warm and soft.
- Excellent stretch for unrestrictive comfort.
- Basic cut with just the right amount of room.
- Sleeves slim slightly down toward the cuffs, allowing for a change in look by pushing up the sleeves.
- Cuffs stay put when pushed up.
- Can be styled with any bottoms.
Extra Care Information:
- The fabric is made of 70% acrylic and 30% rayon and should be machine-washed cold on a gentle cycle.
- Do not dry clean.
AIRism Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
The AIRism Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt is a high-performance shirt that offers comfort in all weather. The smooth AIRism fabric is designed with quick-drying DRY technology, Cool Touch, and deodorizing features for maximum comfort. The perfectly fitted cut of the shirt stays hidden under outer layers, and the t-shirt style collar design allows for easy layering.
Features:
- Collar offers improved washability and durability.
- Stretchy fabric with Cool Touch and deodorizing features for comfort in all weather.
- Perfectly fitted cut stays hidden under outer layers.
- T-shirt style collar design for easy layering.
- Made of 89% Polyester, 11% Spandex, and 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex.
Extra Care information:
- The shirt can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle.
Dry-EX Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-shirt
The DRY-EX Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt is a high-performance shirt designed for active or casual wear. It features ‘DRY-EX’ technology, which quickly absorbs and wicks away sweat to keep you feeling fresh. The ergonomic mesh design provides breathability and has three types of mesh of different densities, including highly breathable mesh under the arms and the center of the back. The fabric is less glossy and has a basic design suitable for any occasion.
Features:
- Odor control and Cool Touch functions.
- Ergonomic mesh design with 3 types of mesh of different densities.
- Mapped mesh sections knitted into the fabric for a smooth, light feel.
- Made using recycled polyester derived from PET bottles.
- Suitable for active or casual wear.
Extra Care information:
- Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle,
- Do not dry clean.
Dry-EX Mapping Printed Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-shirt
The DRY-EX Mapping Printed Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt features ergonomic mesh holes for breathability, raglan sleeves for ease of movement during sports, and a color line accent on the inside of the cuff when the sleeves are rolled up.
Features:
- Ergonomic mesh holes for greater breathability
- Raglan sleeves for ease of movement
- Minimal seam contact with the skin
- Color line accent on the inside of the cuff
- Made with 80% Polyester and 20% Nylon (100% recycled polyester fiber)
Extra Care:
- Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle
- Do not dry clean.
Adidas, Nike, and Uniqlo are the only three brands we can wholeheartedly recommend that are determined to improve their sportswear. While other brands like Wilson, Under Armour, and Lacoste are also popular, their collection of technologies for their sportswear just isn’t impressive. They all mostly have moisture-wicking fabric, but nothing as unique as Climachill, HEATTECH, Nike AeroSwift.
That being said, there are other shirts on the market that are popular and deserve an honorable mention.
Honorable Mention: Best Pickleball Shirts That Are Underrated
These shirts have tons of great reviews, good features, and deserve a mention in this article.
Best Budget Shirt — Hanes Sport Men’s Long-Sleeve T-Shirt, 2 Pack
The Hanes Sport Men’s Long-Sleeve T-Shirt Pack is a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and durable performance tee. Made of 100% polyester with moisture-wicking technology, this tee is lightweight but won’t be as breathable if you’re the type to sweat a lot. The jersey feels soft and smooth against your skin, and the double-needle stitching ensures extra sturdiness. The tee also has an IJPF rating of 40+ to protect you against harmful UV rays.
Features:
- Cool DRI technology dries fabric faster for maximum comfort
- FreshlQ advanced odor protection technology fights odor-causing bacteria
- Poly interlock jersey feels light and silky against your skin
- Double-needle stitching in the neck, sleeves and hem for extra sturdiness
- 9 colors to choose from
- Made of 100% polyester jersey
- Machine washable in cold water to help reduce energy consumption
- IJPF rating of 40+ for protection against harmful UV rays
Selkirk Men’s Regal Series Short Sleeve Crew Stretch-Wik
Stay cool, calm and collected during your match in the Selkirk Men’s Regal TM Pro Crew. This sporty crewneck shirt has a subtle all-over tonal print with printed Selkirk graphics on the center chest, down the center back and a TM logo on the left sleeve. It has an open mesh fabric on the shoulders, back and sides for maximum ventilation. The performance fabric has moisture wicking properties to keep you cool and dry during heated points. There is an additional fabric Selkirk logo on the left hem.
Features:
- 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
- Crewneck
- Moisture wicking
- Colors: Black, White
