Best Dressed Players of APP Fort Lauderdale: Pickleball Fashion Takes Center Stage
The world of pickleball is not just about skill and strategy; it’s also a platform for self-expression through fashion. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, players are increasingly using their on-court attire to make bold statements and showcase their personal style. The recent APP tournament in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which kicked off the 2025 season, was no exception. This event not only delivered electrifying performances but also served as a runway for some of the most stylish players in the game.
For those new to pickleball or unfamiliar with its fashion scene, it’s important to understand that while functionality remains crucial, players are increasingly embracing the opportunity to express themselves through their clothing choices. This trend mirrors what we’ve seen in other racquet sports like tennis, where fashion has long been an integral part of the culture. In pickleball, we’re seeing a similar evolution, with players carefully selecting outfits that not only enhance their performance but also reflect their personality and brand.
Jack Munro & Megan Fudge: A Patriotic Pair
One of the standout looks from the tournament came from the mixed doubles pair of Jack Munro and Megan Fudge. Munro, in particular, caught the eye with his impeccable style throughout the week. However, it was their coordinated outfit for mixed doubles that truly stole the show.
Munro sported a sleek navy Ellesse ensemble, which served as the perfect backdrop for eye-catching red and white accents. This color combination cleverly evoked a sense of patriotism, a nod perhaps to the international nature of the sport and the pride players take in representing their countries. The addition of a ProXR hat was the perfect finishing touch, tying the entire look together seamlessly.
What made this outfit particularly noteworthy was how well it coordinated with his partner’s attire. Megan Fudge’s red skirt complemented the red accents in Munro’s outfit, creating a visually cohesive team appearance. This level of coordination demonstrates a thoughtful approach to their on-court presentation, showcasing an understanding that in doubles, unity extends beyond just gameplay.
Zack Taylor: Emerald Elegance
Zack Taylor made a bold statement to start the season with his choice of an emerald green JOOLA top. This vibrant color choice was particularly striking as it beautifully complemented Taylor’s signature red hair, creating a visually arresting contrast on the court.
Taylor’s outfit was a masterclass in color coordination. He paired the emerald top with sleek black shorts, creating a balanced look that allowed the shirt to be the focal point without overwhelming the overall outfit. The addition of a well-matched hat completed the ensemble, demonstrating attention to detail in his styling choices.
This outfit choice highlights a growing trend in pickleball fashion where players are moving beyond traditional whites or pastels and embracing bold, vibrant colors. It’s a way for players to stand out on the court and create a memorable visual impression, which can be particularly important for those looking to build their personal brand within the sport.
Alexa Schull: Classic Chic
In contrast to some of the more colorful outfits on display, Alexa Schull opted for a classic black-and-white ensemble that proved elegance never goes out of style. Her outfit was a testament to the power of simplicity and how a well-executed monochrome look can be just as impactful as more colorful choices.
Schull’s outfit consisted of a black top paired with a white skirt, creating a stark, classic contrast. The addition of gray accents added depth to the look, preventing it from appearing too stark or severe. One of the standout elements of her outfit was the gingham skirt, which added a playful, feminine touch to the otherwise straightforward color scheme.
The choice of a Franklin hat and visor not only served a practical purpose on the court but also contributed to the overall cohesiveness of the outfit. This attention to detail in accessorizing demonstrates how even small elements can elevate an entire look.
Schull’s classic approach to on-court fashion serves as a reminder that sometimes, less is more. In a sea of bright colors and bold patterns, a well-executed black-and-white ensemble can stand out just as effectively, allowing the player’s skills to take center stage while still presenting a polished, professional appearance.
Max Manthou and Eric Lange: Purple Reign
When it comes to signature styles in pickleball, few are as recognizable as Max Manthou’s, affectionately known as “Purple Jesus.” True to form, Manthou didn’t disappoint at the Fort Lauderdale tournament, bringing his trademark purple to the courts in a big way.
Manthou and his doubles partner, Eric Lange, presented a united front in matching purple tops from The Hub. This bold color choice was balanced by crisp white shorts, creating a high-contrast look that was impossible to miss on the court. The decision to coordinate their outfits so closely speaks to the importance of visual unity in doubles play, both for the benefit of the players themselves and for spectators trying to follow the action.
What makes Manthou’s commitment to purple particularly interesting is how it has become an integral part of his personal brand within the sport. By consistently wearing his signature color, he has created a visual shorthand that makes him instantly recognizable, both on and off the court. This kind of brand consistency can be valuable for players looking to build a following and stand out in a crowded field.
The choice of The Hub for their tops also highlights the growing importance of pickleball-specific apparel brands. As the sport continues to grow, we’re seeing more companies creating clothing designed specifically for the unique demands of pickleball, combining style with the functionality required for high-level play.
Court 18: Fashion Meets Awareness
While individual player outfits certainly caught the eye, one of the most striking visual elements of the tournament wasn’t worn by any player at all. Court 18, with its bright pink surface, stood out as possibly the most stylish court ever to grace a pro tour.
The decision to create a pink court went beyond mere aesthetics. This vibrant playing surface was dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer, combining style with a meaningful purpose. This choice by the tournament organizers demonstrates how the world of pickleball fashion can extend beyond player attire to encompass the entire playing environment.
The pink court served multiple purposes. Visually, it added a splash of vibrant color to the tournament, creating a unique backdrop for the matches played upon it. From a branding perspective, it tied into the Florida setting, evoking images of flamingos and tropical sunsets. Most importantly, it served as a conversation starter, drawing attention to an important cause and potentially inspiring spectators and players alike to think about breast cancer awareness.
This innovative approach to court design showcases how every element of a pickleball tournament can be leveraged to create a cohesive visual experience while also supporting important social causes. It’s a trend we may see more of in future tournaments, with court colors and designs being used to support various charitable initiatives or create unique, Instagram-worthy backdrops for play.
Ben & Julian Slive: Junior Style Stars
The Fort Lauderdale tournament wasn’t just a showcase for established pros; it also gave us a glimpse into the future of pickleball fashion through the junior division. Twin brothers Ben and Julian Slive from Team Phantom particularly stood out, demonstrating that style knows no age limit in this sport.
Julian opted for a sophisticated look with salmon-colored shorts paired with matching Skechers shoes. This monochromatic approach to the lower half of his outfit created a clean, cohesive appearance that belied his young age. The choice of salmon – a color that straddles the line between pink and orange – was a mature choice that set him apart from more traditional junior sportswear.
Ben, on the other hand, went for a bolder look with bright pink shorts, also matched perfectly with pink Skechers. This vibrant choice showcased a willingness to embrace bold colors and make a statement on the court. The fact that both brothers coordinated their shorts and shoes so precisely demonstrates an attention to detail that’s impressive for players of any age.
The Slive brothers’ outfits highlight several important trends in pickleball fashion:
- The growing importance of footwear in creating a complete look
- The trend towards monochromatic or tonal outfits
- The embrace of traditionally “feminine” colors like pink by male players, breaking down old-fashioned color gender norms in sports apparel
Their stylish appearance, combined with their skills on the court, marks them as players to watch both for their play and their fashion choices as they continue to develop in the junior ranks.
The Rise of Pickleball Fashion
The variety and thoughtfulness of outfits on display at the APP Fort Lauderdale tournament underscore the growing importance of fashion in the world of pickleball. As the sport continues to gain popularity and mainstream attention, players are increasingly aware of the role their on-court appearance plays in their overall brand and public image.
This evolution of pickleball fashion mirrors what we’ve seen in other racquet sports, particularly tennis. However, pickleball is developing its own unique style identity, influenced by its more casual, accessible nature and the diverse backgrounds of its players.
Several key trends emerged from the tournament:
- Bold Color Choices: From Zack Taylor’s emerald green to the Slive brothers’ pink ensembles, players are not shying away from vibrant, attention-grabbing colors.
- Coordinated Doubles Outfits: As seen with Jack Munro and Megan Fudge, as well as Max Manthou and Eric Lange, there’s a growing trend towards visually coordinated outfits for doubles pairs.
- Attention to Detail: Players are considering every aspect of their outfit, from hats to shoes, to create cohesive looks.
- Brand Building: Consistent color choices and styles, like Max Manthou’s commitment to purple, are being used to build recognizable personal brands.
- Functionality Meets Style: While looking good is important, the outfits on display also needed to perform well under the demanding conditions of professional play.
The Future of Pickleball Fashion
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, we can expect to see further evolution in on-court fashion. Here are some predictions for the future of pickleball style:
- More Pickleball-Specific Brands: We’ll likely see an increase in brands creating apparel and footwear designed specifically for the unique demands of pickleball.
- Sustainability Focus: As with other areas of the fashion industry, there may be a growing emphasis on sustainable materials and production methods in pickleball apparel.
- Tech Integration: Future pickleball fashion may incorporate performance-tracking technology or smart fabrics to give players a competitive edge.
- Customization: As players seek to stand out, we might see more options for customized or personalized pickleball apparel.
- Crossover with Streetwear: Given pickleball’s casual, accessible nature, we could see more influence from streetwear trends in on-court fashion.
The APP Fort Lauderdale tournament provided a thrilling start to the 2025 pickleball season, not just in terms of play but also in the realm of fashion. From coordinated doubles outfits to bold individual statements, the players demonstrated that pickleball style is an integral part of the sport’s culture. As pickleball continues to evolve, it’s clear that fashion will play an increasingly important role, adding an extra layer of excitement and personal expression to this fast-growing sport.
For those looking to up their pickleball fashion game, remember that confidence is the best accessory. Whether you prefer classic looks like Alexa Schull or bold statements like Zack Taylor, the most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and ready to play your best. After all, in pickleball, as in fashion, it’s not just about how you look, but how you feel and perform.
