Best Dressed Players: APP Fort Lauderdale Open & PPA North Carolina Open
The pickleball world was abuzz with excitement this past weekend as two major tournaments unfolded simultaneously: the APP Fort Lauderdale Open and the Veolia North Carolina Open on the PPA Tour. This double dose of action not only showcased intense competition but also highlighted the growing emphasis on style within the sport. As pickleball continues to evolve, players are increasingly expressing their personalities and athletic prowess through their on-court attire.
For those new to the pickleball scene, it’s worth noting that the sport has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Once considered a casual backyard game, pickleball has transformed into a professional sport with dedicated athletes who take their appearance as seriously as their play. The fusion of function and fashion on the pickleball court is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to perform at the highest level.
Let’s dive into some of the standout looks from both tournaments, analyzing not just the aesthetic appeal but also the practicality and innovation behind each outfit choice.
Shelby Bates & Sofia Sewing: The Bronze Barbies
Shelby Bates and Sofia Sewing, affectionately known as the Bronze Barbies, made a striking appearance at the APP Fort Lauderdale Open. The duo opted for the PB5star Side Split Court Dress in contrasting pink and white colorways. This choice was particularly apt for the Florida spring weather, showcasing both style and functionality.
The dress features clean lines and a contrast trim that adds a touch of sophistication to the sporty silhouette. The side split is not just a fashionable detail; it serves a practical purpose by allowing for a greater range of motion during play. This thoughtful design element demonstrates how pickleball attire is evolving to meet the specific needs of the sport while maintaining a fashionable edge.
For those unfamiliar with pickleball fashion trends, the coordinated yet contrasting look of Bates and Sewing is a perfect example of how doubles partners often choose to present a unified front while still expressing individual style. This approach not only looks great on court but can also contribute to team cohesion and a strong visual presence that can be intimidating to opponents.
Jorja Johnson: Mixing Comfort and Style
Jorja Johnson, who had an incredibly successful weekend securing titles in both women’s doubles and mixed doubles, showcased a variety of impressive outfits throughout the tournament. However, her singles day ensemble stood out as particularly noteworthy.
Johnson sported the WISKII Mini Bubble Skirt in Heavenly Blue, paired with a crisp white Franklin tank top. To complete the look, she added the matching Heavenly Blue Long Sleeve High Neck Layering Top.
This outfit choice demonstrates a keen understanding of both fashion and function in pickleball attire. The bubble skirt, a trendy item in tennis and now pickleball, offers a playful and feminine silhouette while still allowing for unrestricted movement. The addition of the long-sleeve layering top is a smart choice for variable weather conditions, allowing Johnson to adjust her outfit as needed throughout the day.
For those new to pickleball fashion, this layered approach is becoming increasingly popular among players. It allows for adaptability to changing temperatures and sun exposure during long tournament days. The color coordination between the skirt and the layering top creates a cohesive look that’s both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
Tyra Black: Vibrant and Dynamic
Tyra Black made a statement on the court wearing the Wilson Headliner Tennis Dress. This choice exemplifies the crossover between tennis and pickleball fashion, with many pickleball players adopting and adapting styles from its racquet sport cousin.
The dress features vibrant spring colors that caught the eye and complemented Black’s dynamic playing style. The shiny skirt adds an element of dimension and movement, which not only looks great but can also serve to distract opponents – a subtle but potentially effective strategy in competitive play.
The A-line tank top of the dress creates a flattering silhouette while providing the necessary freedom of movement for the fast-paced nature of pickleball. This style of dress has become increasingly popular in pickleball as it offers a perfect balance between feminine style and athletic functionality.
For those unfamiliar with pickleball attire, it’s important to note that while this dress is marketed as a tennis dress, the crossover between tennis and pickleball fashion is significant. Many pickleball players choose tennis or general athletic wear, adapting it to suit the specific needs of pickleball. This trend speaks to the growing market for pickleball-specific clothing, as well as the sport’s ability to borrow and innovate from established athletic wear traditions.
Casey Diamond: Embracing Bold Colors
Casey Diamond chose to combat the Florida heat with a bold and coordinated Lululemon outfit in their eye-catching “Passionate” hot pink shade. He paired the Easy Set Training Short Sleeve Shirt with matching Pace Breaker Shorts (7″ linerless).
This monochromatic look is a testament to the growing trend of bold, statement-making colors in pickleball fashion. The choice of a bright pink is particularly noteworthy, as it challenges traditional notions of masculine athletic wear while perfectly embodying the fun, inclusive spirit of pickleball.
Lululemon’s reputation for high-quality athletic wear translates well to the pickleball court. The moisture-wicking properties of their fabrics are essential for the high-intensity, stop-and-start nature of pickleball play. The linerless shorts provide freedom of movement without sacrificing coverage, a crucial consideration for the lunges and quick directional changes common in pickleball.
For those new to pickleball fashion, it’s worth noting that while coordinated outfits like Diamond’s are popular, they’re not mandatory. The pickleball community embraces a wide range of styles, from matching sets to more eclectic combinations. What’s most important is that the clothing allows for unrestricted movement and keeps the player comfortable throughout extended periods of play.
Genie Bouchard: Precision in Coordination
Former tennis pro Genie Bouchard brought her signature style to the pickleball court with a meticulously coordinated New Balance outfit. She wore the white Collared Tournament Tank featuring a teal logo, paired with the matching Tournament Skort and teal compression shorts underneath.
Bouchard’s attention to detail extended to her accessories, with teal socks that tied the entire look together. She added a pop of contrast with yellow FuelCell 996v6 sneakers, creating a visually interesting and well-thought-out ensemble.
This level of coordination demonstrates the increasing professionalism in pickleball attire. For those new to the sport, it’s important to understand that while such precise matching isn’t necessary for casual play, it’s becoming more common at the professional level. This trend not only enhances the visual appeal of the sport for spectators but also reflects the athletes’ attention to detail and commitment to their craft.
The choice of a collared tank top is particularly noteworthy, as it bridges the gap between traditional tennis attire and the more casual roots of pickleball. This style choice maintains a polished look while providing the breathability and range of motion needed for pickleball’s fast-paced rallies.
Ava Ignatowich: Embracing Fashion Trends
Ava Ignatowich showcased a trendy and youthful look with the YPB MotionTek Halter Bubble Hem Mini Dress in red from Active by Abercrombie. This choice perfectly illustrates how pickleball fashion is increasingly influenced by broader athletic and lifestyle wear trends.
The bubble skirt design is a major trend for 2025, bringing a playful and dynamic element to athletic wear. This style not only looks fashionable but also provides excellent freedom of movement, crucial for the quick turns and lunges in pickleball. The halter neckline with white stripes adds a sporty touch while also offering good support and comfort during play.
One of the standout features of this dress is its functionality. It comes with removable shorts that include pockets, addressing the practical needs of players who need to carry balls or other small items during matches. This blend of style and utility is becoming increasingly important in pickleball attire, as players seek clothing that can keep up with the demands of the sport without sacrificing appearance.
For those new to pickleball fashion, Ignatowich’s choice demonstrates how the sport is embracing more diverse and fashion-forward options. While traditional athletic wear is still common, many players, especially younger ones, are opting for pieces that could easily transition from the court to casual off-court settings. This trend is helping to broaden pickleball’s appeal and integrate it more seamlessly into players’ lifestyles.
Federico Staksrud: Classic Athleticism
Federico Staksrud opted for a classic athletic look with a modern twist, wearing the black adidas Tennis Climacool+ AIRCHILL FreeLift Tee. This shirt features a subtle striped pattern, adding visual interest to the solid black base. The real star of this piece, however, is the CLIMACOOL+ technology, which provides superior breathability – a crucial feature for the intense gameplay of pickleball.
Staksrud paired the shirt with adidas Club 3-Stripes Tennis Shorts in a striking neon green. This color combination of black and neon green creates a sharp, athletic aesthetic that’s both modern and eye-catching.
For those unfamiliar with pickleball attire, Staksrud’s outfit is a great example of how players often adapt tennis wear for pickleball. The crossover between these two sports in terms of clothing is significant, with many brands creating pieces that work well for both. The key differences often lie in the details – pickleball players might prefer slightly shorter shorts or more breathable fabrics to accommodate the sport’s unique movements and pace.
The choice of neon green shorts is particularly interesting from a strategic standpoint. Bright colors can serve to distract opponents or make it harder for them to focus on the ball, especially in outdoor settings. While this may not be the primary reason for color choice, it’s an interesting aspect of sports psychology that some players consider when selecting their on-court attire.
Zack Taylor: Coordinated Comfort
Zack Taylor showcased a perfectly coordinated Lululemon set in Lavender Lux, an ideal spring look that was particularly well-suited to the South Florida climate. He wore the Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts 7″ paired with the matching 
