Stylish Serves: Best Dressed Players at the PPA Select Medical Orange County Cup
The pickleball world recently gathered at the iconic Life Time Rancho San Clemente for the PPA Select Medical Orange County Cup, where players showcased not only their impressive skills on the court but also their impeccable fashion sense. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the fusion of athletic performance and style has become increasingly apparent, with players expressing their personalities through carefully curated outfits. Let’s dive into the standout looks that caught everyone’s attention and set the bar high for pickleball fashion.
Understanding Pickleball Fashion: A Blend of Function and Style
For those new to the pickleball scene, it’s important to understand that the sport’s fashion is not just about looking good—it’s a delicate balance between style, comfort, and functionality. Players need outfits that allow for a full range of motion, wick away sweat, and withstand the rigors of intense gameplay. At the same time, many athletes use their clothing as a form of self-expression, choosing colors, patterns, and designs that reflect their personal brand or simply make them feel confident on the court.
Pickleball fashion has evolved from simple athletic wear to include specially designed skorts, moisture-wicking fabrics, and even custom-made pieces from high-end designers. The trend has caught on so much that major sportswear brands are now creating lines specifically for pickleball players, recognizing the unique needs of the sport and its growing market.
Layne Sleeth: Vibrant and Versatile
Layne Sleeth made a striking appearance in the Wilson Rally Halter Dress in Infrared. This choice exemplifies the perfect blend of style and functionality that pickleball fashion demands. The dress’s vibrant red hue ensured Sleeth stood out on the court, while its halter design and split-skirt offered the freedom of movement crucial for those quick volleys and strategic dinks.
What made Sleeth’s outfit particularly noteworthy was her attention to detail in accessorizing. She completed her look with limited edition ED JU shoes from Montis, demonstrating that every aspect of a player’s attire can contribute to their overall aesthetic. The shoes not only complemented her dress but also provided the necessary support and traction for the fast-paced game.
Hunter Johnson: Classic Coordination
Men’s singles gold medalist Hunter Johnson showcased a clean and classic look that proved sometimes less is more. Johnson opted for the Wilson Court Performance Tennis Crewneck paired with the Wilson 7″ Tournament V2 Short. This monochromatic ensemble was elevated by a bright neckline, adding just the right amount of contrast to catch the eye.
Johnson’s choice demonstrates that pickleball fashion doesn’t always have to be about bold patterns or flashy colors. A well-coordinated, simple outfit can be just as impactful, especially when it allows the player’s skills to take center stage. The crewneck and shorts combination also highlights the versatility of pickleball wear, which often crosses over with tennis fashion, allowing players to find pieces that work for multiple racquet sports.
Hannah Blatt: Summer Chic
Hannah Blatt brought a touch of summer to the court with her PB5Star ensemble. She sported the Side Split Pleated Skirt in a fresh pink hue, perfectly capturing the essence of the season. The skirt’s pleated design not only adds a feminine touch but also allows for ease of movement during play.
Blatt paired the skirt with a Racer Back Sports Bra in white, creating a crisp contrast that’s both stylish and practical. This combination showcases the trend towards matching sets in pickleball fashion, which allows players to create a cohesive look effortlessly. The racerback design of the sports bra ensures unrestricted arm movement, crucial for those overhead smashes and serves.
Tyra Hurricane Black & Parris Todd: Matching Marvels
Doubles partners Tyra Hurricane Black and Parris Todd took coordination to the next level with their matching Alo outfits. The duo wore the Grand Slam Tennis Skirt in Spearmint paired with the Alosoft Highlight Bra in Spearmint Heather. This coordinated look not only showcases team unity but also demonstrates how pickleball fashion can be both traditional and modern.
The traditional tennis skirt silhouette is given a contemporary update with the spearmint color and the keyhole-cut tank. This blend of classic and modern elements is a perfect representation of pickleball itself—a sport that combines elements of various racquet games into something fresh and exciting. The matching outfits also highlight the growing trend of pickleball partnerships extending beyond the court and into fashion choices.
Leigh Waters: Luxury on the Court
Leigh Waters brought high fashion to the pickleball court with her head-to-toe Gucci ensemble. She paired a yellow GG Supreme skort with a striped cotton jersey tee, both by Gucci. This luxurious choice demonstrates how high-end fashion is making its way into the world of pickleball, elevating the sport’s style quotient.
Waters’ attention to detail was evident in how she matched the red accents in the skort with the font on her top and even the edge guard on her Paddletek paddle. This level of coordination shows that pickleball fashion extends beyond just clothing to include equipment as part of the overall aesthetic. It’s a reminder that in pickleball, as in any sport, confidence in one’s appearance can translate to confidence in play.
Lucy Kovalova: Sleek and Sophisticated
Lucy Kovalova opted for a sleek and sophisticated look with the NikeCourt Slam dress in a deep red. The dress’s design, featuring a thin striped belt and sleeve piping, creates a cohesive and polished appearance. Kovalova’s choice demonstrates how a single piece can make a strong fashion statement on the court.
The dress’s color, matching Kovalova’s nail polish, shows an attention to detail that elevates the entire look. This level of coordination speaks to the growing importance of personal branding in pickleball, where players are increasingly conscious of presenting a complete and consistent image both on and off the court.
Michael Loyd: Cohesive Casual
Michael Loyd showcased a perfectly coordinated casual look from Stack Athletics. He wore the Repeat Short 7″ Endura in Sage paired with the Volleysoft Performance Tee in Mist. The outfit was completed with matching Daily Crew Socks and a Volley Cap.
Loyd’s outfit demonstrates the trend towards creating a complete look from a single brand, ensuring perfect color coordination and a cohesive aesthetic. The complementary tones of sage and mist create a subtle yet stylish appearance that’s perfect for the pickleball court. This approach to pickleball fashion shows how players can create a distinctive personal style while maintaining the functionality needed for high-level play.
Ting Chieh Wei: Classic with a Pop
Ting Chieh Wei, who made waves by defeating Johnson and Schneemann in the Round of 32, kept her look classic with a twist. She wore the Nike Dri-FIT Advantage Dress for a clean, traditional tennis-inspired look. However, she added a bold pop of color with GP Challenge Pro shoes in Hot Lava.
This combination of a classic silhouette with a vibrant footwear choice showcases how pickleball fashion allows for personal expression within the constraints of athletic wear. It’s a perfect example of how players can maintain a professional appearance while still injecting their personality into their on-court look.
Alex Crum: Signature Style
Alex Crum brought his signature style to the court with a carefully curated outfit. He wore his namesake Crum Shorts from B. Draddy, paired with the Jim Tee from Zero Restriction in Sky. The look was completed with an Original Performance Cap from Imperial.
Crum’s outfit demonstrates how players can create a personalized look by mixing pieces from different brands. The combination of the shorts bearing his name with carefully selected complementary items shows a thoughtful approach to on-court fashion. This style of outfit building allows players to support multiple brands while still maintaining a coherent and individual aesthetic.
The Future of Pickleball Fashion
As evidenced by the diverse and stylish outfits at the PPA Select Medical Orange County Cup, pickleball fashion is evolving rapidly. Players are no longer content with basic athletic wear; they’re seeking out pieces that reflect their personalities, enhance their performance, and make a statement on the court.
This trend is likely to continue as pickleball grows in popularity. We can expect to see more collaborations between players and fashion brands, the development of pickleball-specific clothing lines, and an increased focus on sustainable and tech-enhanced fabrics that can withstand the demands of the sport while keeping players comfortable and stylish.
For those looking to up their pickleball fashion game, the key takea
