Best Dressed Players of APP Fort Lauderdale: Pickleball Fashion Highlights
The APP Fort Lauderdale tournament kicked off 2025 with a bang, showcasing not only incredible pickleball performances but also some seriously stylish outfits on the court. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, players are increasingly using their attire to express their personalities and make a statement. Let’s dive into the fashion highlights from this exciting event and explore why pickleball style matters.
Why Pickleball Fashion Matters
For those new to the world of pickleball, you might wonder why we’re focusing on player outfits. Fashion in sports isn’t just about looking good; it’s about confidence, personal branding, and even performance. The right outfit can help a player feel more comfortable and confident on the court, potentially improving their game. Additionally, as pickleball gains more media attention, players’ styles can help attract sponsors and grow their personal brand.
Now, let’s explore some of the standout looks from the APP Fort Lauderdale tournament:
Jack Munro & Megan Fudge: Coordinated Patriotism
Jack Munro and Megan Fudge took coordination to the next level with their mixed doubles outfit. Jack sported a sleek navy Ellesse ensemble accented with red and white details, creating a subtle yet stylish patriotic theme. The red collar of his shirt perfectly complemented Megan’s red skirt, demonstrating thoughtful coordination between partners.
What made this outfit particularly noteworthy was the attention to detail. Jack’s ProXR hat tied the whole look together, showing that accessories can make a significant impact on the overall appearance. This outfit exemplifies how partners can create a cohesive look without being overly matchy-matchy.
Zack Taylor: Vibrant and Cohesive
Zack Taylor made a bold statement with his emerald green JOOLA top, which beautifully complemented his signature red hair. This choice of color not only stood out on the court but also showcased Zack’s personality. The outfit was completed with a matching JOOLA hat and sleek black shorts, creating a cohesive and eye-catching ensemble.
Zack’s outfit is a perfect example of how to make a statement while maintaining a professional and put-together look. The vibrant top paired with neutral bottoms strikes an ideal balance, allowing him to stand out without being overwhelming.
Alexa Schull: Classic with a Twist
Alexa Schull demonstrated that sometimes, less is more. Her black-and-white outfit with subtle gray accents was a masterclass in classic style. The Franklin hat and visor combination added a sporty touch, while the gingham skirt introduced an element of fun to the otherwise monochromatic ensemble.
This outfit is an excellent example of how to incorporate traditional tennis fashion into pickleball attire. The gingham skirt, in particular, adds a touch of personality to a classic color palette, showing that you can be both sophisticated and playful in your pickleball fashion choices.
Max Manthou and Eric Lange: Bold Brand Identity
Max Manthou, known as “Purple Jesus,” lived up to his nickname with a bold purple top from The Hub. Paired with Eric Lange in a matching outfit, the duo created a striking visual on the court. The combination of vibrant purple tops with crisp white shorts not only looked great but also reinforced Max’s personal brand.
This coordinated look demonstrates the power of color in creating a memorable appearance. By consistently wearing his signature color, Max has created a strong visual identity that fans can easily recognize. This approach to fashion can be particularly effective for players looking to build their personal brand in the sport.
Court 18: Style with a Purpose
While not a player outfit, Court 18 deserves a special mention for its contribution to the tournament’s style. The bright pink court, dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer, added a splash of color and purpose to the event. This innovative approach shows how style in pickleball can extend beyond player outfits to create a meaningful and visually appealing environment.
The pink court is a perfect example of how pickleball events can use style and design to support important causes. It not only enhanced the visual appeal of the tournament but also sparked conversations about breast cancer awareness among spectators and players alike.
Ben & Julian Slive: Young Talent, Fresh Style
The Slive brothers, representing Team Phantom, brought both skill and style to the junior division. Julian’s salmon-colored shorts paired with matching Skechers created a clean, cohesive look. Ben opted for a brighter shade of pink in his shorts, also matched with pink Skechers, for a vibrant and eye-catching outfit.
The brothers’ coordinated yet individual styles showcase how young players are bringing fresh energy to pickleball fashion. Their outfits demonstrate that even in the junior divisions, players are paying attention to their on-court appearance and using it to express their personalities.
The Impact of Fashion in Pickleball
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, the importance of fashion in the sport is likely to increase. Here’s why:
- Player Branding: Unique styles help players stand out and build their personal brand, which can lead to sponsorship opportunities and a larger fan base.
- Sport Identity: As pickleball establishes itself as a distinct sport, fashion helps create a unique identity separate from tennis or badminton.
- Fan Engagement: Memorable outfits can increase fan interest and engagement, making the sport more exciting to watch and follow.
- Performance: Comfortable, well-designed outfits can contribute to better performance on the court.
- Industry Growth: As players and fans become more style-conscious, it opens up opportunities for apparel companies to enter the pickleball market, further growing the industry.
Conclusion: The Future of Pickleball Fashion
The APP Fort Lauderdale tournament showcased that pickleball fashion is evolving rapidly. From coordinated partner looks to bold personal branding and classic styles with a twist, players are finding numerous ways to express themselves through their on-court attire.
As the sport continues to gain popularity, we can expect to see even more innovation in pickleball fashion. Collaborations between players and apparel brands, eco-friendly materials, and tech-integrated clothing could be on the horizon. Whatever the future holds, one thing is clear: pickleball style is here to stay, and it’s making the sport even more exciting to watch and play.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a pickleball newcomer, don’t be afraid to express your personality through your on-court style. After all, looking good can help you feel confident, and confidence is key to playing your best game. So next time you step onto the court, remember that your outfit isn’t just about comfort—it’s an opportunity to showcase your unique pickleball style.