Best Dressed Players at the APP Cincinnati Vlasic Classic: Style Meets Sport on the Pickleball Court
The APP Tour’s recent stop in Cincinnati, Ohio for the Vlasic Classic wasn’t just about top-tier pickleball and electric crowds. It also showcased some of the sport’s most stylish athletes, proving that fashion and function can indeed go hand in hand on the pickleball court. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, players are increasingly using their on-court attire as a form of self-expression, bringing a dash of personal flair to their game.
For those new to the world of pickleball, it’s worth noting that while the sport has its roots in casual backyard play, the professional circuit has evolved to embrace a more polished aesthetic. Players are now conscious of their image both on and off the court, recognizing that their style choices can impact fan engagement and potential sponsorship opportunities. This trend mirrors what we’ve seen in tennis and other individual sports, where athletes often become fashion icons in their own right.
Let’s dive into the standout looks from the Cincinnati Vlasic Classic, exploring how these players are pushing the boundaries of pickleball fashion and setting trends for enthusiasts at all levels of the game.
Sofia Sewing: Sustainable Chic
Sofia Sewing made a bold statement in a black contrast cutout tennis dress from Berlook. This choice is particularly noteworthy as Berlook, traditionally known for its swimwear, is making its first foray into the activewear space. The brand’s focus on biobased materials and eco-friendly production aligns with a growing trend in sports apparel towards sustainability.
Sewing’s dress featured strategic cutouts that not only added visual interest but also provided ventilation during intense play. The contrast piping along the cutouts created a sleek, modern silhouette that stood out on the court. By choosing a piece from a brand that’s new to the pickleball scene, Sewing demonstrates how the sport is attracting attention from diverse corners of the fashion industry.
For pickleball players looking to emulate this style, consider opting for performance wear that incorporates sustainable materials. Look for pieces that offer a balance of style and functionality, with design elements that can help you stand out on the court while ensuring comfort and ease of movement.
Grayson Goldin: Golden Performance
Grayson Goldin’s outfit perfectly complemented his golden moment on the court as he dominated the singles competition. His ensemble consisted of the Wilson Everyday Performance Tee in a fitting golden hue, paired with Wilson Tennis Volley Shorts in crisp white. The look was completed with white sneakers and Wilson Crew Logo Socks.
Goldin’s choice of attire exemplifies how color coordination can create a powerful visual impact. The golden shirt not only stood out against the court but also seemed to reflect his winning performance. The decision to pair this bold top with white shorts and shoes created a clean, classic look that balanced the eye-catching nature of the golden hue.
This outfit demonstrates the effectiveness of building a look around a single standout piece. For recreational players, this approach can be an easy way to elevate your on-court style. Choose a vibrant, high-performance top and pair it with neutral bottoms and shoes for a put-together look that doesn’t sacrifice functionality.
Jack Munro: Brand Loyalty with a Twist
Jack Munro once again showcased his allegiance to Ellesse, sporting the brand’s Men’s Newcombe Tennis Top and matching Ellesse Sedgman Tennis Shorts, both in a striking green color. He rounded out the look with classic white Skechers pickleball shoes.
Munro’s consistent choice of Ellesse highlights the importance of brand partnerships in professional pickleball. By regularly featuring the brand’s attire, he’s likely cultivating a strong relationship with the company, which can lead to sponsorship opportunities and collaborations.
The green color choice is an interesting departure from more traditional tennis whites or blues. It adds a fresh, vibrant energy to the court and helps Munro stand out from the crowd. The decision to pair this bold color with white shoes creates a clean, balanced look that’s visually appealing without being overwhelming.
For pickleball enthusiasts looking to take a page from Munro’s style book, consider building a relationship with a brand you love. Consistently wearing pieces from the same line can help you develop a signature look on the court. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors, but remember to balance them with neutral elements to create a cohesive outfit.
Judit Castillo: European Flair
Judit Castillo brought a touch of European sport style to the pickleball court with her outfit from Nox Sports. She wore the Pro Vanilla Skirt paired with the matching Pro Vanilla T-Shirt, creating a sleek and cohesive look.
Nox Sports, primarily known for its padel rackets in Spain, is now venturing into the pickleball market. Castillo’s choice to wear this brand highlights the growing international interest in pickleball and the cross-pollination of styles from related racquet sports.
The ‘vanilla’ color of the outfit is a sophisticated choice, offering a fresh alternative to stark whites. This softer hue is flattering on a variety of skin tones and photographs beautifully on court. The matching set creates a streamlined silhouette that looks polished and professional.
For players interested in emulating this European-inspired look, consider exploring brands that are new to the pickleball scene, especially those crossing over from other racquet sports. Matching sets are an easy way to create a put-together appearance, and opting for softer neutrals like this vanilla shade can be a chic alternative to traditional tennis whites.
Jennifer Gallwas: Vibrant Coordination
Senior Pro Jennifer Gallwas caught everyone’s attention with her vibrant color choices. She sported the Lawley Solid Classics Skirt in royal blue, expertly paired with the Heritage Sport Tank in Navy from Johnnie-O.
Gallwas’s outfit demonstrates the impact of thoughtful color coordination. The royal blue skirt makes a bold statement, while the navy tank provides a complementary darker tone. This color combination is visually striking and energetic, perfect for the dynamic nature of pickleball.
The choice of a skirt over shorts or a dress is also noteworthy. Skirts are becoming increasingly popular in pickleball, offering a balance of femininity and functionality. Many designs, like the Lawley Solid Classics Skirt, include built-in shorts for coverage and ball storage.
For players looking to incorporate more color into their pickleball wardrobe, Gallwas’s outfit provides an excellent template. Start with a vibrant bottom piece and pair it with a coordinating top in a different shade of the same color family. This approach allows you to embrace bold hues without appearing overly matched or monochromatic.
Shannon Pretorius: Sleek and Sophisticated
Shannon Pretorius, who had a breakthrough performance finishing fourth in singles, wore the Essentials Flare Pickleball Dress in Blackout from Selkirk’s new Essentials line.
This choice of a black dress is a bold move in a sport that often favors lighter colors. However, the sleek, all-black look creates a sophisticated and streamlined appearance that can be both slimming and intimidating on the court. The flare style of the dress likely provided excellent range of motion, crucial for the quick movements required in pickleball.
Selkirk, primarily known for their paddles and gear, is expanding into the apparel market with their Essentials line. This move by established pickleball brands into clothing demonstrates the growing market for sport-specific attire in pickleball.
For players interested in this look, a black dress or outfit can be a versatile choice. It’s easy to accessorize with colorful shoes, wristbands, or even a visor to add a pop of color. When choosing dark colors for outdoor play, look for fabrics with moisture-wicking and UV-protection properties to stay cool and protected from the sun.
Jaime Oncins: Classic with a Pop
Senior Pro Jaime Oncins, drawing on his experience as a former Brazilian Olympic tennis player, showcased a classic look with a modern twist. He wore the Engage UV Performance Crew in coral, paired with the Engage Valor Repeat Shorts in black, and topped off the ensemble with a black hat.
Oncins’ outfit demonstrates how to effectively incorporate a pop of color into a otherwise neutral palette. The coral top adds vibrancy and energy, while the black shorts and hat provide a grounding effect. This combination is particularly effective for players who want to add some color to their look without going all-out.
The choice of a UV Performance crew is also noteworthy, highlighting the importance of sun protection in outdoor sports like pickleball. For players of all levels, investing in UV-protective gear can be crucial for long-term skin health, especially when playing in sunny conditions.
To recreate this look, start with a base of black or navy bottoms and add a brightly colored top. This formula is simple but effective, allowing you to change up your look easily by swapping out the color of your shirt. Don’t forget to consider the functional aspects of your outfit, such as UV protection and moisture-wicking properties, especially for outdoor play.
The Evolution of Pickleball Fashion
The diverse styles showcased at the APP Cincinnati Vlasic Classic reflect the evolving nature of pickleball fashion. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, we’re seeing a blend of influences from tennis, padel, and other racquet sports, as well as unique styles emerging specifically for pickleball.
Key trends observed include:
- Sustainability: Players and brands are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly materials and production methods.
- Cross-over brands: Companies from related sports are entering the pickleball market, bringing their expertise and style with them.
- Bold colors: While traditional whites are still present, many players are opting for vibrant hues to stand out on the court.
- Matching sets: Coordinated tops and bottoms create a polished, professional look.
- Functionality meets style: UV protection, moisture-wicking fabrics, and designs that allow for a full range of motion are becoming standard.
For recreational players looking to up their style game, take cues from these pros:
- Invest in quality, performance-focused pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable on the court.
- Don’t be afraid to incorporate color, whether it’s a bold all-over hue or a pop of brightness against a neutral base.
- Consider the functional aspects of your outfit, such as sun protection and breathability, especially for outdoor play.
- Experiment with different styles – skirts, dresses, shorts – to find what works best for your game and body type.
- Remember that confidence is the best accessory – choose outfits that make you feel great, and your play may just improve as a result!
As pickleball continues to evolve, so too will the fashion associated with it. Whether you’re a competitive player looking to make a statement on the pro circuit or a casual enthusiast wanting to look good at your local courts, there
