What to Wear for Tennis and Padel in India

Padel has arrived in Indian cities fast, and tennis never really left. If you have just booked your first court, you may be wondering what to wear. The good news is that it is simple. Most of it comes down to moving freely, staying cool and wearing the right shoes.

What to wear for padel

Padel is played on a smaller enclosed court with glass walls, using a solid paddle and a low-compression ball. Points are quick and you change direction constantly. That shapes what works.

• A skirt, skort or shorts you can lunge in. Look for a built-in short or a lined design so you can move without thinking about it.
• A breathable tank, crop or tee. Fitted pieces stay out of the way of your swing.
• A supportive sports bra. Padel has a lot of short sprints and stops.
• Padel or clay-court shoes with a herringbone sole. Running shoes are not built for side-to-side movement.
• Cushioned socks that sit above the shoe line to avoid rubbing.
• A cap or visor for outdoor courts.

Most clubs in India do not have a strict dress code for padel, but many prefer non-marking shoes. If in doubt, ask when you book.

What to wear for tennis

Tennis covers more ground than padel, with longer rallies and more running. The kit is similar, with a few differences.

• A pleated skirt or skort with shorts underneath, or tennis shorts with pockets for a spare ball.
• A breathable top. Polo-style tees are a classic for both women and men.
• Tennis shoes matched to the court surface: hard court, clay or grass.
• A sweatband or headband for long matches in the heat.

Some older clubs still prefer white or light colours. It is worth checking before your first match.

Our court pieces

We designed a small set of pieces with the court in mind. The Pleated Tennis Skirt in White and the Layered Tennis Skort in White use our structured polyamide fabric, which is smoother and crisper and holds its shape. Both come in sizes XS to XL.

Pair either with the Ribbed Crop Bra in Terracotta or a racerback tank for warm days. For men, the Court Polo Tee in Burgundy is a polo built for training, and pairs well with the Lined Running Short in White. Finish with the FLO Sweat Headband in Black and our ribbed crew socks.

Dressing for Indian courts

Heat

From April to June, outdoor courts in Delhi, Jaipur or Hyderabad get very hot by mid-morning. Play early or late. Choose light colours, which reflect heat, and fabrics that dry quickly. Keep a cap on between points and drink water at every change of ends.

Humidity

In Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and during the monsoon everywhere, sweat stays on the skin. Fitted, quick-drying pieces feel better than loose cotton, which holds water and gets heavy. Bring a spare top for after.

Evening and winter matches

North Indian winters can be surprisingly cold on court at 7am or after sunset. Wear a light layer for the warm-up, like a zip jacket or quarter-zip, and take it off once you are moving. Leggings under a skirt are another option on chilly mornings.

Shoes matter most

If you only invest in one thing, make it shoes. Padel and tennis need lateral support and grip that running shoes do not give. The wrong shoe is the most common reason for rolled ankles among new players. Replace them when the tread wears smooth.

A simple court checklist

• Skirt, skort or shorts you can lunge in.
• Fitted, breathable top and a supportive bra.
• Court-specific shoes.
• Socks, headband, cap.
• Water bottle and a small towel.
• A light layer for early mornings and evenings.
• A spare top for after the match.

Off the court

Part of the joy of padel and tennis is what happens after: a coffee, breakfast, a slow walk back to the car. A skirt with a tank and a light jacket on top looks just as good at a café as it does on court. That is one wardrobe, the whole morning.

Looking for people to play with? Our FLO/ACTIVE Tennis Club and FLO Padel Club meet in Delhi NCR. Read our guide to tennis, padel and Pilates in Delhi NCR.