In a hot, four-walled court the wrong shirt clings and the wrong shorts ride up, while the right kit just lets you move and forget about it. This is about that clothing, shirts and tops, shorts, skirts and skorts, for men and women, not shoes or accessories, which have their own guides.
This guide covers shirts and tops, shorts, and skirts/skorts (and dresses) for men and women, not shoes or accessories. It focuses on the key features, moisture-wicking fabrics, breathability, stretch, fit, and durability, plus squash-specific design, with picks from budget to premium.
Key Features to Consider in Squash Apparel
Aim for clothing that keeps you dry, cool, and unrestricted.
Fabric and Moisture Management
Moisture-wicking material is essential. Choose technical polyester or nylon blends, which are largely hydrophobic, so they draw sweat away and dry quickly. Avoid 100% cotton: it is hydrophilic, absorbs and holds sweat, becomes heavy and cold, and can take up to about 50% longer to dry than polyester.
Look for tops labelled moisture-wicking or branded fabrics such as Nike Dri-FIT, adidas AEROREADY or Under Armour HeatGear. Merino wool blends also wick and resist odour, but cost more and are less common for squash.
Prioritise breathability: mesh panels or ventilated zones (under the arms or on the back) release heat. Lightweight, slightly porous weaves are ideal; if you can see some light through the fabric, that signals an open, breathable weave. Avoid rubbery prints that block airflow.
Tip: matches are sweat-intensive, so competitive players often bring two or three spare shirts to change into between games. Even for recreational play, keep a backup shirt if you play several matches in a row.
Fit and Freedom of Movement
Most players prefer a slim or regular fit: not skin-tight, which feels clammy when soaked, and not baggy enough to get in the way. A top should let you fully stretch your arms and swing without binding; raglan sleeves or sleeveless designs help, and women's racerback or tank styles free the shoulders.
Bottoms need full range for deep lunges and twists. Men's shorts typically end above or at the knee, women's shorts or skirts at mid-thigh. Side slits or stretch fabric ease lunging. Elastane/spandex of about 5 to 15% gives four-way stretch, so look for "4-way stretch" on the label. Avoid clothing that is too loose or long, since it can catch on your knees or the wall and distract you.
If short running shorts ride up, choose a longer inseam (5 to 7 inches), a compression short underneath, or a skirt with built-in shorts. Test a few movements (swing, squat, lunge) before buying.
Breathability and Temperature Control
Indoor courts still get hot during intense rallies, so lightweight, breathable fabrics matter. Beyond mesh and laser-cut holes, cooling fabrics such as Coolmax or Uniqlo AIRism spread sweat over a larger area to evaporate faster.
Lighter-weight fabrics breathe better. On colour: light shades (white, pastels) reflect heat, while dark shades absorb heat but hide sweat stains better. Light grey shows sweat the most. If you overheat, lean to lighter fabrics and colours.
Durability and Quality
Polyester and nylon are durable and colour-fast. Check for double-stitched or reinforced seams in high-stress areas like the crotch of shorts and underarms of shirts. Thicker fabric resists snags and pulls, and compression liners should keep their elasticity. Premium brands often use higher-grade, longer-lasting materials, so read reviews.
To keep wicking performance, follow care instructions: usually cold wash, avoid fabric softener (it ruins wicking), and hang dry where possible.
Design and Style Considerations
Squash is relaxed about attire, with no official uniform or colour requirement in most tournaments, unlike tennis traditions such as all-white at Wimbledon. Pros wear shorts with a tee, tank or polo; women wear skirts, shorts or leggings. Nothing should impede play, so avoid large pockets, zippers, or loose hanging parts.
Non-marking attire mainly concerns shoes, which need non-marking gum-rubber soles; clothing itself rarely marks. Styles mirror tennis and badminton. Dresses combine a top and skirt in one with no waistband; if you wear a dress or skirt, make sure it has built-in compression shorts or wear spandex shorts underneath.
Some traditional clubs require predominantly white attire, so check any club or league rules (teams may wear matching colours). Bodies such as the PSA and WSF just require appropriate sporting clothing, with no colour restriction; opponents wearing different colours helps referees, but this is a courtesy, not a strict rule.
Eyewear is separate: under World Squash Federation and US Squash rules, players under 19 must wear WSF-certified eye protection in sanctioned junior competition. Certified goggles meet a recognised racket-sport standard (historically ASTM F803, with the newer ASTM F3164 now also accepted).
Squash Apparel for Men
Men's squash attire is usually a moisture-wicking shirt with lightweight shorts. Shirts are most often crew-neck or polo in polyester or poly blends; sleeveless tops give maximum shoulder freedom. Look for tops marketed for tennis, squash or training. Dark or bold colours are fine since sweat shows less, and the shirt should overlap the shorts waistband, usually worn untucked.
Long-sleeve or compression tops suit cold courts or warm-ups, but can feel too warm at full intensity; if worn during play, choose a very lightweight, breathable layer, some with mesh panels for indoor sport.
Shorts should be lightweight woven or knit polyester with some stretch, ending a few inches above the knee, with an inseam around 7 to 9 inches. A gusset (a diamond-shaped panel in the crotch) helps the shorts stretch for lunging. The waistband should be elastic with a drawstring; you can wear a compression short or brief underneath, as most men's squash shorts have no liner. Black, navy or grey hide sweat and court dust.
Additional Men's Attire Tips
- Avoid long pants for play. Track or warm-up pants restrict leg movement and overheat you; use them only for warming up or between matches in a cold facility.
- Socks matter too. Wear breathable athletic socks at least crew length, since low-cut socks can slip with all the shuffling. Compression calf sleeves are optional.
- Colour is up to you, but light grey shirts show a clear "map" of sweat.
Squash Apparel for Women
Women's clothing is similar in function with more style variety: athletic tops (tank or tee) with shorts or a skirt/skort, or an all-in-one dress. The priorities remain sweat management, mobility, and comfort.
Tops for Women
Choose T-shirts, tanks or sleeveless tops (most prefer non-collared) in polyester or poly-blends. Tank or racerback styles give the most shoulder mobility, run cooler, and work well with sports bras. A top should fit snugly enough to stay in place when you bend, without restricting movement; most are hip-length, form-fitting at the bust with some looseness at the midsection for airflow.
A high-impact sports bra in sweat-wicking fabric is advisable given the running and jumping. Some tops have built-in shelf bras, but a dedicated bra gives better support. Cap sleeves are a good compromise between a tank and a tee.
Bottoms for Women: Shorts, Skirts, Skorts, and Leggings
Shorts: usually a 3 to 5 inch inseam (longer exists), often with built-in briefs or liner shorts. For more length, some women size into men's or unisex shorts (7 or 9 inch). Keep the waistband comfortable and the leg openings neither too wide nor too tight; add compression shorts under looser styles.
Skirts/skorts: a skort (skirt with integrated shorts) is popular, borrowed from tennis and badminton. They are typically mid-thigh, around 12 to 15 inches outseam, in stretch or pleated fabric. Do a deep lunge to check stride; the inner short should be wicking and snug to prevent riding up.
Dresses: athletic or tennis dresses combine top and bottom in one, with an A-line skirt and built-in or matching under-shorts, and no waistband. Check the fit (length and torso); racerback or tank straps are preferable to halter styles for shoulder movement.
Leggings/tights: for cold weather or coverage, use wicking, elastic athletic leggings (avoid cotton). They run warm in vigorous play, so 3/4-length capri tights are a cooler compromise. Make sure the waistband is secure (a drawstring helps) and the fabric is thick enough not to be see-through when stretched.
Additional Women's Attire Tips
- Hair and headbands. A headband or secure hair tie keeps a wet ponytail and sweat out of your eyes.
- Modesty. Technical long-sleeve tops, longer skorts and leggings exist for more coverage, though they run hotter; squash does not restrict modest sportswear.
- Multiple sets. For multi-match days, bring spare outfits to change out of drenched attire.
- Undergarments. Use a high-impact sports bra and moisture-wicking underwear; avoid cotton, which stays wet.
Budget-Friendly vs. Premium Brands and Recommendations
Good performance pieces come at many price points, and many general athletic brands work for squash even if not marketed for it.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Decathlon (Artengo): breathable T-shirts, shorts and skorts, often roughly $10 to $30, with moisture-wicking polyester and decent durability for the price.
- Big-box brands: Target's All in Motion (wicking tees and shorts, often around $15 or less) and Uniqlo, whose AIRism line is ultra-thin and quick-drying for hot conditions.
- Mid-tier sports brands: last season's Nike Court or adidas Club shirts and shorts can sell for under about $25, with Dri-FIT or AEROREADY tech. HEAD, Wilson and Prince also make racquet-sport apparel that costs less than Nike or adidas.
- Online and deals: Halara (affordable dresses), Athleta's sale section, Amazon's in-house athletic wear, and Aerie all carry suitable pieces. Check for polyester/elastane blends and read reviews.
Premium Options
- Lululemon: breathable, durable fabrics like Everlux and Luxtreme; squat-proof skirts, skorts and dresses, plus men's shorts such as the Pace Breaker and T.H.E. Short.
- Nike and adidas premium lines: Nike's Court polos use high-end fabric and laser-cut ventilation (often $50 or more per shirt); adidas HEAT.RDY is ultra-breathable and light.
- Squash-specific brands: Salming, Harrow, Eye Rackets and Tecnifibre make durable, quick-drying apparel, usually mid to high priced.
- High-end crossover: EleVen by Venus Williams, Sweaty Betty, K-Swiss; Under Armour's ISO-Chill and Rush HeatGear (cooling or mineral-infused fabric); and ASICS and Yonex, favoured in badminton and squash.
Price does not always equal performance. A $15 polyester shirt can wick nearly as well as a $60 one; the difference is often fit, slight weight, and longevity. If you play often, a few durable premium pieces are worth it; many players splurge on shorts or a skirt and save on shirts, since you need more of them.
Competitive vs. Recreational Play Considerations
Recreational play: general workout clothes are fine to start, as long as you are comfortable and can move freely; one quality set of squash shirt and shorts or skort, plus athletic clothes you already own, is usually enough. Keep costs low with budget options, and just avoid distractions like shorts falling down or a soaked, clingy shirt.
Competitive play: you may play several matches in a day, so bring multiple changes of clothing (shirts, socks, spare shorts or skirts) and change between games as needed; quick-dry fabrics are crucial in long matches. Players tend to favour a slightly tighter fit (nothing baggy that could draw a let for interference) and avoid cotton entirely. Team events may require matching uniforms, and professional tournaments can have rules on logo size and number.
Both should aim for moisture-wicking, comfortable, non-restrictive clothing; recreational players can be relaxed, while competitive players fine-tune apparel for performance and any event requirements.
Conclusion
Get the basics right and clothing stops being something you notice: moisture-wicking synthetic over cotton, an athletic fit that neither flaps nor clings, cut for the lunging and twisting of squash. You do not need to spend much, since budget pieces perform well, though a premium top or two earns its place if you play often. Beyond that, wear what you like and what lets you move.
