Introduction

Squash is a fast-paced indoor sport that demands functional clothing and footwear. The right outfit helps you stay cool, comfortable, and agile on court. Above all, squash apparel should allow free, unrestricted movement for deep lunges and swings, and it should not distract you or your opponent. That means lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts and shorts, skirts, or skorts that keep sweat off your skin, plus breathable fabrics that help regulate body temperature. Unlike casual gym clothes, good squash gear uses performance fabrics, typically technical polyester blends, that wick moisture and dry quickly so you are not soaked through. Synthetic fibres push sweat to the fabric surface where it evaporates, while cotton absorbs sweat and holds it like a sponge, which is why cotton is best avoided for hard play. Proper squash shoes are just as important: they need non-marking rubber soles for indoor courts and lateral support for quick side-to-side moves, so running or fashion sneakers are not suitable. Below are full squash outfit ideas, covering tops, bottoms, and shoes, for men, women, and juniors at three levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) and across affordable, mid-range, and premium budgets.

Beginner Level Squash Outfits

Beginners should prioritise comfort, affordability, and basic functionality. You likely already own suitable gym clothes; just make sure your shirt is breathable rather than heavy cotton, and that your shorts allow deep lunges without tearing. Proper indoor court shoes are essential from day one: they prevent slipping and injury and will not mark the court. Beginners can start with affordable options that still offer moisture-wicking fabric and support, then upgrade as they commit to the sport.

Men's Beginner Outfit

Even at entry level, aim for a lightweight tee and flexible shorts paired with reliable indoor shoes. A basic polyester T-shirt or tennis top works well; many players simply wear a quick-dry running or tennis shirt. Any breathable athletic shirt and shorts you are comfortable in should be fine, but do not skimp on shorts quality, as cheap ones can tear during aggressive lunges. For shoes, choose an entry-level squash or indoor court shoe with cushioning and grip. The Asics Gel-Rocket is a popular, affordable non-marking court shoe widely used by beginners for its cushioning and traction.

Affordable: a moisture-wicking polyester crew tee from a racket-sports brand such as Babolat, light stretch-woven shorts from a brand like Karakal, and the Asics Gel-Rocket indoor court shoe. Shirt around 25 to 35 USD, shorts around 15 to 25 USD, shoes around 60 to 80 USD.

Mid-range: a breathable performance tee from Tecnifibre, durable woven racket-sports shorts from Head, and a supportive indoor shoe such as the Head Sprint range. Shirt around 30 to 40 USD, shorts around 35 to 45 USD, shoes around 75 to 90 USD.

Premium: a lightweight mesh polo from a squash brand such as Tecnifibre, four-way-stretch Nike Court tennis shorts, and a higher-end stability shoe such as the Adidas Stabil line. Tops around 55 to 65 USD, shorts around 50 to 60 USD, shoes from roughly 100 USD up.

The affordable set gives you a sweat-wicking shirt, durable shorts that do not restrict movement, and a trusted entry-level court shoe. Mid-range upgrades add better fabric feel and a more supportive shoe as you start playing harder. Premium options are not necessary for a beginner, but they offer extra stretch, ventilation, and pro-level stability if budget allows. Even at this level, avoid cotton and choose performance fabrics, and never overlook footwear: proper squash shoes provide the traction, support, and stability that help you move confidently and avoid injury.

Women's Beginner Outfit

The same principles apply for women new to squash: breathable tops (tank or T-shirt) and bottoms that allow a full range of motion. Many women wear a tank or athletic tee with shorts, leggings, or a skort (a skirt with built-in shorts). There is no strict dress code, so choose what you feel confident and agile in. Avoid heavy cotton that holds sweat, and wear something that fits well: loose enough to move but not so baggy it flaps. If you wear a skirt, pick one with integrated shorts for coverage. Good court shoes matter too; many brands make women-specific indoor shoes or unisex models in smaller sizes.

Affordable: a basic moisture-wicking tee or tank (for example from Decathlon or Nike), stretchy gym shorts or leggings that allow deep lunges, and the Asics Gel-Rocket in a women's fit. Top around 15 to 25 USD, bottoms around 20 USD, shoes around 60 to 80 USD.

Mid-range: a performance tee with a stretchy, UV-protective fabric from Tecnifibre, a quick-dry skort with inner shorts from a brand such as Babolat, and a mid-range indoor court shoe such as the Salming Hawk with strong lateral support and a grippy sole. Top around 35 to 45 USD, skort around 30 to 40 USD, shoes around 90 to 110 USD.

Premium: a sweat-wicking polo or top from Nike or Lululemon, a longer-length skort from Head for extra coverage, and a pro-level squash shoe such as the Eye Rackets S-Line, which pairs a cushioned, grippy sole with a stable, durable upper. Tops around 55 to 65 USD, skort around 35 to 45 USD, shoes around 110 to 130 USD.

The affordable outfit is essentially good general workout gear, which is perfectly fine for starting out, as long as the top and bottom are quick-drying and fit comfortably. Mid-range pieces are designed specifically for racket sports: Tecnifibre tops use flexible, UV-protective fabric, and a quick-dry skort with inner shorts lets you lunge and stretch freely while staying dry. The premium tier adds high-end fabric blends, anti-odour or seamless construction, and pro-tested footwear, but beginners can upgrade gradually. The constants are breathability, freedom of movement, and proper footwear from the start.

Juniors' Beginner Outfit

Young players need gear that is comfortable, durable, and budget-friendly, since children grow out of sizes quickly. Many brands offer junior squash or tennis lines, but generic kids' sports clothing also works. The priority is a top and bottom that do not restrict movement, plus non-marking indoor shoes to protect both the child and the court. A sweat-wicking top keeps kids from overheating. For bottoms, kids wear shorts, skirts, skorts, or leggings as preferred; make sure waistbands are secure and lengths are appropriate. Junior court shoes should have good cushioning and lateral support; many adult models come in junior sizes, including the Asics Gel-Rocket, a popular choice for juniors.

Affordable: any lightweight athletic tee for boys or girls, basic sports shorts or an inexpensive skort with built-in shorts, and a beginner-friendly kids' court shoe such as the Head Sprint junior, which uses a simple hook-and-loop closure that is easy for young children to manage. Tops around 10 to 20 USD, bottoms around 15 USD, shoes around 45 to 55 USD.

Mid-range: a junior performance tee from a racket-sports brand such as Babolat or Head, junior quick-dry shorts (for example from Salming) or a junior skort with stretchy fabric, and a higher-quality junior court shoe such as a Yonex Power Cushion model for shock absorption and support. Tops around 25 to 35 USD, bottoms around 30 USD, shoes around 65 to 75 USD.

Premium: a junior performance tee from a squash brand such as Tecnifibre or a junior tennis dress with moisture-wicking fabric, premium junior training shorts or a high-quality junior skort, and a top-tier junior court shoe such as a Salming junior model. Tops around 35 to 50 USD, bottoms around 40 USD, shoes from roughly 80 USD up.

Young players need gear that keeps them comfortable and confident so they can focus on learning rather than adjusting their clothing or slipping on court. The affordable options are essentially good kids' activewear: any decent polyester tee and an elastic-waist short or skort that accommodates growth. Easy-fasten junior shoes solve a common problem, giving good grip without laces to tie. Mid-range junior apparel mirrors adult quality (moisture management, durable stitching) in smaller sizes, and junior shoes with cushioning technology absorb shock to protect growing feet. Premium junior gear often mimics pro-style outfits, which can be motivating, and uses the lightest fabrics and most supportive shoe builds. One often-overlooked item for juniors is protective eyewear: eye protection is mandatory for all junior players under 19 in competition under England Squash, US Squash, and World Squash rules, so it is wise for beginners to get used to wearing eyeguards early.

Intermediate Level Squash Outfits

Intermediate players usually play more often, hit harder, and may compete in leagues or tournaments. At this stage, investing in better apparel and shoes pays off in performance and durability. You sweat more as rallies lengthen, so breathability is crucial. You may also develop preferences, such as collared shirts for a tidier look or compression shorts for muscle support. Intermediate outfits should offer better moisture management, more stretch, and often extra features such as anti-odour treatments or reinforced seams. Shoes should provide more support, cushioning for jumping and lunging, and high-grip outsoles for explosive push-offs.

Men's Intermediate Outfit

By the intermediate stage, many men switch from basic tees to purpose-made squash or tennis shirts that handle sweat better, and to shorts with a better cut. Collared polos are popular in leagues, but whether you prefer a polo or crew neck, the fabric should be technical (polyester or a poly-spandex blend). Look for stretch, moisture-wicking, and ventilation in the product description. Footwork gets more intense, so shoe choice often shifts toward models with better lateral stability or cushioning.

Affordable: a lightweight quick-dry crew tee and basic training shorts from a racket-sports brand such as Yonex, plus a supportive value indoor shoe such as a stability-focused Asics court model. Shirt around 25 USD, shorts around 15 to 20 USD, shoes around 70 to 85 USD.

Mid-range: a breathable Tecnifibre team polo with mesh panels, adidas tennis shorts using AEROREADY sweat-wicking fabric, and a mid-range court shoe such as the adidas Stabil, which is well regarded among squash players for grip and support. Polo around 50 to 60 USD, shorts around 40 to 50 USD, shoes around 100 to 120 USD.

Premium: a performance crew or polo from a squash-focused brand such as Harrow, stretchy ventilated Nike Court tennis shorts, and a high-end shoe such as the Salming Kobra or a lightweight Asics Blade model. Tops around 55 to 65 USD, shorts around 60 to 70 USD, shoes around 120 to 140 USD.

The intermediate men's picks focus on better performance without overspending. Yonex apparel is a strong value: it is known for badminton but makes quality quick-dry clothing at lower prices, so a shirt and shorts combo can outfit you in true athletic fabric inexpensively. In the mid-range, adidas Club shorts use AEROREADY to pull sweat off the skin through long matches, and paired with a Tecnifibre polo you get a tidy look plus a design built for racket sports. The adidas Stabil is a very stable, grippy gum-rubber court shoe that intermediate players often gravitate toward. The premium lineup suits players who compete or simply want the best: Harrow clothing is cut for squash movement, Nike's stretchy ventilated shorts will not bunch in deep lunges, and the Salming Kobra balances light weight with strong stability and cushioning. At this level, many players also add sport-specific socks to avoid blisters and sometimes compression shorts or calf sleeves to aid recovery.

Women's Intermediate Outfit

Intermediate women often fine-tune their gear for comfort during longer sessions. Many switch fully to technical fabrics and experiment with styles, such as a breathable racerback tank or a sports dress. Layering matters too: a light jacket for warm-up plus moisture-wicking sports bras and tops. Key features include breathability, stretch, and support. Skirts and skorts remain popular, and by now most players know the length and fit they prefer; shorts or tights are equally valid if more comfortable, ideally with a gusseted or stretchy build for deep lunges. Footwear should balance cushioning with agility.

Affordable: a breathable sleeveless club tank from a brand such as Head, an inexpensive leggings-plus-skirt combination for coverage and warmth, and a value indoor court shoe such as an Asics Upcourt model. Top around 25 USD, bottoms combo around 30 USD, shoes around 55 to 65 USD.

Mid-range: a moisture-wicking short-sleeve top from a racket-sports brand such as Wilson, a quick-dry stretch skort with inner shorts from a squash brand such as Dunlop, and a lighter, more responsive shoe such as an Asics Blade or Court model. Top around 35 USD, skort around 35 to 45 USD, shoes around 110 to 120 USD.

Premium: a high-end athletic dress with built-in shorts or a top-line Tecnifibre women's polo, a premium quick-dry athletic skirt from a brand such as Lululemon, and a top-tier indoor court shoe such as a Nike React model or a Salming Viper, both used by serious players. Dresses or polos around 65 to 95 USD, skirt around 70 to 80 USD, shoes around 120 to 140 USD.

The affordable set shows you can mix general athletic pieces to get the performance you need: a sleeveless top frees the shoulder for swings, and pairing leggings with a skirt is a cost-effective way to get coverage and warmth. In the mid-tier, Wilson and Dunlop make solid club apparel; the Dunlop skort offers stretch, inner shorts, and a sensible length. The Asics Blade is loved for its light, low-profile feel that helps quick direction changes while still cushioning landings. On the premium end, a competition dress combines breathability and support with style, while a Tecnifibre polo pairs a collar with anti-sweat, UV-protective fabric. A Lululemon skirt is prized for soft, functional fabric that wicks well and stays in place. Premium shoes from Nike, Salming, or Mizuno absorb impact better, which helps if you start to feel knee or foot fatigue. Many women also invest in supportive, sweat-wicking sports bras at this stage.

Juniors' Intermediate Outfit

Intermediate juniors, roughly ages 10 to 18 who have moved beyond beginner status, often play in school teams, local tournaments, or simply at higher intensity. Their outfits begin to mirror adult functionality. Growth spurts mean frequent new sizes, but durability still matters for players practising several times a week. A junior at this stage should have proper squash shoes (possibly two pairs to rotate, since shoes wear faster with growth and activity) and a couple of good moisture-wicking outfits. Junior squash clothing exists from brands such as Tecnifibre, Head, and Dunlop, and many juniors this age also fit small adult sizes.

Affordable: a simple junior tee from a racket-sports brand or a budget sweat-wicking tennis tee (for example from Decathlon), generic breathable training shorts or an inexpensive girls' skort with built-in shorts, and a youth-sized court shoe such as the Asics Gel-Rocket GS or an adidas Stabil junior. Tops around 15 to 20 USD, bottoms around 20 USD, shoes around 50 to 60 USD.

Mid-range: a junior performance T-shirt from Head or a lightweight junior tank from a squash brand such as Oliver, junior stretch shorts from Karakal or a quick-dry junior skort from Tecnifibre, and a quality junior court shoe such as a Victor or Yonex Power Cushion model for cushioning and stability. Tops around 30 to 35 USD, bottoms around 25 to 30 USD, shoes around 75 to 80 USD.

Premium: a high-end junior tennis polo with breathable quick-dry fabric (for example from Nike) or a custom team top, premium junior training shorts or a youth version of a premium skirt such as Lululemon's, and a top-tier junior court shoe such as a Mizuno or Salming junior model. Tops from roughly 50 USD, bottoms around 45 to 60 USD, shoes around 90 to 100 USD.

Intermediate juniors benefit from gear that keeps up with their improving game. Affordable picks keep costs low while introducing performance fabrics; junior lines from Tecnifibre and Head make kids feel like real squash players in scaled-down, light, non-chafing shirts. The Asics Gel-Rocket GS is a go-to junior shoe, and proper court shoes at this age protect growing feet and ankles. Mid-range kit adds specialised junior gear from brands such as Oliver and Karakal that are often used by junior squads in Europe, with strong moisture management. Junior shoes with cushioning technology absorb shock and reduce stress on young joints during quick lunges. For premium, some top juniors play international events and invest in or receive high-end gear; custom teamwear is typically lightweight sublimated polyester. By this stage some juniors fit adult sizes, so adult models become an option. Comfort and confidence matter at this age: when a junior likes their outfit and it works well, it supports their play.

Advanced and Competitive Level Squash Outfits

Advanced players, whether high-level club players, professionals, or serious tournament competitors, demand the best performance from their gear. Movement is very explosive, matches can be long and sweat-soaked, and equipment is pushed to its limits. Breathability, flexibility, and durability are paramount; advanced players look for mesh panels, anti-rip stitching, and ultra-light fabrics that do not weigh them down when soaked. Many have strong brand preferences or sponsorships. Range-of-motion features such as raglan or sleeveless tops help keep swings unhindered, though tournament dress codes sometimes require sleeves. For bottoms, men often favour shorter shorts to maximise stride length, while women choose highly flexible skirts, shorts, or one-piece dresses. Footwear comes down to each player's balance of cushioning versus lightness, but always with excellent grip and support. These players replace shoes often because of intense use.

Men's Advanced and Competitive Outfit

Advanced male players usually stick to what works and keep multiple identical outfits for rotation. The shirt is almost always quick-dry polyester or a poly blend; some prefer sleeveless tops, subject to tournament rules. Collared versus crew is personal preference. The key is lightweight and fitted but not tight: a loose shirt can catch on the racket, while a too-tight shirt restricts movement and feels uncomfortable when soaked. Many wear shorter shorts so fabric does not catch the knees during deep lunges, and some add compression shorts underneath for support. For shoes, advanced players invest in high-end models that suit their foot and style, since shoes must handle quick direction changes and hard landings.

Affordable: a light, moisture-wicking training tee from a squash brand such as UNSQUASHABLE, ultra-light two-way-stretch shorts (Decathlon's fitness shorts are a well-regarded value), and last season's top-tier court shoe bought on sale, such as a discounted Salming Kobra or Asics Blade. Shirt around 30 USD, shorts around 20 USD, shoes around 70 to 90 USD.

Mid-range: a breathable adidas HEAT.RDY polo built for hot, humid conditions, lightweight quick-dry squash shorts with side splits from a brand such as Salming, and a balanced cushioned-yet-light Asics court or Blade model. Polo around 45 to 55 USD, shorts around 40 to 50 USD, shoes around 110 to 120 USD.

Premium: an ultra-light pro shirt from a squash brand such as Eye Rackets that does not cling when soaked, premium durable stretch shorts in your preferred length, and a flagship court shoe such as the Mizuno Wave Stealth, which offers strong cushioning and stability while staying agile. Shirt around 55 to 65 USD, shorts around 70 to 90 USD, shoes around 140 to 160 USD.

Even at a high level you can find cost-effective gear that performs well. A simple squash-brand training tee is light and does the job, which is practical because advanced players often go through several shirts in a tournament. Decathlon's light fitness shorts prove you do not need expensive shorts to lunge effectively. Buying last season's high-end shoe is a smart way to get premium performance for less, since shoe technology does not leap year to year. The mid-range outfit is what a serious club or amateur tournament player wears regularly: an adidas HEAT.RDY polo for airflow in sweaty conditions, squash-specific shorts with side splits for deep lunges, and a well-rounded Asics shoe that is light but supportive. In the premium tier, Eye Rackets apparel is popular on tour for being very light and cut to avoid snagging; premium or made-to-measure shorts let players dial in length and fit; and a flagship shoe such as the Mizuno Wave Stealth provides high stability and cushioning for pro-level intensity. Advanced players also carry extras: sweatbands, spare grips, and several identical shirts to change into between games.

Women's Advanced and Competitive Outfit

Advanced women players, from top club players to professionals, need gear that handles the extremes of the sport. Glass show-courts under lights can be very hot, so cool, dry outfits are essential. High-quality construction matters: strong waistbands and fabrics that stay opaque when sweaty. Many elite players choose a high-performance tank-and-skirt combination or a one-piece dress made for squash or tennis. Dresses are popular in pro squash because they are one garment with built-in shorts and tailored for movement, but two-piece outfits are just as common; it is personal preference. Sports bras are typically high-support and moisture-wicking. Footwork is as demanding as in the men's game, so supportive shoes are critical, and many advanced women wear the same top-end shoes as men in women's versions or colourways.

Affordable: a light, sleeveless moisture-wicking top from a value racket-sports brand, a lightweight skirt or split running shorts for airflow and free movement, and last year's quality court shoe on clearance, such as a discounted Asics model. Top around 25 USD, bottom around 30 USD, shoes around 70 to 90 USD.

Mid-range: a Nike Dri-FIT racerback performance tank, a high-performance Tecnifibre skort with a wide elastic waistband and built-in compression shorts, and a top-tier court shoe such as the Salming Kobra or the lightweight Head Sprint Pro with a breathable mesh upper and strong support. Top around 40 to 50 USD, skort around 45 to 55 USD, shoes around 130 to 140 USD.

Premium: a high-end athletic dress with an inner bra and shorts tailored for full lunges, or for a two-piece a premium ventilated skort with compressive shorts from a brand such as Lululemon, and a flagship court shoe such as the adidas Adizero with lightweight mesh and Lightstrike cushioning, or a Yonex Power Cushion model with outstanding lateral support. Dress around 100 to 120 USD, skort around 70 to 80 USD, shoes around 150 to 160 USD.

The affordable gear shows you can still perform without high fashion: a technical sleeveless top keeps sweat off and frees the arms, and a wrap or split-short design never feels restrictive. For shoes, buying last year's model is a sound way to save, and rotating two cheaper pairs can be viable since hard play wears shoes out fast. The mid-range setup mirrors what many top national players wear: a racerback tank for full arm range and proven Dri-FIT wicking, plus an all-in-one tour skort that stays in place even in a full lunge. The Salming Kobra and Head Sprint Pro are lightweight, supportive shoes that female players often settle on. In the premium category, many top women on tour wear dresses by their sponsors, crafted with mesh in high-sweat areas, directional stretch, and built-in shorts that do not ride up. Those who prefer a two-piece reach for premium skorts such as Lululemon's, which use high-grade fabrics, grippers to stay put, and ball pockets. Premium shoes show how the technology is evolving toward maximising quickness while keeping the foot secure during aggressive lunges, a top priority for injury prevention. At this level, fine margins matter: staying slightly cooler or drier deep in a match can give an edge, so advanced players often standardise on an outfit that works and keep several.

Juniors' Advanced and Competitive Outfit

For elite junior players such as national champions and world-junior competitors, gear closely mirrors adult advanced players. By the late teens many are close to adult size, and some have clothing or shoe sponsorships. The priorities are the same: maximum freedom of movement, sweat-wicking fabric, and shoes that protect daily training. The added consideration is growth and changing physique, so juniors adjust kit more often than pros. Some receive custom national team uniforms. These juniors generally want the best gear within reason, since they may outgrow expensive items quickly.

Affordable: a light, mesh-paneled junior quick-dry tee from a brand such as Mizuno or an Under Armour HeatGear tech tee, lightweight junior competition shorts (for example from Decathlon) or a tennis skirt with compression shorts, and a value youth court shoe such as the Asics Gel-Rocket junior. Tops around 20 to 25 USD, bottoms around 20 USD, shoes around 60 USD.

Mid-range: a junior performance shirt from a squash brand such as Eye Rackets or a breathable junior tank from Salming, junior pro-style shorts from a brand such as adidas or Nike or a sweat-wicking junior skort from Head, and a mid-to-high range junior court shoe such as a Yonex Power Cushion model. Tops around 30 to 35 USD, bottoms around 35 to 40 USD, shoes around 80 USD.

Premium: a custom national team jersey or an advanced junior tennis dress with Dri-FIT fabric from a brand such as Nike, top junior or small adult team shorts with four-way stretch from adidas or Nike or a quality junior tennis skirt, and a near-pro junior court shoe such as the adidas Stabil junior or a Mizuno Wave junior model. Tops around 60 to 75 USD, bottoms around 45 to 50 USD, shoes around 90 to 100 USD.

At the top junior levels, the line between junior and adult equipment blurs. Affordable picks show that even strong juniors can rely on basic gear and still perform, though good quick-dry sportswear keeps them from getting drenched and heavy by the second game, which matters when recovery between matches is tough. Mid-range sees juniors wearing shrunken versions of adult gear: brands such as Eye Rackets and Salming offer junior sizes with the same moisture-wicking benefits, and junior shoes with cushioning technology absorb shock and provide stability. By the late teens many juniors fit adult sizes and move straight into adult premium shoes, which is often ideal. In the premium bracket these juniors are essentially mini pros: national team jerseys use top materials, and advanced junior dresses and shorts carry the same fabric tech as adult kit. Some shoes, such as junior versions of the adidas Stabil, are near-pro builds with strong cushioning and stability, a worthwhile investment in injury prevention for a top junior who trains hard.

Conclusion and Additional Tips

Across all levels and for men, women, and juniors alike, the ideal squash outfit prioritises freedom of movement, sweat management, and comfort. A good squash shirt or dress uses performance fabrics that wick moisture and help regulate body temperature so you stay cooler during intense rallies. Quality shorts, skirts, and skorts use stretchy, lightweight materials, often with four-way stretch or side slits, so you can lunge fully and twist without restriction. Useful features include built-in compression shorts in skirts, flatlock seams to prevent chafing, and anti-odour or UV-protective treatments in higher-end apparel.

Footwear is arguably the most important part of a squash outfit. Never substitute running shoes or casual sneakers: squash shoes are engineered for traction, support, and stability in lateral movements, with non-marking gum-rubber soles that grip indoor courts without leaving scuffs. As you progress you may favour certain brands. Asics is known for its GEL cushioning and reliability, adidas for lightweight stability shoes, Salming for squash-specific design, Yonex for cushioning in aggressive play, and Mizuno for a blend of support and speed. It is worth buying the best shoes you can afford, since a high-quality pair offers better performance, comfort, and durability if you play regularly.

Fit matters too: your outfit should be neither too tight nor too loose. A well-fitted shirt will not flap or snag, and properly sized shorts or a skirt will stay in place. Women's tops often use racerback or cap-sleeve styles to avoid hindering arm movement, and men's squash polos often add mesh underarms or shoulders to accommodate big swings. If you compete, carry spare clothing in your bag: changing into a dry shirt between matches, or even between games, keeps you lighter and more comfortable. Cushioned squash socks help prevent blisters, and wristbands help manage sweat.

Squash players wear everything from specialist brands such as Tecnifibre, Salming, Eye Rackets, Oliver, Dunlop, and Head, to general sports brands such as Nike, adidas, and Under Armour, to value brands such as Decathlon. Each can be appropriate when chosen well. The key is to check that every item is built for athletic performance and free movement. Players who want a modest or culturally appropriate option can build a performance outfit too: long-sleeve moisture-wicking tops, leggings or longer skorts, and sports hijabs from brands such as Nike and Under Armour are made from technical fabrics and designed to stay in place and move with you. Keep that principle of functional, breathable, freely moving gear in mind and use the recommendations above as a guide to put together a squash outfit that helps you play your best.