Introduction
Squash is a fast-paced indoor sport that demands functional clothing and footwear. Above all, squash apparel must allow free, unrestricted movement for deep lunges and swings, and it should not distract you or your opponent. That means lightweight, moisture-wicking tops and bottoms (shorts, skirts, or skorts) in breathable performance fabrics, typically technical polyester blends that wick moisture and dry quickly.
The reason comes down to fibre behaviour: 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. Footwear matters just as much: squash shoes 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 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. Breathable (not heavy cotton) tops and shorts that allow deep lunges are enough, but proper non-marking indoor court shoes are essential from day one to prevent slipping and injury.
Men's Beginner Outfit
A basic polyester T-shirt or quick-dry tennis or running shirt works well, but do not skimp on shorts quality, as cheap ones can tear during aggressive lunges. For shoes, an entry-level court shoe like the Asics Gel-Rocket (affordable, non-marking, cushioned) is popular with beginners.
| Budget | Top | Bottom | Shoes | Indicative prices (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | Moisture-wicking polyester crew tee from a racket-sports brand such as Babolat | Light stretch-woven shorts from a brand like Karakal | Asics Gel-Rocket indoor court shoe | Shirt 25 to 35, shorts 15 to 25, shoes 60 to 80 |
| Mid-range | Breathable performance tee from Tecnifibre | Durable woven racket-sports shorts from Head | Supportive indoor shoe such as the Head Sprint range | Shirt 30 to 40, shorts 35 to 45, shoes 75 to 90 |
| Premium | Lightweight mesh polo from a squash brand such as Tecnifibre | Four-way-stretch Nike Court tennis shorts | Higher-end stability shoe such as the Adidas Stabil line | Tops 55 to 65, shorts 50 to 60, shoes from roughly 100 up |
Women's Beginner Outfit
The same principles apply: a breathable tank or tee with shorts, leggings, or a skort (a skirt with built-in shorts). There is no strict dress code, so choose what you feel agile in. Avoid heavy cotton, and if you wear a skirt, pick one with integrated shorts. Many brands make women-specific indoor shoes or unisex models in smaller sizes.
| Budget | Top | Bottom | Shoes | Indicative prices (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | Basic moisture-wicking tee or tank (for example from Decathlon or Nike) | Stretchy gym shorts or leggings that allow deep lunges | Asics Gel-Rocket in a women's fit | Top 15 to 25, bottoms 20, shoes 60 to 80 |
| Mid-range | Performance tee with a stretchy, UV-protective fabric from Tecnifibre | Quick-dry skort with inner shorts from a brand such as Babolat | Mid-range court shoe such as the Salming Hawk with strong lateral support and a grippy sole | Top 35 to 45, skort 30 to 40, shoes 90 to 110 |
| Premium | Sweat-wicking polo or top from Nike or Lululemon | Longer-length skort from Head for extra coverage | Pro-level squash shoe such as the Eye Rackets S-Line, with a cushioned, grippy sole and a stable, durable upper | Tops 55 to 65, skort 35 to 45, shoes 110 to 130 |
Juniors' Beginner Outfit
Young players need comfortable, durable, budget-friendly gear, since they outgrow sizes quickly. The priority is a sweat-wicking top and secure-waist bottoms (shorts, skirt, skort, or leggings) that do not restrict movement, plus non-marking junior court shoes; many adult models, including the Asics Gel-Rocket, come in junior sizes, and easy hook-and-loop closures help.
| Budget | Top | Bottom | Shoes | Indicative prices (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | Any lightweight athletic tee for boys or girls | Basic sports shorts or an inexpensive skort with built-in shorts | Beginner-friendly kids' court shoe such as the Head Sprint junior, with an easy hook-and-loop closure | Tops 10 to 20, bottoms 15, shoes 45 to 55 |
| Mid-range | 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 | Higher-quality junior court shoe such as a Yonex Power Cushion model for shock absorption and support | Tops 25 to 35, bottoms 30, shoes 65 to 75 |
| Premium | 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 | Top-tier junior court shoe such as a Salming junior model | Tops 35 to 50, bottoms 40, shoes from roughly 80 up |
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 play more often, hit harder, and may compete in leagues or tournaments, so better apparel and shoes pay off. Prioritise stronger moisture management and stretch, often with extras like anti-odour treatments or reinforced seams, plus shoes with more support, cushioning, and high-grip outsoles for explosive push-offs.
Men's Intermediate Outfit
Many men switch to purpose-made squash or tennis shirts (collared polo or crew) in technical polyester or poly-spandex with stretch, wicking, and ventilation. As footwork intensifies, shoe choice shifts toward better lateral stability or cushioning.
| Budget | Top | Bottom | Shoes | Indicative prices (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | Lightweight quick-dry crew tee from a racket-sports brand such as Yonex | Basic training shorts from Yonex | Supportive value indoor shoe such as a stability-focused Asics court model | Shirt 25, shorts 15 to 20, shoes 70 to 85 |
| Mid-range | Breathable Tecnifibre team polo with mesh panels | adidas tennis shorts using AEROREADY sweat-wicking fabric | Mid-range court shoe such as the adidas Stabil, well regarded for grip and support | Polo 50 to 60, shorts 40 to 50, shoes 100 to 120 |
| Premium | Performance crew or polo from a squash-focused brand such as Harrow | Stretchy ventilated Nike Court tennis shorts | High-end shoe such as the Salming Kobra or a lightweight Asics Blade model | Tops 55 to 65, shorts 60 to 70, shoes 120 to 140 |
Yonex apparel is strong value (quality quick-dry clothing at lower prices); adidas AEROREADY shorts pull sweat off through long matches, and the adidas Stabil is a stable, grippy gum-rubber court shoe. Many players also add sport-specific socks and sometimes compression shorts or calf sleeves.
Women's Intermediate Outfit
Intermediate women fine-tune for comfort over longer sessions: full technical fabrics, a breathable racerback tank or sports dress, and skirts, skorts, or gusseted stretch shorts and tights for deep lunges. Layering helps too (a light warm-up jacket plus moisture-wicking sports bras). Footwear should balance cushioning with agility.
| Budget | Top | Bottom | Shoes | Indicative prices (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | Breathable sleeveless club tank from a brand such as Head | Inexpensive leggings-plus-skirt combination for coverage and warmth | Value indoor court shoe such as an Asics Upcourt model | Top 25, bottoms combo 30, shoes 55 to 65 |
| Mid-range | Moisture-wicking short-sleeve top from a racket-sports brand such as Wilson | Quick-dry stretch skort with inner shorts from a squash brand such as Dunlop | Lighter, more responsive shoe such as an Asics Blade or Court model | Top 35, skort 35 to 45, shoes 110 to 120 |
| Premium | High-end athletic dress with built-in shorts, or a top-line Tecnifibre women's polo | Premium quick-dry athletic skirt from a brand such as Lululemon | Top-tier indoor court shoe such as a Nike React model or a Salming Viper | Dresses or polos 65 to 95, skirt 70 to 80, shoes 120 to 140 |
The Asics Blade is light and low-profile for quick direction changes while still cushioning landings; the Dunlop skort adds stretch, inner shorts, and a sensible length. Premium shoes from Nike, Salming, or Mizuno absorb impact better if you feel knee or foot fatigue, and many women 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 or local tournaments, and their outfits begin to mirror adult functionality. Durability matters for several sessions a week, ideally with proper squash shoes (possibly two pairs to rotate, since shoes wear faster with growth and activity). Junior clothing exists from Tecnifibre, Head, Dunlop, Oliver, and Karakal, and many juniors this age fit small adult sizes.
| Budget | Top | Bottom | Shoes | Indicative prices (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | 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 | Youth-sized court shoe such as the Asics Gel-Rocket GS or an adidas Stabil junior | Tops 15 to 20, bottoms 20, shoes 50 to 60 |
| Mid-range | 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 | Quality junior court shoe such as a Victor or Yonex Power Cushion model | Tops 30 to 35, bottoms 25 to 30, shoes 75 to 80 |
| Premium | 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 | Top-tier junior court shoe such as a Mizuno or Salming junior model | Tops from roughly 50, bottoms 45 to 60, shoes 90 to 100 |
The Asics Gel-Rocket GS is a go-to junior shoe, and junior shoes with cushioning technology absorb shock and reduce stress on young joints. Brands such as Oliver and Karakal are common in European junior squads, and premium custom teamwear is typically lightweight sublimated polyester. By this stage some juniors fit adult sizes.
Advanced and Competitive Level Squash Outfits
Advanced players (high-level club, professional, or serious tournament competitors) demand the best. Breathability, flexibility, and durability are paramount, with mesh panels, anti-rip stitching, and ultra-light fabrics that do not weigh you down when soaked. Range-of-motion features such as raglan or sleeveless tops help, though tournament dress codes sometimes require sleeves. Men often favour shorter shorts to maximise stride length, while women choose highly flexible skirts, shorts, or one-piece dresses. Shoes always need excellent grip and support, and get replaced often.
Men's Advanced and Competitive Outfit
Advanced men usually keep multiple identical outfits to rotate, in quick-dry polyester (sleeveless if rules allow). The key is lightweight and fitted but not tight: a loose shirt catches the racket, while a too-tight one restricts movement and feels bad when soaked. Many wear shorter shorts (sometimes with compression shorts underneath) and invest in high-end shoes that handle quick direction changes and hard landings.
| Budget | Top | Bottom | Shoes | Indicative prices (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | 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) | Last season's top-tier court shoe on sale, such as a discounted Salming Kobra or Asics Blade | Shirt 30, shorts 20, shoes 70 to 90 |
| Mid-range | Breathable adidas HEAT.RDY polo built for hot, humid conditions | Lightweight quick-dry squash shorts with side splits from a brand such as Salming | Balanced cushioned-yet-light Asics court or Blade model | Polo 45 to 55, shorts 40 to 50, shoes 110 to 120 |
| Premium | 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 | Flagship court shoe such as the Mizuno Wave Stealth, with strong cushioning and stability while staying agile | Shirt 55 to 65, shorts 70 to 90, shoes 140 to 160 |
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. adidas HEAT.RDY aids airflow in sweaty conditions, squash shorts with side splits help deep lunges, and the Mizuno Wave Stealth provides high stability and cushioning. Advanced players also carry sweatbands, spare grips, and several identical shirts to change between games.
Women's Advanced and Competitive Outfit
Advanced women need gear for the extremes of the sport: glass show-courts under lights get very hot, so cool, dry outfits with strong waistbands and fabrics that stay opaque when sweaty are essential. Many choose a high-performance tank-and-skirt combination or a one-piece dress with built-in shorts; sports bras are high-support and moisture-wicking. Many wear the same top-end shoes as men in women's versions.
| Budget | Top | Bottom | Shoes | Indicative prices (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | Light, sleeveless moisture-wicking top from a value racket-sports brand | Lightweight skirt or split running shorts for airflow and free movement | Last year's quality court shoe on clearance, such as a discounted Asics model | Top 25, bottom 30, shoes 70 to 90 |
| Mid-range | Nike Dri-FIT racerback performance tank | High-performance Tecnifibre skort with a wide elastic waistband and built-in compression shorts | Top-tier court shoe such as the Salming Kobra or the lightweight Head Sprint Pro | Top 40 to 50, skort 45 to 55, shoes 130 to 140 |
| Premium | High-end athletic dress with an inner bra and shorts, or a premium ventilated skort with compressive shorts from a brand such as Lululemon | (Built into the dress or skort) | Flagship court shoe such as the adidas Adizero with Lightstrike cushioning, or a Yonex Power Cushion model | Dress 100 to 120, skort 70 to 80, shoes 150 to 160 |
A Nike Dri-FIT racerback gives full arm range, and an all-in-one tour skort stays in place even in a full lunge. Premium dresses use mesh in high-sweat areas, directional stretch, and built-in shorts that do not ride up, while premium Lululemon skorts add grippers and ball pockets. At this level, fine margins matter: staying slightly cooler or drier deep in a match can give an edge, so advanced players standardise on an outfit that works and keep several.
Juniors' Advanced and Competitive Outfit
Elite juniors (national champions and world-junior competitors) closely mirror adult advanced players, often near adult size by the late teens, sometimes with clothing or shoe sponsorships. The priorities are maximum freedom of movement, sweat-wicking fabric, and shoes that protect daily training, with frequent kit changes as they grow. Some receive custom national team uniforms.
| Budget | Top | Bottom | Shoes | Indicative prices (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | 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 | Value youth court shoe such as the Asics Gel-Rocket junior | Tops 20 to 25, bottoms 20, shoes 60 |
| Mid-range | 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 | Mid-to-high range junior court shoe such as a Yonex Power Cushion model | Tops 30 to 35, bottoms 35 to 40, shoes 80 |
| Premium | 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 | Near-pro junior court shoe such as the adidas Stabil junior or a Mizuno Wave junior model | Tops 60 to 75, bottoms 45 to 50, shoes 90 to 100 |
By the late teens many juniors fit adult sizes and move straight into adult premium shoes, which is often ideal. Junior versions of the adidas Stabil are near-pro builds with strong cushioning and stability, a worthwhile injury-prevention investment 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: performance fabrics that wick moisture and regulate body temperature, and stretchy lightweight bottoms (often four-way stretch or side slits) for full lunges. Useful features include:
- Built-in compression shorts in skirts
- Flatlock seams to prevent chafing
- 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. Brand strengths vary:
- Asics: known for its GEL cushioning and reliability
- adidas: lightweight stability shoes
- Salming: squash-specific design
- Yonex: cushioning in aggressive play
- Mizuno: a blend of support and speed
Buy the best shoes you can afford. Fit matters too: neither too tight nor too loose, so nothing flaps or snags. Women's tops often use racerback or cap-sleeve styles to free arm movement, and men's squash polos often add mesh underarms for big swings. If you compete, carry spare clothing (a dry shirt between games keeps you lighter), plus cushioned squash socks to prevent blisters and wristbands to manage sweat.
Squash players use specialist brands such as Tecnifibre, Salming, Eye Rackets, Oliver, Dunlop, and Head, general sports brands such as Nike, adidas, and Under Armour, and value brands such as Decathlon; each can be appropriate when built for athletic performance and free movement. For a modest or culturally appropriate option, long-sleeve moisture-wicking tops, leggings or longer skorts, and sports hijabs from Nike and Under Armour use technical fabrics designed to stay in place and move with you.
