Men's Beach Volleyball Apparel: What Male Players Actually Wear

Men's beach volleyball apparel has one job: stay out of your way on the sand. The combination that works at every level from recreational leagues to competitive club play is simple: a moisture-wicking tank or tee, athletic mesh shorts or compression-style shorts, and footwear that handles the surface. Custom branded versions for club programs and tournaments are available with no minimum order. Here is what to wear and what the best options look like for male beach volleyball players.

What Men Actually Wear to Beach Volleyball: The Standard Kit

Men's beach volleyball attire follows the same functional logic at every level of play: light, breathable, minimal friction against the skin during dives and lateral movement. The standard kit for male players:

Top: A moisture-wicking tank or performance tee is the most common choice. Tanks allow full shoulder rotation for spiking and serving without fabric restriction. Tees are preferred in cooler conditions, in recreational leagues, and by players who want a cleaner look on the court. For club and team play, matching tops with a printed logo are the norm.

Bottoms: Athletic mesh shorts (typically 5" to 7" inseam) dominate men's beach volleyball at all levels. Compression shorts work well for players who prefer a closer fit that stays in place during dives and slides. Some players layer compression shorts under a loose mesh short for the best of both: support and the ability to shed the outer layer if conditions get hot.

Footwear or barefoot: Most beach volleyball is played barefoot on sand. Indoor or transition environments sometimes require court shoes or minimal beach footwear.

For club programs and competitive teams, matching apparel in a single color with a printed logo creates the team identity that distinguishes a program from a casual pickup group.

Best Fabric for Men's Beach Volleyball in Outdoor Conditions

Beach volleyball players spend hours in direct sun, often in high humidity, working through explosive lateral movements, dives, and jumps. The fabric requirements are more demanding than indoor sports:

Moisture-wicking performance polyester: The best option for outdoor competition and long practice sessions. Sport-Tek moisture-wicking tees and similar performance fabrics pull sweat off the skin and let it evaporate rather than holding moisture against the body. On a summer beach court, this difference is significant for both comfort and performance over a long match.

Lightweight cotton-poly blends: A good option for recreational leagues and shorter sessions where moisture management is less critical. Blends offer the natural feel of cotton with faster drying than 100% cotton. Performance-wise, they sit between pure cotton and pure polyester.

What to avoid: Heavy cotton holds sweat and adds weight during play. Anything with rough seams or excess fabric creates friction during sand dives. Overly baggy tops restrict arm movement on overhead contacts. Fitted performance fabrics win on every practical criterion for active beach volleyball play.

For cold-weather beach volleyball conditions, layering with a long-sleeve performance base and shorts, or adding leggings under shorts, is standard. See the cold weather beach volleyball guide for specifics.

Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.

Men's Beach Volleyball Shirt and Tank Styles in the Bear Grips Catalog

From the Bear Grips catalog, these are the most practical options for men's beach volleyball tops:

• Bear Grips Airlume Cotton Athletic Tee (from $24 free plan / $20 VIP): A structured cotton tee that works well for practice and recreational league play. Holds custom prints cleanly for team branding.
• Sport-Tek Men's Moisture-Wicking Tee (from $29 free / $24 VIP): The performance option for outdoor competition. Lightweight wicking polyester that handles sustained outdoor play in summer conditions.
• AS Colour Men's Cut-Off Tank (from $30 free / $25 VIP): The classic cut-off tank style that is standard in beach volleyball culture. Maximum shoulder movement, minimal fabric interference. Available for custom logo printing.
• Bella+Canvas Performance Workout Tank (from $24 free / $20 VIP): A clean-cut performance tank with full range of motion. Works well as a custom team tank for club programs.
• Sport-Tek Men's Moisture Wicking Long Sleeve (from $36 free / $30 VIP): For shoulder-season beach volleyball or indoor training sessions. Same moisture management as the performance tee with added arm coverage.

All styles are available in multiple colors and can be ordered with a custom team logo. For the team uniform coordination options, see custom beach volleyball uniforms.

Men's Shorts Options for Beach Volleyball Play

Men's beach volleyball shorts need to handle sand contact, lateral movement, and extended outdoor play without riding up or restricting movement during explosive actions:

• Athletic 7" Mesh Shorts (Sport-Tek) (from $33 free / $27 VIP): The standard for beach volleyball. Lightweight mesh construction allows airflow in outdoor conditions. A 7" inseam gives coverage without interfering with aggressive lateral movement. No pockets to hold sand.
• Bear Grips Men's Performance Training Shorts (from $54 free / $45 VIP): A built-for-performance short with a premium fit. Heavier construction than mesh shorts but better shape retention over long seasons. Good for program-branded shorts that need to look polished over time.
• Men's Signature Athletic Shorts (Bear Grips) (from $60 free / $50 VIP): A longer athletic short with a clean finish. Works for beach volleyball programs that want a consistent branded look across tops and bottoms.

For compression short options to layer under athletic shorts, the Women's Signature Biker Shorts from Bear Grips is a popular unisex layer choice at the base, though dedicated men's compression is available through the full catalog.

Getting Custom Branded Beach Volleyball Gear for Men's Teams and Clubs

For beach volleyball clubs, recreational leagues, and competitive programs, matching team gear creates the visual identity that defines a program's culture. The standard men's team kit for beach volleyball includes matching tanks or tees and matching shorts, both printed with the club logo and team colors.

Bear Grips Pro Shops makes custom team gear accessible for programs of any size. No minimum order means a two-person beach volleyball team can get matching gear without the 12-piece minimums that traditional print shops require. A full recreational league with 40 players pays the same per-unit price as a 4-person competitive team ordering the same shirt style.

Shop setup is free. Vendors can set up a club shop, upload their team logo, select shirt and short styles, and share the link with players. Each player orders their own size, the items ship directly to them, and the club earns a margin on every sale. There is no inventory to manage and no upfront cost.

For custom beach volleyball tank tops specifically, see custom beach volleyball tank tops for design and ordering guidance. For the general uniform approach for beach volleyball clubs, see custom beach volleyball uniforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do men wear to beach volleyball?

Men at beach volleyball typically wear a moisture-wicking tank or performance tee on top and athletic mesh shorts or compression shorts on the bottom. For competition and club play, matching team tops with a printed logo are standard. Most play is barefoot on sand.

What is the best shirt for beach volleyball in summer heat?

A moisture-wicking performance tee or cut-off tank is the best option for beach volleyball in hot conditions. Performance polyester fabric pulls sweat off the skin and evaporates it quickly, keeping you cooler and lighter through a full match or practice session compared to cotton.

Can I get custom beach volleyball shirts for a men's club team?

Yes. Bear Grips Pro Shops prints custom beach volleyball shirts, tanks, and shorts with no minimum order. A two-person team or a forty-person club pays the same per-unit price. US-printed and ships in about a week.