Pickleball Tournament Attire by Division

Pickleball tournament attire varies by division more than most tournament organizers realize. Open mens drinks through performance tees fast and wants slim fit. Senior 65+ wants cotton crew that breathes and forgives. Mixed doubles want matching apparel for partner photos. Youth divisions need youth fits. Below is the division-by-division attire guide for tournament organizers stocking the event shop.

Open mens (singles and doubles)

• Fit: standard adult unisex, mostly L and XL
• Fabric: performance wicking for outdoor summer, cotton or performance for cooler
• Size split: 5% S, 20% M, 35% L, 25% XL, 12% 2XL, 3% 3XL
• Color preference: dark navy, black, charcoal, performance gray
• Optional: tank tops for hot-weather outdoor opens

Open womens (singles and doubles)

• Fit: womens cut tee or premium cotton tee
• Fabric: performance wicking for outdoor, cotton crew for indoor
• Size split: 15% S, 35% M, 30% L, 15% XL, 5% 2XL
• Color preference: varies (color choice often gets player input)
• Optional: racerback tank, mid-length racer tank, womens cropped tee for hot-weather summer events

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Mixed doubles

• Fit: offer both mens cut and womens cut in the same color for partner matching
• Fabric: performance for summer, cotton for spring/fall
• Pattern: most mixed teams prefer color-coordinated tees over completely matching
• Optional: matching wristbands, hats, or quarter-zips for the team identity

Senior 50+, 65+, 70+

• Fit: standard adult unisex or premium cotton cut
• Fabric: cotton crew preferred (breathability and forgiving fit over wicking)
• Size split (heavier): 5% S, 18% M, 30% L, 25% XL, 17% 2XL, 5% 3XL
• Color preference: lighter colors (heather gray, light blue, white)
• Optional: long sleeve cotton for sun protection on outdoor courts
• Note: many senior players prefer the polo over the tee for the tournament identity piece

Youth (8-and-under, 10-and-under, 12-and-under, 14-and-under)

• Fit: Youth Airlume Cotton Athletic Tee (YXS through YXL)
• Fabric: cotton crew or youth performance
• Size split: 20% YS, 30% YM, 30% YL, 15% YXL, 5% adult XS for 14U bridge
• Color preference: bright primary colors (royal, kelly, red, orange)
• Optional: parents often buy a matching adult tee for the spectator side

Frequently Asked Questions

Should each division have its own tee color?

Some tournaments do, most use one event color across all divisions. Division identification usually goes on the back graphic or sleeve marker rather than the base tee color.

Can the tournament offer mens and womens cuts in the same color?

Yes. The same logo file prints on both cuts in the same color at the same per-piece price. Mixed doubles partners commonly buy this pair.

Do youth tees cost the same as adult tees?

Yes. Same VIP base price ($19.88 cotton, $23.88 performance) regardless of size.

How does the tournament handle players who change division between registration and event day?

Each piece prints individually, so a single replacement tee for a division change costs the same per-piece as a bulk order and ships in about a week.