According Predictions for Pinterest, it looks like we’re about to go badminton crazy in 2024. And it’s easy to see why. Badminton is a sport that is accessible to everyone, the rules are simple, you can play almost anywhere and it is cheap. We figured that if 2024 ends up being the year you discover your hidden badminton talent, it’s worth thinking about what kind of kit you might need and more importantly what badminton uniform you’ll be wearing. After all, it’s important not only to play well, but to look the part.
Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our rundown of 4 things you can style your badminton outfit with this year so you’re as trendy as the sport itself!
Badminton uniform
First, let’s talk about the badminton outfit itself. So, what exactly do you wear to play badminton? Well, you can wear almost anything you like as long as it’s comfortable and you can move around freely in it. However, if you’re not so keen on being seen in public in your old trousers and a dinner-stained T-shirt, which might we add you can get away with in badminton attire if you’re playing a game in the privacy of your garden, here what to wear:
- Badminton shirts – Nylon or polyester is lighter than cotton and so will allow you to move around the court more easily. Also, look out for fabrics that offer moisture wicking properties to help deal with the sweaty situation and ensure you feel just as fresh post-game. To look even smarter, you could wear a polo shirt with a collar.
- Badminton shorts – Skirts are great because they look as stylish as a skirt but have the added benefit of hiding shorts under the skirt material to protect your modesty. Because no one wants to risk showing off their chops when lusting after that shuttlecock!
- Badminton pants – If you prefer not to show off your legs, or if you play when it’s colder, the key thing to remember is that you ideally want to wear pants that aren’t baggy and don’t flap. Leggings or running tights are perfect as they have a tight fit but still offer stretch and comfort to allow you to move freely during your game.
Badminton shoes
The badminton shoes you choose to wear will depend somewhat on the type of surface you play on. Most importantly, like any pair of shoes, they should fit well so your feet are well supported, reduce the risk of developing blisters or other foot-related injuries, and also have enough tread on them to keep them from slipping all over the place.
If you’re playing on the grass in your back garden, you’ll need a pair of trainers with a much better grip than if you’re playing on a badminton court in a sports center. If you are playing on a proper badminton court, check if there are any restrictions on the shoes you can wear. Some places may stipulate that soles must not mark and if you join a club there may be certain rules you must follow.
The ideal pair of badminton shoes should be lightweight with a relatively thin sole that keeps you low to the ground but stable. They should also offer some degree of cushioning to help prevent injury and should give you grip all over to help your feet move quickly in multiple directions. Ideally, you should also choose a pair that is made from breathable materials to keep your feet cool, reduce the chance of blisters and allow sweat to escape so they don’t end up smelling completely after a couple of damages. Plus, it always helps if they look great too!
Badminton racket
Until you’re fully into the sport, it may be best to borrow a badminton racket from a friend or hire one. Most sports centers offer racket hire at a reasonable cost and this means you can have a few games before you decide if badminton is the sport for you, so you can consider buying your own.
You can spend anywhere from £20 to £500 plus on a badminton racket. What you decide to spend on a racquet will depend in part on how seriously you take your new hobby, your budget, and how often you plan to play. Because there are so many racquets out there to choose from, it’s a good idea to pay a trip to a specialist sports shop and ask for advice.
Things to consider when buying a new racquet include:
- What is the racket made of?
- What is the tension of the strings?
- How versatile the racquet is.
- The weight of the racket.
- Grip size.
Obviously, you’ll want a racket to match your outfit, but that’s fine as badminton rackets come in a range of different colors and you can also customize the handle with colored grip tape for the ultimate matching badminton outfit accessory.
Badminton bag
And of course you’ll need a badminton bag to keep your new racket clean and protected, as well as having a place to keep all your personal belongings safe. The most important thing is to make sure the bag is big enough for your racket. Most racquets come in regular sizes so this shouldn’t be a problem, but always check that it fits well and that the zips slide smoothly around the shape of the racquet.
A badminton bag with extra padding is always a good idea as it will not only protect your badminton racket but also make it more comfortable for you. Look for bags that have straps so you can easily carry the bag with you, and padded straps are a bonus.
We’re big fans of pockets, both in our clothes and in our bags, so a badminton bag with lots of different pockets and storage always scores highly with us. You may want to change badminton shoes when you get to the court, so a bag with a separate compartment to store them is essential. Then of course you’ll have faucets, water bottle, phone, keys, purse, toiletries, maybe a small towel. Trust us when we say that pockets are a must-have badminton bag.
Final thoughts
Just like the sport itself, the rules are simple when it comes to your badminton attire – keep it comfortable, look for breathable fabrics, invest in a good quality pair of shoes and go for it. When you’re comfortable, you’re much more likely to play a better game because you won’t be distracted by poor clothing choices, which means pulling on a top that’s too short or itchy. There is a whole range of badminton clothing to choose from, so have fun and bring your own look to the courts.
