The demand for pickleball apparel is growing as the sport gains popularity among young consumers. 

The demand for pickleball apparel is growing as the sport gains popularity among young consumers. Like #Tenniscore and other preppy fashion styles, pickleball (a combo of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton) is trend of the ‘60s that’s taken off in recent years thanks to a Gen Z-fueled revival. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association recently found that “pickleball attracted 4.8 million U.S. players in 2021 — a 40% increase from the year prior.” In turn, the sport’s corresponding apparel market is rapidly growing—and brands are getting in on it. Adidas has a dedicated pickleball page selling tennis shoes, polo shirts, and tank tops and “Fila sells pickleball crewnecks, flounce skorts and racerback tanks, while Marks & Graham sells a pickleball bag.” Plus, athleisure favorites Lululemon and Athleta feature clothing that goes along with the style. There’s also Civile Apparel, a pickleball lifestyle company that started in 2020, which is specifically targeting young consumers interested in the sport. YPulse research shows that athletic wear is a top fashion trend among Gen Z and Millennials. (Modern Retail)