The right outfit can make or break your game.
As a former pro, I’ve seen it all – from wardrobe malfunctions to outfits that just don’t cut it on the court.
When you step onto that sandy battlefield, you’re not just representing yourself; you’re representing every player who’s ever dreamed of dominating the net.
So, this isn’t just about looking good (although let’s be honest, that’s always a plus). It’s about feeling unstoppable like you can take on any serve, spike, or dive that comes your way.
So, what to wear for sand volleyball—
The brief answer is shorts and tank tops. But is that all there is to it? Let’s find out.
Clothing Choices for Different Weather Conditions
The first attire that comes to mind while playing sand volleyball is— a tank top and shorts. I know most of you have seen people play on the beach wearing the said clothes, but would you believe me if I said it’s not always the right attire?
What to wear depends significantly on the climate or weather. For instance, no one in their right mind would want to wear a few layers to play volleyball on a warm sunny day. So, dress for the occasion and not in general. Below are a few attire choices for different climate conditions.
Clothing for Hot Weather or Summer Days
Summertime can get pretty hot, especially when you’re playing on the beach with the sun out in full force, melting away your fat and will to live. On such days, I prefer to play with the least amount of clothes possible.
So, the ideal attire for warm weather sand volleyball is tank tops, breathable shorts, swimsuits, or even bathing suits if you’re at the beach. However, there are indoor sand volleyball courts these days, and if you feel that the temperature there is not too hot, then you can adjust your attire accordingly.
Dressing for Rainy Days
Playing volleyball on sand can get a little annoying when it’s raining, windy and the weather is a bit chilly. On such occasions, you need to dress to keep yourself protected from the rain and wind.
You can try wearing moisture-wicking clothes, pants, and windbreaker jackets to save yourself from catching a cold. You can also avoid everything I said and wear your regular tank top and shorts, provided you have a strong immunity system.
Preparing Your Closet for Winter Days
Well, you obviously can’t wear heavy jackets or furry coats even if it’s snowing out there because you won’t be able to move or play, for that matter.
As you’ll be working up a sweat while playing, it’s not necessary to wear thick, chilly weather clothes on the court. However, you do need an extra layer of clothes to keep yourself warm.
So, wear a second layer of clothes such as breathable long-sleeved shirts and sweatpants over your first layer of clothes (tank top, t-shirt and shorts). Make sure the clothes you’re wearing don’t restrict your movement in the game.
Therefore, even if you put on multiple layers, make sure they are flexible enough to give you the comfort you need to play volleyball.
Essential Accessories for Playing Sand Volleyball
I know it takes only a ball, a net and a pair of clothes to play sand/beach volleyball, but more often than not it’s better to gear yourself up for the game and maybe even take some top-tier bags and backpacks. The better you’re packed, the better you’ll perform on the field. So, here is a list of a few accessories you might want to use for sand volleyball.
Sunscreen
If anyone asks me what to wear for beach volleyball—the first thing I will suggest is sunscreen. Forget about the summer days; I’ll even tell you to wear sunscreen, even if it’s spring or autumn.
Sunscreen can protect you from sunburn and UV rays. So, unless you’re playing indoor sand volleyball, you should put on some sunscreen.
Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses is as important as wearing sunscreen on a sunny day when you’re playing volleyball. It becomes extremely tough to locate the ball in a bright setting without the help of glasses.
So, unless you’re playing indoor sand volleyball, it’s better to wear sunglasses than not. It will not only help you see the ball more clearly but also protect your eyes from UV-rays.
Footwear: To Barefoot or Not?
More often than not, players tend to avoid any kind of footwear for beach volleyball. I’ve seen and even played many games barefoot.
However, the sand tends to heat up a lot under the sun. Sometimes, it can lead to blisters and burns. If it was hardwood floor, I would’ve suggested you the best volleyball shoes for the games. But, it’s not so you have to rely on something else.
With the advent of sand socks, burns and blisters are no longer an issue. It will protect your feet from the overwhelming heat while allowing you to have a proper footing.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most asked questions about volleyball.
Can you wear regular socks in sand volleyball?
No, you shouldn’t wear regular socks for sand volleyball. You won’t have a good footing due to the reduced traction.
Is sand volleyball hard on your knees?
Although sand volleyball is relatively easier for the knees than playing volleyball on a hardwood floor, it might still cause some injuries if you have weak joints. However, you can easily get rid of the problem by using the best volleyball knee pads.
Time to Hit the Beach!
Most of the time, beach/sand volleyball players from newbies to professionals prefer to wear as little clothing as possible as it gets extremely uncomfortable if the sand enters their clothes.
However, it doesn’t restrict the attire choice to only tank tops and shorts. In some countries, professional players wear full sleeve shirts, long skin pants and even hijabs. So, if you ask me what to wear for sand volleyball, then I would say whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.
It doesn’t mean you should wear baggy shirts and pants, but the attire that helps you move and dive around the sand with maximum flexibility. Good Luck!
