How to Layer on the Court for Fall and Winter

When you’re obsessed with court sports — like we are at Tennis Warehouse and Pickleball Warehouse, you don’t want the cool weather to slow you down. As the heat of the summer transitions into chillier fall days, the colder weather can present some additional challenges to your game. Warming up becomes even more important because the cold weather can cause your muscles to lose heat and tighten up. Taking extra time to stretch and warm-up before a match goes a long way toward preventing injuries. Staying hydrated is also very important — just because you don’t feel as parched as you would on a hot day, doesn’t mean your body isn’t losing fluids — so keep that water bottle handy. For more tips on how to play through the colder months, be sure to check out our Fall and Winter Gear Checklist.

Most importantly, playing in cooler conditions is all about choosing the right layers — and being able to take them off easily as your body temperature warms up during your match. Multiple lightweight pieces topped off with a vest or jacket is an optimal way to hit the court when the temperature dips. Tennis Warehouse and Pickleball Warehouse have a great selection of layering options to keep you playing throughout the winter — or at least on days when the temperature is above freezing outside.

Whether it has a crew neckline, a mock neck or a partial zip entry, a long sleeve performance top is a must-have for playing in colder weather. On days when the temperature just starts to dip, a quarter zip can be layered over a tank or short sleeve top. On very cold days, a quarter zip top can be used as a mid-layer and worn over another tighter fitting long sleeve base layer. Quarter zip entries allow for good heat regulation by allowing a player to adjust the zipper up or down to control ventilation. It can also be taken off quickly and easily when you’re fully warmed up on the court.

Vests are great layering pieces for cold weather because they keep your core warm while allowing you the freedom of movement to swing big on the court. They are also very easy to remove when your body temperature heats up during play and just as easy to throw back on when your match is over.

Lightweight performance jackets are integral to training and playing in cold weather. With full front zip openings, temperature is easy to regulate, and jackets are easily removed when they are no longer needed on the court. Jackets can also complete a polished court look when coordinated with the rest of your outfit. A jacket with some built-in stretch and moisture wicking capabilities are preferred for when playing on the court, so you feel comfortable moving around. Depending on how cold it is, you can layer over just your shirt or over your base layer and mid-layer.

With their sporty retro styles, tracksuits are making a comeback on the courts lately. They are coordinating jackets and pants that are either offered in sets or sold as separate pieces. Track pants are warm and easy to pull on and off when there are zippers at the ankles. These matching sets have a pulled-together look on and off the court.

Keeping your legs warm on cold days is very important for preventing injuries. Leggings, or tights, offer compression, warmth and ease of movement and can be layered under shorts and skirts. Some women's leggings even incorporate skirts for a 2-in-1 combination and can be either full length or capri length. Tights aren't just for women either, and brands like Nike, adidas and Under Armour offer compression tights for men.

Pants and joggers can be constructed of lightweight fabric or can be made from heavier gauge material and even have brushed interiors for extra warmth. Warming up your legs prior to your match will allow for optimal movement on the court. Many performance pants have zippered ankles for added ease in pulling them on and taking them off when your game heats up.

Don’t forget to cover your head! A lot of body heat can escape through your head, and a good beanie will cover your ears and keep them warm on the court. Beanies can also be worn over a visor for added sun protection. During winter, the sun is lower in the sky, making sunglasses very important for keeping your focus on the ball. Gloves with silicone grips and mittens that cover your fingers while allowing you to hold onto your racquet or paddle are also essential cold weather staples. Thick socks will help keep your toes and feet warm when the temperature dips.

Wondering what to wear in-between matches? Tennis Warehouse has a wide variety of off-court styles to keep you cozy, warm and stylish when you’re not playing this winter.

Just because the weather is cooling down, doesn’t mean your tennis and pickleball seasons have to come to an end. Multiple layers are key to playing in tougher conditions.

• Long Sleeves: These work great as a base layer or secondary layer over a tank, short sleeve top or even another long sleeve.
• Vests: These will keep your core warm while allowing for maximum arm movement.
• Jackets: When it’s cold and windy out, jackets are essential outer layers for warming up and staying warm on the court.
• Tracksuits: There’s no better way to stay warm while looking stylish on the court.
• Leggings: Deliver compression and warmth. They can be worn alone or layered under shorts and skirts. There are some 2-in-1 options with attached skirts to offer a complete cold-weather package.
• Pants and Joggers: More relaxed fit. Can be worn over shorts or leggings and often have zippers at the ankles for easy on/off.
• Accessories: Hats, gloves, sunglasses and socks all help to keep you warm and focused on your game and not the weather.
• Off-Court Layers: Soft, warm and cozy layering pieces to keep you comfortable in-between matches.

Offering so many layering options, Tennis Warehouse and Pickleball Warehouse have everything you need to keep playing the sports you love in warmth, comfort and style throughout the whole year.