How to Dress for Table Tennis

Dress for success when it comes to table tennis. You should never wear tank tops, cut-off shirts or shorts, or jeans. Strive for conservative and elegant dress that is simple and athletic. You can wear anything you like during non-match play or warm-up rounds. Only during USATT-sanctioned match play does a dress code apply.

Instructions

    • 1

      Wear darker clothing. This rule should be followed at all times, even during warm-up rounds or non-match play. Official table tennis balls are white, so wearing white clothes will make it harder for your opponent to see. Wearing white clothing during table tennis is considered bad form.

    • 2

      Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not restrict your range of motion. Athletic attire is perfectly at home in table tennis, especially as you move up through the levels where play becomes increasingly more intense and physical.

    • 3

      Dress in short-sleeved shirts only. Avoid a long-sleeved shirt, as it may interfere with your stroke and may obstruct your opponent's view of the ball when you are serving.

    • 4

      Wear shorts only. Long pants are not allowed in official play. Track suits are specifically designated as improper. Women may wear shorts or skirts, depending on their preference.

    • 5

      Wear a number on the back of your shirt that identifies you individually or as part of a team.

    • 6

      Feel free to wear an insignia of some sort on the front of your shirt. According to the rules, any insignia on your shirt must measure less than 64 sq. cm.

    • 7

      Dress in socks and soft-soled, non-marking tennis shoes only. Table tennis may not be played in sandals or barefoot.

    • 8

      Wear jewelry if you must, but it must not be reflective or attention getting. The game umpire has sole discretion as to what is considered appropriate and will order you to remove any jewelry that is too conspicuous or distracts your opponent.

    • 9

      Leave offensive clothing at home. Again, the umpire can decide what is appropriate. If there is any question as to the appropriateness of a garment, don't wear it.

    • 10

      Dress similarly to your partner in doubles and in contrast to your opponents so that audience members can easily identify and distinguish teams.

    • 11

      Refer to USA Table Tennis Laws of Table Tennis Section 3.02.02, entitled "Dress," for further information about proper attire for play in competition (see Resources below).