Do You Have To Wear White To Play Squash?

The first question that emerges when most people start playing squash is: ‘Do I have to wear white to play squash?’. Squash wear rules can be strict and confusing, especially for beginner players. Squash is an active, dynamic game that requires suitable clothes to support the range of motion required to play squash.

Squash players do not have to wear all white. Squash courts usually require light-colored sports shoe soles so as not to make marks on the court surface. In general, players can wear any color on the squash court. However, some squash courts have a dress code requiring players to wear white.

Players don’t need as much specialized equipment as people might think. Beginners might even have everything needed to try playing squash in their wardrobes already. Since squash courts have different rules, here is what to choose to wear and what not to choose to wear when playing squash.

Do You Need To Wear White To Play Squash?

The dress code usually depends on the squash club’s rules. There are no universal rules regarding wearing white on the squash court. Generally, players can wear any color of sportswear on the court. The stereotypical white squash outfits have an origin and are still preferred by most squash courts and players.

Legend has it that initially, players were required to wear white to see the black squash ball. Since squash court walls, floors and ceilings are usually white or light-colored with red lines to mark the court. It makes sense for players to wear light colors to support the black ball’s visibility and court markings.

What Is The Dress Code For Squash

Since there is no universal dress code for playing squash, a general dress code applies. Players need to know the following.

Essential Squash Attire

The dress code can be confusing when starting as a beginner squash player. Many different products are on the market, and the price tags are sometimes shocking. Luckily the essentials are pretty basic and will not break the bank.

The essential squash attire includes:

White-soled squash or sports shoes. Rubber non-marking soles are the preferred choice since it does not leave scuff marks on the court surface. Broad-based, grippy soles assist with comfort, mobility, and ankle support when playing squash.
Breathable, lightweight sports shirt. An athletic shirt, either loose-fitting or tight and stretchy, will do. Squash is an active game involving constant movement and running. Comfort is key.
Breathable, lightweight, sports skort, shorts, or tennis skirt. The skort, shorts, or tennis skirt must support comfortable movement and be sweat-wicking.
Socks. Long, athletic cotton socks are preferred since they keep your feet comfortable and prevent chafing.
Safety goggles for Junior League. Juniors must wear squash goggles. A squash ball to the eye can cause severe damage. Goggles are optional for most adult players but are recommended for safety reasons.

Non-essential Squash Attire

As players become more advanced and professional, as in any sport, the attire and gear will become more specialized to support performance. Squash is no exception. There are many performance or safety supporting gear and attire on the market.

The listed non-essentials are primarily for advanced or professional players and don’t need to concern the beginner.

What Not To Wear When Playing Squash

As in most sports, specific attire and a dress code apply when playing squash. Players must know the rules and certain unacceptable or frowned upon attire.

Squash attire is relatively simple and can be found in most wardrobes. Listed are the no-nos when choosing squash attire.

Offensive slang. The squash court is no place for prints, especially daring wording or explicit images. Squash attire should ultimately be plain, comfortable, and conservative.
Offensive or revealing styles. Showing too much skin and outrageous styles are discouraged. Squash players should consider the other players.
Ripped or torn clothing. Distressed clothing and extreme styles are considered unsuitable for the squash court. Whole, clean and comfortable clothes are the norm.
Black-soled shoes. Shoes with dark soles leave scuff marks on the court surface. Scuff marks are avoided by wearing light-soles sports shoes. Squash shoes are the ultimate since they are broad-soled, light-colored, and support the movements needed on the squash court while preserving and upholding the court’s quality and standards.

General Squash Dress Code Guidelines

Squash is a sophisticated sport and has some gentle guidelines when it comes to attire. Squash attire should be decent, clean, neat, and plain.

The listed non-essentials are primarily for advanced or professional players and don’t need to concern the beginner.

Hair should be out of the eyes. Females should neatly tie back their hair. Males should wear their hair short enough or wear a hairband or tie.
Headwear. No exaggerated, shiny or extra headgear like hats and headdresses. Nothing should serve as a distraction to the opponent. Straps and ties are allowed that serve a purpose, like keeping safety goggles in place and keeping hair out of players’ eyes.
Jewelry. Watches, rings, earrings, and bracelets should not be flashy or excessive. It should be plain, simple, and safe.
Socks. The best squash socks are shock-absorbing and use moisture-draining technology fabrics and ventilation mesh. The best composition for comfortable squash socks will be a mixture of cotton, polyamide, polyester, nylon, or elastane. Polycotton is the most common combination. Polycotton socks can be found in most wardrobes. The right socks will support the movement, agility, and foot health needed to play squash.
Branded clothes. Small-sized sports brand logos are allowed on the left front. Small-sized sponsorship logos are allowed on the opposite side.
Dress code for male players. Compression shorts are allowed to wear under clothing. A short-sleeved or sleeveless shirt with a collar or a non-cotton T-shirt is appropriate. Males should wear shorts, socks, and squash shoes with the shirt or T-shirt of the players’ choice.
Dress code for female players. Women can wear compression shorts above the knee, under tennis skirts, dresses, or shorts. Women can wear a polo shirt, sleeveless non-cotton vest, or non-cotton T-shirt. Squash shoes, socks, a shirt, vest, T-shirt, dress, skirt, or shorts are allowed.

Conclusion

Players are not required to wear white on the squash court. Any color will do. As discussed, the general dress code for squash is simple, practical, and decent. Most players will have the essential squash attire in their wardrobes.