The Ultimate Basketball Gear List for Serious Hoopers

To play your best in basketball, you need comfortable, lightweight, functional clothing and gear. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, a high school player, a college player, or a pro.

From the right basketball shoes to a well-made water bottle, it all matters for serious players. The fundamentals, like a good pair of shoes and some quality shorts, are important for all levels of players because of the cutting and quick movements required. For shorts, comfort and the proper ventilation are key to helping you perform at a higher level. Use the following basketball gear checklist to keep track of the important things you need to have before you hit the gym floor.

Basketball Clothing & Gear List

Every basketball player should have their go-to gear—whether it’s shoes, warmups, or socks—ready for practices and games. Below are some of the most important items that you should have ready for the season.

Basketball Shoes: Basketball shoes should be light, flexible, and comfortable. The soles should allow you to grip the floor while also giving your foot solid, foundational support. They should also have reinforcements for lateral movement. The shoes can be cut low (below the ankle), mid (at ankle level), or high (above the ankle). If you’re practicing or playing 5 or 6 days a week, it’s important to have a pair of shoes dedicated for non-gameday situations. You might even want to have 2 pairs for practice. That’ll save wear and tear on your gameday shoes. 

Basketball Shirts: T-shirts come in long-sleeved, short-sleeved, or tank style. You want quick-drying, soft material that breathes easily for the best performance. It’s important to have a comfortable jersey that makes you feel good on the court. That confidence of looking good can help your performance.

Shooter Sleeve: Many of the best shooters wear a shooting sleeve. The sleeve runs from just below the top of your shooting shoulder to the outside of your hand. It helps with stability, and it protects players from getting knicks and cuts. Some players say it helps them shoot better, but there is no definite evidence that’s true. A shooting sleeve should be lightweight, durable, and sweat wicking.

Basketball Shorts: A pair of shorts that are soft and breathe well are your best option. The shorts should wick away sweat and have a waistband with a drawcord that helps extend or shorten the waist size. If you’re practicing often, it’s a good idea to invest in multiple pairs of basketball shorts.

Compression Shorts: For basketball players, compression shorts often replace underwear. Players typically wear loose shorts over their compression shorts. Compression shorts should fit snugly and offer plenty of support. They should be lightweight, comfortable, and sweat wicking.

Socks: A good pair of basketball socks are essential for a comfortable practice and gameday experience. You don’t want your feet to be too sweaty or feel weighed down by a bulky pair of socks. Your socks should have good ventilation, odor-control technology, and quality cushioning.

Headband: Basketball headbands are made to absorb sweat that originates above your eyeline. They are also useful for players who have long hair that needs to be kept out of their eyes when playing. Without a headband, sweat can drip into your eyes and cause a burning sensation. It shouldn’t slide up and down when you run. You can also buy a tie headband, which ties at the back of your head. A good headband should absorb sweat and then dry out quickly after absorbing it.

Wristband: Wristbands are designed to help absorb arm sweat. A wristband should be comfortable and light. You really shouldn’t know it’s on your wrist. Another benefit of wearing a wristband could be that it gives some players confidence. It’s about projecting a certain style. If you look good on the basketball court, you feel good and can play better.

Sports Bra: A good sports bra for basketball should have good support and yet be flexible, light, and fit snugly. It should quickly wick away sweat and also be easy to take on and off. The arm holes should allow for comfortable, free movement. To find out if a sports bra fits correctly, make sure to measure yourself accurately, checking the sizing chart before purchasing. Look for a sports bra that fits snugly but doesn’t dig into your skin or restrict your breathing. You should be able to fit 2 fingers between the underband and your skin. It’s best to try on a sports bra before buying it, if possible. If it feels right at first, wear it around a bit to make sure. There should be minimal movement in your chest area with a good sports bra.

Gym Bag: What do you need to carry all your basketball gear to and from practices and games? A gym bag. The ideal basketball gym bag has room for 2 water bottles, your basketball shoes, shirts, shorts, toiletries, and other gear. The bag should be lightweight with plenty of room inside. Look for a sturdy, comfortable shoulder strap that fits well. A loaded gym bag carries some weight. 

Water Bottles: One of the most important components of a good water bottle is temperature retention. How long does the water bottle keep the liquid cold or hot? The bottle should also be made of a sturdy material and have a lid that fits securely over the bottle, so it won’t leak. For convenience, a lid that pops open is better than a lid that screws on. That allows you to use it one-handed.

If you want to play your best, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you need to have the right equipment to get the job done on the basketball court. Stocking your gym bag correctly is a continual process that you shouldn’t overlook. That’s why you should do your research and take your time when buying basketball gear and clothing.