Gear Up: What to Wear for Softball Practice
Softball practice is more casual than playing in a game. What you’ll wear depends on the weather conditions and the type of practice you’re going to. If there’s live fielding and hitting, you’ll likely want to be dressed in clothes that are similar to what you wear on game day. For more casual practices, you can streamline your clothing choices to make it more comfortable. Your options could differ if you’re practicing indoors versus outdoors. Comfort and safety are the important factors when considering your practice wardrobe.
Core Softball Clothing
It’s best to have options and tailor your softball clothes to the type of practice you're having. Some days, shorts might be preferable to pants, depending on the intensity of practice. Some players always wear baselayers in any conditions while others prefer the extra layer during cold weather only. For beginners, it’s a good idea to experiment with your clothing choices and figure out what works best. Below are some tips for dressing for softball practice.
Shirt: A comfortable T-shirt that’s cool and form fitting is perfect for warm days. It should be made of sweat-wicking material. For cooler days, a long-sleeve, light, stretchy utility shirt will help keep you warm. If you’re going to slide and dive, you’ll want to stick with a long-sleeve shirt to protect your arms. Your shirt shouldn’t be too baggy because it can interfere with your hitting and fielding.
Pants: Pants are generally required for practice outside on the field. If you’re indoors, and you’re just running and maybe taking some light batting practice, shorts are acceptable. Your softball pants will work, or if practice is more casual, a pair of athletic pants is okay. Your pants should be soft, durable, and lightweight. A good pair of softball pants will be cool enough for warm weather. Most players use an elastic belt with their pants. Some softball pants have reinforced fabric at the knees. This can help protect your knees when you slide. There are generally 3 types of designs: pinstripe, piped, and solid. Pinstripe has stripes running down both legs while piped has a pinstripe on the outside of each leg. Solid doesn’t have a pinstripe.
Leggings/Baselayers: Comfort is a must for clothes that aren’t visible. You’ll want to avoid burning and chafing for material that directly touches your skin. You can get hot or cold weather baselayers. Cold weather baselayers are designed to keep you warm when the temperature is brisk. Warm weather baselayers are designed to wick sweat away and allow your lower body to breathe. Your baselayers should be form fitting, almost like you don’t feel them when they're on.
Cleats: If you want to simulate game conditions, you should wear cleats. For a casual, indoor walk-through type of practice, it’s a personal choice. Many levels of softball don’t allow metal cleats. Even if you play in a league that allows metal cleats, it’s not a great idea to wear them for practice unless you’re breaking them in. A comfortable pair of molded cleats is generally the best option.
Socks: If you’re wearing cleats, you’ll want to wear softball socks. Over-the-calve softball socks should be sweat wicking with mesh at the top and around your ankles and feet for proper ventilation. A pair of crew and ankle socks work well if you aren’t wearing cleats.
Sliding Shorts: Sliding shorts are useful for days when you have live practices. Or for anyone that slides regularly during practice. Sometimes, you might practice sliding. Sliding shorts protect your hips and legs and they can accommodate a cup for male softball players.
Softball Practice Gear Checklist
There’s a long list of items you need if you want to be properly prepared for softball practice. You probably won’t need to bring all the gear to every practice, but you’ll likely need most of the gear at some point during the season. Below are some items you should have to make your practices more productive.
Hat/Visor: A baseball hat or visor helps keep the sun out of your eyes if you’re practicing outside.
Eye Black: Looking up in the sun to catch fly balls? Get some eye black to help block the rays.
Sunglasses: Some players don’t want to wear sunglasses because they feel like they limit their periphery vision, and they can pop off. Others prefer them for seeing the ball on popups and pitches to the plate. Wraparound sunglasses could be a good choice because they’re designed to stay securely on your face while you’re moving around.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while you practice. It’ll elevate your performance.
Headband or Hair Tie: If you have long hair, you’re going to want to make sure it doesn’t fall into your eyes. A headband or hair tie will do the trick.
Batting Gloves: Some players prefer to feel the bat in their hands. Others wear gloves to help improve their grip on the bat, and to absorb perspiration.
Batting Helmet: A batting helmet for protection is important any time you’re at the plate. Some players might even want a helmet with a wire face mask.
Elbow Guard: An elbow guard is good for protection against wild pitches.
Practice Shirts: You should have both a long- and short-sleeve shirt available to choose from based on weather conditions.
Duffel Bag: A water-resistant bag that can fit your shirts, pants, sunglasses, helmet, and bat will make it easier to lug your equipment and apparel around.
What Not to Wear to Practice
Skip the jewelry, tennis shoes, baggy shirts, regular shorts, and midriff halter tops. Jewelry can get damaged, and all the other clothing compromises your safety. If you want to be at your best, you need to wear the right clothing and bring the appropriate gear.
Part of being prepared to play in real competition is making sure you’re dressed properly. The best way to practice is to wear softball apparel during practice and use the gear that you’ll bring to games. Practicing this way should help get you ready for game day.