How to Dress for Softball

Co-authored by Haley Snyder and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: June 29, 2021 References

Knowing how to dress for softball will keep you comfortable and safe during the game. Before you head onto the field, you want to make sure your uniform is on properly and that it meets any regulations. You'll also want to bring along the right safety gear for your position so you don't get injured while playing. By keeping these few things in mind, you can enjoy playing softball without worrying about what you're wearing.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Dressing for Practice or a Game

1
Wear sliders to protect your thighs from burns. Athletic sliders are also known as compression shorts. They're flexible, mid-thigh length shorts that go underneath your softball pants. Wear sliders whether you're going to practice or a game.
- If you'll be wearing an athletic cup, look for a pair of sliders with a cup supporter.
- Sliders are a good option if you're wearing shorts and socks.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Haley Snyder
  Softball Player
  Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.}
2
Put on softball socks and pull them all the way up. Softball socks are high socks that should be worn during practices and games. The top of your socks should come up to your upper shins when you pull them on. It's important that you wear your socks pulled all the way up to protect the bottom of your legs from getting scratches or burns.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you want to wear colored socks, choose a color that matches one of the colors in your uniform.
Advertisement
3
Put on softball pants over your sliders. Softball pants are stretchy pants that go to just below your knees. You're required to wear them to games, but you might not need to wear them to practices. Ask your coach if you're allowed to wear shorts instead of softball pants to practices. To properly wear softball pants, pull them up so the waistband is resting on your waist. The bottom of the pants should go over the top of your softball socks.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Look for softball pants made of a reinforced fabric so they don't tear.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- Moisture-resistant softball pants will disperse sweat while you're playing.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
4
Wear your jersey if you're going to a game. If you're only going to practice, an athletic t-shirt or tank top should be OK. When wearing your jersey, tuck the bottom of it into the waistband of your pants. You want it to be loose enough that you're comfortable, but not so loose that it will come untucked when you're playing.
- Some people like to wear Under Armour beneath the jerseys. Some players do this for compression, while others do this if it's cold outside.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Haley Snyder
  Softball Player
  Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.}
5
Wear cleats over your socks. You should wear your cleats to practices and games so you get used to playing in them.^{[7]
X
Expert Source

Haley Snyder
Softball Player
Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.} Look for cleats made out of a breathable fabric so your feet don't get too hot. Tie the laces on your cleats tightly and tuck the loose ends into the sides of your shoes so you don't accidentally trip over them.
6
Tie your hair up if you have long hair. Putting your hair up before practices and games will keep it out of your eyes when you're playing. You can also wear a headband or ribbon to keep flyaway hairs out of your line of vision.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Following Uniform Regulations

1
Wear your team's uniform. Your jersey should have your name, team number, and team name on it. Make sure your socks, softball pants, and any other components of your outfit are in your team colors.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- It's OK if your softball pants, socks, or other gear is black or white, even if those aren't your team colors. Just avoid wearing colors that will clash with your team colors and cause confusion on the field.
2
Play in cleats. Look for cleats that are made out of plastic, nylon, canvas, or leather. You can wear rubber cleats, or you can wear metal cleats as long as they're rectangular. Don't wear rounded metal cleats.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Make sure the cleats on the bottom of your shoes don't extend further than ¾ inch (1.9 cm) from the sole.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
3
Leave your jewelry at home. Jewelry isn't permitted in most regulation softball games, so don't wear things like earrings, necklaces, watches, or bracelets.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If you need to wear metal jewelry for religious or medical purposes, talk to your coach or someone in charge of the league you're playing in.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
4
Wear the proper headwear. It's OK to wear baseball caps, visors, headbands, and ribbons while you're playing.^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Haley Snyder
Softball Player
Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.} Avoid wearing plastic visors, bandanas, or hair beads, or you may not be allowed to play.^{[14]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wearing Safety Gear

1
Wear a fielder's mask if you're a pitcher or third basemen. Secure the mask over your face before you go onto the field to protect yourself from the ball. If you're twelve years old or younger, get a youth-sized mask. If you're older than twelve, get an adult-sized mask. You can find a fielder's mask online or at your local sporting goods store.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- You don't have to be a pitcher or third basemen to wear a fielder's mask. If you're worried about getting hit in the head with the ball, wear the mask whenever you're in the infield.
2
Put on a batting helmet before you bat. Fasten the chin strap on the helmet so it's secure on your head. Keep the helmet on as you're running the bases. You can find a batting helmet online or at your local sporting goods store.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- To get the right size batting helmet, measure the circumference of your head just above your ears. When buying a helmet, choose the size that corresponds with the measurement you took of your head.
3
Wear the necessary safety gear if you're a catcher. To keep yourself safe from fast-flying pitches, you want to put on a helmet, throat guard, chest guard, shin guards, and a catchers' mitt. Keep these items on the entire time you're on the field to prevent injury.^{[17]
X
Research source}
4
Get batting gloves if your hands hurt when you bat. Batting gloves will prevent the stinging sensation you get when you hit the ball. Look for a pair of batting gloves at your local sporting goods store or online.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- Before you buy a pair of batting gloves, measure the distance between the base of your palm (where you wrist starts) and the tip of your middle finger. Batting gloves are sized using this measurement.

Expert Q&A

Question

How should I wear my hair for softball?

Haley Snyder
Softball Player
Haley Snyder is a former Division I Student-Athlete and Softball Player. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in softball mechanics, fundamentals, and pitching. Haley holds a BA and MA from Stanford University, where she competed in the PAC-12 Conference as a pitcher.

Haley Snyder

Softball Player

Expert Answer

Headbands or sweatbands might help if your hair tends to get in the way while you play.
Question

What do you wear under a softball uniform?

Haley Snyder
Softball Player
Haley Snyder is a former Division I Student-Athlete and Softball Player. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in softball mechanics, fundamentals, and pitching. Haley holds a BA and MA from Stanford University, where she competed in the PAC-12 Conference as a pitcher.

Haley Snyder

Softball Player

Expert Answer

Some players layer Under Armour and sleeves beneath their jerseys. This may help if it's cold outside, or if you're looking for some extra compression.
Question

Can softball players wear shorts?

Haley Snyder
Softball Player
Haley Snyder is a former Division I Student-Athlete and Softball Player. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in softball mechanics, fundamentals, and pitching. Haley holds a BA and MA from Stanford University, where she competed in the PAC-12 Conference as a pitcher.

Haley Snyder

Softball Player

Expert Answer

Yes! Some players wear shorts while playing softball. Just be careful about how you slide—you might want some extra coverage, like a slider on your knee.