How to Look Good Playing Sports

Co-authored by Peter Fryer

Last Updated: December 7, 2022 References

Playing sports is a fun way to stay in shape, but between the sweat and the baggy uniforms, it isn’t always the most attractive activity. But sometimes you want to look good, like when you’re trying to impress a crush or playing in front of a large crowd. By upgrading your style, taking care of yourself, and becoming a better athlete, you’ll not only play like a champion, you’ll look like one, too.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Improving Your Style

1
Wear athletic clothes that highlight the features you’re most proud of. Show off the parts of your body that you love and feel confident about. For example wear a pair of short spandex shorts to flatter your long legs or a crop top to show off your toned abs. Or you can wear sleeveless tank tops to flaunt sculpted shoulders and arms.^{[1]
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- Make sure the clothes you choose are appropriate for the sport you’re playing. For example, super short shorts would not be allowed in golf, which calls for knee-length shorts.^{[2]
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- You can also modify your athletic clothes to make them more flattering. Try pulling a shirt back with hair tie or rolling the waistband of your shorts once.
2
Choose a uniform in a size that is flattering yet comfortable. You need room to move freely so avoid getting a uniform that’s too tight. However, a shirt that’s too baggy or pants that are too big also won’t do you any favors appearance-wise. Oversized uniforms end up looking sloppy.
- A uniform that doesn’t fit well can affect your performance too if you’re constantly tugging at it.
- Uniforms can be cut differently than regular clothes so you can’t rely on the size on the tag. Ask your coach if you can try on a couple of sizes before you order yours.
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3
Wear your hair pulled back in a sporty style if you have long hair. Keeping your hair out of your eyes is a must. Opt for simple styles that only require an elastic band rather than more complicated ones that take a lot of accessories or time to put together. If you have long hair you can try a sleek ponytail or messy bun. If you prefer a more elaborate hairstyle you might also wear braids, whether it’s 2 boxer braids or a single French braid.
- Elastic headbands are a fun athletic accessory to add to your look. Look for ones in pretty prints and colors that match your uniform or outfit.
- Avoid hard metal or plastic hair accessories like clips or bobby pins. They aren’t allowed in many sports leagues and can hurt if you get hit in the head.
4
Keep your makeup light and natural if you’re someone who wants to wear it. Don’t wear a full face of makeup while playing sports. If you want to wear a little makeup, opt for sheer, sweat-proof products that won’t smudge. For example, apply waterproof mascara to your lashes or swipe tinted moisturizer on your cheeks for a touch of bronze.^{[3]
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- Foundation and concealer are tricky to wear when you’re sweating. But your best bet is one that’s water-based which will stick to your skin better without clogging your pores as much.
- Give your lips a pop of color with a tinted lip balm or a lip stain that’s close to your natural lip color, like a pale pink or nude.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Taking Care of Your Body

1
Wear scented deodorant to prevent bad body odor and sweat stains. It’s tough to feel good about how you look when you reek of body odor or when your shirt is soaked under your arms with embarrassing pit stains. Apply a layer of deodorant to your armpits before you play sports. Choose a fresh, subtle scent that will cover up any bad smells.^{[5]
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- Deodorant comes in all different varieties like gel roll-on, stick, and spray. If you’re someone who gets really sweaty or smelly, look for a clinical strength deodorant.
- In a pinch, you can use hand sanitizer in place of deodorant.^{[6]
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- Keep a travel-size deodorant in your sports bag to reapply during practice or a game.
2
Protect your skin in outdoor sports with sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30. Skipping the sunscreen could result in sunburn, peeling skin, and even skin cancer if it’s a regular habit. Apply sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before heading outside.^{[7]
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- A water-resistant or sweat-proof formula will hold up best and not run into your eyes if you’re sweating.
- Reapply as needed or at least every 2 hours. If you’re sweating profusely, you’ll need to reapply more frequently.^{[8]
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3
Wipe up excess sweat often with a hand towel. Dripping in sweat isn't always a good look, especially if you're wearing makeup and it's running down your face. Bring a small hand towel with you to wipe yourself off when needed.
- Microfiber towels are a good choice because they’re soft, absorbent, and won’t be too rough on your face.
- Keep your hand towel in your gym bag or on the sidelines so you can easily grab it during breaks.
4
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after playing sports. Stay hydrated so your body can function properly and so you look energized and fresh. How much you need depends on your body size, your activity level, and the climate you're playing in. At a minimum, drink 16 fluid ounces (470 ml) of water before exercising, then 4 to 6 fluid ounces (120 to 180 ml) of water every 15-20 minutes while you're playing.^{[9]
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- Bonus: Drinking a lot of water keeps your skin clear and glowing.
- Continue hydrating after you play sports. It's especially important in the 30 minutes following your activity.
- If you're exercising for longer than 90 minutes, have a sports drink with electrolytes to replenish your body's glycogen levels.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Becoming a Better Athlete

1
Play more confidently by using positive self-talk. Confidence is one of the most attractive qualities a person can have.^{[11]
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Research source} To boost your self-esteem and get rid any insecurities or negative thoughts, brainstorm at least 5 things you love about yourself as an athlete or things you're good at when it comes to your sport.^{[12]
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- For example, you could tell yourself, “I am proud of my leadership abilities,” “I am proud that I can consistently sink 3-pointers,” or “I have the best 40-yard dash time on the team.”
- If you're having trouble thinking of positive things, ask your friends, family, teammates, and coaches what they think you're good at.
- Write your list down on a piece of paper or in the Notes app on your phone to have as a reminder when you need it.
2
Show your passion for the sport by giving 100% effort on the field. Being passionate and committed to what you’re doing is a great quality. It sounds counterintuitive, but the less time you spend worrying about what you look like and the more time you spend focusing on playing your best and giving all you’ve got, the better you'll look.^{[13]
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- Putting in the work and trying your hardest will make you a more skilled athlete which will make you more confident, too.
- For example, if you're always taking the shot when you have the chance on the soccer field, eventually you'll get better at shooting and scoring. And everyone loves the lead scorer!
3
Embrace the endorphins to boost your mood. Playing sports and exercising increases chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine, and sex hormones. These chemicals naturally make you feel happier, which improves your mood and energy level. Don't be afraid to smile while you're playing. Happiness is a great look for anyone.^{[14]
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- Even 30 minutes of exercise increases endorphins.
4
Maintain a positive attitude toward your teammates and competitors. Getting along with others and being upbeat makes you look good.^{[15]
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Research source} Respect your teammates, be a team player, and be a good sport to the other team.^{[16]
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Research source} To improve your attitude, focus on what's going well in a game or what skills you're good at. For example, maybe you're losing but you just made an awesome pass.
- Positive visualization can help you reassure yourself and keep a positive outlook, too. Imagine yourself performing well in a detailed scenario, like hitting the match point to win the game.^{[17]
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- Congratulate teammates when they block a shot or score a goal. You can do the same for your opponents, too, as awkward as it may feel. It shows grace and class.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I impress someone who's also in sports?

Community Answer

Practice the sport and play your best! Showing effort and skill should attract someone who also likes sports.
Question

What if people judge me because I'm not skinny?

Community Answer

You don't have to be skinny to be sexy--all body types are beautiful! Try not to focus on what other people are thinking. Wear athletic clothes that makes your feel comfortable and confident, so that when you're playing, you can focus on doing your best and having fun.
Question

The guy that I like plays baseball and I play softball. Will I impress him even though he's better at what he does?

Community Answer

If you demonstrate determination and hard work, then I guarantee that he will be impressed. If you want to get better while casually flirting or talking to him, say something like,"Hey, will you help me with this drill? I really want to improve my [pitching/hitting/etc.]."