Beach volleyball is one of the few sports where you can show up in almost anything and still have a great time. But if you play regularly, the right clothing and gear make a real difference in comfort, performance, and sun protection. Sand gets everywhere, the sun is relentless, and cotton becomes a soggy, sand-covered disaster within minutes.
Whether you are playing your first pickup game or training for a tournament, this guide covers everything you need to wear and bring to the sand court.
Clothing for Men
Men’s beach volleyball clothing is straightforward. Most recreational players wear board shorts and go shirtless, and that works perfectly fine. If you want to step it up, here are your main options.
Board shorts are the most popular choice. Look for a pair with a shorter inseam (7 to 9 inches) that sits above the knee. Longer shorts restrict movement during lateral shuffles and diving. Make sure they have a secure waistband — drawstring plus elastic is ideal so they stay put when you dive in the sand.
Compression shorts are another solid option, especially for competitive players. They stay tight against your body, prevent chafing, and do not collect sand the way loose shorts do. Many players wear compression shorts underneath board shorts for extra coverage and support.
Tops are optional for men in most recreational settings. When you do want a shirt, choose a lightweight athletic tank or a rashguard. Rashguards are particularly useful for extended sessions because they provide UV protection and prevent sand rash on your torso when you dive. Avoid loose-fitting cotton shirts — they absorb water and sand, become heavy, and restrict your range of motion during serves and swings.
Clothing for Women
Women have more options for beach volleyball clothing, and the best choice comes down to personal comfort and what lets you move freely.
Sports bikinis are the traditional choice and what you see most often at the professional level. Athletic bikini tops with a secure fit (racerback or crossback straps) and bikini bottoms that stay in place during jumps and dives are key. Look for styles designed specifically for sport rather than fashion swimwear — they use more durable fabric and have better coverage during movement.
Compression shorts and a sports bra is a popular combination that provides more coverage while still keeping you cool. This setup works well for players who want secure, stay-in-place clothing without worrying about adjustments between rallies.
One-piece swimsuits designed for athletics are another great option. Look for one-pieces with a racerback cut and enough stretch through the shoulders to allow a full range of motion for serving and hitting.
Tankinis split the difference between a one-piece and a bikini. A fitted tankini top with compression shorts or bikini bottoms gives you coverage and flexibility.
The bottom line: wear whatever makes you comfortable and lets you move. Beach volleyball is about having fun and playing hard, and you should not be thinking about your outfit mid-rally. If you are still building your foundational skills, check out our guide to beach volleyball drills for two players — good practice habits matter more than what you wear.
Fabric and Fit Considerations
Regardless of gender, the fabric you choose matters more than the specific style. Here is what to look for.
Quick-dry materials are non-negotiable. Polyester, nylon, and spandex blends dry fast and do not hold sand the way natural fibers do. You will sweat, you might jump in the water between games, and your clothing needs to handle both without becoming heavy or uncomfortable.
UPF-rated fabric (UPF 50+ is the gold standard) blocks ultraviolet radiation directly through the fabric. This is especially important for rashguards and tops you wear for extended sessions. Sunscreen wears off; UPF fabric does not.
Avoid cotton entirely. Cotton absorbs water, holds sand, takes forever to dry, and chafes when wet. A cotton t-shirt might seem fine for a casual game, but after 30 minutes in the sun and sand, you will understand why every experienced player avoids it.
Compression vs. loose fit comes down to preference and position. Compression clothing stays put during dives and does not collect sand. Loose-fit clothing is cooler and more comfortable for casual play but can shift around during aggressive movement. Many competitive players prefer compression for anything below the waist and a looser athletic top.
Most beach volleyball players play barefoot, and for good reason. Direct contact with the sand gives you better traction, feel, and agility. Your feet adapt to the surface, and you develop natural toughness over time. Playing barefoot is standard at every level from pickup games to the Olympics.
That said, there are situations where footwear helps.
Sand socks (also called beach socks) are thin neoprene socks that protect your feet from extreme heat. If you play on dark sand in the middle of summer, surface temperatures can exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Sand socks keep your feet from burning while still allowing you to feel the court. They also help on rough or shell-covered surfaces.
Regular sneakers and athletic shoes have no place on a sand volleyball court. They collect sand, throw off your balance, add unnecessary weight, and can damage the court surface. Leave them in the car.
If you are setting up your own court, the surface quality matters — our beach volleyball court dimensions guide covers proper sand depth and maintenance.
Sun Protection
You are playing an outdoor sport on a reflective sand surface with no shade. Sun protection is not optional.
Sunscreen should be sport-rated, SPF 50 or higher, and water-resistant. Apply it 15 to 20 minutes before you start playing and reapply every two hours or after heavy sweating. Pay attention to commonly missed areas: the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, your feet (if playing barefoot), and the part in your hair. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) tend to stay put better during heavy sweating than chemical formulas.
Sunglasses are useful between games and during warmups. For actual play, most players remove them because they can shift during dives and block peripheral vision. If you do play in sunglasses, get a pair with a secure sport strap and polarized lenses to cut the sand glare. Sand-proof designs with a snug wrap-around fit keep grit from getting behind the lenses.
Visors and hats are not practical during competitive play, but they are essential between games and during warmups. A visor keeps the sun off your face while letting heat escape from the top of your head. Keep one in your bag for downtime.
Accessories That Actually Help
A few accessories can improve your comfort and prevent common injuries on the sand court.
Headbands and hair ties keep hair and sweat out of your eyes. This sounds minor until you miss a read because you were pushing hair out of your face. Thick sport headbands with silicone grip work better than thin ones for sweaty conditions.
Ankle braces are one of the most common accessories in volleyball at any level. Landing on an uneven sand surface or on another player’s foot is a leading cause of ankle injuries. A lightweight lace-up ankle brace provides support without significantly limiting mobility. Many experienced players wear them preventatively, not just after an injury.
Finger tape (athletic tape wrapped around finger joints) is common among setters and blockers. It supports the finger joints during repeated ball contact and can prevent jammed fingers. If you are working on your hand skills, our beach volleyball serving tips guide covers proper technique that also reduces hand strain.
Knee pads are less common in beach volleyball than indoor, because sand is naturally forgiving. However, if you play on hard-packed sand or a well-worn court, volleyball-specific knee pads can save your knees during dives. Choose slim-profile pads designed for sand rather than bulky indoor pads.
What NOT to Wear
Some items have no place on a beach volleyball court.
- Jeans or denim shorts — heavy, restrictive, hold water, cause chafing
- Regular sneakers or sandals — sneakers collect sand and throw off balance; sandals offer zero support and are a trip hazard
- Loose jewelry — rings, necklaces, bracelets, and dangling earrings can catch on the net, injure you or other players, and get lost in the sand
- Regular cotton t-shirts — absorb everything, dry slowly, and become a sand-filled weight vest
- Street clothes in general — if you would not work out in it at a gym, do not wear it on the court
The differences between sand and indoor play go beyond clothing. If you are transitioning from gym volleyball, our beach vs. indoor volleyball comparison covers all the key differences.
Competition Dress Code
If you are entering organized tournaments, you should know the basics of competition dress codes.
The FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) has updated its uniform regulations in recent years to give athletes more options. Players can now choose from a wider range of clothing including shorts, capris, and sleeves of various lengths, in addition to the traditional bikini. These rule changes reflect a push for inclusivity and allow athletes to dress according to their personal, cultural, or religious preferences.
Most amateur and recreational tournaments are far more relaxed. The typical requirement is matching team colors and no offensive graphics. Check the specific tournament rules before you show up — some events have stricter requirements than others. If you are looking for regular organized play, our guide to finding a beach volleyball league near you covers where to search and what to expect.
For competitive play, invest in quality gear. Pair it with a reliable ball from our best beach volleyballs guide and a solid net from our best beach volleyball nets recommendations.
Gear Bag Essentials
Packing the right bag saves you from scrambling at the court. Here is what every beach volleyball player should bring.
- Towel — for drying off, sitting on between games, or wiping sand off your hands
- Water bottle (insulated) — hydration is critical in the sun; bring more water than you think you need
- Extra set of clothes — a dry shirt and shorts for after play make the ride home much more comfortable
- Sunscreen — the bottle, not just what you applied at home
- First aid basics — adhesive bandages, athletic tape, antiseptic wipes, and ibuprofen cover most minor issues
- Sand-off powder or body powder — talcum-free body powder removes sand from skin quickly; apply it before you put on your street clothes
- Snacks — granola bars, fruit, or trail mix for energy between games
- Plastic bag — for wet or sandy clothes so they do not soak everything else in your bag
Weather Considerations
Beach volleyball is not always sunshine and warm sand. If you play year-round or in coastal areas, you will encounter less-than-ideal conditions.
Cold mornings call for layering. Start with a long-sleeve compression shirt and leggings, then strip down as you warm up. Bring a hoodie or jacket for between games when your body cools down quickly.
Wind affects both play and comfort. A fitted top stays in place better than a loose one when gusts pick up. Wind also accelerates cooling from sweat, so even on warm days, a windbreaker between games can prevent you from getting chilled.
Rain does not have to end your session, but it changes what you should wear. Quick-dry fabrics become even more important, and footwear (sand socks) can help with traction on wet sand. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and valuables.
FAQ
Can I wear regular athletic shorts for beach volleyball?
Yes, regular athletic shorts work fine for recreational play. Choose a pair made from quick-dry synthetic fabric with a secure waistband. Avoid basketball-length shorts that fall below the knee — they restrict movement and collect sand. Shorter running-style or volleyball-specific shorts are a better choice.
Do I need to buy special beach volleyball shoes?
No. The vast majority of players at all levels play barefoot. Sand socks are the only footwear worth considering, and only if you play on extremely hot sand or rough surfaces. Standard athletic shoes should never be worn on a sand court.
What is the best sunscreen for beach volleyball?
Look for a sport-rated, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide tend to hold up better during heavy sweating than chemical formulas. Apply 15 to 20 minutes before play and reapply every two hours. Stick-format sunscreen works well for your face because it does not drip into your eyes.
Are knee pads necessary for beach volleyball?
For most players, no. Sand is a naturally forgiving surface, and diving on loose sand rarely causes knee injuries. However, if you play on hard-packed sand, a well-worn court, or you are recovering from a knee issue, slim-profile volleyball knee pads can provide useful protection. Indoor-style bulky pads are generally too heavy and hot for sand play.
What should I wear for a beach volleyball tournament?
Check the tournament rules first. Most recreational tournaments require matching team colors and appropriate athletic wear. Competitive FIVB-sanctioned events allow a range of options from bikinis to shorts and sleeved tops. Regardless of the dress code, prioritize quick-dry synthetic fabrics, secure fits that will not shift during play, and UPF-rated materials for sun protection.