What to Wear to Basketball Tryouts: A Player's Complete Guide
Tryout day isn't the time to discover your shorts won't stay up when you're sprinting or your brand-new shoes start hurting halfway through drills. What you wear doesn't have to impress the coach. It needs to let you run, cut, defend, shoot and compete without thinking about your clothes. Whether this is your first basketball tryout or you've done this plenty of times before, here's how to keep your tryout outfit simple, comfortable and ready for the court.
✓ Comfortable basketball or athletic shorts
✓ Lightweight athletic T-shirt, performance shirt or basketball top
✓ Basketball shoes you've already played in
✓ Comfortable athletic socks
✓ Optional compression shorts or 2-in-1 shorts
✓ Hair secured away from your face if needed
✓ No jewelry
Some basketball programs may also ask players to bring both a light and dark shirt so teams can be separated quickly during drills or scrimmages. Always check the instructions from your specific school, team or basketball organization before leaving home. The goal isn't to have the most expensive outfit in the gym. The goal is to forget about your outfit once the basketball starts bouncing.
What Shorts Should You Wear to Basketball Tryouts?
Your basketball shorts should let you sprint, jump, slide defensively and change direction without restricting your movement. They should also stay where they're supposed to stay. If you're constantly pulling them up, adjusting the waistband or thinking about how they feel, they're probably not the shorts you want for tryout day.
There isn't one perfect basketball-short length for every player. Some players prefer a shorter fit, some prefer a mid-length fit, others prefer a traditional longer short, and some like 2-in-1 shorts with a fitted layer underneath.
The best choice is the fit that lets you play without thinking about what you're wearing.
Not sure which fit is yours? Explore DUNTALK's Pick Ur Fit Guide to compare the different basketball-short styles.
Should You Wear Compression or 2-in-1 Shorts?
You can, but you don't have to. Some players prefer the extra coverage and secure feeling of a fitted layer underneath their basketball shorts. Others prefer traditional loose basketball shorts without one.A 2-in-1 short combines the outer basketball short and fitted inner layer in one piece.
Whichever you prefer, don't make tryout day the first time you test it. Run in it. Jump in it. Get into a defensive stance. Move side to side. If something keeps shifting, bunching or distracting you, change it before tryouts. Your clothes passed their own tryout when you stop noticing they're there.
What Shirt Should You Wear to Basketball Tryouts?
A lightweight athletic T-shirt, performance shirt, tank or basketball top is usually all you need. You should be able to raise your arms, shoot, pass and reach without the shirt restricting your shoulders or constantly needing adjustment.
You don't need a basketball jersey unless your tryout instructions specifically call for one. Some programs provide numbered jerseys or pinnies. Others may ask players to bring light and dark shirts. Check before you go.
What Basketball Shoes Should You Wear?
Wear basketball shoes that fit properly, have good traction and, preferably, that you've already played in. Tryouts aren't the ideal place to break in a brand-new pair. If you've recently bought new basketball shoes, get some court time in them before tryout day. You don't need the newest or most expensive pair in the gym. You need shoes you trust.
What Socks Should You Wear?
Comfortable athletic socks you've already worn with your basketball shoes are a safe choice. Crew, mid and other athletic sock lengths can all work.
What's more important is that your socks don't bunch under your feet, slide around or suddenly feel uncomfortable inside your shoes. Wear what works.
What Should Girls Wear to Basketball Tryouts?
Choose clothing that allows you to run, jump, shoot and defend comfortably: basketball or athletic shorts, an athletic top, basketball shoes and athletic socks. Players who prefer additional coverage may choose compression shorts or a 2-in-1 style. If you have long hair, secure it so it isn't constantly falling into your face while you're playing.
What Should Boys Wear to Basketball Tryouts?
Basketball or athletic shorts, a lightweight athletic shirt, basketball shoes and comfortable athletic socks will cover the basics for most tryouts. Compression or 2-in-1 shorts are optional if that's the fit you prefer. You aren't being evaluated on whether you walked into the gym wearing the newest basketball collection. You're there to play.
What NOT to Wear to Basketball Tryouts?
Restrictive everyday clothing
Wear clothing designed to move.
Casual footwear
Wear athletic footwear appropriate for the court.
Jewelry
Jewelry can create a safety issue and may not be permitted. Leave it at home.
Clothes you're constantly adjusting
Anything that repeatedly steals your attention from the court doesn't belong in your tryout rotation.
Brand-new gear you've never tested
New doesn't automatically mean better. Gear you've already played comfortably in may be the smarter choice.
Your Clothes Should Be the Last Thing You're Thinking About
Once tryouts start, your attention has somewhere better to be: on the coach, the drill, your assignment, the player you're guarding, getting back on defense, communicating and the next possession. That's the real test of good basketball clothing. It isn't whether everyone notices what you're wearing when you walk into the gym. It's whether you stop noticing it once you start playing.
What Else Should You Bring?
✓ Water bottle
✓ Basketball, if requested
✓ Light and dark shirts, if requested
✓ Any required registration information
✓ Personal items you normally need during physical activity
Different programs have different requirements. Check the actual tryout instructions instead of assuming. And pack the night before.
What If This Is Your First Basketball Tryout?
You don't need a closet full of basketball gear before you're allowed to walk into a gym.
Start with the basics: Athletic shorts. Athletic shirt. Appropriate court shoes. Comfortable socks. Water.
Then check whether your particular tryout requires anything else. Don't let not owning a basketball jersey or expensive basketball clothing stop you from trying out. Everyone has a first tryout.
Basketball Tryout Clothing FAQ
Can I wear regular athletic shorts to basketball tryouts?
Yes. If they're comfortable, stay secure and allow you to run, jump and move freely, regular athletic shorts can work.
Should I wear a basketball jersey to tryouts?
Not necessarily. A comfortable athletic shirt or basketball top is usually enough unless the organization gives different instructions.
Should I bring a light and dark shirt?
Check your tryout instructions. Some programs ask players to bring both so they can divide players during drills or scrimmages.
Are 2-in-1 shorts good for basketball tryouts?
They can be. Some players like the fitted inner layer for additional coverage and support, while others prefer traditional basketball shorts.
Should I buy a new outfit for basketball tryouts?
You don't need to. Clothing you've already played comfortably in can be the smarter option. If you buy something new, play in it before tryout day.
What matters most when choosing a basketball tryout outfit?
Movement, comfort and confidence in your gear. You should be able to sprint, jump, shoot, defend and change direction without your clothing demanding your attention.
Ready for Tryouts?
Your outfit doesn't make the team. But the right clothing can remove one unnecessary distraction and let you concentrate on what actually matters when you step onto the court. Choose clothes that move with you. Wear shoes you trust. Check the tryout instructions. Pack ahead of time.
Then go play.
Still figuring out which basketball-short fit feels right? Check out DUNTALK's Pick Ur Fit guide to compare the different options and find yours.