Last Updated on September 30, 2023

Beach volleyball is not just a game, it’s a full-body workout that requires you to be at your best.

Sand volleyball is a physically demanding sport that requires players to be agile, quick, and strong. It’s also a game of endurance, as players often have to play multiple matches in a row. To perform at their best, beach volleyball players need to have the right gear on their side.

To maximize your performance on the sand court, you need to have the right gear that can help you move freely, stay protected from the sun and the sand, and enhance your overall performance.

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Group of friends playing beach volleyball barefoot on sandy court with ocean and net in the background.
Group of friends playing beach volleyball barefoot on sandy court with ocean and net in the background.

What to Wear for Beach Volleyball

The right clothing can make a big difference in your performance on the beach volleyball court.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing sand volleyball clothing is freedom of movement. Players need to be able to move quickly and fluidly in all directions, so clothing that is too tight or restrictive can be a major hindrance.

Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable clothes are ideal for this sport, as they allow a full range of motion and keep you cool in hot weather.

Tight-fitting clothes can restrict your movements, while overly loose clothes can be distracting and cumbersome.

Opt for form-fitting tank tops and shorts that provide a comfortable fit without compromising your mobility.

BALEAF Women’s 3″ Quick Dry Mesh Swim Shorts Tankini Bottom with Liner Athletic Gym Running
Nike Women’s Volleyball Shorts

Tough Mode Womens 3″ Lightweight Running WOD Volleyball Shorts Workout Mesh Liner Zip Pocket

Mizuno Men’s 7 Inch Volley Shorts

Mizuno Victory 3.5″ Inseam Volleyball Short

Mens beach volleyball shorts

Nike 7″ Essential Vital Volley Shorts

Besides comfort, sun protection is another crucial factor in beach volleyball clothing.

Ideally, look for clothes made of UV-resistant materials that can shield your skin from harmful rays.


Womens beach volleyball tank top

MIER Women’s Sleeveless Workout Shirts UPF 50 Sun Protection Muscle Tee

Haimont Men’s Workout Tank Top Dry Fit UPF 50 Sleeveless Muscle Tee Shirt
PUMA Women’s Seamless Sports Bra

A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also protect your face and eyes from the sun’s glare, allowing you to focus on the game without any discomfort or distractions.

Clothing Regulations

The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), the international governing body for beach volleyball, establishes guidelines for players’ uniforms, particularly in esteemed events like the Olympic Games.

These regulations reflect a delicate interplay between athletic performance and cultural considerations.

It is imperative for players to familiarize themselves with the specific rules and requirements of the tournament or event they participate in, ensuring compliance with international guidelines.

Beach volleyball clothing rules have evolved over the years, mirroring the shifting dynamics of societal norms, athlete preferences, and the sport’s transformative nature.

Previously, female athletes predominantly wore bikinis, while male athletes sported tank tops and shorts.

However, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has actively addressed concerns and introduced modified regulations, aiming to offer greater flexibility and choice for athletes, fostering inclusivity within the sport.

According to FIVB rules, male beach volleyball players are mandated to wear tank tops and shorts. The shorts must adhere to specific guidelines, with the bottom hem positioned at least 10 cm above the top of the knee cap.

Female athletes, on the other hand, enjoy more varied options, including bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, or shorts paired with sleeved tops.

These regulations strive to strike a balance between granting athletes freedom of choice while maintaining considerations of modesty and comfort.

Considerations for Women

Women’s beach volleyball attire often comprises swimsuits or beach volleyball-specific uniforms, allowing for fluid movement and reduced resistance in the sand.

These outfits commonly feature bikinis or one-piece swimsuits, enabling female athletes to unleash their full potential.

While discussions surrounding the sexualization of women’s beach volleyball uniforms persist, it is essential to focus on the athletes’ skill, athleticism, and their autonomous choices regarding their clothing.

Considerations for Men

Male beach volleyball players typically opt for swim trunks or athletic shorts paired with tank tops or t-shirts.

The key lies in selecting comfortable and functional clothing that enables unrestricted movement on the sandy court.

Quick-drying materials with optimal breathability are favored, as they enhance performance and ensure maximum comfort amidst the relentless challenges of the game.


Sand Volleyball Footwear

Whether you prefer shoes or no shoes, your footwear choice can have a significant impact on your performance.

If you opt for shoes, look for ones that are lightweight, breathable, and offer good traction on the sand.

Running shoes or cross-trainers can be great options that provide both comfort and stability, helping you move quickly and confidently on the court.

For those who prefer the barefoot feel, sand socks can be a game-changer.

Sand socks are worn without shoes and made of stretchy, breathable material that fits snugly around your feet, protecting them from the hot sand, sharp rocks, and debris.

They can also provide added resistance and padding, allowing you to perform better on sand than you would barefoot.

Look for sand socks with a non-slip sole to prevent slipping and falling on wet or slippery surfaces.

Best Sand Socks for Beach Volleyball

If you’re serious about taking your beach volleyball game to the next level, here are some high-performance sand socks to consider:

ShocSox Beach Volleyball Socks
ShocSox Beach Volleyball Socks
Tilos Sport Skin Socks
Tilos Sport Skin Socks
Seavenger SeaSnugs Low-Cut Beach Volleyball Socks
Seavenger SeaSnugs Low-Cut Beach Volleyball Socks

ShocSox Beach Volleyball Socks: These sand socks feature Kevlar soles that provide superior protection against hot, coarse sand, rocks, and shells.

They’re excellent for all beach sports, including sand soccer and beach volleyball.

Tilos Sport Skin Socks: The Tilos 2.5mm Sport Skin Sock offers excellent protection from hot sand, blisters, and sunburn.

It’s perfect for beach walking and playing beach sports like soccer and volleyball.

Seavenger SeaSnugs Low-Cut Beach Volleyball Socks: These beach socks have a 2mm neoprene construction that keeps your feet warm in cold water, and a low-cut design that fits comfortably in beach volleyball shoes.

The anti-slip sole provides stability on slippery surfaces, while protecting your feet from hot sand and rocks.


Sand volleyball players
Sand volleyball players at the beach

Sand Volleyball Clothing FAQs

What should I wear for beach volleyball?

Because sand volleyball is typically played outdoors, you should be prepared for sudden changes in the weather.

We recommend dressing in layers so that you can adjust your clothing based on the temperature and weather conditions.

For the innermost layer of clothing, wear items that you would plan to wear in the hottest, sunniest weather such as breathable shorts and tank tops.

For the second layer, choose clothing that you would wear during slightly chillier weather, like a long-sleeved, breathable shirt and lightweight sweatpants.

Finally, your outermost layer should be rain and wind-protective clothing like a windbreaker jacket and moisture-wicking athletic pants.


Should I wear shoes or be barefoot when playing sand volleyball?

Some players prefer to be barefoot when playing sand volleyball because it allows for better traction and feeling of the sand.

However, being barefoot can also make your feet more susceptible to blisters and abrasions from frequent running in the sand, and hot sand can burn your feet.

If you choose to wear shoes, opt for beach volleyball shoes that have a thin sole and good traction, or sand socks that can protect your feet from the hot sand.

Sneakers, running shoes, and other types of athletic shoes are not recommended for beach volleyball because they don’t provide the necessary traction or support.


What socks are best for sand volleyball?

adjust this so it memtioms that samd socks cam be used without shoes: while many sand volleyball players opt to play barefoot, for those who prefer to wear socks, there are special sand socks available.

These socks are made of stretchy, quick-drying material that fits snugly around your feet and provides a protective barrier between your skin and the sand.

They are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, and some even have reinforced soles for added durability and protection.


What should I wear when it’s cold outside for sand volleyball?

When playing sand volleyball in cold weather, it’s important to dress warmly while still being able to move easily on the court.

Dress in layers and wear clothing that is flexible and allows for easy movement, such as fleece-lined leggings and a long-sleeved, insulated shirt.

You can also wear a hat and gloves to keep your head and hands warm.

Don’t forget to also wear rain and wind-protective clothing as your outermost layer to stay dry and warm.


Read also: How to Play Sand Soccer

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