Let’s be honest: Volleyball is not a glamorous sport. It’s played in gymnasiums. The players on the court are more likely to sweat than sparkle. But that doesn’t make it less awesome! You might be very passionate about volleyball and want to get the most out of it if you’re reading this. To do that, you need to have the best pair of volleyball pants on hand when it comes time to suit up for practice or a match.
With so many different volleyball pants available, it can be tricky to know which is the best option for your personal needs and preferences. Here is some information about what makes one pair of volleyball pants better than another and how you can find exactly what you need for your game.
What to Look for in Volleyball Pants
When it comes to volleyball pants, there are a few things to look for to make sure you’re getting the best pair for you:
Reinforced Knees
One of the biggest dangers in volleyball is the risk of knee injuries. Your knees can have many impacts when you land hard after a jump or sudden change in direction. This can lead to severe injuries like ACL tears or meniscus tears. Volleyball pants with reinforced knees can help protect you from these injuries. The extra padding around the knees absorbs some of the impact, which reduces the risk of serious injury. Another benefit of volleyball pants with reinforced knees is that they can help you move more freely.
Breathability
You will be sweating like crazy while you’re on the court. After all, volleyball is a high-intensity sport, and it’s not uncommon to break a sweat while simply warming up! For that reason, you’ll want to look for pants made with breathable fabric to stay cool, calm, and collected even as your outfit and skin become covered in sweat. Choosing the right fabric is essential regarding breathability since not all materials are treated equally regarding airflow. Synthetic fabrics like polyester are generally not as breathable as natural fabrics like cotton. However, you can find synthetic materials like nylon and spandex that are highly breathable.
Wrinkle Resistance
Wrinkle resistance is essential in volleyball pants for many reasons:
- If the fabric is prone to wrinkling, it can become uncomfortable for the player to wear.
- Wrinkles can interfere with the player’s range of motion, leading to decreased performance.
- Wrinkles in the fabric can create weak points that can tear easily, leading to the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Hence, make sure to select wrinkle-resistant fabric when you choose your volleyball pants.
Right Fit
You don’t want your volleyball pants to be too loose or tight, as either of those options can lead to injury. Loose-fitting pants may fall while playing, leading to potential issues with your knees and other joints. Tight-fitting pants, meanwhile, may put undue pressure on your muscles, which can lead to cramping and other problems.
Your pants should crop on your legs, preventing frequent adjustments during the game. If you’re shopping in-store, you can try on a few different pairs of pants to find the right fit for you. If you’re shopping online, look for websites that let you return faulty products.
Types of Volleyball Pants
There are five main types of volleyball pants. Let’s take a look at each of them below.
Volleyball Pants
Volleyball pants are exactly what they sound like: they’re short pants that only come to the knee. Volleyball pants are one of the most common types of volleyball pants. You’ll often see them in recreational volleyball leagues and high school and college games. They are also the most basic style of volleyball shorts, so they’re great for beginners.
Capri Volleyball Pants
Capri volleyball pants are much like volleyball pants but are a bit longer. You’ll most often see them come to about mid-thigh. Capri volleyball pants are more common in professional leagues and colleges but also appear in recreational leagues.
Barefoot/No-Show
Barefoot and no-show volleyball pants are designed for indoor play. They are worn without shoes, so there’s no risk of damaging the court with your shoes. Barefoot volleyball pants are very similar to volleyball pants but shorter, usually covering just above the knee.
Running Pants
Running pants are much longer than volleyball pants and are designed for playing sports like basketball and soccer. Running pants are great for indoor play since they prevent the risk of ripping the court with your shoes. Running pants are not as common in volleyball, but they do show up occasionally.
Stretch
Stretch volleyball pants are like a hybrid of cotton and spandex. Like cotton pants, they are very breathable. Like spandex pants, they are very stretchy. Stretch volleyball pants are a good choice for players who like the look of spandex but don’t want their pants to be baggy.
Properties of Different Materials Used in Volleyball Pants
Since there is a variety of materials to select from, you may want to understand the different characteristics each of them has to offer.
Mesh
If you love playing volleyball outside, mesh volleyball pants are the perfect option. These are lightweight and breathable fabrics that allow maximum airflow. If you typically play outside in the summer, pairing mesh volleyball pants will help you stay cool and prevent overheating.
Unfortunately, mesh volleyball pants aren’t great for indoor play because they aren’t very durable. They don’t provide much protection against rough or abrasive surfaces, so they’re likely to tear or rip if you play indoors. If you typically play indoors, you may want to look for a different kind of fabric.
Polyester
Polyester is the most common material in volleyball pants, but you’ll also find it in clothing like leggings and t-shirts. This is mainly because polyester is a durable fabric that can withstand countless hours of use. It’s also a light and breathable fabric, so it’s great for outdoor play and high-temperature games.
Unfortunately, polyester volleyball pants do not offer the same level of comfort and softness as fabrics like spandex. These aren’t the best option if you’re looking for a pair of pants that feels super soft and pillowy against your skin. Polyester pants are also often more expensive than other fabrics, so these are best for players who know they’ll be playing regularly and want a pair of pants that will last.
Nylon
Nylon volleyball pants are a great option for indoor play because they are durable and lightweight. Nylon volleyball pants are usually very sleek and smooth, making them very professional-looking, which is great for serious play. Nylon fabric is often coated with silicone for added durability, so it’s great for rough or abrasive surfaces like concrete floors.
Unfortunately, nylon volleyball pants aren’t very breathable, so they’re not great for outdoor play. If you play outside, you may want to look for a different fabric that allows your skin to breathe while sweating. Lastly, nylon volleyball pants are not that affordable.
Spandex
Spandex is a very popular fabric for volleyball pants. It typically comes in a mixture of nylon and spandex for added strength and flexibility. Spandex volleyball pants are soft and smooth, making them feel highly luxurious against your skin. Spandex volleyball pants are great for indoor and outdoor play.
Unfortunately, spandex volleyball pants aren’t the most durable fabric out there. These are not the best option if you play a lot and are worried about your pants ripping. Spandex pants are also usually on the more expensive side, so this fabric is best for experienced and serious volleyball players.
Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Pants
Since the men’s and women’s volleyball games are played differently, you’ll find a few key differences between men’s and women’s volleyball pants.
Men’s volleyball pants are typically longer than women’s since men play the game in a knee-length position while women play mid-thigh. Men’s pants also tend to have wider leg openings than women’s pants since men’s games are played with a higher and more powerful serve than women’s.
Women’s volleyball pants tend to be shorter, tighter, and more form-fitting than men’s, as the women’s game is played from a lower position on the court. Women’s volleyball pants are also designed with broader leg openings because women use a lower serve than men.
What if you can’t wear Volleyball Pants?
Many schools don’t permit their players to wear volleyball pants. Some players choose not to wear volleyball pants for personal, religious, or other reasons. And that’s perfectly okay!
There are several other options to wear if you can’t wear volleyball pants, like:
- You can wear athletic shorts that are similar to volleyball pants.
- You can wear a skirt or skort.
- You can wear leggings.
- Wear a pair of capri pants that end at or below the knee.
Conclusion
Many types of volleyball pants are available, making it difficult to choose the right pair for your needs and preferences. A pair of volleyball pants is a great investment, and they can provide you with many benefits, including better performance and protection from injury. To make sure you get the most out of your volleyball pants and get the most value for your money, take the time to consider what you want to wear.