Beach volleyball has specific demands on clothing that most casual players don't think about until they're mid-dive and their top is halfway up their back. The right gear for beach volleyball isn't just about looking good — it's about staying covered, staying dry, and moving without restriction through six hours of competitive or recreational play in the tropical sun.
The Core Challenge
Beach volleyball involves explosive lateral movement, diving on sand, jumping, and extended outdoor exposure. Your swimwear needs to handle all of these at once:
- Stay in place through dives, jumps, and lateral lunges without constant adjustment
- Dry quickly — sweat and optional water breaks mean you'll be wet throughout
- Not restrict shoulder range of motion — the serve and spike require full overhead extension
- Provide UV protection for a sport played entirely outdoors, often at peak UV hours
- Be comfortable against sand — you will be diving and rolling; excess fabric catches and holds sand
What to Wear: Women
Bikini (classic beach volleyball)
The traditional choice, for good reason: minimal fabric means minimal sand trapping and no excess material to restrict movement. For competitive or semi-competitive play, look for:
- Wide elastic waistband on bottoms that won't roll or slip during explosive movements
- Secure top with a racerback or cross-back strap configuration that stays in place during overhead movements
- Compressive fabric (high spandex content) that bounces back rather than stretching out through a session
Sports bikini or athletic two-piece
A step up from a standard fashion bikini — built with athletic construction (higher waistband, wider straps, more compressive fabric) that performs better in competitive contexts. More coverage than a standard bikini, less restriction than a one-piece.
Rashguard + shorts or bike shorts
The best choice for casual recreational play or all-day tournaments where UV exposure is the primary concern. A fitted long sleeve UPF 50+ rashguard with athletic shorts or rashguard swim set keeps you covered through hours of outdoor play without sunscreen reapplication. The tradeoff: slightly more fabric to manage, though a close fit minimises this.
What to Wear: Men
Board shorts (casual play)
Fine for recreational play, but longer board shorts (past the knee) restrict range of motion for explosive lateral movement and jumping. Mid-thigh length is the practical ceiling. Look for a secure waistband with a lace-tie — shorts with only elastic will creep down during play.
Compression shorts or jammers
The competitive choice. Compressive mid-thigh shorts stay in place through all movements, dry quickly, and don't fill with sand the way loose board shorts can. Pair with a close-fitting rashguard for sun coverage.
Rashguard
A short or long sleeve rashguard paired with compression shorts is the most practical outfit for extended outdoor beach volleyball. It handles sun protection, stays tucked, and dries within minutes of a water break. Choose a close athletic fit rather than a relaxed surf fit — you want the fabric moving with you, not independently.
Footwear
Barefoot is standard for beach volleyball. Sand provides enough cushioning for most play. If the sand is very hot (late afternoon on exposed beaches), water shoes or barefoot-style sand socks keep the feet cool between points without interfering with movement.
Sun Protection for Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball is one of the highest sun-exposure sports — you're outdoors for extended sessions with no shade, often at peak UV hours. Key considerations:
- Cover as much skin as possible with UPF 50+ clothing — the primary sun protection strategy
- Apply reef-safe mineral sunscreen to uncovered areas (face, shoulders if wearing a bikini) and reapply every 60–90 minutes
- A peaked cap or visor protects the face during play without restricting vision
- UV-blocking sunglasses with a secure fit or sports strap — essential for tracking the ball against a bright sky
What to Avoid
- String bikinis — the ties loosen through play and the minimal fabric provides no structural support for jumping and diving
- Long board shorts — restrict knee drive and lateral movement, and fill with sand during dives
- Loose or oversized rashguards — extra fabric bunches under the arms and against the body during overhead movements
- Cotton anything — absorbs water, takes hours to dry, loses shape, and holds sand
Frequently Asked Questions
What do beach volleyball players wear?
Competitive beach volleyball players typically wear sports bikinis (women) or compression shorts (men), with close-fitting tops. Recreational players wear whatever active swimwear stays in place and allows full range of motion — a rashguard and athletic shorts is a practical and increasingly common choice for sun protection in casual outdoor play.
Can I wear a rashguard for beach volleyball?
Yes — a close-fitting rashguard is well-suited for beach volleyball. It stays in place during all movements, dries quickly, and provides continuous sun protection without reapplication. Choose an athletic fit rather than a relaxed surf cut to minimise excess fabric during overhead movements.
What should I wear for beach volleyball in hot weather?
Lightweight, close-fitting polyester-spandex fabric — rashguard, sports bikini, or compression shorts. Avoid cotton entirely. Prioritise sun protection through UPF-rated clothing rather than sunscreen alone, which sweats and washes off during play. A ventilated sports cap protects the face and helps with heat management.
Do I need special shoes for beach volleyball?
No. Beach volleyball is played barefoot. The sand surface cushions impact and provides traction. If the sand is extremely hot, thin sand socks or water shoes work for warming up and between sets, but most players remove them for actual play.
How do I keep sand out of my shorts during beach volleyball?
Close-fitting compression shorts or athletic shorts with a snug waistband trap far less sand than loose board shorts. Diving technique also matters — landing flat rather than rolling minimises sand entry. Some players wear fitted bike shorts or compression shorts specifically to address this.
Shop SAILBEE for Asian-fit swimwear
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