Everything You Need to Know About Wearing Leggings for Volleyball
Discover the common practice among players and top picks for on the court.
It’s likely what first pops into your head when you hear the word volleyball—athletes leaping, diving, and competing on the court in spandex shorts.
The shorts, typically black in color or a matching team color, are a longstanding uniform staple.
And for good reason.
With all the movement that volleyball requires (diving, jumping, bending, squatting, etc.) players need a garment that can keep up, stay put, and provide a full range of mobility.
Recently, however, there’s been a new kid on the block, as leggings have garnered lots of attention from players.
Offering an alternative fit that performs just as well, leggings give volleyball players another option when it comes to practice and gameday attire.
Here, we’ll dive into the common practice among players when it comes to leggings, why they’re worn, and our top picks for the best leggings to wear for volleyball.
Wait, since when can volleyball players wear leggings?
It used to be that players were required to all wear the same team uniform, meaning the same color, style, and cut for both jersey and shorts.
But by now you’ve likely seen an increase in both professional and college players wearing leggings during competitive play.
In 2020, the NCAA made the rule change that players are now allowed to wear either shorts or leggings so long as teammates are all wearing the same color.
For example, let’s say that your team’s uniform has a white jersey with black shorts.
It would be okay if you wear leggings during play while another teammate wears shorts, so long as they are both the same color (in this example, black).
Leggings are also widely accepted at the high school level, though it’s always best to check both league rules and with your coach before wearing them for competition.
Some leagues may require that all players wear the same attire, or in some cases, it may be a team rule implemented by the coach.
In general, however, leggings continue to surge in popularity and acceptance as suitable attire for volleyball players so long as they match colors with the rest of your team.
Why are so many volleyball players wearing leggings now?
While your classic volleyball spandex shorts remain the popular choice among players, there has been a noticeable uptick in leggings on the court.
But why is this exactly?
Why are some volleyball players opting for leggings over shorts in both practice and game settings?
The reason for most players boils down to three key benefits: comfort, coverage, and performance.
1. Some volleyball players consider leggings a more comfortable choice.
There’s a reason why leggings have become so commonplace in everyday wear, both in casual and performance settings, they’re super comfortable!
Nothing beats finding a great pair of leggings that hug and fit your lower half like a second skin.
And that snug and stretchy comfort is especially useful in volleyball, as knee pads are essential gear for the game.
Whether you’re opting for ¾ length or full-length leggings, kneepads comfortably and easily fit over the compression fabric without impacting effectiveness.
Also, because the popular choice of sock among volleyball players is a crew sock, that snug fit at the ankles allows the sock to easily pull and fit over the compression fabric.
It’s also not uncommon to see players wear shorts during games but opt for leggings during practice.
2. Leggings offer additional coverage to volleyball players.
This one is perhaps a bit more obvious, but the longer fit of leggings provides more coverage than traditional volleyball short options.
Every volleyball player is familiar with the wide range of movement the game requires.
Players need attire that stretches, supports, and secures in order to match all of the flexibility, agility, and strength performed over the course of a practice or game.
This additional coverage bolsters protection against scrapes, bumps, and court burn.
Also, if you’re someone that feels like you can’t get the fit of your volleyball shorts right (i.e. constantly adjusting and pulling down the leg hems), you may find that leggings provide a more stay-put, distraction-free fit.
3. Leggings further extend performance benefits of compression.
Just like with volleyball shorts, volleyball leggings provide multiple performance benefits thanks to the compressive pressure of the garment.
This snug and stretchy compression supports the muscles where it’s applied and boosts circulation, reducing your risk of injury and improving muscle endurance and recovery.
Compression fabric is also breathable, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying, which makes it perfect for competition and keeping focused on the court.
So, by extending the garment coverage further down the leg, you’re extending those compression benefits, as well.
Where volleyball shorts primarily benefit glute muscles, leggings can target glutes, quads, hamstrings, and in some cases the calves (depending on whether you go ¾-length for full-length).
Here are the top player-approved leggings for volleyball.
Those leggings benefits sound pretty good, right?
So much so that you’re likely interested in incorporating a pair into your own practice or gameday uniform.
That’s great!
But before you grab just any old pair of leggings to wear for volleyball, keep in mind that certain options will perform much better on the court than others.
We’re looking for performance-driven designs that are streamlined for competition without any superfluous pockets or design features.
1. Nike Pro Leggings
The Nike Pro Leggings feature soft and stretchy performance fabric that moves with you as you sprint, stretch, and lunge. These leggings sport ventilated mesh panels at the back of the lower legs for enhanced airflow and breathability during competition.
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Leggings (Full-Length)
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Leggings (Crop)
Nike’s Pro Leggings utilize sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry, comfortable, and focused. These leggings have a snug body-hugging fit and a wide and smooth mid-rise waistband that’s supportive around your core.
2. Under Armour HeatGear Leggings
The Under Armour HeatGear Leggings feature extra lightweight and breathable HeatGear fabric that wicks sweat and dries fast. These leggings sport a sleek no-pocket performance design with 4-way stretch for better movement in every direction.
Shop at Under Armour: UA HeatGear Leggings (Full-Length)
Shop at Under Armour: UA HeatGear Leggings (3/4 Length)
Under Armour’s HeatGear Leggings are constructed with ergonomic flatlock seams for an extra comfortable chafe-free fit. These leggings sport an exposed elastic waistband for a stay-put fit and are also available in a ¾ length.
3. Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tights
The Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Leggings feature signature Everlux fabric for supportive, breathable, and fast-drying performance. These leggings feel cool and comfortable against your skin and provide medium support for form and mobility.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Leggings (Full)
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Leggings (Crop)
Lululemon’s Wunder Train High-Rise Leggings sport flexible 4-way stretch, a cinch internal drawcord for a stay-put fit, and are available in 28-inch, 25-inch, and 23-inch lengths.
4. Mizuno Training Tights
The Mizuno Training Tights feature a soft and comfortable high-performance fabric that’s durable and designed to hold up against the rigors of the game. These leggings are moisture-wicking and completely non-see-through.
Available on Amazon: Mizuno Training Tights (Full-Length)
Available on Amazon: Mizuno Training Tights (3/4-Length)
Mizuno’s Training Tights sport a mid-rise cut, dual layered gusset for confidence, and an athlete specific pattern design that promotes ease of movement. These leggings are available in classic colors and both full-length and ¾-length options.
Volleyball Leggings vs. Volleyball Shorts: Which Is Right for You?
So, we’ve covered why volleyball players are incorporating leggings into their game, as well as the benefits they offer and the best picks to wear on the court.
But what option is best for you and your game?
Leggings or shorts?
Unless there’s a league or team rule stating otherwise, this decision is really going to boil down to your personal preference and what you’re looking to prioritize or emphasize on the court.
Volleyball shorts have been the longstanding go-to for a reason.
They’re well-established as a minimal fabric option that’s breathable, offers full mobility to your legs, and provides a secure and comfortable fit.
On the other hand, there’s also a reason why leggings have enjoyed a surge in popularity.
With they’re additional length, they provide an extra secure fit and further extend the performance boosting benefits of compression fabric (stability, warmth, circulation, etc.) to more of your leg muscles.
Some players find leggings to be more comfortable and offer better protection against court burn.
There isn’t a right or wrong pick here, as one option doesn’t provide a competitive edge over the other.
The only competitive edge you can gain here is by making sure you pick the one that will keep you the most comfortable, focused, and free of distraction so that you can really let your skillset shine.
A great pair of leggings isn’t the only volleyball essential that you’ll need. Get ready for the upcoming season with our Complete Volleyball Checklist.
