Bowling is a sport played under very specific circumstances – Waxed lanes, heavy balls, and a very specific scoring method, which can leave many wondering if there are strict rules when it comes to the dress code.
We all know about the specific footwear that we are given for bowling (if you didn’t know about this, don’t worry, all will be revealed).
So, if you’ve been invited to a game of bowling and are stressing about what to wear, I am here to help.
Selecting comfortable and practical clothing can enhance your bowling experience. Let’s take a look at what kind of outfits can help you do your best on the lane.
What is a Good Outfit to Wear For Bowling?
When bowling, you first and foremost want to be comfortable, whether playing professionally or for fun. Being comfortable means you have the best chance of focusing and scoring the best possible points.
You don’t want to be held back by adjusting your clothes or be immobile due to tightness. The best tip I can give is to wear loose clothing that allows easy movement.
I don’t necessarily mean anything baggy—regular trousers are fine—but something tight on your legs may restrict your flow.
There is no dress code when it comes to bowling – a t-shirt or polo shirt is always a good choice as you can look smart but also move a lot easier.
Many professionals wear bowling t-shirts; which are woven camp shirts, quite loose, and very colorful. They even have branded advertisements once you reach the big leagues.
The phrase I would use for bowling outfits is ‘smart casual’. Go for the clothes that make you feel good but are comfortable to wear. There’s no reason you can’t bowl and not look good doing it.
Can You Wear Jeans to Bowling?
You can wear practically anything to bowling. The right question is – is it best to wear jeans for bowling? As I said before, you want to be comfortable and have freedom of movement when bowling.
Jeans come in all sorts of styles, just like all trousers. They’re casual but also look smart, so I would recommend wearing jeans – but maybe a slightly looser fit.
Wearing skinny jeans may be quite restricting, especially if you are bending to then bowl the balls as best you can down an alley.
If you like a skinnier trouser then something made of a fabric that stretches is recommended. But really, loose trousers are best for giving you the momentum running up to the lane while also enabling you to bend.
Jeans are an acceptable choice for bowling (despite many people believing otherwise), but only if they allow you plenty of movement.
Do You Bring Socks to Bowling?
Socks? You might wonder why anyone would bring specific socks to bowling. First, you don’t have to bring any specific socks to go bowling if you don’t want to.
Whatever socks you like to wear are perfect for bowling. But some people suggest a thicker, more absorbent sock is best as it fills the shoe and diminishes slipping.
You can also try any type of grip sock you use at the gym. What you want is comfortable, but supports your feet in keeping them stable within the bowling shoes.
You don’t want your foot slipping around. Also, if you are borrowing shoes, it is a safe bet to wear socks as an extra layer of protection. The less your feet slip around, the better control you will have over your bowling.
As I said, there are no rules, and comfort is key once again, but a sock that grips your foot in the shoe well is highly recommended.
What Should a Girl Wear to a Bowling Date?
People rarely talk about the stress involved in dates, but there is a lot to worry about before a date, especially when you are worried about what to wear.
A bowling date presents a challenge: how to dress your best whilst being suitably equipped for bowling. A long dress might not be such a good idea as you don’t want to trip running up to the lane.
Jogging bottoms and yoga pants are a great idea as they show off your shape whilst also giving you plenty of movement. But as we said earlier, loose-fitting jeans are also a good idea.
Pretty blouses or casual pullovers for your top half also work. As long as you have plenty of freedom to move and carry the bowling balls, then you won’t have to sacrifice style.
Can You Wear Heels to Bowling?
In short, no. Once you get to the bowling alley you will be given specific shoes to make sure your game is safe. Heels may look great but they would be dangerous out on the slippery, waxed lanes.
But don’t worry, you’ll get them straight back at the end of your game and look as stunning as you did when you arrived.
Bowling shoes are completely flat and are typically made of leather or rubber. No other shoe is appropriate.
These shoes allow the right amount of slipperiness for the sliding motion when you bowl. Due to the slippery lanes, your heels can put your ankles in a lot of danger.
When it comes to footwear, bowling is very strict.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to clothing, bowling is mostly very casual. There are no specific rules other than the shoes you wear. This is purely for safety, so everything else is up to you.
But to perform well in a game, wearing smart clothing that still allows you to move freely is highly recommended.
I give loose trousers and shirts a big thumbs up, but bowling shoes must be worn. So if you follow this, you will perform to the highest standard, be comfortable and mobile. Nothing will stop you!