Originally posted on June 24, 2022 @ 6:00 am
Last Updated on May 31, 2023 by inckredible
We all have that one friend who has a long list of fun activities they’d like to try every weekend. This weekend, you’ve decided to join the party since there’s very little on your table, and well, a little fun is good for the soul.
The activity for this weekend is bowling, and everybody’s already talking about how exciting it’ll be.
You already can’t wait to join the party. But wait! There’s one more problem – you don’t know what to wear.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s an article that explains what you should wear for the perfect bowling experience.
Bowling Pants
First, let’s mention that there are no pants designed explicitly for bowling. Any pair of pants will do; however, there are vital things to look out for when choosing the right pants for the moment. Bowling involves a lot of movement, so it would be best to go for pants made with stretchy and flexible material. On this note, yoga pants and leggings are perfect. Ripped jeans, khakis, or cargo pants with loose-fitting and unrestrictive designs would also be just fine.
Bowling Shoes
Shoes are crucial to a fun bowling experience. The difference between a great and a terrible experience can sometimes lie in the shoes. Bowling shoes have a unique design with rubber soles that give them balance and traction. Suppose you are just starting as a newbie; you’d usually be told to rent those clownish-looking shoes we all see at the bowling alley. Another available type of bowling shoe is “the performance bowling shoe.”
Performance bowling shoes are pricey and are mainly worn by bowling enthusiasts. Its design is perfect for people that are adept at bowling. One shoe has a slide design, while the other is designed to break, offering bowlers the traction and slide they need.
Side note; heels and boots are not allowed into a bowling alley. You can put on a pair of sneakers or sandals from home before changing into bowling shoes when you arrive.
Bowling Socks
Socks are an essential item in a bowler’s wardrobe, especially if you will be renting your bowling shoes. If you are keen on preventing germs, then a pair of socks is non-negotiable. Some people go as far as bringing two pairs of socks. One pair of socks to wear alongside the rented bowling shoes and the other to put on when changing into their shoes. Remember to get socks with moderate thickness, so they can fit perfectly into your bowling shoes without causing any discomfort.
Minimal Accessories
Some bowling enthusiasts will advise a zero jewelry policy. Well, it doesn’t have to be that dire. Simple jewelry pieces such as earrings and slender necklaces are okay to wear when bowling. Because bowling involves a lot of movement, oversized and heavy jewelry can be distracting and will hinder your fun. Also, since you will be using your hands a lot, we recommend letting go of your wristwatch or bracelet or bangle as they might slip off your hands.
Style Your Hair
Bowling requires ease of movement, and anything binding and restrictive will affect your performance. If you have long hair, trying to keep it away from your face to see clearly can be distracting. Putting your hair in a neat bun or ponytail is the best option when bowling. With this, you have achieved functionality while still maintaining style.
Play Dress Up
Dressing up is particularly interesting for the ladies. Who says you can’t wear a cute patterned skirt or a lovely gown? No one, because it is acceptable to wear a skirt, a gown, or even a classic romper. Just remember to look out for the length, and you are good to go. The perfect skirt or gown length for bowling is always below the knees because of the constant movement. If your dress keeps riding up, you will be distracted, thus affecting your performance.
Men are not left out of dressing up, are they? A dressier option for you will be a pair of khaki slacks with a polo shirt and a nice leather belt.
Shorts
Shorts are the perfect outfit for the bowling arena. They have the combined benefit of comfort and aesthetics. Whether you go for a pair of khaki shorts or biker shorts, you are guaranteed a fun experience because of the lack of restrictions. You can always pair any of the shorts with graphic tees or tank tops for the ultimate functionality without losing out on style.
Short-Sleeved Shirts
If you wear long sleeves, we can almost guarantee you will be spending a lot of time rolling the sleeves up your arms to allow more freedom of movement. Why not just eliminate that discomfort by going for short sleeves shirts? Unlike long sleeves, short sleeves are less restricting and more comfortable. When bowling, chances are you will get hot and sweaty. You need to wear lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton, polyester, or nylon. Examples include regular white cotton tees, polo shirts, crop tops, halter tops, etc.
Wear Extra Layers
Bowling alleys can get chilly, so putting on extra layers of clothing won’t hurt. I’m referring to lightweight jackets such as denim, leather, statement jackets (floral pattern, yes?), or striped long-sleeved shirts. And when you get hot, you can tie your jacket around your waist for a cool retro aesthetic.
A Small Bag
The final piece to your whole bowling ensemble is the bag you carry. A bag is necessary for your essentials such as phones, power banks, wallets, etc. When it comes to bags, the available options are often too numerous to count. You can choose either a cross-body bag, a tote bag, or any other bag that matches your style, as long as it is deep enough to contain your belongings.
Conclusion
Most bowling newbies wrongly assume that you need to wear a bowling uniform to enjoy bowling. I hope this guide has been able to clear any misconceptions you might have about that. Any piece of clothing from your wardrobe will serve as appropriate bowling attire. You only need to ensure that they are lightweight and flexible to allow you to move freely around the bowling alley.
