What are the clothing rules in table tennis?
Under ITTF regulations, playing clothing is a short-sleeved or sleeveless shirt with shorts or a skirt (or a one-part sports outfit), socks and playing shoes. The main colour of your shirt, shorts or skirt must be clearly different from the ball. Tracksuits may only be worn during play with the referee's permission, and opponents' shirts must be easy to tell apart.
What the regulations say
The clothing rules are in Regulation 3.2.2 of the ITTF Regulations for International Competitions (ITTF Statutes 2026). The key points are:
- 3.2.2.1: playing clothing consists of "a short-sleeved or sleeveless shirt and shorts or skirt or one-part sports outfits, socks and playing shoes". Other garments, "such as part or all of a tracksuit, shall not be worn during play except with the permission of the referee".
- 3.2.2.2: "The main colour of a shirt, skirt or shorts, other than sleeves and collar of a shirt shall be clearly different from that of the ball in use."
- 3.2.2.3 and 3.2.2.4: clothing may carry numbers or lettering on the back of the shirt to identify a player, their association or club; organisers' numbers take priority on the centre back.
- 3.2.2.5: markings, trimming and jewellery must not be so conspicuous or brightly reflecting as to unsight an opponent.
- 3.2.2.6: clothing must not carry designs or lettering that might cause offence or bring the game into disrepute.
- 3.2.2.7: players in a team match should be dressed uniformly, with some exceptions such as socks and shoes.
- 3.2.2.8: opposing players and pairs "shall wear shirts that are of sufficiently different colours to enable them to be easily distinguished by spectators".
Shirt colour versus the ball
The reason for the colour rule is simple: your opponent must be able to see the ball against your body. With a white ball, a plain white shirt makes the ball hard to pick up as it leaves your bat. With an orange ball, an orange shirt does the same.
Note that the rule applies to the main colour of the shirt, shorts or skirt, not the sleeves or collar. Multicoloured or patterned shirts are common, and the referee decides whether the contrast is clear. The ITTF Handbook for Match Officials explains that a shirt with white in its pattern may be acceptable with a white ball if the contrast is clear, though some event series, such as WTT, apply their own rules.
In practice, darker and brighter colours such as red, blue, black and grey are the safe choices with a white ball, which is what most UK leagues use.
Opponents' shirts must differ
If you and your opponent turn up in similar shirts, Regulation 3.2.2.9 says that where you cannot agree who will change, the umpire decides by lot. It is worth carrying a second shirt in a different colour to tournaments.
Logos and advertising
Manufacturer logos and team names are normal on table tennis clothing. At international events there are detailed limits on the size and number of advertisements; at club and league level, ordinary branded kit is fine. Just avoid anything offensive or highly reflective.
Tracksuits
You can warm up in a tracksuit, but under 3.2.2.1 you need the referee's permission to wear all or part of one during play. In local league matches, players sometimes wear tracksuit bottoms in a cold hall; if you want to, check with your opponent, captain or league first.
What UK leagues expect
Local leagues often apply the regulations more flexibly than international events. Many expect a proper sports shirt, shorts or a skirt, and indoor shoes, and will ask you to change a shirt that clashes with the ball. Check your league handbook, because rules differ from league to league.
Choosing your kit
Shirts
Table tennis shirts are designed for quick movement and ventilation. Prices below were checked on spinfinity.uk on 20 October 2026.
- Andro Shirt Tilston Red/Black (£37.99): andro indoorDRY RECYCO microfibre with at least 50% recycled polyester and a table tennis cut, with space for team prints.
- Joola T-Shirt Airform Grey (£30.99): a light, soft, breathable shirt with a trim, traditional look.
- Stiga Shirt Pro Red (£45.99): a very thin poly mesh for ventilation, in a regular fit.
Browse our full range of table tennis T-shirts and collared shirts.
Shorts and skirts
Table tennis shorts and skirts allow a wide range of movement for low, wide stances. See our shorts and skirts.
Socks and tracksuits
Sports socks with cushioning help with the constant short movements of table tennis; see our socks. For warming up and between matches, browse tracksuits.
Wondering what to wear on your feet? Our guide to table tennis shoes vs trainers explains what to look for. For the rules on bats, rubbers and glue, see our equipment rules guide.
FAQ
What colour shirt can you wear in table tennis?
Any colour whose main colour is clearly different from the ball in use. With a white ball, red, blue, black and other darker or brighter colours are safe. The referee decides if a pattern gives enough contrast.
Can I wear a white shirt?
Not with a white ball if white is the main colour, because the ball would be hard to see. A shirt with some white in a pattern may be allowed if the referee is satisfied the contrast is clear.
Can I play in a tracksuit?
Only with the referee's permission, under Regulation 3.2.2.1. You can warm up in one. In local leagues, check with your opponent or league if you want to keep tracksuit bottoms on.
Do opponents need different colours?
Yes. Regulation 3.2.2.8 says opposing players must wear shirts of sufficiently different colours to be easily distinguished. If neither will change, the umpire decides by lot.
What should I wear to a league match?
A table tennis or sports shirt in a colour that contrasts with the ball, shorts or a skirt, sports socks and indoor shoes. Check your league handbook for any local rules.
Match-legal shirts, shorts and skirts
Browse our full table tennis clothing range.