If you're wondering what to wear to tennis in Singapore for your first session, here's the short answer: proper court or tennis shoes with flat, non-marking soles, light sports clothes that let you stretch and sweat, a cap and sunscreen for outdoor courts, and at least 1.5 litres of water. You don't need tennis whites, a fancy racket bag or anything branded. This guide covers what to wear, what to pack, how much water to bring, and what to do when Singapore's heat or rain gets in the way, with a checklist for morning, afternoon and evening sessions.
I'm Zhanna, co-founder of ContentGenZ, an ITF tennis coach and a tennis content creator. Beginners ask me this before almost every first lesson, usually the night before. Here's what I tell them.
Shoes: the one thing to get right
If you only read one section, read this one. Shoes matter more than anything else you'll wear.
Tennis is mostly short sprints, quick stops and side-to-side steps. Shoes built for that have a flat, grippy sole and a firm side so your foot doesn't roll over the edge. Running shoes are built for moving forward, with a soft, raised heel. They're fine for a first try, but the more you play, the more they'll let you down on quick changes of direction.
| Shoe | OK for a first session? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis or all-court shoes | Yes, best choice | Flat sole, side support, built for hard courts |
| Clean running shoes, flat sole | Yes, for the first few sessions | Comfortable, but less support when you move sideways |
| Badminton or indoor court shoes | Yes, on indoor courts | Grippy and supportive, but soft gum soles wear fast on outdoor hard courts |
| Skate shoes, canvas sneakers | No | Flat but no cushioning or support; slippery when wet |
| Slippers, sandals, bare feet | No | Rolled ankles waiting to happen |
Whatever you wear, check the soles. Non-marking soles are the safe choice, and most coaches recommend tennis shoes for regular play. Play! Tennis, for example, says tennis shoes are preferred and comfortable sports attire is fine.
If you're buying, don't spend big before you know you like the sport. Our beginner cost guide has typical shoe and racket prices in Singapore.
What to wear to tennis in Singapore
Comfort and sweat first, looks second. A Singapore court at 5pm can still feel like a sauna.
- Top: a light, quick-dry sports T-shirt or tank. Cotton gets heavy and stays wet.
- Bottoms: sports shorts, a tennis skirt with built-in shorts, or leggings if you prefer cover. You want to lunge and squat without thinking about it. Pockets that can hold a ball are a bonus.
- Sports bra: a medium-support one is enough for a beginner session. You'll be running more than you expect.
- Socks: sports socks that come above the shoe, so your heel doesn't rub.
- Cap or visor: for any outdoor session before about 6pm. It keeps the sun out of your eyes when you look up for a high ball.
- Hair tie, sweatband: small, but you'll miss them.
Do you need tennis whites? Not for a lesson or a public court: comfortable sports clothes and proper sports shoes are what matters. Some private clubs and condo courts have their own dress codes, so if your session is at a club, ask the coach or the front desk.
Leave jewellery at home. Rings and bracelets get in the way of your grip, and earrings and long necklaces don't mix with fast balls.
What to bring: the first-session packing list
| Item | Why | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Racket | You need one to hit | Many coaches expect adults to bring their own; ask first. Some beginner programmes provide one. |
| Water, at least 1.5 litres | Singapore heat | See the hydration maths below |
| Small towel | Sweat on your hands and grip | A face towel is enough |
| Sunscreen | Outdoor courts are rarely shaded | Put it on before you leave home |
| Phone | Court booking, calls, filming | At ActiveSG, the person who booked must be on court |
| Light snack | Sessions after school or work | A banana or a small sandwich |
| Change of shirt | For the MRT home | You'll thank me |
| Small bag | To carry everything | A backpack is fine; you don't need a racket bag yet |
Balls are usually provided by the coach in a lesson. Play! Tennis says its coaches bring the balls and players bring their own racket. If you're just playing with a friend at a booked court, one of you needs a tube of balls.
If you booked the court yourself, remember ActiveSG's rule: the person who made the booking has to be present and on court. Our ActiveSG tennis court booking guide covers rates and how booking works.
How much water to bring: the maths
Most beginners bring a 500ml bottle and run out halfway. Sport Singapore's sports safety guidance suggests:
- about 500ml of water 30 minutes before exercise
- 250ml to 500ml every half-hour during exercise
- about 1,000ml after exercise
- an isotonic or sports drink for activity longer than an hour
For a one-hour lesson, that's 500ml before you start (drink it on the way), 500ml to 1,000ml on court, and a litre afterwards. So: drink a bottle before you arrive, bring 1.5 litres to court, and refill on the way home. For a two-hour session, add a sports drink.
Sport Singapore also suggests checking that your urine is clear or light-coloured, and going easy on strong coffee before you play.
Heat, rain and lightning: a simple plan
Singapore weather decides more tennis sessions than coaches do. Here's how to plan around it.
Heat
Singapore's Heat Stress Advisory, on the myENV app and weather.gov.sg, rates heat stress as low, moderate or high using a measure called WBGT, which takes in humidity and sun as well as temperature. It shows the reading from the sensor nearest to you.
| Heat stress level | WBGT | What to do for tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Below 31°C | Play as normal; drink to the plan above |
| Moderate | 31°C to under 33°C | Shorter drills, more breaks in the shade, drink more |
| High | 33°C and above | Cut back or move the session; it's not a day to push |
The bands are as reported when the advisory launched in 2023. At moderate, the official advice is to reduce time outdoors, drink more and take regular breaks; at high, to minimise outdoor activity and cool down.
Morning and evening slots are the easiest on beginners. If your only option is a weekday afternoon (often the cheapest ActiveSG slot), wear the cap, take a break at every change of drill, and stop if you feel dizzy or sick.
Rain
Most outdoor courts in Singapore aren't covered, and wet courts are slippery. Play! Tennis asks students to check with their coach about an hour before an outdoor lesson, and says lessons may be rescheduled for bad weather. Bring a plastic bag for your phone either way.
Lightning
Sport Singapore's advice is simple: cancel or postpone outdoor activity if there are signs of lightning, and get to shelter straight away if you're caught in a storm. ActiveSG says its outdoor facilities may close in bad weather as a safety precaution. Check the weather before you leave home. If your ActiveSG booking is cut short by a lightning risk, check your account or ask the sport centre about a refund.
Your checklist by time slot
Copy this into your phone's notes.
Morning (before 10am)
- Tennis or flat-soled shoes, sports socks
- Quick-dry top, shorts or skirt
- Cap, sunscreen
- 1.5 litres of water, small breakfast an hour before
Afternoon (10am to 5pm)
- Everything above, plus
- Extra 500ml of water or a sports drink
- A second towel to cool your neck
- Check the Heat Stress Advisory before you leave
Evening (after 5pm)
- Shoes, socks, light clothes
- 1.5 litres of water
- Insect repellent for courts near parks
- A light snack if you're coming from school or work
- Check the forecast for evening thunderstorms
If you plan to film your sessions
A lot of beginners want to film their progress, which is one of the best ways to see what your coach is talking about. Add three things to the bag: a small phone tripod or clamp that can grip a fence, a charged power bank, and enough free storage for an hour of video. Ask your coach before you film, and only film your own group, not other players on nearby courts.
Learning with a coach and filming the journey
If you're a young woman aged 15 to 25 who has never held a racket, ContentGenZ is running an open call for ten complete beginners to learn over six Saturday sessions with me as their ITF coach. You get a racket at the first session and keep it once you've attended five of the six, and you film your progress from the first swing. See the programme and apply.
Sources
- Play! Tennis: Quick guide to getting started in tennis (read 9 November 2026)
- Sport Singapore: Sports safety and health check (read 9 November 2026)
- Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment: New Heat Stress Advisory launched (published 24 July 2023; read 9 November 2026)
- ActiveSG: Facilities closure (read 9 November 2026)
- Ask Gov: ActiveSG, the booking holder must be present on court (read 9 November 2026)
