Clothing for pétanque in the park
Short answer: Pétanque is a calm sport with many hours outdoors, where you alternate between standing, walking and bending down. Light shorts or trousers, layers for changeable weather and clothes that cope with gravel and sun make the afternoon comfortable.
A calm sport, long hours
Pétanque is played at a relaxed pace, but a tournament or a long afternoon in the park can last many hours. You stand a lot, walk back and forth between the boules and bend down to pick them up. It is not hard exercise, but the body is active the whole time. Clothing should therefore stay comfortable for many hours and leave room to bend without pulling across the thighs and back as you reach the ground.
Shorts for warm days
On summer days shorts are the most natural choice. They give freedom at the knee when you crouch to measure the distance to the jack. Choose a length that covers what you want when you bend over, and a waistband that does not pinch. See bamboo shorts for women. Training shorts with a little more room give extra air on the hottest days of the season. See bamboo training shorts for women.
Trousers for spring and autumn
Pétanque is played well into autumn, and evenings cool down quickly. Soft trousers with an elasticated waist are comfortable for walking and bending, and they can be pulled on over shorts when the sun sets. See bamboo training trousers for women. A thin top and a windproof jacket in your bag make it easy to adapt as the breeze picks up over the course of the evening.
Sun and shade
Pétanque pitches are often in open parks or squares with little shade. A hat with a brim, sunglasses and sun cream are important on summer days. Light fabrics that let air through make the heat more bearable than dense ones. Light colours reflect more sunlight than dark ones do. Drink water regularly, even if the game does not feel strenuous, because a long afternoon in the sun adds up.
Gravel and dust
Gravel pitches mean dust on your shoes and trousers. Brush your clothes off before they go into the washing machine so that grit and sand do not end up in the drum. Shoes with closed toes protect you from the boules, which are heavy if dropped on a foot. Sandals are pleasant in the heat, but they offer no protection at all. Many players choose light trainers as a sensible compromise.
Care and storage
Viscose from bamboo is washed at 30 to 40 degrees inside out and dried on a rack. Avoid fabric softener. Keep a small bag with your regular pétanque clothes ready, so you do not have to hunt for them when someone calls and suggests a game. A bottle of water, a thin top and a towel complete the bag for a long afternoon outdoors with friends.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear on my feet for pétanque
Closed shoes, ideally light trainers. They protect against heavy boules and give better footing on gravel.
Shorts or trousers
Shorts on warm days and soft trousers in the evening or in cool weather. Many people bring both.
How do I keep gravel out of the washing machine
Brush your clothes off outdoors and empty the pockets before they go into the machine.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
