
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to pick a bocce ball attire. Should you wear shorts or pants? Are tennis shoes acceptable? These are probably just a few of your questions. Fortunately, we researched the answers for you, so you will know what to wear next time.
Bocce usually has no strict rules about attire. Most bocce players opt to wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement. These include breathable shirts, pants, and athletic shoes.
That said, always check with a specific venue or organizer for specific dress code requirements. This article will teach you the proper bocce ball attire to wear. We will also cover factors affecting your garment. But first, let us talk briefly talk about bocce ball.
What Is Bocce? Important Rules You Must Know
Bocce, also known as Italian lawn bowling, is a popular backyard game. The main goal of the game is to throw large, weighted balls as close as possible to the smaller ball called the pallino.
Bocce requires two teams with one, two, or four players. Each team has a set of colored bocce balls to throw, usually four balls.
The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team throws the pallino and bocce ball first.
After the coin toss, the starting team will roll the pallino into the court (more on this topic in the next section). The same player from that group also throws the bocce ball, attempting to get closer to the pallino than the opposing team.
Then, teams take alternate turns tossing the bocce balls toward the target. Players can roll or throw the balls, depending on their strategy. They can also attempt to hit the closest ball of the other team to
Once the two teams throw all four balls, the match or frame ends. A referee will check which team has the closest ball to the pallino. The team with their bocce balls closer to the target than the opponent’s balls earns a point. They will throw the pallino and bocce ball first in the next frame or round.
The game continues until a team scores a set number of points, usually 11 or 13. The first group to reach that point wins the game.
Where to Play Bocce?
The most common place to play bocce is in your own backyard. You can play on the natural grass or build a dedicated playing area using gravel, artificial turf, or oyster shells. The standard diameter for a bocce ball court is 60 feet long and 12 feet wide.
You can also enjoy bocce ball on already-built courts. These places usually meet proper court dimensions and surface requirements to suit more competitive games. However, we recommend contacting these bocce ball courts in advance because they might be reserved or closed for the day.
Another place where you can play bocce is the public park. While you cannot expect a dedicated bocce court, you can find open spaces or a prescibed zone to bowl. Here, you can set up a bocce game and enjoy casual play.
You might also be surprised to know that you can play bocce on beaches. The sand offers a unique twist to the game. So if you are planning a beach trip soon, consider playing a bocce game.
Finally, visit your community club and ask if bocce associations exist. They usually have dedicated facilities where you can play bocce ball on a league or tournament level.
What Do Bocce Players Wear? Plus Other Equipment to Know
In general, bocce does not have strict rules regarding bocce ball attire.
Bocce players usually wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement while playing.
A basic outfit for bocce comprises a shirt, pants, and sports shoes. However, the exact attire can vary depending on several factors, which we will cover in the next section.
As for the bocce equipment, there are three essential things to keep in mind.
First, you must have a set of bocce balls. The set must have eight weighted balls with a diameter of 74mm to 107mm. Regulation-sized bocce balls can use different materials, depending on your playing style, budget, and preferences. Popular materials for bocce balls include wood, metal, polymer, and resin.
Another essential piece of bocce equipment is the pallino. Also known as the jack or target ball, it is a small ball that is the target of the larger bocce balls to score points. It has a 40mm to 50mm diameter. Plus, it is usually white or any contrasting color to the bocce balls.
Finally, you have a carry bag where you can store the bocce balls and measuring tape after each game. You can also use this bag when traveling.
What Are the Factors Affecting Bocce Ball Attire?
Although there are no strict attire rules in bocce, many factors can affect your decision on choosing what to wear.
Below, we will teach you five factors that impact your bocce ball outfit.
Level of Play (Casual vs. Competitive)
The primary factor that affects bocce ball attire is the level of play or competitiveness.
If you are playing bocce in your backyard, you can choose comfortable and relaxed clothing. You can even dress in your loungewear if you want. No one is going to judge you. After all, it is your home.
You can also wear casual bocce shirts and pants when playing at parks or community centers.
And if you are at the beach, you can play bocce wearing a bikini (for women) or board shorts (for men).
However, bocce players who want to join competitions or organized leagues must follow specific dress code requirements. These vary depending on the organization. But to give you an idea, they usually require team uniforms or bocce shirts with designated team colors.
Type of Venue (Indoor vs. Outdoor)
The type of court venue can also affect your decision when picking a bocce ball attire.
You can wear light clothing when playing at indoor bocce ball courts. There is no need to wear a hat or a visor to shield your face from the sun.
However, if you are playing outdoors, you may want to dress in long-sleeved bocce shirts and pants. Doing so protects your skin from insect bites and harmful UV rays. Also, consider getting a raincoat or a hat if you live in an area that usually rains.
Climate and Weather
The weather is another factor that plays a role in choosing the proper bocce attire.
If you live in a place with warmer weather, you can opt for lightweight clothing. These include short-sleeved bocce shirts, tank tops, and shorts. The fabric is also important to keep you dry from sweat throughout the day. It is best to pick clothes with moisture-wicking properties, such as polyester and nylon.
However, individuals playing in colder temperatures should wear long sleeves, jackets, and pants. Layering is a must for comfort.
Court Surface
The type of court where you play bocce can impact your attire choice.
A well-maintained bocce court allows you to wear different clothing and footwear. There is no need to think about protecting yourself from rough surfaces.
However, if you tend to play on uneven or informal bocce courts, choose sturdier athletic shoes. You may also want to dress in long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize bruises and cuts while playing bocce.
Personal Preference
Finally, personal style and comfort preference can also influence the choice of bocce ball clothing.
For example, some bocce players like wearing loose clothing for freedom of movement. Meanwhile, others are more comfortable playing in fitted bocce ball attire.
What Is the Basic Bocce Ball Attire?
The basic attire for bocce ball usually comprises the following outfit pieces.
Footwear

Wearing the right footwear is essential for bocce ball since you will be standing most of the time. Choose any athletic or sports shoes that provide stability on the court. Running shoes and tennis shoes with flat soles are great options.
However, avoid any footwear with spikes or cleats, such as soccer shoes. These can damage the bocce ball court. You should also not wear slippers and open-toed shoes because they do not offer sufficient protection.
Clothing

Bocce ball players can wear simple t-shirts or polo shirts with breathable fabrics. Look for clothing pieces made of nylon or spandex materials. They provide comfort and easy movement during gameplay.
As for bottom wear, participants can choose to don shorts or lightweight pants, depending on the temperature. Female bocce players can wear leggings or tights if they wish.
You can also wear tracksuits or jerseys for ease of movement. These clothing pieces can even create a sense of team unity.
Accessories

If you are playing bocce outdoors, consider wearing accessories. These include a hat or visor to protect your head or face from the sun’s glare. It can also prevent sweat from entering your eyes while you are in the middle of a game.
Besides hats, you can also wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun. They can also improve your visibility, especially when playing on a sunny day.
Is There A Dress Code for Professional Bocce Leagues?
While bocce usually has no strict dress code, professional leagues may set standards on the proper attire to wear. The exact dress code can vary depending on the tournament rules.
But to give you an idea, we will include some general guidelines for professional bocce leagues below.
First, players of each team must wear matching uniforms or jerseys. These include a polo shirt with the team name or logo and matching bottom wear, such as shorts or pants.
As for footwear, participants must choose flat-soled and closed-toe shoes. Avoid any footwear with spikes or cleats because they are prohibited on the court surface.
You should not also wear clothing with offensive or inappropriate language or images. Players must always maintain professionalism in terms of their outfit choices.
At the end of the day, though, it is best to ask the specific bocce league about their dress code requirements. Do not hesitate to contact them or review their official rules to get the most accurate information.
Conclusion
If you want to move freely in the bocce ball court, you must wear the proper attire. It can also ensure your safety while playing.
Bocce has no strict attire rules. You can wear comfortable shirts, shorts, or pants for easy movement on the court. However, if you want to join a professional bocce league, check if they have dress code requirements.
Do you have other questions about bocce ball outfit? Feel free to visit our contact page and send your queries!