A typical day at the courts, showing an array of fashion choices.

By Suzanne Bradley

What should I wear?

It’s a foggy Fall morning. A cold, steady wind blows up from the Sound, enveloping the Petanque courts at Civic Field in its damp, chilly cloak. There are breaks in the clouds, blue patches promising warmth from the sun, but right now it’s anything but warm. What should I wear?

If you love the outdoors, Pétanque is a great sport for you. You can enjoy a cold, windy winter day filled with sunshine, a drizzly spring day when new leaves are a green haze on the trees, or a hot summer sun. In terms of what to wear, though, you need to come prepared, and be prepared to change not once, but maybe two or three times just like our Seattle weather changes.

The answer to what to wear is layers. Even then there are a few decisions you need to make before each game. First, check the weather report; will it be sunny or cloudy or a combination of both, and most importantly check the wind speed. Second, decide on how many layers and what type. For women, I recommend long sleeve sun shirts. They are light weight and cool, and offer sun protection in the summer, but also provide a little warmth on cooler days.

Next, you may want to bring along a vest, or a fleece top with a full zipper so it’s an easy off and on again change thus helping to keep the game moving along smoothly. A windbreaker is a good idea for the final layer or a heavier quilted jacket. In all cases, I recommend one with a hood for the times when a few raindrops fall on us avid players.

Slacks are best, light weight or heavier depending on the season. Shorts are great on warm days. Personally, when it’s very cold, and yes I try to play in all types of weather, the fleece lined leggings are the best, and if it’s very, very cold I wear two pairs.

As for shoes, make sure you can stand around in them for several hours. That’s all I can say about that, because players wear all kinds of footwear depending on what works best for them.

Put on suntan lotion, or bring it with you, because most likely you’ll need to reapply it a time or two. Bring a hat, cap, straw hat or visor. Lovely as it feels, the sun can be fierce.

If you wear glasses, bring sunglasses and regular glasses. Why you ask? Because as beautifully sunny as it may be when you arrive, great dark clouds may suddenly amass on the edges of the Pétanque courts, and it becomes too dark for sunglasses, and that boule is going to end up in the wrong place.

In the end though, the game of Pétanque is about having fun. Meet new people, and make friends, or meet up with friends you already know, and share stories. Get good advise from seasoned players to make your game better. Friendly competition and camaraderie is included in every game you play. As for clothes, look forward to Summer when shorts and a t-shirt are all you’ll need, but remember the cold, refreshing air of a sunny winter day as well.

The author dressed for any weather and in high style!