Behind the Seams: The Creative Process for the “All Eyes on Me” and “Drippy Edition” Pickleball Shorts

November 2024 • Dan Lawson

When it comes to designing pickleball apparel, mediocrity is not in our vocabulary. At Good Get Apparel, we’re here to shatter the illusion that pickleball gear has to be boring, basic, or - dare I say - beige. And let’s be real: if you’re going to dominate the court, why not do it while dripping in style? Today, I’m giving you the insider play-by-play on how we brought the “All Eyes on Me” and “Drippy Edition” pickleball shorts from a mere spark of inspiration to the beautiful creations they are today.

1. “All Eyes on Me” Pickleball Shorts: A Statement Piece That Talks Smack for You

These pickleball shorts are what happens when boldness meets function and has a love child that’s impossibly cool.

Inspiration: Picture this: you’re playing on a packed court, the sun is setting, and all eyes are on you, and not because you’re double-faulting, but because you’re serving looks. The phrase "all eyes on me" captures that unapologetic confidence every player wants to exude. We wanted these shorts to embody that energy.

Design Details:

• Visual Appeal: The geometric eyes and contrast accents are intentionally shaped like pickles to add to the overall vibe. They command attention without being obnoxious. The bold hunter green almost feels like they are perfectly made for the Masters of pickleball.
• Functionality: The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and moves as fluidly as your crosscourt dink. Oh, and did we mention pockets? Big enough for three pickleballs but sleek enough to keep you looking sharp.
• Confidence Factor: From the first sketch, these shorts were designed to be a confidence boost in fabric form.

Challenge We Overcame: Finding that balance between bold and functional was tricky. Too loud, and it risks looking like a tribute to the early 2000s. Too tame, and it wouldn’t live up to the name. After some trial and error (and a LOT of coffee), we struck the perfect chord. As always, our liners are where the personality really pops.

2. “Drippy Edition” Pickleball Shorts: Chill on A Whole 'Nother Level

If the “All Eyes on Me” shorts are about commanding attention, the “Drippy Edition” is about effortless cool. Think McConaughey meets pickleball. Alright, alright, alright.

Inspiration: The “drip” culture. It’s all about being slick, stylish, and a little unexpected. We wanted these shorts to feel like art in motion, abstract enough to stand out but refined enough to be your go-to pickleball shorts.

Design Details:

• The Drip Effect: The print is inspired by paint dripping down a canvas, symbolizing fluidity and adaptability - two key traits in pickleball (and life). The drip offers meanings on multiple levels.
• Material: We’re talking about a moisture-wicking, six-way stretch fabric that can handle both your aggressive volleys and celebratory lunges.
• Cut and Comfort: Tailored enough to look modern but roomy enough to avoid that dreaded “ride up” mid-match. Priorities, right?

Challenge We Overcame: Making sure the drip design popped without looking like a tie-dye project gone rogue. We fine-tuned the colors and placement to achieve that sleek, modern look. Pairing the orange outer short with a proper liner took some iterating but ultimately it was paired well, like a fine wine and steak.

The Process

1. Conceptualization:
   We start every design with a story. Who are these shorts for? What vibe do they give off? From there, we create mood boards, images, textures, and color palettes that guide the process.
2. Fabric Selection:
   We made some minor adjustments to the fabric for these new shorts, based on feedback from our first product run. Comfort and performance always come first. Our fabric choices offer the perfect balance of stretch, breathability, durability, and style.
3. Final Touches:
   As always, we're making tweaks to each of our products to ensure that only the best is getting out of the lab and onto the courts. We take feedback from our customers and make enhancements and adjustments. Such as, lengthening the drawstrings, printing on the size label vs an embroidered label, and providing larger sizing.

Why They Matter

These shorts aren’t just clothing—they’re confidence boosters, conversation starters, and game-changers. Whether you’re serving aces or just showing up for the snacks (no judgment), the “All Eyes on Me” and “Drippy Edition” shorts ensure you look and feel like the MVP of your crew.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pair, hit the court, and let your game—and your fit—do all the talking.

Shop the Collection Here: All Eyes on Me | Drippy Edition | All Men's Pickleball Shorts

Remember, life’s too short for boring shorts.