Let’s be honest—looking and feeling good on and off the court isn’t just about style, it’s about confidence.
Sure, court shoes are your best gear after your paddle, but right behind them? The clothes you wear. The right fit, feel, and performance matter, whether you’re battling for a win or just hanging out post-match.
Franklin Sports—an icon in the sports gear for nearly 80 years—just dropped their Flex Collection pickleball apparel for men and women, and I got to put five pieces through the ultimate wear test.
I’m picky when it comes to sports gear, but I’m downright ruthless about clothing. After six weeks in these shirts and sweatshirts, I’m giving the Flex Collection a perfect 5 out of 5 balls—and I’ve got five reasons why it’s earned every one.
Franklin's Flex Apparel fuses pro-level performance tech with everyday swagger. Stylish enough to rock from an open-play session to after pickleball drinks.
Quick Video Review
Featured Items
- Midweight Pullover Sweatshirt – Hoodie
- Athletic Lightweight Long-Sleeve Hoodie
- Performance T-Shirt
- Endurance Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
- Ultimate Polo Shirt
Design and Fabric Highlights
- Casual but tailored athletic fit
- Sizes from Small to Extra Large
- Lightweight, breathable premium stretch synthetics and cotton blends
- Stitch locked, finished hems
- Subtle branding with reflective logo
How Flex Came to Life
Will, Franklin Sports’ Product Manager, gave me the scoop on what sparked this collection: they wanted gear that delivers on-court performance but looks just as good off the court. The “Flex” name captures that spirit of flexibility—plus, check out the new ‘Flex F’ logo on every piece.
Between the high-tech fabrics, versatile fit, and pro athlete approval, these stand out from your average pickleball gear.
First Impressions
I’m a sucker for quality clothes—just ask my wife (on second thought, maybe don’t). When the Flex pieces arrived, I was pumped to try them on.
They look sharp, but what really impressed me was the fabric. In the apparel world, it’s called the “hand”—and these pieces feel soft, smooth, and substantial.
The details stood out too: sturdy stitching, smooth hems, and no rough threads at the cuffs or collar. Nothing scratchy, nothing loose.
As someone who’s 6’3” and between sizes, I found the large fit just right—no baggy sleeves or awkward tightness. Here’s a quick breakdown of how each piece performed:
Midweight Pullover Sweatshirt Hoodie – $54.99
I tried the navy version with a cool 3-D debossed logo—classy branding, big waist pocket, and super-soft cotton-poly blend inside and out. The large fit perfectly, with a true midweight feel.
The Midweight Pullover Hoodie is great for casual wear, chilly mornings, or layering when the weather’s unpredictable.
Athletic Lightweight Long-Sleeve Hoodie – $49.99
This Ether mint-green hoodie (also in charcoal and light blue) is silky-soft and surprisingly substantial for a quick-dry poly-spandex blend. Reflective Flex “F” logo and trim, plus ideal sleeve and torso length.
Awesome for layering, cool-weather play, or post-game beach walks.
Performance T-Shirt – $39.99
Poly-spandex, athletic cut, reflective logo—breathes well and dries fast. Raglan sleeves allow full arm swing; the Performance Tee is my new go-to for drills and sweaty matches.
Mine’s white, but you’ll find plenty of color options.
Endurance Long-Sleeve T-Shirt – $44.99
The Endurance Long-Sleeve Shirt long-sleeve version of the Performance Tee. Same fit, same breathability, great for layering in cooler weather. Only comes in white.
Ultimate Polo Shirt – $49.99
Poly-spandex blend, ribbed collar, and dual-color cuffs. Flattering, athletic fit—perfect tucked or untucked. As a picky polo fan, I have to say: Franklin’s Polo Shirt is top tier.
Great for both play and casual style, available in black, white, and oat.
My Top 5 Reasons to Love the Flex Collection
- Performance Fabrics: These pieces breathe, stretch, wash easily, and feel super durable. They just move with you.
- Spot-On Fit: As a picky size large, I’m thrilled—no awkward lengths, no weird sleeves, just a sweet spot for chest, waist, and arms.
- Quality Stitching: Every seam is smooth and secure. No scratchy bits, no loose threads.
- Subtle, Stylish Branding: The look is understated—clean, modern, and just enough to show off you know your gear.
- Serious Value: You get what you pay for—great materials, versatile fit, and a sharp color selection, all with top-shelf performance.
The Final Score
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Fabrics | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Fabrication/Finish | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Design | 🎾🎾🎾🎾¾ |
| Fit | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Selection | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Price Point/Value | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| OVERALL | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
My top five reasons for loving this collection really sum it up. If you care about quality—and trust a brand with nearly 80 years of history—these pieces won’t disappoint. The price might seem a bit steep at first, but once you feel the fabrics and try them on, you’ll see the value.
The construction and stitching suggest they’ll last, too. I didn’t get to test the Nite Runner shorts or joggers, but I’m betting they’re just as good.
Bottom line: with this collection, you get more than your money’s worth.
Franklin's Flex Apparel fuses pro-level performance tech with everyday swagger. Stylish enough to rock from an open-play session to after pickleball drinks.
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
