Hoodie or zip-up that comes off easilyLanes tend to be air-conditioned, a Helsinki center says, so bring a layer you can shed.
Layers for a cool lane and a warm arcadeOne US chain notes it is often cooler at the lanes than over by the games.
Relaxed polo shirtOn a Helsinki bowling center’s short list of what works, beside a T-shirt.
Sweater for a casual nightA US chain’s pick for a night with friends: a comfortable tee or sweater.
T-shirt you can swing an arm inA top that leaves your swing free is among the basics in one US bowling chain’s guide.
Bottoms 4
JeansFine for a casual game, a US chain and a Helsinki center both say. Skip stiff denim.
JoggersNamed by a US chain and by a Helsinki center as an easy choice for open bowling.
Leggings for open bowlingOn a Helsinki center’s list. They stretch with the long last step to the foul line.
Pants with some stretchBowling is a swing, a bend and a slide, a US chain says, so the legs need room.
Socks and shoes 7
Crew socks rather than no-show socksLonger socks sit more comfortably in bowling shoes, one US chain’s guide says.
Flat, closed-toe shoes of your own, in BritainTwo British chains and a leisure center let you bowl in them. One chain prefers it.
Rental bowling shoesEvery guest wears bowling shoes on the lanes at one large US chain. The desk rents them.
Socks from the pro shop, if you forgotOne Delaware alley sells pairs to bowlers who arrive without. Ask at the desk.
Socks, whatever the outfitA Delaware alley says to bring a pair even when your outfit does not call for socks.
Thick, absorbent socksThe kind one Delaware alley calls best inside rental shoes.
Your own bowling shoesWelcome at one large US chain, where bringing a pair saves the rental fee.
For a league or a school team 9
Bowling jerseyAccepted with jeans or slacks at national youth regional tournaments.
Bowling shoes lent by the center, at a school matchTennessee’s school rules have the host center supply them at no cost to the student.
Collared shirt or poloFlorida’s school rules require a collar. National youth regional tournaments accept a polo.
Jeans with no holesFine at national youth regional tournaments and Tennessee school matches. Florida bans denim.
Matching team shirtRequired of school teams in Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi and New York City.
Mock turtleneck team shirtTennessee’s school rules name it beside the collared shirt as a team style.
Shirt with sleevesA Pennsylvania youth association’s tournament code wants sleeves on every shirt.
Shorts or a skirt longer than your fingertipsThe youth tournament test: stand with arms loose at your sides and check the hem.
Slacks or khakisFlorida’s school rules ask for khakis or dress pants. Mississippi’s ask for chino-style slacks.
For a night out or a party 8
Anything you would wear to the gymA Helsinki center’s rule of thumb: gym clothes or casual night-out clothes both work.
Change of clothes, if the night goes onA Helsinki center suggests one when dinner or other activities follow the bowling.
Clothes fit for a family venueOne British chain’s only request on clothing, beyond taking hoods and caps off inside.
Coordinated shirts or team colors for a groupMany groups match for a party, a Helsinki center says. It makes the photos, too.
Everyday casual clothesA US chain and a British chain both say they have no dress code. Come as you are.
Nice top with comfortable pants, for a dateSmart casual, one US chain suggests, as long as you can still bowl in it.
Retro bowling shirtThe boxy shirt with contrast piping is a favorite for themed nights, a US chain says.
Upscale casual, at a bowling loungeWhat one New York bowling lounge suggests. Check the website of a venue like it.
Leave at home 13
No big rings or braceletsThey can catch on your shirt mid-swing or fly off down the lane, a Delaware alley warns.
No floor-length skirt or wide pant legsYou could trip on them walking up to the line, a Helsinki center warns.
No hat at a school matchBanned by school rules in Florida and New York City. Tennessee excepts medical and religious wear.
No high heels on the lanesRuled out even by the British chain that lets you bowl in your own shoes.
No pencil skirt or stiff formal wearAnything that restricts movement makes it harder to bowl, a Helsinki center says.
No sandals, sliders or foam clogsOne British chain bars all open-toed footwear from its lanes for safety.
No stiff denimIt fights your stride, one US chain’s guide says.
No street shoes on the lanes, unless the center allows themA large US chain and a Helsinki center say they damage the lane. British chains allow flat, closed pairs.
No sweatpants or athletic shorts at a youth tournamentNational youth regional tournament rules list both as not allowed.
No tank top at a youth tournamentNot allowed at national youth regional tournaments, nor on a Florida school team.
No top that is tight across the shouldersOne US chain says to skip it: the arm has to swing back and through.
No trailing cords, loops or loose zippersA Delaware alley’s list of things that snag while you bowl.
No very baggy clothesThey can catch on the ball or get in the way of the swing, a Helsinki center says.
What should I wear bowling? Clothes you can swing, bend and slide in, and socks for the rental shoes. These 46 things follow what bowling centers tell their own guests, with a row for a league or a school team.
Read the full guide
What a school team or a league adds
Open bowling has almost no rules on clothes. A team may have several. Florida’s high school rules put a team in matching shirts with collars, worn with khakis, dress pants, a skirt or a skort, and allow no denim of any color. Tennessee’s allow jeans, slacks and walking shorts but not athletic pants. National youth regional tournaments accept jeans or slacks with a jersey, a T-shirt or a polo. For an adult league, ask the league secretary before the first night.
Bowl a pretend ball at home in the outfit: swing your arm back and bend the front knee. If nothing pulls, wear it.
Questions and answers
Do you need socks for bowling?
Yes, with rental shoes. One US chain’s guide says a clean pair is not optional, because you are in rental or bowling shoes all night. Forgot them? One Delaware alley sells socks at its pro shop.
Can you bowl in your own shoes?
At one large US chain, no: every guest wears bowling shoes, rented or brought from home. In Britain, two chains and a leisure center let you bowl in your own flat, closed-toe shoes.
Is there a dress code for bowling?
Usually not. A US chain and a British chain both say they have none, though the British one asks guests to take hoods and caps off. A New York bowling lounge suggests upscale casual. Leagues and school teams write their own.