📋 In This Article
- The one rule that never changes: flat-soled shoes
- Your first visit — taster session
- Social and club roll-up play
- Club league matches
- County and national competition
- What has changed since 2023?
- What to buy first — priority order
The image of lawn bowls players in head-to-toe white is still recognisable — but the reality in 2025 is much more relaxed. Bowls England updated its official clothing guidance in June 2023, and clubs across the country have progressively loosened their requirements over the past decade. This guide tells you exactly what to wear at every level of play, from your first taster session to county competition.
The One Rule That Never Changes: Flat-Soled Shoes
Whatever else relaxes, this never does. You must wear flat-soled shoes on any bowling green. Conventional trainers, running shoes and street shoes have ridged soles that damage grass greens — even a single heel mark can cause an irregular bounce that affects play for an entire season. This is a World Bowls law, not a club preference.
On your very first visit, most clubs have loaner flat-soled shoes available. Ask when you arrive and you will be sorted. Once you decide bowls is for you, investing in a proper pair of bowls shoes is the single most important clothing purchase you will make.
Your First Visit — Taster Session
For an initial taster session or social roll-up, bowls clubs expect nothing formal. Bowls England's official guidance for newcomers is:
- A t-shirt or polo shirt
- Tracksuit bottoms, shorts or smart trousers (no jeans required at this stage)
- Flat-soled shoes — this is the one non-negotiable
Do not worry about colours, logos or any specific style. The objective at a taster session is to get you on the green and enjoying the sport. Nobody will comment on what you are wearing as long as your soles are flat.
Social and Club Roll-Up Play
For regular club social sessions and internal roll-ups, most clubs have a reasonably relaxed dress code. Typical requirements:
- Top: Club polo shirt or a plain white/light coloured polo — club shirts are preferred but not always mandatory for social play
- Trousers/shorts: Smart grey or white trousers, or tailored bowls shorts — no jeans, cargo trousers, combat shorts or football shorts
- Shoes: Flat-soled bowls shoes — mandatory at all times on the green
💡 When in doubt, ask: Every club has slightly different social play expectations. A quick email or call to the club secretary before your first few sessions will tell you exactly what is expected. Most clubs are happy to guide new members.
Club League Matches
When representing your club in league matches, a more formal standard applies. Bowls England guidance for club competition:
- Top: Official club shirt or predominantly white regulation bowling shirt
- Below the waist: All players on the same team must wear the same colour — white or dark grey are standard
- Options: Trousers, culottes, skirts, skorts or shorts (in bowls-specific styles) are all permitted — players can choose their own option
- Socks (if visible): Should be white
- Headwear (if worn): Should be white or your club's registered colour
- Waterproofs: Any waterproof jacket or base layer can be worn — does not need to match club colours
County and National Competition
At county level and above, the dress code becomes strict. Players wear their county association's registered colours, which are formally approved. All members of the team must match exactly. Bowls England specifies:
- County registered colours above and below the waist
- Flat-soled bowling shoes at all times
- White headwear if worn
- White socks if visible
- Sandals are not permitted (except with medical certificate)
What Has Changed Since 2023?
The June 2023 Bowls England clothing update made several meaningful improvements to inclusivity and practicality:
- Shorts now fully permitted: Bowls-specific shorts are permitted at all levels including county competition (in registered colours)
- Mixed-garment choice: Players on the same team are no longer required to wear the same garment type below the waist — one player can wear trousers while another wears a skirt or shorts, as long as the colour matches
- Legacy kit accepted: Kit produced before the 2023 update can continue to be worn indefinitely — no mandatory replacement
- Additional layers: Waterproofs, base layers and leggings do not need to match club colours
What to Buy First — Priority Order
- Flat-soled shoes (essential): Buy these immediately. Budget £40–£70 for a quality pair. Drakes Pride, Taylor and Aero all make excellent beginners' flat-soled shoes.
- Club shirt: Your club will advise on this. Usually purchased through the club directly or their nominated supplier.
- Grey or white trousers: Smart grey bowls trousers are the most versatile option — work for club social play and most competitive formats.
- Waterproof jacket: Essential for UK outdoor play. White or light grey. Any quality waterproof works — bowls-specific versions are convenient but not mandatory.
- White polo shirt: A backup plain white polo is useful for guest games or early sessions before you receive your club shirt.
Clothing for Indoor Bowls
Indoor dress codes broadly mirror outdoor requirements but with two practical differences. First, very thin flat-soled slippers are often required rather than standard bowls shoes — check with your indoor centre before your first visit. Second, as the temperature is controlled indoors, heavy knitwear is usually unnecessary — a club shirt and light trousers are typically all you need.
⚠️ The most common first-timer mistake: Wearing standard trainers. Even grip-free fashion trainers often have minimal heel elevation or sole texture that clubs will ask you not to wear on the green. Dedicated flat-soled bowls shoes cost from £40 and last 5-8 years. Buy them early.