What Do You Need to Play Bowls? A Beginner’s Buying Guide
8th Oct 2026
School Wear United • Bowls buying guide
What do you need to play bowls?
A beginner’s guide to choosing bowls, shoes, clothing and the accessories you will actually use.
School Wear United | A practical guide for new and returning players
Your first bowls shopping list can quickly become longer than it needs to be. There are different bowl models, unfamiliar size numbers, specialist shoes and accessories whose purpose is not always obvious from a photograph.
This guide helps you decide what to buy first, what to compare and what can wait. You can explore the actual products below, with each photograph and button taking you to the matching School Wear United product page.
1. Start with your type of bowls
Before choosing a model or colour, ask your club which equipment you need. “Indoor bowls” alone may not tell you enough: clarify whether you will be playing on a full-length indoor rink, a short mat or a carpet-bowls setup.
Flat green bowls
Playing lawn bowls or on a full-length indoor rink? Start here, then compare models for the conditions you play in.
Explore this rangeCrown green bowls
Joining a crown green club? Use the dedicated crown green range and check the required bowl weight with your club.
Explore this rangeShort mat & carpet bowls
Check the exact format before ordering. Equipment for these games should be selected to match your club’s setup.
Explore this range2. Which bowls should you buy?
For flat green bowls, the four Drakes Pride models below offer different choices of line and grip. Our suggested starting point for someone comparing indoor and outdoor options is the Professional. Treat it as a model to try, rather than a promise that one bowl will suit everyone.
Model comparisons follow Drakes Pride’s UK selection guidance. Your delivery and playing surface also affect the result.
Read the product options carefully before adding a set to your basket. If you cannot see the combination you need, contact us with the product name and the options you are looking for.
3. Start from the ground up: bowls shoes
Bowls England advises flat-soled shoes to help protect the playing surface. Check your club’s requirements before your first visit, including whether shoes need to be kept exclusively for indoor use. Do not assume that every everyday trainer is suitable.
When comparing footwear, look at the fastening, available sizes and product details. Think about what you will find easiest to put on and adjust, as well as how the shoe feels when standing and bending.
Browse all bowls footwear to compare the full range.
4. What should you wear for bowls?
Check the dress code before buying a complete outfit. A first practice session and a club match may have different requirements, particularly for shirt and trouser colours.
Choose clothing that lets you bend and move comfortably. Check the size chart for the individual item rather than assuming that every brand fits the same. For outdoor sessions, consider an extra layer and weather protection as part of your kit.
Shop bowls clothing for more outfit options.
5. Bags and accessories: add what you will use
Once you have chosen your main equipment, think about the journey to the club. How many bowls will you carry? Do you also need space for shoes and spare clothing? Compare a bag’s listed capacity and dimensions with your own kit before buying.
Care products and smaller accessories can be sensible additions after you know what is already in your kit. Buy for a specific purpose, and follow the instructions supplied with care products.
Explore bowls bags, care and grip products and short mat and carpet bowls equipment for more options.
6. Your first-purchase checklist
Use this list to build a kit around the way you play. These are suggested shopping priorities, not a pre-packed bundle.
| Your situation | What to prioritise | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Trying bowls for the first time | Club-approved footwear and comfortable clothing | Ask which bowls and equipment you can borrow. |
| Ready to buy your own bowls | A model, size, weight and grip you have tried | Match the equipment to your game and playing surface. |
| Playing regularly | A suitable bag and club clothing | Check capacity, measurements and dress requirements. |
| Playing outdoors | Weather-appropriate layers and waterproof options | Check sizing and what fits over your usual outfit. |
| Buying a gift | An accessory the player actually needs | Confirm what they own and what they would find useful. |
Common questions before you order
Do I need to buy everything before my first session?
Ask your club what it can lend you and what you should bring. Start with what is required for that session, then make larger purchases once you have tried the game.
Which Drakes Pride bowls should a beginner choose?
There is no single model for every beginner. Use the comparison above as a shortlist, and ask your club or coach to help you try suitable options before buying.
Can I use the same equipment for every type of bowls?
Do not assume so. Confirm the type of game and the required equipment with your club, then use the matching category when shopping.
Should I buy bowls as a surprise gift?
Only if you know the exact specification the player wants. Otherwise, ask about a useful accessory or let them choose the set themselves.
Where can I see prices, sizes and delivery information?
Follow the photograph or product button to the relevant product page. Check the current options, availability and delivery information for your chosen item before ordering.
Find your next piece of bowls kit
Explore bowls, footwear, clothing and accessories, then choose the products that fit your club, your routine and your budget.
Shop the bowls rangeHave a question about a listed product? Contact School Wear United with the product name and the details you need help checking.
Further reading: Bowls England: getting started and Drakes Pride: choosing flat green bowls. Product photographs show example options; select your preferred options on the linked product page.
