Short version: whatever's comfortable. Here's the slightly longer version.
Leggings, shorts, joggers, a t-shirt or vest — anything you can move comfortably in. There's no padel-specific outfit required, and nobody's judging what you turn up in.
This is the only piece of kit worth getting right. Court shoes or tennis trainers are ideal because of the grip, but any supportive, grippy trainer will do for your first few games. Avoid running shoes with worn-down soles — the stopping and starting is hard on your ankles without support.
Borrow one from the club's front desk, or ask a friend. If you want your own, a basic beginner racket from Decathlon is under £30 — no need to spend more until you know you're hooked.
A water bottle, a hair tie, maybe a cap if you're playing outdoors. That's genuinely the full list — save the padel-specific gear for later.
You don't need the most expensive gear to start — just something comfortable and supportive trainers. Everything else can wait 🩷