Last year, Taylor Swift’s official YouTube channel released a short lifestyle video set to the background music of her new song Fortnight. In the clip, a mere one-second shot of Taylor swinging a pickleball paddle unexpectedly ignited the curiosity of countless netizens. Many young fans, eager to try out their idol’s favorite trendy sport, flocked to the courts for a firsthand experience.
Here’s a brief introduction to pickleball: it’s a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Players use paddles and a perforated plastic ball on a court similar in size to a badminton court. The rules are simple, it’s easy to pick up, and it’s suitable for all ages. Because it’s so beginner-friendly, pickleball has rapidly risen in popularity worldwide, especially in the United States, earning the title of “one of the fastest-growing sports.” With its viral spread online, the number of people learning about and participating in the sport has continued to grow, with it now being widely promoted in schools, community centers, retirement communities, and professional tournaments.
Some sharp-eyed viewers also noticed the prominent “Kansas City Chiefs” logo on Taylor’s paddle — a nod to her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, who plays for the team. After the video was released, it wasn’t just pickleball that went viral — the athletic skirt Taylor wore while playing also became a sensation. The lavender Pirouette Skirt from the brand Popflex Active, priced at $60, sold out just 15 minutes after the video went live.
Popflex Active was founded in 2015 by Pilates video blogger Cassey Ho, who focuses on sportswear that blends functionality with stylish design. On the brand’s official website, Cassey Ho excitedly recalled the moment: “I had always dreamed of Taylor wearing something I designed, and I couldn’t believe it actually happened! I was in the salon getting my hair washed when Slack notifications suddenly exploded — I was completely confused. What just happened?!”
In fact, this wasn’t the only time Taylor Swift was spotted in that skirt. It also appeared again in behind-the-scenes footage from her I Can Do It With a Broken Heart music video, showing rehearsal moments from her concert tour released late last year.