pokemon shield how to change uniform

Pokemon Sword and Shield gym battle Source: The Pokemon Company

Best answer: No, you can't change the default uniform your character wears during Gym battles or the Pokemon League Championships.

Attack with full force!: Pokémon Sword ($60 on Amazon)
Defend with all your might!: Pokémon Shield ($60 on Amazon)

Why can't I change my uniform during Gym battles?

Pokemon Sword and Shield uniform shop Source: iMore

Though Pokemon Sword and Shield seems to imply that you can change your Gym uniform by giving you the ability to buy and obtain new uniforms, you just can't. There's no explanation for it. You're stuck wearing the same default uniform whenever you enter into a Gym challenge or the Pokemon League Championships throughout the game. That uniform is the same for everyone who plays the game (with a slight sizing variation for girl and boy trainers).

So, what can I change?

Pokemon Sword and Shield Fairy gym challenge Source: iMore

You can choose the number on the back of your jersey when you first register for the Pokemon League early in the game. You can also get haircuts and change your hairstyle, makeup, and eye color, all of which will remain the same when you enter a Gym match. Finally, while hats will disappear in Gyms, you do get to keep any eyewear you have on. Glasses wearers don't have to assume their character is unable to see their Pokemon when they start their battles.

What do I do with the Gym Leader uniforms I can buy/get from beating Gyms?

Pokemon Sword and Shield clothing change Source: iMore

This all begs the question: what the heck those Gym Leader uniforms you keep getting are for? You can wear them or buy the "types" that don't have a designated leader from a vendor in each Gym, but ironically you can only don them outside of Gym matches. Simply go to a clothing store in a town like Hammerlocke or Motostoke and use the closet. You'll see the items in your inventory.

The good thing about the Gym Leader uniforms is that you don't have to wear them in full. You can mix and match pieces just like any other piece of clothing. For instance, you can pair the ice-type leader's shirt with the Fairy-type gloves and a bunch of other non-Gym Leader clothes. It's a quick, free way to expand your wardrobe if that's a part of the game you're interested in.

Slice them down!

Pokémon Sword

Battle your way to the top

Pokémon Sword is one of two versions of the latest generation of Pokémon games. Journey through the UK-based Galar region, collect eight badges, battle rival trainers and the enthusiastic Team Yell, and catch as many Pokémon as you can.

Defend your town!

Pokémon Shield

Defend the Galar region

Pokémon Shield is just like Pokémon Sword in terms of plot, characters, and mechanics, but many Pokémon are exclusive to either version. If you're after monsters like Galarian Ponyta or past favorites like Goomy, this is the version to pick up.

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