As a tennis player, hitting on target shots is naturally the most important thing, but looking the part comes a very close second.
With the likes of Emma Raducanu signing multi-million pound deals with fashion houses such as Tiffany & Co. and Dior and the rise in athleisure, it is clear that what you wear on court matters. Even off the court, tennis apparel has infiltrated our summer wardrobes thanks to the ubiquity of tennis skirts and dresses in our everyday wardrobes.
We can trace contemporary women’s tennis attire back to the late 1800s when white garments were worn as a symbol of wealth. By 1890, Wimbledon had enforced an all-white uniform for players and women opted for floor-length skirts, long-sleeved tops and stockings.
It wasn’t until the 1920s when French star Suzanne Lenglen shocked audiences in a flapper dress-inspired knee-length skirt and short-sleeve top on court that it evolved into what we see today. Since then, fashion and tennis have become eternally intertwined - with sports brands and high-street stores putting their own spin on classic looks. You only need to look to the Williams sisters for a masterclass in court style with off-duty appeal.
This year, the famed SW19 tournament has marked a monumental turning point for female players with dark undershorts permitted as part of new rules to ease period anxiety.
So, whether you’re taking your tennis to the next level and need game-enhancing dresses, or you’re looking to rock the ladies-who-lunch-in-their-tennis-whites, we’ve got your summer Wimbledon-inspired wardrobe sorted.
Shop our favourite pieces below.
Vuori Volley Dress
Whether styled as a high-street fashion piece, worn on the court or both, this tennis dress from Vuori works as a timeless, chic and incredibly sleek wardrobe essential. Equipped with a supportive built-in shelf bra with a barely-there feel, you can further customise your fit thanks to the removable cups.
This dress is, of course, fitted with spacious pockets to stash multiple tennis balls – making it further practical both on and off the grass, clay or hard court. Available in a classic white for the old-schoolers, or a deep grey-blue hue for the game-changers.
Buy now £52.00, Vuori
Lacoste contrast cable-knit cotton vest
Though V-neck sweater vests are most commonly associated with cricket within the wider world of sport, they serve as a practical and stylish extra layer for sportspeople and enthusiasts alike. The ultimate preppy accessory, the sweater vest has certainly had its very own renaissance in recent years – and we think no tennis-inspired outfit is complete without one.
Buy now £85.00, Lacoste
Lululemon Pace Rival Mid-Rise Skirt Long
A court-to-brunch must-have, Lululemon’s skirt is fashionable, practical and comfortable. This timeless classic will elevate your game thanks to Luxtreme technology that is lightweight, sweat-wicking and feels cool on the skin.
Women’s sportswear (and all clothing in general) never seem to have enough pockets, so we’re thankful there are two on this piece; a zip-fastened one at the back and a side drop-in on the short liner to store balls while serving.
Available in six different colours, you can choose to stick with the classic white or be bold and show off your skills in Sonic Pink or Highlight Yellow.
Buy now £58.00, Lululemon
NikeCourt Dri-FIT Advantage
All female tennis players need a classic pleated skirt in their stack of sportswear. Boasting 360 degrees of pleats, this standout skirt - worn most recently by Spanish player Paula Badosa at Wimbledon - is everything you expect it to be: lightweight, comfortable and stretchy.
Made from 75 per cent recycled polyester fibres, it comes as part of Nike’s sustainable materials range. We love the sneaky storage compartments such as the hem under the inner shorts that lets you tuck spare balls under. Available in tall, petite and standard sizing, this skirt will look good on every tennis player on and off of the court.
Buy now £51.90, Tennis Point
Bespoke Walton Tennis Bag
So, you’ve got yourself the kit, but you’ll need something to transport all your gear from home, to court and back. We couldn’t think of a better vessel for your sporting attire than this bespoke Walton tennis bag from Anya Hindmarch. Crafted from recycled canvas in a natural, vintage colourway, this tennis bag is the epitome of luxurious practicality.
Buy now £1200.00, Anya Hindmarch
PeBe Impact Sports Bra
Tennis is a high-impact sport. The lunging, running and jumping can be extremely tiresome and take its physical toll. That’s why a well-fitting sports bra that keeps you feeling secure at all times is an absolute essential. Those with larger chests may find that more of a struggle which is why we love the PeBe bra: a wire-free bra with adjustable straps that offers sizes from 30D to 36G. The bra is breathable, has smooth grip tape on the underband and is powered by WRAPA technology which cushions both horizontal and vertical movement.
Buy now £65.00, PeBe
Pokita Black Leopard Bike Shorts
Eco-conscious sportswear label Pokita creates fitness clothing made almost exclusively from recycled polyester. These shorts boast a fun black leopard print design, are high-waisted for ultimate support and the drawstring waist optimises fit. Perfect for on-court wear, they feature a specific ball pocket and a phone pocket on the other side. The silicone panels on the bottom of the shorts are a great addition as they help to keep them in place and prevent them from riding up or sagging. A matching skort and crop top are also available.
Buy now £48.00, Pokita
Hit The Slopes Colorblock Pullover
A cosy pullover is an essential piece of kit for any player, given the sheer unpredictability of British summertime. This classic, pop-button piece from Free People’s movement range is available in a vast array of colours to suit your personal style – though we’re partial to the retro-inspired blue and red combination.
Buy now £118.00, Free People
Nike Dri-FIT ADV Fly Cap
Whenever you spot Nike’s Swoosh, you know it’s a design you can trust, especially in the performance arena. This cap is breathable, sweat-wicking, easily adjustable and unstructured with four-way stretch for an unrivalled comfy finish. Bonus points go to the reflective logo.
Buy now £27.99, Nike
Side-Slit Tennis Dress
High fashion meets tennis in this gorgeous side-slit dress by Tory Burch. Complete with a built-in padded bra and crafted in a durable yet breathable stretch jersey, it’ll keep you looking and feeling cool on and off the court.
Buy now £275.00, Tory Burch
THE ROGER Centre Court
The running shoe specialists at On have made their first foray into the tennis sphere, teaming up with none other than 20-times Grand Slam winner Roger Federer.
This is the perfect all-day sneaker that provides elite-level comfort thanks to CloudTec technology. This is a feature where the sole is made to be adaptive to reduce muscle fatigue.
This tennis-inspired trainer is perfect for those easy days on the court as well as being a great smart-casual shoe whether you’re travelling or spending all day out and about.
The detailing deserves a mention with bonus points for the breathable holes on the front and side that keep your feet cool even in hot weather. There are seven different colours and they come in a wide range of sizes making them suitable for men and women.
Buy now £180.00, Net-a-Porter
Relaxed fit sweatshirt in cotton
Embrace true Challengers fashion with an authentic ‘I Told Ya’ cotton sweatshirt by Jonathan Anderson for Loewe.
Buy now £475.00, Loewe
