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 likes of Bottega Veneta and Miu Miu leading the pack with tennis-inspired designs as part of their SS22 collections.
We can trace contemporary women’s tennis attire back to the late 1800s where white garments were worn as a symbol of wealth. By 1890, Wimbeldon 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.
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.
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
Adidas Tennis London Shorts
If a tennis skirt isn’t your style, but you’re on the hunt for something that’s easy to move in, then these Adidas tennis shorts will make the perfect purchase.
Part of the Wimbledon collection, they are made in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans – an environmental organisation helping replace the use of virgin plastic in clothes. Made with 100 per cent recycled material, they feature an elasticated waist, an inner moisture-absorbing tight shorts and a jacquard outer layer.
Buy now £63.00, Adidas
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 £47.97, Nike
Champion Boxy Fit Cotton Half Zip Sweatshirt
If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to be unpredictable, it’s the British summertime, so don’t get caught out on the colder days and instead stay cosy with this boxy fit sweatshirt.
Made from light cotton and featuring the iconic Champion logo on the front and sleeve, this is definitely going to become your favourite athleisure item. The half zip and slight stretch in the material means it’s as comfy to play sport in as it is to wear to and from training.
Buy now £33.60, Champion
Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Crop 23”
After something longer than a skirt or shorts? Try out these cropped leggings that are made of a super lightweight and smooth Nulux fabric. The thin material is impressively supportive and, even when stretched, are not see through – so they’re perfect for those deep lunges on court. They are also great for petite women who struggle with longer length leggings as these sit perfectly just above the ankle. Available from UK size 4 to 24, this is some of the most inclusive activewear we’ve found on the market.
Buy now £78.00, Lululemon
Wimbledon Sleeveless Funnel Neck Tennis Dress White
If Wimbledon fever is taking over, then where better to purchase your newest tennis garments than its official shop? All products sport the iconic green and purple logo and detailing. The fit and flare shape is extremely flattering whilst also ensuring movement is not restrictive. We really like the cutaway back design and half zip at the front that both add that little extra to a timeless outfit.
Buy now £65.00, Wimbledon
Champion High Waist C Logo Shorts
For relaxed training days, invest in a pair of cotton loose-fitting shorts that don’t restrict movement, but equally aren’t skin tight.
Featuring a drawcord waist, two front pockets that are adequately deep for a phone or tennis ball and the iconic C logo on the hip, these will become your go-to. A word of caution, they are so comfortable you’ll be wanting to wear these all day, every day.
Buy now £23.80, Champion
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 £69.00, 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 optimise fit. Perfect for on-court wear, they feature a specific ball pocket and a phone pocket on the other side. The silicone panel on the bottom of the shorts are a great addition as it helps keep them in place and prevents them riding up or sagging. A matching skort and crop top are also available.
Buy now £45.00, Pokita
The Strathberry Tote
Carry around your tennis gear in style with this iconic Wimbledon-inspired bag from Strathberry’s collaboration with Naomi Osaka. With enough space for all the essentials – and a little more – this green, pink and grey pastel coloured bag perfectly compliments an all-white outfit and is great for looking fashionable off the court.
It has a large central space as well as several pockets for keeping smaller items like keys and jewellery safe. All bags are made enitrely from calf leather and we love that this can be worn multiple ways – in your hand, on the shoulder or crossbody thanks to the detachable shoulder strap.
Buy now £695.00, Strathberry
Lyle & Scott Women’s Bodysuit – White
As we head into warmer days (hopefully) keep cool off the court with the perfect bodysuit that is versatile and oh-so comfortable. It can be worn with leggings or a skirt, as well as paired with joggers or jeans for a casual look. Made from a thicker material than most bodysuits, this one fits well and isn’t see through at all.
Buy now £25.00, Lyle & Scott
