The best tennis brands are very aware of 2024’s fashion-first take on courtside dressing. After seasons dominated by high-design athleisure and balletcore, classic sports aesthetics like tennis and golf have been enjoying a major revival. According to industry insiders and experts creating the latest collections, there’s a logic behind this slice of inspiration.
The Best Tennis Brands, According to Vogue:
“Tennis has always been associated with elegance, including from a sartorial point of view,” says Catherine Spindler, chief brand officer of Lacoste. Spindler acknowledges that style codes are influencing traditional fashion houses and making their way far beyond the country club. Spindler points out that former tennis champion René Lacoste founded the brand in 1933 with deep roots in the sport—he developed a ball-throwing machine for training solo and later invented the polo shirt, “which has become a fashion icon adopted by all.” Now, these “sporty influenced pieces are worn in a professional environment as well as for an evening out,” she says.
Plus, people are actually playing tennis, pickleball, and racquetball again. “We started to see a resurgence of people playing tennis and racquet sports during the pandemic as a way to be active and maintain social distance,” says Shannon Quarantino, vice president of e-commerce at Splits59. Now, the company is seeing “major growth” in demand for its tennis category designed to “wear on the court and after for cocktails or brunch.” So is Alo Yoga’s now-infamous Varsity tennis skirt, an influencer staple in social feeds from TikTok to Instagram. “Our skirt is feminine and fun yet still ideal for being active, incorporating integrated short pockets that can hold tennis balls for functional fashion,” says Danny Harris, one of Alo’s CEO, the brand that “offers fashion from studio to street.” Harris agrees with Spindler and Quarantino on the categories for everyone—and everywhere—appeal “from the tennis court to a café.” All of this gets amplified in the zeitgeist even further thanks to cultural moments, like the upcoming release of Zendaya’s Challengers, which put the sport front and center.
Below, Vogue’s ultimate guide to the best tennis brands, from court essentials to designer drops.
There’s no shortage of stylish activewear at Tory Sport. Shop its bestselling skirts, dresses, and matching zip-up jackets. And make sure to not sleep on the accessories either. Tory Sport’s tennis totes are a particular favorite—and often sold-out. This convertible version features a removable racket pocket for easy wear.
For serious players, Nike fabrics are designed to perform. Its pleated tennis skirt and simple tank wick away moisture for a more comfortable win made of the brand’s signature Dri-Fit technology. The skirt features an asymmetrical pleat and built in shorts for added comfort. Add to your cart Nike’s new Vapor2 shoes designed to be worn particularly on hard courts to easily zoom from side to side with ease.
A tennis loyalist, L’Etoile sport founder Yesim Philip nails craftsmanship with feminine edge. Airy anglaise trimming and tennis ball-inspired neon trim offer stylized details on pieces that function during play. We especially love this delightful tennis white and green polo and skirt set, featuring elegant stripes and pleats. The female-led label offers tennis apparel designed to flatter, yet perform in a refreshing palette of preppy shades.
Wilson has a long history embedded in sports, especially tennis. In 1979, Wilson’s tennis balls were first used in the U.S. Open, a tradition that stands true today. Of course the brand’s racquets are favored by tennis legends including Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams. While Wilson’s tennis apparel blends familiar retro styles with modern cuts and silhouettes making it a reliable fan-favorite.
Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and Venus Williams are some of the best tennis players in the world that act as Lacoste ambassadors. “This wardrobe, imbued with the brand’s strong fashion DNA, is part of a desire to respond to new lifestyles,” Spindler says of Lacoste’s aim to “create versatile clothes to accompany women’s lives.” Find a vast array of tennis dresses, skirts, and sweaters that hark back to the Lacoste ethos, while feeling fresh and vibrant for today’s tennis world.
Whether strolling across a Parisian courtyard or an actual tennis court, these signature three stripes can be seen in a plethora of places. From track jackets to breezy tennis dresses, there’s something for every type of player. Opt for the classic Adidas tennis dress in all white to channel a game at Wimbledon or opt for a more colorful version in bright yellow. Whichever you choose, rest assured, these dresses are made of lightweight, HEAT.RDY technology to help you ace your game in even the most sweltering heat.
For tenniscore enthusiasts, Recreational Habits offers a V-neck tennis dress aptly named “Chris,” which we can safely assume is an ode to the beloved Chris Evert, and whom the tennis bracelet is also attributed to. Then there’s a delightful cropped sweater named the “Williams” which is surely named after the sisters that have dazzled a generation, whether watching their strategy live on the television screen or their life story on the silver screen. Tie your look together with none other than a crisp green and white jacket inspired by the iconic Billie Jean King.
For fans of FP Movement’s collection of activewear pieces, they are designed for all the athletic moments in your life, from running to yoga to tennis. Here, the Easy Does It Dress is truly one-and-done. It includes built-in shorts, made with breathable fabric, and a four-way stretch to allow you to move seamlessly around the court.
Alo Yoga is a staple among tennis players for their sleek and streamlined tennis apparel that doesn’t sacrifice style. Pair their classic ribbed tank with their iconic varsity skirt for an ace-winning combo. To keep the sun’s hot rays out of your eyes, reach for their chic solar visor. And for extra chilly nights on the court, bring along their cozy pullovers for an extra layer.
Varley’s London-to-Los Angeles design aesthetic influences its sleek and straightforward pieces. Slip into the Jane dress, or rally in style with the Darien pleated dress. Top off your look with one of the label’s signature racquet embroidered hats.
For eco-forward activewear, Girlfriend Collective turns single-use water bottles into comfy basics. Each of these waterproof shells diverts 34 bottles from landfills directly into wardrobes. The Charlie bra provides extra support with wide bonded straps to make you feel confident on the court. Pair it with the label’s chic Georgia twisted skort, which includes compressive shorts and two side mesh pockets to easily store your keys and phone.
Lululemon is known for developing high-quality technical fabrics that not only last, but are also beyond comfortable to wear. The brand’s quick-drying jersey makes its polos and dresses perform on the court—as well as the golf course, for double duty. While you stock up on their tennis must-haves, make sure to add a set of their sherbet colored terry wristbands (new for summer!) to your cart and a sleek water bottle.
The Upside marries schoolgirl prep with athletic apparel for the classiest court look. Go for the full pleated set look and add a Varsity sweater to wrap around your shoulders. Either way, you’re showing up ready to ace it. Founded by Australian Jodhi Meares, the brand is meant for those seeking sophisticated activewear that is practical, yet beautiful.
What began as a mood board for life has since bloomed into a cult-favorite lifestyle brand. The signature embroidery adorns even its athletic apparel, which has also seen its fair share of collaborations. Shop the label’s one-and-done tennis dresses or pair one of its sporty pleated tennis skirt with an understated cashmere polo for easy, off-duty court days.
Simply put, Vuori makes some of the softest clothing around. The brand has dipped into court sports, revealing a line of breathable skirts, tanks, dresses for paddle and tennis alike. Favorites include its go-to One Shot dress, available in white, black, and sky blue; the fabric is moisture-wicking and includes an interior bodysuit for form-fitting comfort.
You might know Staud for its contemporary clothing that’s exploded in its accessible luxury mission. Sure, we love its timeless classics, but we also can’t get enough of the brand’s sportswear which launched last year. Case in point: An electric green trimmed dress and flouncy pleated skirt. Pair it with the label’s collaborative sneakers with Keds, designed with an extra soft, comfortable footbed.
With the motto of “doing things,” Outdoor Voices is in the business of elevating recreation by bringing a sense of playfulness to it. An evergreen exercise dress and sleek pleated
“Doubles” dress embody just that. Plus, its eco-minded design ethos make it all the easier to get behind.
With its headquarters in Los Angeles, Splits59 brings edge and flair to its athletic-wear. New to their collection is tennis apparel, which comes in a variety of cropped polo tops and sporty striped skirts. We love the retro feel Splits59 embodies in its sportswear, while remaining versatile enough to be worn both on-and-off the court.
Inspired by New York City and a downtown sophistication, the luxury activewear brand was founded by Denise Lee in 2014. Shop the label’s chic assortment of tennis dresses, skirts, and more. We especially love this cranberry red tennis tank and matching pleated skirt. Designed with simple white piping and built in shorts to easily stow your keys and tennis balls, it’s an ace in our minds.
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