Forget the sidelines—it’s safe to say that tennis-core is back making a racket this summer, volleying effortlessly between the courts and your closet. Unlike its sporting counterparts, tennis has always been synonymous with good style—be it the classic tennis whites, Rafael Nadal’s sleek tank tops, Serena Williams’ show-stopping tennis dresses, or Roger Federer’s latest Uniqlo endorsements. After all, can you ever get any more stylish than the athletes and the attendees at Wimbledon? Where the likes of Princess Diana, David Beckham, Kendall Jenner, and Kate Middleton have graced the matches in tennis-core style at its peak. Pristine whites, classic Ralph Lauren, soft linens, and pleated skirts—need I add more?
Although always quite popular, tennis-core has suddenly been pushed deeper into mainstream fashion largely due to Luca Guadagnino’s latest release, Challengers, starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist. On-screen, their tennis uniform exudes a seductive charm—from collegiate wear to sleek Grand Slam attires—crafted under the discerning eye of Loewe’s Creative Director Jonathon Anderson. But, you see, the true allure of tennis fashion lies in its embrace of tradition and old-money elegance. It’s diamond tennis bracelets, preppy outfits, and an effortless sophistication that screams generational wealth and a youth filled with sailing and horseback riding lessons. We love the rich and we love embodying the rich—first with “quiet fashion” made popular by Succession, and now this. And that’s why, Wimbledon might end soon and Zendaya’s iconic Challengers wardrobe might die down, but the tennis-core is here to stay.
What is Tennis-Core Fashion?
Tennis-core is the newest member of the core aesthetic dominating the fashion industry, for example, like the recent viral ‘golfcore’ trend. However, if you step onto the court of fashion history, you’ll find that tennis core — a perennial favourite blending sporty allure with the timeless elegance of the elite—has existed forever. It doesn’t matter if you’re athletic or not—the trend only cares about whether or not you look like you have an offshore bank account and maybe a house in the Hamptons. The palette is understated silhouettes and colours—whites, creams, yellows, greens; exercise dresses, pleated skirts, knit polos, and sporty visors are also thrown in the mix. Picture pleated skirts swishing with grace, crisp whites that define sophistication, and vintage-inspired sweaters that evoke a sense of sporting heritage. It’s a tribute to the genteel days of country clubs and sun-soaked terraces, where every serve is a statement, and every outfit is a serve.
But don’t be fooled—this is no minimalist movement. Tennis, much like skiing, is a sport that is historically associated with the top 1 per cent. Tennis-core is dripping in quiet luxury, from gold watches with ruby bezels to sparkly diamond bracelets that catch the sunlight just right. Think of it as the love child of athleisure and haute couture, where sporty meets chic in the most fabulous way possible.
Fashion brands have swiftly jumped on the tennis-core bandwagon, serving up collections that are both nostalgic and innovative. Heritage brands like Lacoste blend traditional tennis wear with modern streetwear influences, while labels like Ralph Lauren and Loewe add a high-fashion spin that turns heads both on and off the court. It’s a style that’s as much about the attitude as it is about the attire.
In essence, tennis-core is a sartorial nod to the upper echelons of society—a look that whispers wealth and status with every pleat and polo. It’s about embracing a tradition of luxury, one outfit at a time, and making sure you look absolutely smashing while doing it.
How to Dress Tennis-Core?
Thanks to the trend, tennis-core is now becoming more accessible than ever and you can easily embrace the art of tennis-core. Think sporty chic and timeless sophistication. For instance, a pleated tennis skirt is a must-have, in my opinion, and is the most obvious silhouette that transitions effortlessly from the courts to casual outings. You can pair it with classic polo shirts or vintage-inspired sweaters to invoke a sense of collegiate chic. Also, think cable-knit vests casually tied around the shoulders and cashmere sweaters that exude understated luxury.
Moreover, the tennis dress is also as traditional and preppy as it gets. Be it Tory Burch’s pleated dress or Lululemon’s sleek white style, there are a lot of tennis dresses out there now. Footwear has also started playing a pivotal role in completing your tennis-core ensemble. Feel free to ditch your Adidas Sambas and opt for retro tennis sneakers like the iconic Adidas Stan Smiths or the Reebok Club C.
As for accessories, they are key to elevating your tennis-core game. Layer on tennis bracelets and necklaces for a touch of glamour, and a quilted tennis tote bag can enhance that polished country club vibe. Also add a classic cap or a visor to channel that effortless, inner tennis pro.
When selecting outfits, stick to a refined colour palette of whites, creams, and pastels that mirror the pristine courts of Wimbledon. Avoid streetwear influences—tennis-core is all about embracing tradition with tailored fits and polished details.
Image Credit: Ralph Lauren
Brands Acing the Tennis-Core Trend
Several brands are leading the charge in the tennis-core trend, offering pieces that seamlessly blend sportiness with high fashion. Here are some of the top brands to watch:
Uniqlo
Uniqlo is acing the tennis-core trend with its chic collaboration featuring Roger Federer. Since Federer became the brand’s ambassador in 2018, Uniqlo has blended high-tech performance fabrics with stylish designs. The Roger Federer Collection by JW Anderson, inspired by ’70s and ’80s tennis uniforms, brings retro vibes with modern flair. From striped-collar polos to sleek training jackets, Uniqlo serves up tennis-core fashion that’s both functional and fabulous, proving that you can look effortlessly cool while breaking a sweat.
Lululemon
Lululemon is smashing the tennis-core trend with their varsity high-rise pleated tennis skirt, a favorite among fashion-forward athletes. Originally known for yoga wear, Lululemon’s entry into tennis apparel merges chic style with top-notch technical performance. Their court-worthy collection features advanced wicking, quick-drying fabrics, and vibrant colors inspired by Palm Springs. Whether it’s their quick-drying polos or the sherbet-colored terry wristbands, Lululemon’s tennis gear ensures you look fabulous while staying active and comfortable.
Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga’s varsity pleated tennis skirt is the darling of influencers, making waves on TikTok and Instagram. Known for blending fashion and functionality, Alo Yoga’s tennis apparel is a must-have for on and off the court. Pair their classic ribbed tank with the iconic varsity skirt for a match-winning look. Top it off with a chic solar visor to block out the sun or cozy pullovers for those cooler evenings. Alo Yoga ensures you stay stylish and comfortable, whether you’re serving aces or sipping cocktails.
Adidas
With a heritage rooted in sports, Adidas is a powerhouse in tennis-core fashion, seamlessly blending practicality with style. Their classic tennis dresses and sneakers are perfect for achieving that timeless look. Adi Dassler’s brainchild has come a long way from his mum’s wash kitchen, with tech-driven designs that streamline your game. Features like larger pockets for extra tennis balls and Heat-Ready technology keep players cool and dry. Opt for the iconic all-white tennis dress to channel Wimbledon vibes or go bold with bright yellow.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren epitomizes sophistication in the tennis-core trend, seamlessly blending preppy chic with elegance. Known for its iconic polos and pullovers, Ralph Lauren offers pieces that are perfect both on and off the court. Although the brand began with suave ties, it quickly became a staple in menswear with the release of the Polo line. As the official outfitter for Wimbledon for over a decade, Ralph Lauren delivers off-court spectator styles and preppy uniforms for Wimbledon officials, featuring classic hues like navy, green, and purple. To complete your look, opt for a pair of Heritage Court Leather trainers or a classic RL polo for peak Wimbledon chic.
Lacoste
René Lacoste, the French tennis legend, revolutionized tennis attire with his iconic polo shirts and crocodile logo, creating a brand synonymous with heritage and elegance. Today, Lacoste continues to lead the tennis-core trend with a rich legacy and modern flair. With ambassadors like Venus Williams and Novak Djokovic, Lacoste’s tennis range blends timeless style with high performance. Their polos, crafted with breathable mesh panels, are durable and chic, perfect for the court and beyond. From classic tennis dresses to sleek skirts, Lacoste’s designs honour their storied past while staying vibrant and relevant in today’s tennis world.
