Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images Tennis-inspired fashion, from pleated skirts to retro tube socks, seems to be everywhere these days. The trend likely has something to do with the huge surge of interest in the sport during quarantine. Tennis is a perfectly suited pastime for a pandemic, after all: You’re outside and physically separated from your opponent.
Best men’s tennis clothes Nike NikeCourt Dri-FIT Victory Men’s Tennis Top $40 $40 Buy at Nike Buy Nike NikeCourt Dri-FIT Victory Men’s 7” Tennis Shorts $45 $45 Buy at Nike Buy Nike was one of the top-recommended brands among our experts. When it comes to blending performance and style, Krcelic says Nike’s tennis styles are leading the way. He’s tough on his clothes, as he plays practically every day, and says that Nike pieces have lasted longer than any other brands he’s tried over the years.
Best women’s tennis clothes Jupp Sport Maverick Top $105 $105 Buy at Jupp Sport Buy Jupp Sport Maui Skirt $112 $112 Buy at Jupp Sport Buy Like several of our other experts, Racquet magazine founder Caitlin Thompson embraces the aesthetic aspects of tennis. “If you feel like you look good, you will play well,” she says. She’s especially excited about startup brands that are putting as much focus into how their gear looks as they are on how it performs on the court.
$50 at Nike Buy Nike x Naomi Osaka Women’s Tennis Utility Shorts $90 $90 “I really like what Nike is doing with the Naomi Osaka collection,” says Thompson. “They’ve really given a lot of thought to pushing the boundaries and making clothes that are certainly meant to be played in but also have functionality and appeal off the court.” For something a little edgier, she likes these cargo-style utility shorts. Downes seconds the recommendation: “I would wear anything Naomi Osaka wears.
$15 at Zappos Buy Nike NikeCourt Multiplier Max Tennis Crew Socks $18 $18 Even if you prefer a no-show sock for running or other activities, Downes says it’s important to get something with more height for tennis to prevent blisters, because you’ll be pivoting around a lot in your shoes. She and Giacometti both like these Nike socks that wick away sweat and also have plenty of cushioning.
$25 at The Courts Buy Lacoste Sport Piqué And Fleece Tennis Visor $55 Thompson agrees with Olberding that Lacoste makes some of the best traditional tennis attire, and she personally loves their basic visors. “You can never ever go wrong with a plain, solid color visor with a little crocodile front and center,” she says. “It’s just such a classy look.”