Women’s tennis fashion worth wearing off the court

With Australia behind us, and tennis tournaments in Paris and London to look forward to, this summer is set to bring yet another season of high drama and impeccable fashion. From the Williams sisters' knockout combinations to Emma Raducanu’s effortless clean girl aesthetic, women’s tennis serves up an unbeatable mix of skill and style — but why leave it to the pros? Tenniscore is going to be lining the streets in no time. To help you serve preppy tennis looks off court, we’ve put together our favorite pieces. For more athleisure styles check out our activewear selection.

Designer tennis skirts: serve preppy summer style

The classic tennis skirt — a fun, preppy nod to sartorial tennis codes. Whether you take cues from Serena Williams’ denim skirt at the 2004 US Open or Billie Jean King’s crisp A-line silhouettes, there are numerous ways to work this piece. Our curation features pleated mini skirts, drawstring waistbands and towelling fabric from brands like Miu Miu, Polo Ralph Lauren and Brunello Cucinelli.

Designer tennis sneakers: perfect your footwork

Build your outfit from the ground up with a pair of designer tennis shoes. From the canvas plimsolls of the 20s to the low-tops popularized in the 70s and, today, tech-focused styles with ample cushioning — tennis shoe lore is as varied as it is storied. More closely aligned to the modern-day tennis sneaker, ASICS bring a sporty dad energy while Miu Miu and Jacquemus offer vintage slim-sole design with a modern finish.

Designer tennis dresses: ace your outfit

Marta Kostyuk’s halterneck design inspired by her wedding dress, Naomi Osaka’s bow detailing at the 24 US Open — we could go on. Tennis dresses are a multifunctional nod to the tennis trend. Below, Thom Browne lives up to its preppy nature with a polo shirt dress that’s calling out for boots and a biker jacket. Miu Miu adds technical elements to the classic fit and flare and Lacoste plays with flashes of green while Casablanca champions a bodycon fit with sporty stripes.

Designer track jackets: secure the match point

Pull your outfit together with a track jacket that promises throw-on appeal. Look for technical details and a lightweight composition that brings a sports-luxe aesthetic to a smart outfit or find a matching set for some 2000s nostalgia. Miu Miu nails the brief with a burgundy finish while SANDRO adds volume with oversized silhouettes. For a match made in heaven, pair your Brunello Cucinelli skirt with the matching jacket.

Designer tennis sweaters: rally your outfit with a sweater

Not to be confused with a cricket sweater, the tennis variety is traditionally made out of cotton for a lightweight feel. Today, modern interpretations retain the piece’s collegiate and heritage hallmarks while modernizing to ensure versatility. Lacoste emblazons a ribbed knit with its spring-ready pastel logo, Prada riffs on vintage sportswear with a short-sleeved sweatshirt and Polo Ralph Lauren lives up to its preppy name with a range of logo knits.

How to integrate tennis style into your everyday wardrobe

Athleisure has long dominated casual wardrobes but it’s not a one-rule-fits-all for its various subsets. Tennis style had a distinguished preppiness which sets it apart. 

We spoke to merchandiser, Elsa Hoang-Minh, who explained, ‘Integrating tennis style into your everyday wardrobe is about blending athletic functionality with preppy, chic and vintage aesthetics.’

So, how do we go about that?

- Don’t go all out — pick one or two tennis-inspired pieces and build the outfit around them.

- Mix trends — where there’s space for tennis skirts, there’s space for suede jackets too.

- Layer up — play with texture, shape and pattern through layerable items. 

- Mix casual and smart — throw a track jacket over some slouchy, tailored trousers and ballet pumps or pair a tennis sweater with a sequined skirt and heels. 

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OLIVIA WOODHOUSE, SEO copywriter at FARFETCH

Olivia Woodhouse is an SEO copywriter at FARFETCH, where she optimizes on-site content and has helped relaunch the fashion blog as the Fashion Feed. With a background spanning fashion, lifestyle, tech and travel, she brings a versatile voice to every project.