Serve Up Your Style: Elevate Your Game with These Premier Tennis Brands
The Enduring Legacy of Tennis Fashion
The realms of tennis and fashion have always shared an intricate connection, with styles from the court frequently influencing mainstream trends. Throughout history, tennis icons, from the rule-bending on-court attire of Nick Kyrgios and Serena Williams to the sleek elegance of other notable players, have continuously redefined the aesthetic boundaries of the sport. Beyond the professional arena, tennis-inspired apparel is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Collaborations, such as Kith's successful partnership with Wilson, and Loewe's venture with On, which spotlighted emerging talent Ben Shelton, exemplify this trend. Furthermore, the film \"Challengers,\" featuring Zendaya and costume designer Jonathan Anderson, has undeniably sparked a demand for shorter shorts, reflecting the ongoing cultural impact of tennis on contemporary style.
The Renaissance of Vintage Tennis Attire
Fashion's deep admiration for tennis is certainly reciprocated. In recent years, there's been a noticeable shift towards appreciating the comfort, effortless sophistication, and inherent flair of classic tennis gear, moving away from the more generic, synthetic options often found in pro shops. A few years ago, the creators behind Rowing Blazers launched Arthur Ashe, a collection of preppy, tennis-influenced clothing that pays homage to the distinctive 1970s style of the sport's legendary namesake.
Rediscovering Iconic Tennis Heritage
Established tennis brands are now recognizing the wealth of inspiration within their historical archives. Nike, for instance, has successfully re-released John McEnroe's classic Attack shoe and Andre Agassi's beloved Air Tech Challenge 2. Even prominent names like Prince and Wilson have engaged in collaborations with popular independent menswear designers. While modern, moisture-wicking shorts and nylon polos remain available, there's a clear preference for sporting apparel that evokes the timeless charm of figures like Richie Tenenbaum or features artistic graphics, such as those inspired by Matisse.
Your Guide to the Forefront of Tennis Style
If you're eager to embrace this blend of athletic prowess and sartorial elegance, you've found the right resource. Below, we highlight the tennis brands that are spearheading this stylish revolution, encompassing both revitalized household names and innovative newcomers. Prepare to refresh your closet, perhaps enjoy a refreshing beverage, and step onto the court with newfound confidence and panache.
The Enduring Pillars of Tennis Apparel
These brands represent the foundational elements of tennis fashion, blending storied histories with timeless designs that continue to define the sport's aesthetic.
Fred Perry: A Legacy Woven into Sport and Streetwear
Fred Perry, founded by the celebrated three-time Wimbledon champion, originated on the tennis court but quickly permeated England's vibrant streetwear scene. Its iconic laurel wreath logo has been embraced by diverse subcultures, from the Mods to Britpop enthusiasts, including figures like Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, solidifying its dual identity in both athletic and street style circles.
Wilson: Beyond the Racket, into Refined Apparel
For anyone connected to tennis, Wilson is a familiar name, primarily known for its high-performance rackets favored by champions like Roger Federer. However, in recent years, Wilson has significantly enhanced its apparel line. While their main collection, exemplified by pieces like the 'Professionals Cardigan,' is robust, their most notable fashion endeavor has been an ongoing collaboration with NYC's Kith, consistently releasing highly sought-after apparel and equipment since 2021.
Lacoste: The Alligator's Unrivaled Influence
Undoubtedly, the Lacoste polo stands as the single most influential piece of tennis-inspired lifestyle clothing. The iconic alligator emblem is a symbol of the sport's heritage. While the trend of popped collars may have waned since its peak, the French pique specialists have maintained their prominence. They proudly sponsor one of the sport's all-time greats, Novak Djokovic, and continuously innovate with playful interpretations of their classic polo designs.
Diadora: Italian Craftsmanship Meets Athletic Excellence
With nearly eight decades of expertise in sportswear, Italian brand Diadora merits greater recognition for its high-performing athletic wear. While primarily known for running shoes, Diadora has expanded its reach across various sports, consistently delivering premium fits and superior fabrics. Their commitment to quality and style makes their offerings truly exceptional.
A.P.C.: Parisian Chic Meets Athletic Functionality
Can a fashion house truly excel in athletic wear? A.P.C. certainly proves it can. Partnering with Asics, the brand has created a stylish and athletic collection of court-ready pieces, including polos, shorts, and jackets. By incorporating technical fabrics into A.P.C.'s refined aesthetic, the collaboration produces silhouettes and fits that look equally impressive during a backhand on the court or during post-match relaxation.
The Prowess of Performance-Driven Brands
These brands are distinguished by their relentless pursuit of innovation, designing apparel that prioritizes athletic performance without compromising on style or comfort.
Reigning Champ: Master of Performance and Subtle Style
Another Vancouver-based brand highly recommended for on-court wear is Reigning Champ. While known in fitness circles, their tennis gear stands out. The Solotex line, in particular, offers an exceptional blend of luxurious feel, effective sweat management, and a superior fit, making it ideal for both athletic activities and casual wear. Their understated designs also integrate seamlessly with pieces from other brands, avoiding any visual clashes.
Lululemon: Versatility and Technical Sophistication
Lululemon has established itself as an indispensable presence in athletic wardrobes, providing gear for diverse activities such as yoga, running, gym workouts, golf, and, notably, tennis. Their lightweight polos and shorts deliver outstanding performance on all court surfaces—hard, grass, or clay—while also offering immense versatility for everyday wear. Crafted from premium technical materials, Lululemon's products transition effortlessly from active use to casual settings and maintain their quality even after repeated washes.
Uniqlo: Accessible Excellence in Athletic Basics
Uniqlo, a brand renowned for its essential menswear, also offers surprisingly effective fitness apparel. In line with all Uniqlo products, their athletic wear features contemporary fits, understated style, and an accessible price point. Their commitment to functional yet fashionable basics makes them a smart choice for both casual and athletic wardrobes.
Nike: Iconic Heritage and Cutting-Edge Innovation
Nike remains a dominant force in athletic footwear and apparel. Their tennis shoes are among the best in the sport, worn by elite players such as Naomi Osaka, Rafael Nadal, and Frances Tiafoe. Beyond performance, Nike also excels in its heritage apparel. With a rich archive of 1970s and 80s tennis classics, it's only natural for the brand to reintroduce these iconic designs, blending retro appeal with modern demands.
On: The Swiss Ascent in Tennis Performance
It's challenging to consider tennis today without acknowledging On. The Swiss brand initially gained prominence through its partnership with tennis legend Roger Federer, developing specialized tennis shoes and apparel that complemented their acclaimed running gear. Following Federer's retirement, On reinforced its commitment to tennis by signing rising stars Iga Swiatek and Ben Shelton, firmly establishing its presence in the sport's future. Their apparel has also advanced, featuring innovative designs like the distinct blurry wash on their tennis shorts.
The Fresh Faces of Tennis Fashion
These emerging brands are injecting new energy and innovative perspectives into tennis apparel, blending traditional elements with contemporary trends to create unique and stylish offerings.
Palmes: Copenhagen's Playful Approach to Court Style
Copenhagen's menswear scene continues to impress, and it's no surprise that the city has also fostered one of tennis's most vibrant and stylish young brands: Palmes. This brand effortlessly merges sophisticated tailoring with athletic wear, infused with a distinct streetwear sensibility and a touch of humor. Palmes has rapidly become a favorite on menswear moodboards, notably through collaborations like their project with the How Long Gone podcast and a retro tennis shoe remaster with Italian sportswear icon Diadora.
The Courts: Desert-Inspired Designs for On and Off-Court
The synergy between Southern California's desert landscape and tennis is undeniable. The Courts Anza-Borrego, not only a premier tennis destination but also a burgeoning merchandise hub, offers an enticing collection. Their apparel, which includes unique graphics like the aforementioned Matisse homage, adds a distinctive charm to both on-court and casual wardrobes and is conveniently available nationwide.
Jacques: Quiet Luxury and Natural Materials
Jacques NYC offers some of the most captivating style pieces in the tennis world. The brand masterfully combines classic prep aesthetics with modern tailoring and high-performance features, embodying a sophisticated corner of the quiet luxury movement. With a strong focus on natural materials such as merino wool and wood-based renewables, Jacques not only minimizes environmental impact but also provides exceptionally comfortable and durable pieces that withstand the test of time.
Arthur Ashe: Honoring a Legend with Timeless Style
A more recent venture from Jack Carlson and the Rowing Blazers team, Arthur Ashe pays tribute to one of tennis's most significant figures. The collection features classic preppy elements like pique polos, paisley shorts, and sweater vests, alongside performance-oriented mesh shorts and other court-ready items that add a technical edge. Additionally, for vintage enthusiasts, Rowing Blazers frequently offers its own Arthur Ashe-inspired vintage finds, which are highly sought after.