Women's Tennis Fashions
The Evolution of Women's Tennis Fashion: From Corsets to Crop Tops
Tennis has long been more than a sport—it’s a stage for personal style, cultural change, and innovation. Nowhere is this more evident than in the evolution of women’s tennis fashion, where each era tells a story not only of athletic progress, but of shifting norms and bold statements of personal style.
Let’s take a swing through time and explore how women’s tennis attire evolved from restrictive Victorian style to the chic, bright and performance-ready outfits we see today on the courts.
The Late 1800s – Victorian Modesty
When women first stepped onto the tennis courts in the late 1800s, their outfits were more suited for afternoon tea than athletic competition. Think long-sleeved blouses, ankle-length skirts, layers of petticoats—and yes, even corsets. They were basically playing tennis in a full outfit you'd wear to a Victorian garden party. Made from stiff cotton or wool, the clothes didn’t breathe, didn’t stretch, and definitely didn’t help with breaking a sweat. It's a true miracle that Lottie Dod, a British tennis player managed to win Wimbledon five times!
1920s – Suzanne Lenglen and the First Tennis Fashion Revolution
Suzanne Lenglen was the original tennis diva, a French tennis player – fierce on the court, fabulous off it. With her natural flair for drama and style, Suzanne teamed up with a French designer, Jean Patou to serve up the first functional (and seriously stylish) court couture tennis outfit. Calf-length skirts (shockingly short at the time!), sleeveless blouses and silk headbands combined freedom of movement with elegance, challenging societal norms and setting a precedent for style on the court.
1930s–1950s – The Graceful Era
Post-Lenglen, tennis fashion maintained a balance between modesty and functionality. Players began to adopt shorter hemlines and more fitted silhouettes. During that period, we have seen introduction of lighter, more breathable materials. Tennis whites became not just tradition, but uniform—symbolizing discipline, elegance, and respect for the game.
When Tennis Broke Out of Its Whites: The Style Revolution of the '60s
The 1960s weren’t just a turning point for music, politics, and pop culture—they also marked a major shift in tennis fashion. As the world embraced change, tennis players started ditching the old-school all-white uniforms for something a little bolder (and a lot more fun).
Fueled by the rise of feminism, the sexual revolution, and a healthy dose of rebellion, skirts got shorter, splashes of color crept in, and players began using fashion to express who they were—on and off the court. Tennis wasn’t just a sport anymore; it was a statement.
Leading the charge? Billie Jean King, a powerhouse with a racket and a sharp eye for equality, she was famously frustrated with Wimbledon’s strict all-white dress code. For her, clothes weren’t just clothes—they were part of the bigger fight for visibility, individuality, and change.
1980s–1990s – The Rise of the Power Player (and the Brand)
With millions tuning in, players realized they weren’t just athletes anymore—they were style icons in the making. Remember Anna Kournikova? She blended fashion modeling with tennis fame. Endorsement deals started flying, and suddenly, tennis whites were getting a serious makeover. Bright colors popped, bold patterns made an entrance, and those snug, form-fitting outfits? They weren’t just for show—they helped players move like lightning and look good doing it. Style became part of the strategy. After all, if you’re going to crush your opponent, you might as well do it in head-to-toe fabulous.
Today’s Women’s Tennis Fashion: Where Performance Meets Personality
Modern women’s tennis fashion is all about combining cutting-edge performance with serious style. Gone are the days of stiff fabrics and one-style-fits-all. Today’s gear is high-tech and high-style—think sweat wicking , lightweight, UV-protective, and stretchable fabrics that keep up with every serve, sprint, and split-step.
Tennis Skorts
Tennis skorts have evolved into stylish, high-performance essentials. Today's designs come in a variety of lengths to suit every player's preference—from flirty mini skirts to mid-thigh cuts offering more coverage. Many feature built-in compression shorts for comfort and support, with pockets cleverly tucked in for ball storage. Styles range from sleek and minimal such as to bold and colorful, often with pleats, mesh panels, or asymmetrical hems for added flair. Whether it’s a high-waisted silhouette or a retro-inspired design, modern tennis skirts and skorts blend fashion with function—proving you can serve power and style in equal measure.
Tennis Tops
Tennis tops today are all about mixing performance with style. From classic tanks and sporty racerbacks to trendy crop tops, players have plenty of breathable, sweat-wicking options that keep them cool during intense matches. For extra coverage, long sleeve tops are a go-to—perfect for staying warm on cooler days or protecting skin from the sun, thanks to built-in UV protection. Lightweight and stretchy fabrics mean full range of motion, no matter the style. Whether you're layering up or keeping it minimal, today's tennis tops are designed to move with you and help you look sharp while keeping your cool.
Tennis Dresses
Tennis dresses are a timeless favorite on the court, combining elegance with athletic performance. Designed for comfort and movement, they offer a sleek, one-piece solution—no need to fuss with matching tops and bottoms. Today’s tennis dresses Today's Tennis Dresses are made with lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics that keep players cool and dry, while matching shorts add coverage and practicality. Their streamlined fit allows for unrestricted movement, whether you're serving, sprinting, or sliding into a shot. From minimalist cuts to bold colors and stylish details, tennis dresses bring confidence and flair to every match even off the court. Plus, let’s be honest—they make winning look effortlessly chic.
Performance Fabrics
Women's tennis fashion isn’t just cute—it’s packed with performance magic. The fabrics used today are total overachievers: lightweight, breathable, sweat-wicking, and stretchy enough to ace every serve and sprint. Most pieces come with UV protection, because who wants a sunburn with their backhand? Some even fight off odors and dry in a flash—basically, it’s like your outfit is your doubles partner. From tennis separates to tennis dresses, these materials move with you, not against you. So yes, you can look amazing, stay cool, and crush your match—all thanks to some seriously smart fabrication doing all the behind-the-scenes work.
Classic Whites with a Twist
Today’s classic tennis whites are getting a fresh, fashion-forward update. While the crisp, clean palette remains, designers are playing with unexpected pieces such as Phoenix Dani Romper by Greyson and texture and detail to elevate on-court style such as L'Etoile Tiered Pointelle Skort. Think breathable mesh panels, ribbed knits, and delicate, stretchy lace that adds both elegance and flexibility. Pops of colour peek through in unexpected places—zippers, piping, and trims—bringing energy and personality to the traditional all-white look. These contemporary touches blend performance with panache, proving that functionality doesn’t have to come at the expense of style. It’s a new era of tennis whites: timeless, yet reimagined with bold details and modern athletic charm.
Prints and Colours
Bright neons, pastels, and rich jewel tones are dominating the court with today’s tennis fashion. From electric blues to hot pinks and sunny yellows, color is used to express personality and confidence. Patterns have also stepped up their game—think florals, color-blocking, geometric prints, and even animal prints making stylish statements. Whether it’s a fiery red dress or a patterned skort with attitude, today's tennis fashion is all about standing out, turning heads, and bringing a little extra flair to every point.
Conclusion
Women’s tennis fashion is a dynamic mix of heritage and rebellion, tradition and progress. What began as a restrictive uniform has evolved into a platform for identity, innovation, and statement-making. From corsets to crop tops, each outfit worn on the court tells a story—not just of sport, but of the women who play it. And as women’s tennis continues to evolve, its fashion will continue to lead the charge in rewriting what it means to be strong, stylish, and unapologetically bold.
Discover the latest in tennis fashion here here and connect with one of our expert stylists to find the perfect fit. Whether you're looking for styles that elevate your game or reflect your personality, we’ll help you serve looks both on and off the court—with confidence and flair.