The sunny weather has us all wanting to dust off our tennis shoes and channel our inner Serena Williams and Emma Radacanu. For those not #blessed with serving skills like the tennis champs, we can at least dress accordingly.
Tennis gear always swings into season when Wimbledon is on TV, with rackets flying off the shelves and onto the court. Let's get ahead and stock up now. For women, it's all about the cute tennis outfit with tennis skirts and dresses being a major focus.
What are the key tennis outfit trends for 2023
We reached out to Laura Ward, the founder of chic but functional tennis wear brand EXEAT, and she said: "With the #tenniscore trend in full swing, all the best courtwear is pulling double duty, transitioning seamlessly from match play to social life.
"A hyper sporty aesthetic is out and heritage silhouettes are in as they’re so much easier to wear. Look out for razor sharp pleating, polo collars, a more forgiving tailored fit and luxe technical fabrics that are worlds away from dreary cheap polyester that’s dominated the market for years."
How we chose the best tennis outfits for women
- Style: While sweat-wicking properties are all well and good - and included in the below choices - this edit is mainly about finding chic and stylish outfits to wear on the court. As well, this edit features tennis-themed loungewear looks if you want to find something to wear to watch Wimbledon at home.
- Inclusive sizing: We wanted this edit to be for everyone, which is why many of the brands featured cater for all sizes.
- Variety: Some women might want to wear a tennis dress, others might prefer a tennis skirt or a cool tennis-themed sweatshirt - this edit features a wide range of options.
Stylish tennis players to inspire you
Serena Williams was known for her eclectic on-court style during her sporting career (as well as being a powerhouse of a player, of course!), and 20-year-old Emma Radacanu is making her mark in the style stakes, with sponsorships from Nike and Tiffany & Co. Other style stars on and off the court include Naomi Osaka and her love of neon and bright colours. Back in the day, Steffi Graf brought floral prints to the court and Anna Kournikova caused headlines with her on-court style.
© Getty ImagesLet us serve you the best tennis outfits for women in 2023…
Tennis skirts and skorts
Laura Ward said: "Nothing says tennis more than a pleated skirt, but not all pleats are made equal and some of the wider folds can add unwanted bulk. Invest out a narrow knife pleat instead, it’s way more flattering."
Lululemon Tiered Pleats High-Rise Tennis Skirt
Editor's Note
This is such a stylish tennis skirt, and Lululemon is serving up some amazing tennis looks online right now. I've not tried this skirt, but I am a big fan of the brand overall and swear by the Align leggings. Be sure to consult the sizing guide before you buy something.
From first serve to match point, this white skirt will help keep you focused on the game. The airy cascading pleats will add movement to your match and the shade of pistachio green is very in vogue right now.
Lacoste Tennis Skirt In White
Editor's note
This is quite an expensive tennis skirt, but Lacoste is a well respected brand and I think if you play regularly this will be a good choice.
Lacoste's fun retro tennis skirt will be ideal for your next match. Lacoste launched its first tennis shoe in 1985, launching the iconic crocodile emblem a must-have in the tennis world.
Red Run Azalea Technical Tennis Skort
Editor's note
Red Run is fast-becoming my favourite sportswear brand. I am forever training in the gym wearing the uber comfortable Inky collection. I'm confident this tennis skort would be a real hit.
How stylish is this skort from Red Run?! It's made from a lightweight fabric that will keep you cool this summer and it features an elastic waistband so it's easy to size and will be comfortable to wear. What's more, the skort also has a hidden pocket at the back for added convenience.
Sweaty Betty Swift Running Skort
Editor's note
Sweaty Betty is a trusted brand for sportswear and tennis is no exception. I'll have this white tennis skirt please. And more balls.
Get ready to get super sweaty because this fabric is made for high-intensity workouts. It's lightweight, quick drying and durable, meaning you'll be cool as a cucumber.
Spanx Active Get Moving Skort
Editor's note
I'm a big fan of the brand Spanx, and I imagine this tennis skirt will be very well made. I also love that it features a zipped pocket, ideal for storing your keys, cards, and phone.
From the Spanx activewear collection comes this stylish tennis skirt that's suitable for both on and off the court. Made from breathable, lightweight material, it's sweat-wicking and quick-drying. Even better? It's fitted with chafe-proof shorts underneath.
Tennis dresses
Laura Ward said: "When it comes to tennis dresses elevate your look by avoiding dated skin-tight styles, especially those with complex spaghetti straps & instead opt for gently tailored pieces that flow over the silhouettes whilst you play. They’ll keep you cooler on court and double up as a chic, playful sun dress."
Adidas Tennis-Y Dress In White
Editor's note
Move over Emma Radacanu, this dress is so perfect for the court. I love that it has an integrated bra and separate pair of short tights to help keep you feeling comfortable.
This tennis dress is part of the performance-driven Gameset collection. The slim fit design has an elastic Y-strap that's ergonomically designed to give your shoulders room to move.
Amazon Tennis Dress In Coral
Editor's note
I love that this Amazon tennis dress also comes in an array of colours, so you're guaranteed to find the right one for you.
Amazon is a great destination for sportswear and this tennis dress is a great price for a beginner or someone who's not looking to spend a lot of money on court style.
Varley Dalton Court Dress 32" In Pink
Editor's note
As someone who loves pink, this candy-coloured tennis dress is ticking a lot of boxes for me.
Style meets function in the Varley Dalton dress – a modern twist on classic court apparel.
Exeat Domino Tennis Dress
Editor's note
The high 'n' wide waistband is a secret weapon to comfortably support the waist and tum during play with an ultra-short hem cut to elongates legs.
EXEAT, founded by British entrepreneur and tennis enthusiast, Laura Ward, is a luxurious sustainably conscious performance grade athleisure brand inspired by the chic idyll of England’s quintessential grass-court tennis. This brand aims to shake up the tennis apparel industry - just you watch.
Marysia Sport Tennis Dress
Editor's note
Ok, so this dress isn't cheap but it's just divine so I had to include. A lot of the reviews say it fits true to size.
The black Marysia Sport scallop trim tennis dress is made from textured basketweave fabric that’s blended with recycled fibres and has crossover straps that are expertly scalloped by hand.
Tennis sweatshirts
Wimbledon Womens Collared Open Neck Sweater
Editor's note
My favourite thing about this sweater is the embroidered tennis ball motif on the chest. Wear it with a pair of jeans or smart trousers for an off-court look.
If you love Wimbledon, you'll be pleased to know you can shop the official outfits. Discover a range of tennis-inspired fashion. From polo jerseys to gorgeous polo dresses, V-neck sweaters, pleated skirts and sun visors and so much more.
Ralph Lauren Wimbledon Embroidered Terry Sweatshirt
Editor's note
If you can trust a brand for tennis outfits, it's Ralph Lauren. The brand has been styling the ball crew kiit for years as well as the officials of the US Open, Wimbledon and the Australian Open.
Ralph Lauren's collection for Wimbledon has this terry crewneck sweatshirt which features an embroidered tennis-inspired logo on the centre front and the iconic signature embroidered Pony above the right cuff.
Slazenger Sofia Richie Vintage Tennis Sweatshirt
Editor's note
I'm loving this, do you want to know why? It has been given the Sofia Richie seal of approval. That's right, Slazenger enlisted the ultimate fashionista for her edit and this is on her list. Sold!
Crafted from a soft cotton-blend fabric with an ultra-soft fleece lining, this wardrobe staple piece has been designed with a fresh array of colourways ready for the new season.
VAI21 Oversized Tennis Sweatshirt In Cream
Editor's note
I think this is such a stylish sweatshirt - and it's on sale! I love a good steal. There are also matching shorts you can buy, which would be a great co-ord.
Looking for a tennis inspired sweatshirt to wear with jeans or for a trip to the court on a chilly morning? This is it.
NikeCourt Dri-FIT Heritage Tennis Jacket
Editor's note
This is the perfect sweatshirt for your next tennis game. I think it would look great over the top of any exercise kit, or even with jeans!
The white half-zip sweatshirt features Nike Dri-FIT Technology which moves sweat away from your skin for quicker evaporation, helping you stay dry and comfortable. There's also two side drop-in pockets which allow you to easily store your phone, wallet or keys.
Tennis accessories
Sweaty Betty On The Court Visor
Editor's note
Watching Wimbledon makes me want to learn how to play tennis, and I think the first item to buy for my tennis wardrobe has to be a visor. This white one from Sweaty Betty will be perfect.
This tennis visor from Sweaty Betty has been made from quick-drying fabric for extra comfort. It's also washable at 40°C (104°F).
Lululemon Tennis Rally Bag In White Opal
Editor's note
Ok, now this is stylish! If you're looking to find yourself a bag that scores points on and off the court, this is it.
With a sleek bucket shape, this rally bag holds up to six tennis balls and two rackets. There's also an interior pocket designed to hold your water bottle.
NikeCourt Tennis Headband In Pink
Editor's note
This headband had me at 'pink glaze'. If you are wanting to glam up your tennis ensemble, a pink headband could be a great place to start.
Sweat-wicking technology makes sure that this NikeCourt headband is perfect for keeping the sweat out of your eyes when you train.
NotOnTheHighStreet Personalised Tennis Charm Necklace
Editor's note
I'm often looking for the perfect gift to feature for our HELLO! gift guides and this sterling silver tennis racket charm necklace would make a great gift for anyone of any age who loves the game. It can be personalised with an initial and birthstone. So cute!
The stunning triple charm necklace features a sterling silver tennis racket and it's also personalised with a birthstone and an initial of your choice.
Nike Training Swoosh Wristbands In Pink
Editor's note
Practical and a cute colour, what's not to love?
With their stretchy and sweat-wicking technology, these wristbands will become your favourite workout buddy.
Laura's final top tip for looking stylish while playing tennis is to dial up the drama! "Tennis’ famous white dress code is of course deeply chic, but can look a bit ‘samey’ when everyone at the club is wearing it. Score extra style points on court by seeking out pieces that dial up the fashion drama with textured fabric, colourful trims & eye-catching hardware on fastenings."
Meet the expert: Laura Ward
© Will TaylorUK entrepreneur Laura Ward is the founder of EXEAT, the world’s best-selling luxury British court wear brand for women. Since the brand’s inception in 2021, Laura has revolutionised the global tennis apparel market, and has been dubbed ‘the fashion editor’s favourite tennis brand’,
This unparalleled success hasn’t gone unnoticed. With her string of accolades that include ‘Global Start-Up of The Year’ and ‘Start-Up Entrepreneur of The Year’, the UK Government has appointed Laura ‘UK Export Champion'. This esteemed role sees her working with the Government to share trade insights with ministers and other British businesses on the secrets to building a successful export brand.
Laura has grown up playing the sport and is a champion of how tennis unites people on the court with EXEAT’s famously flattering silhouettes making women feel beautiful and supported, enabling them to play their best game.
