Women’s Tennis Attire - A Complete Guide from Lotto
- by Lotto Sport
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- December 02, 2022
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- 4 min read
Every sport has a set of attire necessary to play at the top level.
For most sports, the proper outfit is relatively cut and dry. For example, basketball players wear a jersey, shorts, and basketball shoes. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.
For tennis players, the outfit might not be so clear—especially for women.
Below, we’ll highlight what women’s tennis attire looks like in 2022. But first, let’s dive into the interesting history of women’s tennis attire and how it has evolved over the years.
History of Women’s Tennis Attire
Considering that tennis comes from the 12th century, it’s safe to say that women’s tennis attire comes with a long and interesting history.
As tennis broke into the mainstream in the late 1800s, tennis outfits for women were highly influenced by the fashion of the times—all-white tennis dresses inspired by cricket attire. For example, the very first women’s Wimbledon championship in 1884 was won by Maud Wilson, who sported a white dress that ran down to her ankles.
1920 saw the first tennis fashion statement, made by Suzanne Lenglan of France. She sparked controversy when she wore a calf-length skirt with nothing covering her arms. She also wore headbands on the court—the first to do so. Lenglan’s willingness to push the boundaries of women’s tennis attire helped further popularize the sport with her unique style and personality.
Shorts first made their appearance in women’s tennis attire in the 1940s. Women sought more mobility on the court, and a pair of elegant shorts combined with a short sleeve blouse provided the boost in performance that they needed.
Fast forward to the 1980s, and we saw the first appearance of the tennis body suit. Tennis legend Anne White made history by becoming the first woman to sport an all-white, full-length body suit at Wimbledon in 1985.
Now, tennis uniforms are all about comfort and performance—though some women continue to push the envelope and make bold fashion statements on the court.
What is Proper Tennis Attire for Women Today?
So, what constitutes an appropriate tennis outfit for women in 2022?
We’ll start with headwear and move down to the shoes, so you know what to get.
Headwear
On the court, the sun can be a nuisance. There are two reasons for this:
- It can damage your eyes and distract you from the game
- Sweat from the heat can get in your eyes
You’ve got three standard options for headwear: Hats, visors, and headbands.
Hats and visors have beaks to protect your eyes from the sun and help you focus on the game. If sweat dripping in your eyes is your primary concern, you’ll want to sport a headband for the big game.
Either way, nearly every outdoor tennis court allows headwear—regardless of the dress code.
Tops
Gone are the days when bare arms were considered controversial. Today, the most popular top choice for women is the classic tennis shirt.
For example, this White and Black Multi-Color Top Ten Tee is an excellent choice for a functional-yet-fashionable tennis top for women.
For alternatives, tennis polos are common at country club-style courts. Some courts also allow sleeveless shirts or tank tops designed specifically for tennis, like this Navy Squadra Tank:
Bottoms
For women who wear a classic tennis shirt or tank top, the bottoms of choice will typically be a pair of comfortable tennis shorts. We love the Top Ten Shorts—especially if you want to match them with the Top Ten Tee above!
Some women prefer to wear a tennis dress, a shorter dress designed specifically for women to play tennis and breaks around mid-thigh. If you’re looking for a stylish tennis dress, look no further than the Multi-Color Top Ten Dress—it features exceptional comfort, breathability, and an exciting pattern.
Shoes
When choosing tennis shoes for women, you want to prioritize comfort and stability. With all the stop-and-go quick movements, your shoes are the most important part of your tennis outfit.
You’ll also need to consider the type of court you’re playing on. You’ll want a different type of shoe for hard courts, clay courts, and grass courts.
The Mirage 300 Clay is one of our favorites for ultimate clay court dominance. These shoes perfectly balance stability and durability for faster, multidirectional movements.
Where Can You Find Tennis Outfits For Women?
You’ve got two options for finding the perfect tennis outfits: Local sports stores, or online shops.
In most cases, you can find a sports store selling women's tennis attire. One of the biggest upsides is the quick turnaround—if you’re lucky enough to find the right gear that fits, you’ll have it in your hands right after purchase.
However, you’ll often be at the mercy of their available inventory. There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect pair of tennis shoes only to be told that your size is sold out for the foreseeable future.
Many sports stores only carry certain brands as well. Depending on where you live, you may not have too big of a selection.
Shopping online means you’re at the mercy of shipping times, but you’ve got way more options. You won’t be limited by a single shop’s inventory—the internet is your oyster!
Get All Of The Best Women’s Tennis Attire From Lotto
Speaking of shopping online; if you want all of the best women’s tennis attire in one convenient place, Lotto has you covered. Our collection includes everything for women’s tennis outfits, including tennis shirts, dresses, tank tops, shorts, skirts, and much more.
Ready to create your dream tennis outfit? Shop our women’s tennis collection today!
