.jpg)
What to Wear
Tennis is a sport that requires the right kind of clothing, and it is important to understand the basics of tennis clothing etiquette. Knowing what to wear to a tennis game can help you look, and feel, your best. It can also help you to stay comfortable while you are playing. So, let’s take a look at what you should wear to a tennis game:
- Proper tennis shoes
- Tennis shorts or skirt
- Tennis shirt or tank top
- Sweatshirt or jacket
- Visor or hat
- Sunglasses
- Towel
For Men
Men’s tennis attire is fairly straightforward, but there are a few rules to remember. If you’re unsure of tennis clothing etiquette and want to present yourself in a professional way on the courts, these tips may help:
- Wear traditional tennis shorts or an athletic skort with supportive undergarments.
- Opt for collared shirts that can be tucked in for an elegant look. Shirts with moisture-wicking technology material will help keep you comfortable and dry during heated singles or doubles matches.
- Tennis shoes are a must-have for traction and support on the court. Look for shoes specifically designed for your style of playing – aggressive players need more cushioning and extra durability, whereas novice players should look for lightweight, breathable options.
- Sweatbands or visors keep sweat out of your eyes while shielding them from damaging UV rays on sunny days.
- Lightweight track jackets are great when playing outdoors in damp conditions.
These tips will help ensure you look your best while playing your best game!
Shirts
Shirts come in a range of fabrics and colors that can meet different occasions year-round. Common options include dress shirts, polos, T-shirts, blouses, and tank tops. When it comes to office attire in formal settings, button-down shirts are usually the preferred option. To pull off a successful look for any occasion requires you to consider the fabric type and color.
Cotton is typically an excellent choice for everyday clothing because of its softness and durability. Striped and checkered patterns are perfect for creatives who want to stand out while still appearing polished. For formal occasions such as interviews or client meetings, choose neutral tones like white or gray to achieve a more conservative look. Varying neck styles such as classic collars or v-necks also give you room to play with dress shirt designs depending on what flatters your body type best! Lastly, if you’re part of an athletic team or just hanging out casually with friends oversized T-shirts are always great for comfortability during physical activities.
Pants
When it comes to deciding on the correct type of pants for a tennis match, several factors come into play. Comfort is key, but style and etiquette play a role as well. Most tennis players opt for shorts over pants to ensure greater freedom of movement, but when the weather takes a cooler turn in the fall and winter months or during an indoor court session, these are a few types of pants that are accepted by most clubs and tournaments.
Pants should always have pockets and should be designed with breathable fabric such as cotton or lightweight nylon for performance on the court. The waistband should fit comfortably without being too tight; also avoid loose drawstrings or elastic waistbands which can get in the way while playing. While more colorful options are available, darker hues such as navy blue, olive green, black or brown tend to be more popular.
Popular choices include:
- Loose-fit cargo pants with several pockets.
- Tennis sweatpants.
- Classic streetwear preppy-style chinos.
- Tracksuit bottoms with elasticated ankle cuffs that can be pushed up if needed to enhance movement.
- Golf trousers designed for comfort when swinging an iron club.
- Flat-front tailored khaki pants for a dapper look.
Shoes
Shoes are one of the most important pieces of tennis equipment when it comes to tennis clothing etiquette. Specialized tennis shoes prevent against slips and provide optimal support for your ankles and feet while playing. There should be a good grip along with adequate cushioning in the heel and arches. You’ll also want to find shoes with some breathability, helping to keep your feet cool during those long games.
Avoid running or cross-training shoes; these will not give you enough grip or support needed for a quick change of direction or advanced strides.
Most importantly, understand that different courts may require either soft-soled or hard-soled footwear – always refer to your local court’s regulations when selecting a shoe.
For Women
When choosing what to wear, women have a variety of options. For casual occasions, comfortable items like jeans, t-shirts and shorts can be paired with stylish accessories like scarves and jewelry for an updated look. For semi-formal events, including cocktail parties and date nights, popular choices include dresses, skirts or trousers paired with blouses or dressy tops. Women attending formal events may choose from a wide selection of floor-length gowns in a variety of styles—short sleeve dresses for warm climates to long sleeve ball gowns for winter occasions.
For professional occasions, women will want to look polished and sophisticated without being overly dressed up. Suits in muted colors such as navy blue or gray can be paired with collared tops or blazers for a tailored look depending on the formality. Stylishly printed blouses offer some playfulness while remaining work appropriate. Skirts or trousers should fall just above the knee or at the ankle while remaining comfortable and appropriate; mid-length skirts are also acceptable if they hit just below the knee. Accessories such as scarves and bangles can add flair but should never be distracting; avoid loud colors and prints that may take away from the professionalism of the outfit.
Shirts
What to Wear – Tennis Clothing Etiquette: A Quick Guide for Novices
Shirts: Tennis players should always wear a shirt designed for tennis play. A collared shirt works well and shorter sleeves should be worn if the day is hot. These shirts make it easier to move your arms when swinging a racket, protecting you from any chafing or discomforts caused by longer sleeves or ill-fitting clothing. It also helps prevent skin irritation or sunburn that can occur due to sweltering temperatures or extended contact with the court’s surface.
If a formal tournament is taking place, it is customary for both players to wear white, however at informal events this rule may not apply. When in doubt, check with an event coordinator before playing.
Skirts
Longer skirts that reach the knee with a modest hemline are generally acceptable. Tennis skirts are typically made of lightweight fabrics and come in styles specifically designed for the court, including pleats that move with the player during aggressive movements.
An important consideration when selecting a skirt is choosing one that offers plenty of ventilation to keep you cool during long sets. It is also important to select a skirt that enables freedom of movement without being overly baggy or revealing too much skin. Some women also prefer tighter fitting skirts as this can prevent constant trips to the net to adjust clothing fallen out of place.
Look for tennis skirts made from functional yet fashionable fabrics like Dri-FIT and Compression which help keep allows you to stay comfortable and look stylish both on and off the court.
Shoes
Shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment when playing tennis, as they provide stability and protect against injuries. Shoes with specially designed soles will help increase grip on a variety of surfaces, while cushioning helps absorb shock when quick changes of direction are needed. Tennis shoes should also provide enough support for lateral movements and have strong arch supports that keep the body balanced to reduce the burden on other parts of the skeletal system. Additionally, without appropriate footwear you may be more likely to slip and fall, so investing in a quality pair of shoes is strongly recommended.
It is recommended to wear shoes specifically designed for tennis but most players involved in recreational play can typically get away with basic cross-training shoes. Additionally, if playing on clay courts it might be beneficial to wear specific clay court shoes as these tend to have a more rugged sole that is both longer lasting and better suited for grip.
What may be worn on or off the court is different depending upon location; while most official tennis clubs have strict rules regarding what must be worn while playing at such establishments, many casual games don’t often require as much restriction in terms of attire. Regardless of where you play or what dress code you follow, wearing appropriate footwear is essential when participating in any level of tennis match – no matter your skill level or ability!
Accessorizing
For those new to the world of tennis, one aspect that you’ll want to familiarize yourself with is the use of accessories while out on the court. Accessories can play a major role in your performance, as proper use of them can help you feel more comfortable and confident.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular tennis accessories and the etiquette around them:
Hats
When it comes to accessorizing your tennis outfit, many people opt for a hat. It can add flair and style to an ensemble, even though most hats are not necessary while playing the court. That said, a good quality hat is incredibly important if you’re playing in direct sunlight, as it helps protect your eyes and face from dangerous ultraviolet rays.
A wide variety of choices are available when selecting a hat to accompany your tennis attire. For those looking for something more stylish than functional there are straw hats in bright colors and classic baseball caps with embroidered logos of your favorite team or brand. On the other side of the spectrum, visors are an ideal choice for practicality purposes if you’re searching for sun protection without too much bulk.
Whatever style you select, be mindful of sizes as well as colors; more often than not large hats will draw attention away from the outfit rather than compliment it. Hats are great additions to any outfit but be sure to pick one that matches the remainder of your ensemble before hitting up the court.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a great choice for tennis enthusiasts of any skill level, offering protection from strong sunlight as well as protection for your eyes to keep them safe from stray shots. Some athletes choose to use prescription sunglasses rather than changing their vision correction requirements during the game.
When choosing frames, be sure to pick out a style that is comfortable but also doesn’t obscure your vision. Wrap frames are an excellent choice since they offer maximum coverage while allowing a full range of vision as you move around the court. Make sure your lenses block both UVA and UVB radiation and that they provide adequate glare reduction to help reduce eye fatigue during matches.
Less expensive sunglasses can have lenses that tend to distort your peripheral vision or can fog up easily, so it’s best not to skimp on quality when choosing the right accessory for the court. You can find eyewear specifically designed for sports with features such as:
- Vented frames
- Nose pads specifically designed for sunglasses use on the court
These might be worth investing in if you’re serious about becoming an avid player.
Towels
Using a towel to wipe away perspiration and otherwise accessorize your tennis wardrobe is highly recommended. During the game, it’s often useful to have something with which you can quickly and easily wipe your racquet strings and hands. Most tennis accessories stores carry small hand towels specifically designed for this purpose, or you can purchase an inexpensive sweatshirt or other cloth material towel-wrap.
Towels also come in handy when taking a break between games or getting out of the sun on a long day of play. Fun and decorative designs are available, as are more traditional and low-key styles. Enjoying your game includes personalizing your look with color, type and size of towel that suits you best – from large terry cloth beach towels to tiny microfiber sweatbands!
Color and Style
When it comes to tennis clothing, there are several color and style choices to consider. If you’re new to tennis, finding the right clothing can be both confusing and overwhelming.
To help you out, this section will discuss the standard etiquette when it comes to color and style for tennis clothing. We’ll provide you with tips on what to wear and what to avoid so you always have the best game look.
Appropriate Colors
When it comes to color and style, there are several rules of thumb you can rely on. Colors play an important role in fashion for both men and women, but the appropriate colors for each sex vary. Women have a greater range of colors that are considered acceptable, whereas men should stick with more neutral shades, avoiding extreme color combinations.
In addition to this, there are styles that are generally accepted as being more appropriate for different genders.
For women, pastel colors – particularly pastel pinks – are very popular. Other gentle colors such as lavender, blue and green can also be considered feminine if they are used in muted tones combined with neutrals such as gray or beige. Women’s clothing is usually marked by curves and drapery; form-fitting clothes often flatter the body type most women have. Women can also use bright primary colors like reds and yellows; however, these hues should be used sparingly so as not to appear overly vibrant or garish.
For men’s wear, plainer colors like blues and greys look best; men should avoid extremely saturated hues or wild patterns when choosing their clothing and accessories. Darker blues work well with denim jeans while light blues add a touch of elegance to smart outfits combined with a blazer or cardigan sweater. While black is usually seen as the traditional choice for evening wear attire due to its neutrality, browns and grays can also look sharp when matched with coordinating light shades of shirts or ties.
Choosing appropriate style for both sexes depends on the occasion but it should always remain conservative; stays away from revealing clothing (in particular low cleavage) even if attending formal events such as a ballroom dance or wedding reception – this advice applies especially to women who can still look beautiful without baring too much skin!
Appropriate Styles
Clothing worn on a tennis court should be made from lightweight and breathable materials. Athletic apparel such as polos, shorts, and skirts with shorter pleats are all acceptable for men and women. In most cases, players are expected to wear collared shirts and the length of a skirt or shorts should not go beyond the knees. Depending on your level of comfort, you can choose pants or long skirts in bright colors that keep you cool during play. Generally, tennis clothing should be uncluttered with minimal patterns or slogans.
In terms of color choices, most casual tournaments will allow players to get creative with their clothing choices as long as they remain appropriate for an active sport like tennis. Bright yellows, pinks, blues, reds and oranges are going to be popular fashion options during the warmer months while darker shades like blacks and navies are seen frequently during cooler weather days.
It is also advisable to dress according to the weather if playing for extended periods of time outdoors. A cap or visor is preferred over sunglasses when playing in direct sunlight as it prevents obstruction from airborne particles. Headbands and hair ties can help keep hair out of your face while playing along with accessories like wristbands or gloves if desired.
In summary, the best style practices for tennis include wearing lightweight and breathable clothes in bright colors that stay comfortable throughout play while still projecting a professional image at courtside events!
Etiquette
Tennis etiquette is an important part of the game and it is essential for players to be aware of the conventions of the sport. Whether you are a novice to the game or an experienced pro, in order to show respect for the other players, you should adhere to the expected etiquette. This includes wearing the appropriate clothing.
In this guide, we will take a look at the basics of tennis clothing etiquette:
No Revealing Clothing
Novice tennis players should be aware that there is certain attire that is appropriate to wear and certain attire that could be deemed inappropriate. Players should make sure to dress in bottoms like shorts, skirts, or capris, and a shirt that does not expose too much. Clothing should be light breathable fabric like athletic spandex or technical stretch so there will be room for movement on the court.
A good rule of thumb to follow is if it’s something you wouldn’t wear to a wedding then choose another item of clothing. Allowing your shirt or shorts to ride up and show skin is poor taste and a sign of disrespect for the sport. To check if an outfit is appropriate move around in it, bend over, raise your hands above your head, etc., This will enable you to identify any potential wardrobe malfunctions before taking the court.
In tennis “No Revealing Clothing” this includes:
- shirts or skirts that are too short
- tank tops with spaghetti straps or low cut necks
- any clothing with large holes revealing skin underneath.
Shirts should extend long enough to cover the waistband of one’s bottoms when in an upright position; same goes for shorts; they should come down at least half-way between the knee cap and hipbone when standing straight up. If you have questions about what is considered appropriate in terms of clothing please ask a referee/umpire before participating in any match play so that no issues arise during competition play out on the court.
No Distracting Patterns
When choosing a tennis outfit, your goal should be to appear organized and respectful of the sport’s traditional values. Refrain from wearing clothes that feature large logos, bright colors, and distracting patterns as these tend to detract from your appearance. Likewise, it is preferable to avoid shorts with loud slogans or graphics. Having a clean and preppy look suggests an understanding of proper tennis decorum and can even earn you points with your fellow players.
If you plan on playing in colder weather, be sure to utilize layers by wearing a shirt or tank top underneath a coordinating jacket or pullover. For wintertime matches, wear clothing specifically designed for the playing conditions such as thermal jackets, insulating tights and heat-retaining gloves – all of which can come in handy if you’re playing outdoors in cold weather. Additionally, choose well-fitted apparel that will allow you ample range of motion while playing on the court.
These tips should help you stay comfortable while presenting an appropriate level of etiquette during each match!
No Excessive Jewelry
When playing tennis, it is important to avoid wearing excessive jewelry or accessories that could cause injury. For example, necklaces, bracelets and large rings should not be worn as they can snag on attire or get caught in the racket during play. Watches should also be avoided as the perspiration on your wrist from playing a rally could damage delicate timepieces. If you must wear a watch while playing tennis, make sure it is an inexpensive one and take care when taking part in vigorous rallies.
Earrings ideally should be left at home as these too can get snagged and can interfere with the enjoyment of the game. In less-intense practice sessions, wearing small stud earrings is usually acceptable if they are not prone to getting in the way of the racket movement when serving or returning shots.
