Tennis fashions: What's 'haute' at the VCO?

The days of white-only outfits on the tennis court are long over. Professional players and casual weekend warriors on the court alike sport tennis apparel that pops with vibrant colors as well as lively prints and patterns.

Flirty, feminine skirts with ruffles are making their way onto the tennis scene, and will surely be spotted on the Volvo Car Open courts this week. Pleats, a staple of women’s tennis in the 80’s, are making a comeback. Styles by fashion-forward companies like Lucky In Love incorporate a sporty yet ladylike fine mesh into their designs. Tops that are flowing, and less form-fitting, are also popular. Leggings and other yoga-inspired looks are also making their way onto the racks at pro-shops.

Of course the more athletic looks, including color blocked skirts and racer-back tops, are having their day on court, too. Fashion-forward companies such as Nike tend to take more fashion risks. While the company’s ultra-feminine baby-doll style (2016) turned out to be more fashionable than functional on the courts, this year’s crop-top is definitely a winner.

“You want pieces that start a conversation,” observes Adam Queen, owner of Atlanta-based tennis pro-shop Your Serve. “There are so many ways to express your individual style on the court.”

The pros are sponsored by the major tennis-wear companies and sign a contract to don that manufacturer’s designs only, Queen explains. The players receive a box of clothes and accessories that the companies want to promote. At this professional level, the companies take care that the players look great while competing. The outfits that viewers see, both here at the Volvo Car Open and watching via The Tennis Channel, can be found in tennis stores worldwide, including Your Serve’s large retail tent in the VCO’s Match Point Market.

The manufacturers are also promoting styles made of special moisture-wicking poly blends that help regulate the players’ body temperatures on the court. Every brand has its own version, such as Icikuls.

Many brands like Fila, Tail and Sofi Bella also build solid 30 UPS sun protection into their fabrics, offering a more efficient long-lasting and attractive alternative to sprays and lotions.

Footwear is also a critical part of every player’s on-court ensemble. A more lightweight shoe with a textured fit and flexibility allows players to move more quickly. For clay courts, shoes with a herringbone outsole grip the clay and help players to better slide across the court. As with skirts and tops, bright colors abound. Popular shoes are the Nike Vapor Tour 9.5 and Asics Gel.

With all the attractive, attention-getting apparel options available to make tennis more fun to watch and to play, it’s hard to imagine that traditional white-only attire mandates still exist on some courts in the U.S, especially pockets of the northeast. And, of course, classic and simple white tops and skirts are always “de rigeur” across the pond at Wimbledon. Until they head for Europe, and sport the outfits by designers there, pro players are set to rock the Volvo Car Open in style.