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No-Fault Fashion

Bold designs are a hallmark of the upcoming year’s newest tenniswear. Feel and fit continue to be important to active players and those who just want “the look.” Combining traditional looks with cutting-edge fabrics and cuts are sure to attract a broad range of consumers, both men and women.

By Cynthia Sherman

FILA

Fila’s signature tradition-based Heritage collection for women features red, white and peacoat blue and is made from a poly spandex jersey. A jacket, tank tops, sleeveless polo with breathable mesh inserts, skorts, and cap-sleeve tops in these bold hues, diagonal stripes and contrast trim are flattering and stylish.

The men’s Heritage collection offers six integrated pieces including a cotton poly knit warm-up jacket and pants. The short-sleeve polo with Fila’s signature printed window-pane design and rounded drop tail is the highlight of the collection. Fila’s F-box Heritage patch logo is prominent on this polyester and poly/cotton/spandex line, which offers comfort, breathability and moisture-wicking.

fila.com • 410-773-3000

JOFIT

Jofit is a new line launched by former phys ed teacher Joanne Cloak. Frustrated by clothing that didn’t fit correctly (not only for herself but for other women), Cloak developed a golf collection in 2006 and then a tennis line in 2008. Fabricated of “Jodry” Jersey poly spandex knit, the pieces also feature moisture-management properties. The “tech pique” fabric has a soft cottony feel that isn’t clingy. Jofit makes skirts with three different lengths to accommodate different body types and preferences, and some include built-in ball pockets. A variety of tops, sweaters, and bottoms in pinks and vibrant blues with flashes of yellow round out this new addition to tennis apparel.

jofit.com • 866-99-JOFIT

PRINCE

Prince has three collections based on its advanced Aerotech system, which allows ultimate fit, UV protection and breathability and ventilation. The Gold Collection, which is what Prince touring pros are wearing, boasts a more athletic fit with bold colors and accents. The Silver Collection is a more relaxed line with fashion accents. And the Black Collection is designed around classic fit and comfort — versatile enough for team and league play. Men’s shorts come in two lengths and are made from a poly/spandex blend. A half-zip men’s polo comes with mesh detailing in the collar and inserts along with flat seams and color-contrast binding — again in poly/spandex blends.

princetennis.com • 800-2-TENNIS

TAIL

Tail’s colorful Pacific Rim line highlights shades of aquamarine, white and a bit of lime. The performance Advantage dress has a back mesh insert and modified racer back. The collection features dresses, skirts/skorts, tanks, cap-sleeved tops, polos, shorts, capri pants and outerwear using cotton, poly blends, spandex pique and Invista Lycra Jersey blends. The flattering cut, feel, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial and UV protection add to the value of these versatile pieces.

tailactivewear.com • 305-638-2650

WILSON

Wilson’s new tennis line for 2010 is an expression of fit, fabric, finish and detail. Wilson’s nanofiber technology benefits performance while offering 30+ UPF sun protection, moisture-wicking properties and anti-microbial odor protection. Integrated ball pockets (women’s line), laser lamination and perforation emphasize the details of their collections. The Men’s Core Performance line offers similar details with “cooling zones,” and the Spring and Summer lines are loaded with laser-cut details and burn-out body mapping. Each line offers colors from vibrant to more muted — but always complementary. Wilson also completes the line with new boys’ and girls’ collections with the same technical features.

wilson.com • 800-333-8326

ELIZA AUDLEY

Eliza Audley’s stylish but comfy, haute-couture look continues into next season with the finish and details she is known for. The sultry “Chocolate Covered Cherries” group (photographed by Deone Jahnke) features a gathered tank in a printed tonal red fabric with built-in bra. This unique piece can be paired with Audley’s basic A-line skirt in white or black — with or without shorties. A “three-metal tank” with built-in bra displays a draped necklace stitching in white or black. A companion sheer mesh petal layered skirt comes in white or black with or without shorties. All are fabricated in a mostly micro-poly/spandex blend.

Elizaaudley.com • 262-691-4770

BOLLE

Bolle’s bold black and white “White Night” group is part of its high-performance line. Dresses, skirts, ¾-sleeve tops and racer-back tops go for contrast. There is a pleated skirt with contrasting hem that’s flirty, stylish and comfortable. A varied striped pattern on the tops echo the trims on the skirt, and the racer-back solid black dress carries over the same black-and-white themed stripes on the shoulders and side insets. Paired with the solid black and white, it makes dramatic statements on and off the court.

bolletenniswear.com • 301-362-0360

See all articles by Cynthia Sherman

About the Author

Cynthia Sherman is a contributing editor for Tennis Industry magazine.

From the September 2009 issue
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