Court Fashion: Having It All
New outfits combine on-court and off-court looks as consumers expect excellent performance and exceptional style.
While tennis apparel needs to be functional, the element of fashion continues to be an essential part of the success of any line. It’s not only technical characteristics — such as breathable, easy-to-care-for, feel-good fabrics — that appeal to shoppers, but it’s also their expectations of style, and how those innovative fabrics look on the outfit.
As more consumers dress for on-court and off-court occasions, the “athleisure” aspect of tenniswear remains prevalent in many of the latest offerings. (Prices are suggested retail.)
Chrissie by Tail
tailactivewear.com 888-906-1341
Chrissie by Tail pairs the season’s striped patterns with bold pops of color. The Esme racerback tank ($69) boasts a UPF of 50, while the Amelia skort ($69) features mesh inserts, ball pockets and a longer length of 14.5 inches.
Fila
fila.com 410-773-3000
Fila puts a performance-driven spin on its Heritage collection, which will be front and center at the US Open. Classic men’s polos get a twist with striped neck-tapes, plackets and gussets. Color-blocked tops not only feature the brand’s signature red, white and navy, but get a boost with the injection of rich cobalt blues. Self-locking zippers alongside fabrications with UV protection and moisture-wicking round out the additions. (Heritage Polo, $55, with Heritage shorts, $48.)
Bolle
bolletenniswear.com 301-362-0360
Ruffles and animal prints remain strong and are featured in Bolle’s fall pieces. The Primal Instinct line features an all-over printed tank ($64) with solid back neckband and contrast green half-moon in a poly/spandex blend with moisture wicking. The 14-inch black skort ($68) with a green ruffle border trim is part of this hot mix-and-match group.
Lucky In Love
luckyinlovekids.com 305-638-5484
Lucky in Love’s fall look shines with its Athena group. A long-sleeve athletic crew in midnight blue ($70) with inset sleeves combines vibrant pinks and blues. It’s coupled with the Athena Pocket flouncy skirt ($72) in a matching pattern. Both of these eye-catching pieces use a poly/lycra blend fabrication to layer on the comfort.
Athletic DNA
athleticdna.com 470-236-2001
Athletic DNA’s striking designs hit the fall tennis season with poppy and yellow color palettes. The striking poppy graphic print Match crew ($50) and yellow hitting shorts ($40), both in a poly/spandex blend, combine for a breathable and fashionable design. All of the brand’s pieces also are available in youth sizes.
B3.0
b30active.com 646-206-8678
Barbara Warren set out to create a streetwear collection for fashion-forward consumers, and she added tenniswear to her new B3.0 line. Grays and blues are featured in this combo: the polyamide/elastane swing top ($97) is paired with a polyamide micro/elastane skirt ($99). The turtleneck ($132) tops nylon/spandex leggings ($121).
See all articles by Cynthia Sherman
About the Author
Cynthia Sherman is a contributing editor for Tennis Industry magazine.
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