When players take to the court for this year’s Wimbledon Championships, they’ll adhere to a strict all-white dress code, stating that no more than 1cm of any other colour can be visible on their clothing.
“The original women’s tennis look consisted of a floor-length dress with long sleeves and a high neckline,” explains David Hewitt, head of retail, merchandise and licensing at Wimbledon.
Another French player, René Lacoste, introduced his iconic polo shirts in the Thirties and skirt hems continued to rise through the decades.
Certain era-defining players became known for their distinctive on-court style.
But the ultimate tennis fashion icon has got to be Serena Williams, who changed the game with her boundary-pushing jumpsuits, neon dresses and tutu skirts.
Right now, it’s the timeless tennis look that is having a fashion moment.
It started on the Miu Miu autumn/winter 2022 catwalk, where models wore pleated micro-mini skirts and preppy polo shirts.
The luxury label, headed up by legendary designer Miuccia Prada, has continued to include tennis-esque skirts in subsequent collections, sparking many a high street dupe.
Now the ‘tenniscore’ trend is proving popular with Gen Z on TikTok and a pleated mini is a spring/summer must-have.
Trend-setting celebrities, such as singer Dua Lipa and models Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid, have been spotted in the tennis trend – with no rackets in sight.
Even the Princess of Wales, who is patron of The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, has been rocking the tenniscore look.
Kate recently donned a white sleeveless polo shirt, skirt and jacket from the official Wimbledon clothing collection, while learning about the club’s ball boys and girls alongside 20-time men’s singles Grand Slam winner Roger Federer.
“Whilst it originated as an upper-class trend, tennis fashion has now become available to all, which undoubtedly contributes to its enduring popularity,” says Hewitt.
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Ellesse Women’s Ranaldi Dress White, £50; Sento Visor White, £12