Fashion and tennis, a long love story that began at Wimbledon in 1919
How fashion has been influenced by tennis to create sporty and chic looks. From 1919 to 2024, here's how tennis fashion has evolved – the tenniscore.
The attraction to Wimbledon and, even more so, Sinner's recent victory has transformed tennis into something that surpasses the sport itself. It goes beyond the craze for holding a racket or the passion for the red court. Some, without ever having played, have been captivated by the uniform that athletes wear to hit, receive, and run from side to side. Pure simplicity. Comfort too. But above all, freedom of movement. All this without sacrificing charm. Those movements, despite their strength and power, appear so elegant. Could this be why fashion and tennis have formed a partnership?
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'There is a subtle line of demarcation between actual sportswear worn on the playing field and the attire adopted by ordinary spectators,' Vogue declared in May 1923. Over a century later, this image persists, taking shape in short and flowing skirts, with or without pleats, in perfectly starched polo shirts, and in pristine sneakers. Perfection is not an option when it comes to the uniform, and there are precise rules. This is what defines its style. Miuccia Prada knows this well, as she staked everything on reimagining tennis apparel a few seasons ago.
The intersections between fashion and tennis, initiated by trendsetters and athletes, have created an unstoppable fusion. Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, adopting pleated miniskirts, embrace the tennis look, while Serena Williams, the Michigan champion with 23 Grand Slam titles and an icon of female empowerment, flaunts couture effects on the cover of Vogue USA's September Issue, wearing a cerulean dress created by Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga. An interesting dialogue that continues and doesn't stop, starting with the first icon of women's tennis, Suzanne Lenglen (at the time more beloved than Duse), particularly appreciated for the sporty look created by designer Jean Patou for Wimbledon in 1919.
Fashion and tennis, their love story began over a century ago, laying the foundations for tenniscore, the trend that has exploded on TikTok, with young people worldwide wearing sportswear. The climax will soon be seen on the big screen with 'Challengers,' the film by Luca Guadagnino (likely to be released in September 2024), starring Zendaya as a talented tennis player. Her outfits were designed by Jonathan Anderson.
