Whether you’re serving looks on or off the court, the best tennis dresses of the season can go from country-club chic to street style favorites in one fell swoop, forehand, or backhand. It’s a sport with a rich history of blending form and function, with players of all stripes opting for the best tennis clothes featuring crisp whites, preppy collars, and color-blocking stripes.
Vogue‘s Edit of the Best Tennis Dresses:
Retro athletic attire has been a welcome trend for a while now, whether you’ve ever stepped foot on a court or not, primarily courtesy of Tory Burch, Thom Browne, and even Gucci for their vintage-inspired designs. For heritage sports brands like Nike and Wilson, the tennis dress is a staple, but emerging brands Girlfriend Collective and Sporty & Rich have taken the tennis dress in a trendier direction with more street style appeal. Outdoor Voices, Alo Yoga, and Lululemon’s technically-advanced styles appeal to players looking to improve their performances, while also providing a certain chicness that’s spot-on for days spent on the court or elsewhere. Pair any of these options with a sporty white sneaker or, perhaps, a famed tennis bracelet. Read on to discover 32 of the season’s best tennis dresses, below.
Classic Whites
It’s hard to beat wearing classic head-to-toe tennis whites when stepping out onto the court, from preppy polo collars to racerback tanks. Keep things on theme by finishing off with a bright white sneaker, ball cap, and of course, sunscreen.
Retro Styles
Varsity style stripes, pleated skirts, and drop waists are iconic tennis attire features of decades past, and, apparently, of today, thanks to the likes of Tory Burch, Staud, and Bogner.
The Exercise Dress
Technically advanced dresses get you one step closer to acing that serve or smashing that overhead lob without skimping on style. With sweat-wicking fabrics and built-in sports bras, you’ll be grand slamming in no time.
Collared
For an emphasis on classic preppy silhouettes, slip into a collared tennis dress. Post-game, throw a V-neck sweater over your shoulders for a country club-ready look.
Heritage Sportswear
If you’re not sure which tennis dress you feel most aligned with, begin with a classic pick from a heritage sportswear label. These legacy brands have perfected design details that look (and perform!) optimally on the court.
Pleats
The beloved tennis pleat is as equally charming on the court as it is off. This design detail looks great as a skirt, but a pleated dress should also be in your repertoire of sportswear.
Sporty Striping
Kick your tennis attire in high gear with a dress featuring striping and piping. The subtle pattern is the easiest way to imbue your look with the sport’s timeless aesthetic.
Little Black (Tennis) Dress
While there’s no arguing the appeal of a classic white palette for on-court days, a little black tennis dress is equally as versatile. Style yours with tonal sneakers for a unique take on tennis style.