Though pickleball reigned supreme last summer, it's tenniscore that's taking home the trophy for 2024's sportiest fashion trend. If the social media frenzy around Zendaya and Law Roach's looks on the Challengers press tour wasn't convincing enough, the intel I gathered from E! News correspondent and Milk Makeup co-founder Zanna Roberts Rassi proves that the tenniscore trend is on the ascent.
"The rise of tennis celebrities like Coco Gauf and influencers like Morgan Riddle are contributing to the growing popularity of tennis culture, where we see tennis skirts, polos, and pleats move from the court to the streets," says Roberts Rassi. Popular TV shows like Apples Never Fall and Break Point have certainly helped, too.
According to Afterpay (the buy-now-pay-later program that your budget <3's), athleticwear sales increased year-over-year across every category: tennis skirts, workout dresses, athletic sunglasses, tennis sneakers—you name it. Even off-court styles like quarter-zip sweatshirts, preppy tennis sweaters, and polo shirts are growing in popularity, thanks to a perfect storm of pop culture moments.
Roberts Rassi says the preppy tennis outfits you'll see throughout the spring and summer of 2024 "fuse athleticwear and classic styles, drawing inspiration from the old-money aesthetic that captures style-conscious consumers and sports enthusiasts." All to say, you don't actually need to play tennis to take part in the trend. Performance fabrics and functional design details ensure these key tenniscore fashion items are a practical addition to anyone's casual wardrobe.
Cute Tennis Skirts
Lululemon Side-Pleat High-Rise Tennis Skirt
If you're going to buy just one new skirt this spring, it should be a cute tennis skirt—or should I say, tennis skort—that you can wear just about anywhere. While the sweat-wicking fabric and built-in shorts make them ideal attire for tennis, golf, and pickleball, these cute pleated mini skirts are just as great for running errands and walking the dog.
Retro Tennis Sneakers
Reebok Club C 85 Sneakers
Nike Killshot 2 Tennis Sneakers
on THE ROGER Pro
Grabbing new white sneakers ahead of summer? Try a retro tennis sneaker like the Adidas Stan Smith, Nike Killshot or Reebok Club C (as opposed to soccer sneakers like Adidas Sambas and basketball sneakers like the New Balance 550). Designed decades ago to be worn on the tennis court, they bring a vintage country club vibe while keeping you comfortable af.
Athletic Sunglasses
Nike Skylon Ace 22 Rectangular Sunglasses
Rawlings Strike Ready Sport Sunglasses
Last year's futuristic wrap-around sunglasses have evolved into something sportier this spring. According to Afterpay, sales of athletic sunglasses are up 193% YoY, making them one of the season's fastest-growing accessory trends. These styles aren't just the cherry on top of your tennis-core outfits, but they're also incredibly practical for outdoor runs and workouts.
Tennis Sweaters
When it comes to knitwear, lean into tennis whites, preppy stripes and quiet luxury cotton fabrics. Keep an eye out for classic pullovers and oversized cardigans with striped trim that brings a subtle tennis vibe, whether paired with workout leggings, wide-leg trousers, or maxi skirt à la Zendaya.
Everyday Tennis Dresses
FP Movement Swing of Things Skortsie
Similar to tennis skirts, workout dresses have taken on an even more old-money aesthetic. Afterpay data shows sales of workout dresses are up 114% YoY, with tennis dresses in particular up 69% YoY. Ahead of summer 2024, look for classic colors with preppy details like pleated skirts, zip fronts, and polo collars that make them even easier to dress up and down. Custom Loewe tennis ball heels not required.
Country Club Accessories
Sporty & Rich Rizzoli Tennis Cap
Aileam Satin Hair Bow Clips
Terse Fabric Headbands (6-Pack)
Mini Momo Tennis Ball Keychain Coin Purse
Court-ready accessories like visors, workout headbands, and white crew socks tie your whole look together. As does a cute tennis ball coin purse or an oversized hair bow like the one Zendaya wore during the Challengers movie press tour.
Wimbledon Whites
Quince 100% Organic Cropped Cotton Polo Sweater
Golden by TNA Butter Limit Zip T-Shirt
Meshki Harriette Halter Midi Dress
Though tennis whites may not be required at your neighborhood court (or your casual hangout), they're certainly encouraged. A crisp white colorway instantly elevates casual workout styles and transports timeless basics straight to the country club. Wear white from head to toe for even more of a just left Wimbledon look.
Polo Shirts
Everlane The Rib Soft Knit Open Collar Polo
Polo shirts are another key tennis-core style that evolved from the old-money aesthetic and pickleball trends seen last summer. Grab vintage-inspired cable knit fabrics, fashion-forward cropped polos, or oversized fits that say I stole this from my tennis-playing bf. While trendy pastel pink is certainly appealing, a classic tennis color like white and navy will never lead you astray.
Tennis Ball Green
PQ Tinsley Ring Dress
JW Pei Joy Shoulder Bag
Even your going-out looks can channel the tenniscore fashion trend if you opt for something in tennis ball green. Whether bright or full-blown neon, it's the perfect light green shade for handbags, dresses, and statement pieces.
Tennis Necklaces and Bracelets
NYC Sterling 3mm Round Cubic Zirconia Tennis Necklace
What tennis outfit would be complete without a tennis bracelet or necklace to top it off? Versatile enough to wear solo or layer with chains and charms, these sparkly jewelry styles are key to creating a bougie, country club-member vibe.
Sarah Maberry is a commerce writer for Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. A seasoned trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level. When she’s not writing for Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, House Beautiful, Town & Country, Delish and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at FIT (her alma matter) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.
