What to Wear to Play Tennis

Tennis is a fun, fast-paced sport that demands endurance and quick reactions. With lots of sprints, sudden stops, and body twists, what you wear really matters. In this article, we’ll explore what to wear to play tennis and help you find the best tennis outfit.

Dress Code for Tennis

Park court

If you’re playing tennis at the park just for fun, there aren’t dress rules; just wear moisture-wicking clothes. But it’s a good idea to avoid being too revealing or dressing in offensive graphics. Outdoor courts usually aren’t as well-maintained as indoor ones, so tennis shoes or cross-training shoes are your best choice.

Tennis club

Tennis clubs have stricter dress codes than public courts: running shoes and basketball shoes are not allowed, and you need proper tennis attire, meaning no T-shirts or jeans. Some clubs even require sponsor-approved gear, and hats aren’t allowed in the lounge or dining rooms.

Professional league

Professional tennis requires players to wear approved tennis shoes and apparel. Wimbledon is the strictest—players must wear all white, including hats, wristbands, and even shoe soles. Off-white and milky white aren’t allowed, and noticeable colors are permitted. The US Open and Australian Open are much more relaxed; they allow brighter colors and personalized designs.

Shirts

Choose lightweight and moisture-wicking tops made from polyester or spandex blends. Cotton t-shirts tend to soak up sweat and feel heavy during play. Tennis polos, crew-neck tees, and tank tops are all great options. A soft shirt helps ensure unrestricted movement on serves and overhead shots.

Shorts or Skirts

Tennis shorts aren’t just for one gender—both men and women wear them. Most tennis shorts come with built-in compression liners to provide muscle support, reduce chafing, and prevent unwanted exposure during movement. You’ll also want a waistband and leg openings with enough stretch so the shorts stay put when you’re running, reaching, or stretching. And pockets matter—tennis shorts need pockets to keep balls from falling out during play.

For women, tennis skirts are a popular choice. They’re always worn with built-in or separate performance shorts underneath, so everything stays put during quick movements. The cut of the skirt—A-line or pleated—should let you move easily while still offering enough coverage, especially on windy days.

Dresses

Tennis dresses are a popular choice among female players. A good tennis dress features built-in compression shorts that provide coverage and use the same moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric as the dress itself. Many dresses use an A-line or slightly pleated cut. The waist is finished with a stretchy waistband or an internal drawcord.

Light-colored dresses are perfect if you play on hard courts under the sun. But if you’re on clay, stick with darker dresses—they hide the dust and stains better.

Shoes

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t cheap out on in tennis, it’s your shoes. Bad shoes aren’t just uncomfortable—they can lead to injuries, which is the last thing you want.

On hard courts, look for shoes with a thicker sole and great cushioning. Most of them use a herringbone or wave-style outsole that can really take a beating. For clay courts, you need an outsole with a finer tread so clay doesn’t clog up the sole, making it easier to slide into shots. For grass courts, you’ll need true grass-court shoes with very shallow, closely spaced nubs—and yes, they have to be non-marking. One last tip: always try shoes on with your tennis socks.

Socks

Now that we’ve covered shoes, let’s talk about tennis socks. Don’t overlook them—a good pair can save you from blisters and injuries. Skip plain cotton socks—they soak up sweat and get soggy fast. Look for tennis socks made from synthetic blends, like polyester, nylon, and a bit of spandex. High-quality socks add extra cushioning in key areas, like the forefoot, heel, and around the ankle. Mid-calf socks stop your Achilles from getting rubbed by the top of your shoes.

Accesories

Hats

Play tennis outside in the sun? You’ll want a hat—it’s your best friend. It keeps the sun out of your eyes and face, so you’re not squinting every time you serve. Most hats have a built-in sweatband, which is a lifesaver when sweat starts dripping—trust me, you don’t want that in your eyes. In hot weather, a light-colored hat can reflect the sun and keep your head cooler. And if you’ve got long hair, a hat is perfect for keeping it out of your face while you are running around the court.

Leggings

A good pair of leggings gives your legs a little support without feeling too tight. They’re also great for preventing thigh chafing—let’s be honest, once you start sweating in the heat, it can get uncomfortable fast. And when you’re sliding or diving for a ball, they give your knees and legs a bit of extra protection.

Wristbands

Nothing worse than sweat dripping into your palm mid-rally. You just need a wristband. And if your wrist gets a little cranky, that extra support given by wristbands actually helps.

FAQ

Do tennis clubs have specific dress codes?

Yes. Many private clubs require proper tennis attire, including non-marking tennis shoes and sport-specific apparel.

What fabrics are recommended for tennis apparel?

Polyester, nylon, and spandex blends are widely used in tennis apparel.

What should teams consider when selecting tennis uniforms?

Teams need to balance comfort, breathability, and durability with league regulations and brand identity.

Are custom tennis uniforms allowed in official competitions?

In most cases, yes—as long as they meet the league’s official dress code.

How long does it take to produce a custom tennis dress?

It depends on design complexity and order volume.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right tennis apparel goes beyond appearance. We can meet all your needs. Just contact us and visit Goaluniform to explore our tennis attire and start your custom order today.