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 (Zendaya included!) 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 and Staud for their vintage-inspired designs. For heritage sports brands like Nike, Fila, and Wilson, the tennis dress is a staple, but emerging brands such as Recreational Habits 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 at the tennis club 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. Channel the Wimbledon ethos and opt for Tory Burch’s chic all-white pleated dress or Alo Yoga’s dress made of soft brushed jersey and includes a built in bra. 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 and Staud. Classic sportswear brands are bringing retro tennis dresses to the forefront. Consider Fila’s tennis dress in a bright limoncello yellow, featuring a quarter zip detail and mesh panels or shop Staud’s exclusive tennis collection at Saks, including a stylish two-tone green and white dress that will have you looking like an ace all match long.
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. Outdoor Voices aptly named one of its bestsellers the “Exercise Dress,” which is made from the label’s quick-dry fabric and includes built-in shorts to easily stow tennis balls in between serves.
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. There’s no U.S. Open without Ralph Lauren, and it’s only fitting to make an appearance at the games in the brand’s signature polo dress, available in 14 different colors from white to mint green. For a dress that will put an extra pep in your step come summertime, consider Kule’s striped polo dress that is designed to be worn not only on the court, but out in the city, and even on vacation.
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 during practice. Lacoste boasts a wide assortment of tennis dresses in bright color block shades to breezy spring pastels. If you’re looking for a classic look, channel your inner Serena Williams in one of Nike’s classic white tennis dresses.
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. Tory Burch’s tennis dress is a best seller for a reason, featuring a preppy V-neckline, green and white palette, and elegant pleats on the bottom; it’s a must have for any burgeoning tennis star—Tashi would certainly approve.
Sporty Striping
Kick your tennis attire into 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. For a chic under-$100 tennis dress that embodies the sporty aesthetic, consider Adidas’s classic tennis dress that features the brand’s iconic three stripes along each side.
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. We love Outdoor Voices’ aptly named “Doubles” dress to pair nicely with your tennis partner. For a more avant-garde tennis look, consider Y-3’s version, designed in collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto and featuring an asymmetrical hem.
