Zendaya wore a custom Lacoste red carpet look inspired by tennis court nets. Photo: Instagram @warnerbrosau

Since the beginning of her film Challengers, “ Gen Z red carpet queen” Zendaya has helped bring attention to tenniscore, a style of dress inspired by the aesthetic of the sport of tennis. But tenniscore was already a trend, thanks to the influence of tennis superstars.

The stats back this up. In the last year alone, searches on Pinterest for “tennis aesthetic” increased by 37.5%. Searches for “cute tennis outfit” increased by 69.65%, while “tennis clothes” increased by a whopping 150%.

Instagram account @databutmakeitfashion also confirmed the trend, saying interest in tennis style has increased by 80% in the past month alone.

Photo: Miu Miu

What makes tenniscore fashion so appealing? First and foremost, it is because tenniscore is comfortable, brings a youthful, healthy look and creates simplicity in how to coordinate outfits. But perhaps an equally important factor is that this sport is associated with the upper class.

After quiet luxury and old money styles took off in 2023, everything related to the pleasures of the rich also became a trend.

Tennis: The favorite sport of royalty and the upper class

Painting of “The Tennis Court Oath” on June 20, 1789 by Louis Charles Auguste Couder. Photo: Fine Art Images/Heritage Images

Tennis is believed to have originated in medieval Europe. It was once a favorite sport of European royalty, attracting everyone from King Henry VIII of England to Mary, Queen of Scots.

During the French Revolution of 1789, tennis courts were closed as members of the royal family fled. In a moment that marked the significance of the French Revolution, representatives of the French people marched to a nearby tennis court and vowed not to release the king (then Louis XVI) until a new constitution was passed. History remembers this moment as the “Tennis Court Oath.”

Then, when the first and oldest tennis tournament, Wimbledon, was founded in 1877 in England, it continued the tradition of tennis and the upper class. Along with polo, horse riding, rowing and hunting, tennis was considered a favorite sport of members of the British royal family.

Photo: Racket Sports World

Looking at the prize money at Wimbledon, we can see the wealth of this sport. In the 2020s, the total prize money for this season reached 44.7 million Euros. This number is many times higher than the prize money for other ball and racket sports such as badminton, squash, table tennis or pickleball (pictured above).

Prize money is just the tip of the iceberg. Tennis players’ income comes not only from tournament winnings but also from endorsement deals. Roger Federer, for example, has deals with Rolex and Uniqlo. Rafael Nadal has deals with Richard Mille, Emporio Armani, and recently became an ambassador for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

King Richards (2021) Movie. Photo: Warner Bros.

For the above reasons, it is not surprising that most tennis players come from well-off families.

Unlike sports like basketball or football, where contracts are lucrative for players at all levels (even low-ranked players can earn big money), tennis is an individual sport where success depends on the player’s ability. Only those who reach the top can receive prize money.

In order to be able to concentrate on training, athletes must train from a young age. They can only focus on this sport if they have financial support from their families. Everything is expensive: equipment, uniforms, court rental fees, teachers… Only a few even have the opportunity to be trained by experts who charge thousands of US dollars per hour.

The high cost of this sport is clearly depicted in the movie King Richard (2021), a biographical film about the great father who built two daughters, Venus and Serena Williams, despite the family’s complete hardship.

When tennis stars are also fashion icons

Lea Pericoli (left) with designer Ted Lining, 1968. Photo: Mirrorpix/Getty Images

Because tennis is a highly individual sport, athletes who reach the pinnacle of glory in this sport are also stars, influential icons in the fashion world.

Rewind to 1920. At Wimbledon, French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen made history when she appeared in a short tennis skirt above the knee and a flapper headband designed by Jean Patou, breaking the rigid dress codes of the time. It was a small but significant step towards comfort and freedom for women, paving the way for many female tennis players to come.

Chris Evert wearing a tennis bracelet during a match at Wimbledon in 1975. Photo: Shutterstock

Then came Chris Evert, the top American tennis player of the 1970s, who won 18 Grand Slam singles titles. She once requested a postponement of a match after dropping her diamond bracelet. Since then, this type of small bracelet with diamonds and precious stones has been called a tennis bracelet.

Who can forget Lea Pericoli in her sexy Ted Tinling-designed dresses with lace and feathers, big bows and rhinestones? Maria Sharapova in the 2000s with her Nike-inspired tuxedo suits? Or Venus Williams in her catsuits on the court? Each of them shined not only with their talent on the court but also with their unique fashion sense.

>>> DISCOVER: WHAT ARE THE TENNIS BRACELETS AND NECKLACES THAT HIP HOP LOVES?

Tenniscore Style: When High Fashion Finds Inspiration in the Sport of the Super Rich

Photo: Miu Miu

The fashion industry has often looked to the crisp white uniforms of tennis for inspiration. However, the evolution of the gym uniform into a popular and modern aesthetic can be credited to Miuccia Prada and the Miu Miu Tennis Club.

Since the Fall Winter 2022 collection, Miu Miu has continuously borrowed characteristic elements from tennis uniforms. The brand recreates pleated miniskirts, polo shirts, over-the-shoulder sweaters… of course not for practicing on the green court but for those who want to immerse themselves in the high-class style of this sport.

Over-the-shoulder sweater, tennis-style pleated skirt in Fendi Fall Winter 2023 collection. Photo: ImaxTree

Thanks to Miu Miu, tenniscore quickly became a fashion trend. Immediately, other brands such as Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, and Sporty & Rich followed suit. These fashion brands already had connections with the sports world and they pushed the tenniscore trend further. Stella McCartney, Sandy Liang, Jacquemus, and Fendi did not miss the opportunity.

Lacoste’s Fall Winter 2024 tennis uniforms are inspired by the style. Polo shirts, pleated skirts, chevron knits… are some of the typical symbols of this style. Photo: ImaxTree

Classic polo shirts, chevron sweaters, pleated skirts, and tennis socks are no longer limited to the court, but have become fashion staples sought after by fashionistas. Just as the girl in yoga clothes is probably not going to the gym, the girl in a tennis dress is probably going to lunch! And no one finds this strange.

Inspired by old money style and upper-class comfort, tenniscore has emerged as a symbol of refined luxury, once again celebrated through film, fashion, and stars like Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner, and Sofia Richie.

Harper’s Bazaar Fashion Magazine