17 editor-approved tennis outfits for women: including skirts, shoes and dresses

One of our favourite things about summer? Tennis season, of course! And this year our obsession has ramped up a notch, thanks to the influx of cute tennis skirts in stores, Taylor Jenkins Reid's Carrie Soto Is Back (if you haven't read it, seriously... what are you waiting for?) and Zendaya's new tennis-themed movie, Challengers.

Pinterest are also predicting that this will be the summer of all-things tennis fashion, with Head of Fashion, Jenna Waller, saying, “As racket sports rise in popularity on and off the court (and on the big screen), we’re seeing people head to Pinterest to search for racket-ready fits before the season gets into full swing. From tennis skirts and sweater vests to trainers and polo tops, the classic looks offer a preppy uniform for all occasions, with many saving a selection of these to add to their upcoming outfits." The stats don't lie either - there's been a 75% rise in people searching for 'tennis outfits' on the platform in the last few months, too.

Aesthetics and pop culture buzz aside, tennis is also a great way of keeping fit (it's a full-body workout, great for boosting your cardio and some studies have even found playing tennis can improve bone health too), and joining a local club also gives you a chance to get sociable. Plus it can be a much cheaper option compared to other exercise classes (I personally started playing last year and pay £7 a go for each hour-long session at my local club in Essex - which provides all the equipment needed - and always find the time flies by). Plus, it really is the ultimate sport for a spot of outfit experimentation!

So, if you're a tennis newbie like myself, you might be wondering what exactly you should wear for a tennis lesson, or to play tennis in general? Here's the DL...

What should I wear for a tennis lesson?

First thing's first, if you're playing in a more formal type of tennis club, it's always best to check whether or not there's a dress code at that specific venue (we all know that Wimbledon players, for instance, have to predominantly wear white, bar women being allowed to wear coloured undershorts – a move introduced to help alleviate the stress of playing on your period).

If your club has no set rules on colours, dress code etc, or you're just playing casually with pals, then here's a checklist to consider:

• A visor or hat: If it's sunny, you're going to want a visor to keep the sun out of your eyes. Running about the court in shades is a risky move as they could fly off at any moment.
• Supportive shoes: If you're just dipping your toe in the tennis waters and aren't sure whether or not you want to invest in tennis specific shoes yet, any trainers with good ankle support should do the job for your first go. I currently take my lessons wearing lululemon's Blissfeel 2 Women's Running Shoes, which I already owned, and feel they help me move around the court swiftly. I've had no issues with them at all so far, after four lessons.
• A good sports bra: Like with any exercise, you'll want to be able to focus in on what you're doing, rather than feel distracted by a bra that's not up to par – and don't forget, tennis involves a lot of running and jumping. I've added some suggestions below.
• Shorts or a skort with pockets: Hidden pockets that you can keep a supply of tennis balls stashed away in is a great idea, especially if you're doing drills that mean you need to 'feed' another player multiple balls in a row so that they can practice their technique.
• Under shorts: Not all tennis skirts or dresses have built-in shorts, so don't forget to consider a pair of short bike shorts if yours doesn't – just for peace of mind.

What's the difference between tennis shoes and normal trainers?

Well, a fair bit actually, explains Dan Bloxham, Head Coach at Wimbledon (who also have an activewear line btw), and Master of Ceremonies. "Even for beginners, a tennis shoe is an essential piece of kit," he says. "You'll destroy running shoes within weeks, and you're also more likely to get injured, as they don't provide the correct support for the multi-directional movement of tennis – especially the side-to-side movement that puts you at risk of turning your ankle. Proper tennis shoes are lower to the ground for stability, and they have stiffer, more durable and supportive uppers."

Do you have to wear white to play tennis?

Unless you're playing in a club that has that listed as a specific part of its dress code, no – but it could certainly help you feel the part, says Bloxham. "Tennis whites and Wimbledon go hand in hand, with a long-standing history that has created some iconic looks throughout the decades. Wearing white also helps you to stay cool and helps to conceal sweat," he notes. "But, really, for your first lesson, [the main thing is] that you feel as comfortable as possible – wear trainers that you feel you can do a lot of running in, lightweight clothing (preferably sweat-wicking if possible), and a pair of socks that won't rub on your feet. If the courts are outside, a cap would be recommended to keep the sun off your face."

Where can I buy the best tennis outfits for women?

Scroll down for our top tennis outfit picks from brands like Nike, lululemon, Free People, PE Nation and more...