Skip to content
CLICK HERE FOR OUR SPECIAL OFFERS
Sweatband Sweatband
Account
Search
Loading...
Cart
  • Home
  • Nutrition
    • Amino Acids
    • Creatine
    • Energy & Endurance
    • Fat Burners
    • Protein
    • Vegan
    • Vitamins & Minerals
  • Sports
    • Tennis
      • Tennis Rackets
      • Tennis Balls
      • Tennis Bags
      • Tennis Ball Baskets
      • Tennis Ball Machines
      • Tennis Strings
      • Stringing Machines
      • Tennis Dampeners
      • Tennis Grips
      • Tennis Clothing
      • Tennis Shoes
      • Junior Tennis Rackets
      • Mini Tennis Balls
    • Squash
      • Squash Rackets
      • Squash Balls
      • Squash Bags
      • Squash Goggles
      • Squash Strings
      • Squash Grips
      • Squash Clothing
      • Squash Shoes
      • Junior Squash Rackets
    • Badminton
      • Badminton Rackets
      • Badminton Sets
      • Shuttlecocks
      • Badminton Bags
      • Badminton Strings
      • Stringing Machines
      • Racket Grips
      • Badminton Nets
      • Badminton Clothing
      • Badminton Shoes
      • Junior Badminton Rackets
    • Racketball
      • Racketball Rackets
      • Racketball Balls
      • Racketball Bags
      • Racketball Strings
      • Stringing Machines
      • Racket Grips
      • Racketball Clothing
      • Court Shoes
    • Combat
      • Boxing Gloves
      • MMA Gloves
      • Punch Bags
      • Speed Bags
      • Pads & Shields
      • Platforms & Stands
      • Brackets & Hooks
      • Head & Body Protection
      • Hand Wraps
      • Skipping Ropes
      • Boxing Gear Bags
      • Boxing Kits
    • Golf
      • Golf Clubs
      • Golf Club Sets
      • Golf Balls
      • Golf Bags
      • Golf Trolleys
      • Golf Gloves
      • Golf Tees
      • Golf Grips
      • Golf Training Aids
      • Golf Accessories
      • Golf Technology
    • Basketball
      • Basketball Balls
      • Backboards & Rings
      • Basketball Systems
      • Basketball Bags
      • Basketball Storage
      • Basketball Accessories
    • Running
      • Running Hydration
      • Runners Reflective Gear
      • Running Bags
      • Running Supports
      • Training Gear
      • Treadmills
  • Exercise Equipment
    • Fitness Equipment
      • Treadmills
      • Exercise Bikes
      • Cross Trainers
      • Rowing Machines
      • Step Platforms
      • Trampolines
      • Gym Balls
      • Balance Boards
      • Exercise Mats
      • Ab Wheels & Trainers
      • Wrist & Ankle Weights
      • Skipping Ropes
      • Resistance Bands & Tubes
      • Fitness Accessories
      • Sports Supports
      • Floor Mats
      • Package Deals
    • Gym Equipment
      • Multi Gyms
      • Weight Benches
      • Stands & Racks
      • Power Towers
      • Dumbbells
      • Weight Plates
      • Weight Bars
      • Weight Sets
      • Weight Lifting Accessories
      • Kettlebells
      • Medicine Balls
      • Weighted Vests
      • Pull Up & Push Up Bars
      • Sports Supports
      • Floor Mats
    • Functional Training
      • Power Racks
      • Rowing Machines
      • Kettlebells
      • Dumbbells
      • Weight Plates
      • Weight Bars
      • Weight Lifting Accessories
      • Medicine Balls
      • Weighted Vests
      • Gym Balls
      • Skipping Ropes
      • Pull Up & Push Up Bars
      • Step Platforms
      • Resistance Bands & Tubes
    • Health Monitors & Trackers
      • Body Fat Monitors
      • Chest Straps
    • Sports Clothing & Footwear
      • Sports Clothing
      • Training Shoes
  • Yoga
    • Yoga Mats
    • Yoga Mat Bags & Straps
    • Yoga Blocks & Bricks
    • Yoga Bolsters & Cushions
    • Gym Balls
    • Resistance Bands & Tubes
    • Yoga Accessories
  • Table Games
    • Table Tennis
      • Table Tennis Tables
      • Table Tennis Bats
      • Table Tennis Sets
      • Table Tennis Balls
      • Table Tennis Nets & Posts
      • Table Covers
      • Bat Covers
      • Table Tennis Robots
    • Football Tables
    • Pool Tables
  • Hobbies & Leisure
    • Badminton Sets
    • Gadgets
    • Darts
  • Account

Tennis Fashion History - From Long Formal Dresses To The Miniskirt

David Angus · March 25, 2022
Tennis Fashion History - From Long Formal Dresses To The Miniskirt

When it comes to tennis it's not just the kit and pace of play that has evolved. The clothing has come a long way too - all the way from the ankles to the tops of the thighs to be accurate! Here's a whistle-stop tour of ladies' tennis fashion and attire through the ages.

1. 1880's - 1920's

tennis fashion history

During this period the female tennis player had more flesh covered than a lady diner at Downtown Abbey. Up to 1910 female tennis fashion saw heavy dresses that featured a high neck and a low hem. White was the chosen colour as it concealed perspiration the best, and perspire they did as the fabric was heavy and with the underskirts ran to several layers making agile play nigh impossible.

2. 1920's - 1940's

Suzanne Lenglen and Alice Marble tennis fashion revolution

In 1922, Suzanne Lenglen (left) shocked the world when she dressed for tennis at Wimbledon wearing a 'short' skirt, Alice Marble (right) then wore shorts. During this period shorter, lighter weight skirts and shorts with polo shirts made an appearance on lady players. Practicalities were put before privacy which meant exposing a high proportion of leg during play. At last the female players could move at higher speeds and were subject to fewer restrictions.

3. 1950's - 1960's

Maria Bueno and Gertrude Mora tennis outfits

1950s / 1960s ladies tennis fashion

While pretty blouses and frilly shorts kept players' clothes feminine in the 50's and 60's, the skirts and sleeves got even shorter. Maria Bueno (Top Left) and Gertrude Mora (top right) played in such kit. Towards the end of this era, short skirts were the norm both on the court and on The High Street so women were liberated in more contexts than the tennis court alone.

4. 1970's

1970s women's tennis fashionBy the 1970s, the women's game had grown considerably. The kit - excepting the skirts - was interchangeable with that worn by men, with shorts and T-shirts being the norm like that worn by Margaret Court (right), with women's tennis fashion taking another step towards the modern day.

5. 1980's - 1990's

Chris Evert-Lloyd and Monika Seles tennis fashion

Sports brands and sponsorship came aboard women's tennis in the 1980s. The top players like Chris Evert-Lloyd (left) and Monika Seles (right) were stars in their own right, so the key brands were keen to promote themselves. Colour, designs, and prominent logos on light breathable fabrics began to appear while player endorsement drove sales.

6. 1990's-present

Now to the present where the personalities of the tennis stars inspires and influences the sports brands. Today the big brands create tennis wear that is practical, eye-catching, brand-loyal and player-focussed. The Williams' sisters are probably the best example and their Nike kit, like the pictures below communicates their personalities, power and prowess.

Williams' sisters tennis fashion

Maria Sharapova Tennis fashion

Share
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Pin it
  • Features
  • Tennis

Previous

10 Ways to Stay Motivated on Long Cycles
November 16, 2021

10 Ways to Stay Motivated on Long Cycles

Categories

  • Features
  • Tennis

We are Sweatband.com.

Your No.1 go to sports superstore.

We have been selling sports and fitness products for over 20 years through our website and central London showroom. We have served more than 2 million customers and pride ourselves on our unparalleled customer service.

Trustpilot

Money Back Guarantee

Change your mind within 14 days and we will give your money back as long as you return the item to us as new and in its original packaging.

Customer care

  • My Account
  • Order Tracking
  • Deliveries
  • Returns
  • Contact us

About us

  • Our Story
  • London Showroom
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • Affiliates
  • WEEE Compliance

Social media

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram

Copyright © Sweatband.com Ltd. Registered in England.
VAT Registration: GB927366401.

Amazon American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Google Pay Maestro Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Visa

Welcome to Sweatband.com. This site uses cookies and your continued use of this site is assumed to provide consent. Please read our Cookie policy & our Privacy Policy for more information. Learn more