Initially originating as a TikTok micro-trend with over 2.8 million views under the hashtag #tenniscore, the ‘Tennis Core’ fashion trend has evolved into a multi-million dollar retail success.
This style blends the aesthetics of tennis players with everyday fashion, creating a unique fusion of modern leisurewear with nostalgic elements. According to an article in The Guardian, this trend resonates with younger generations who appreciate the stylish pleats, irrespective of their experience with the sport.
According to BuzzFeed, during the promotional tour for the movie Challengers, Zendaya showcased numerous tennis-inspired outfits further fuelling the viral nature of this trend. In the film, she portrays Tashi, a professional tennis player who transitions into coaching after sustaining an injury during a match. On the runways, Charaf Tajer of Casablanca has been championing the ‘Tenniscore’ look for the past several seasons. Look 36 in his F/W ’23 collection featured a tennis-inspired white mini dress with a polo collar and red, black and green tipping and trim. He continued this theme for F/W ’24, presenting Look 37, which featured a white knit top and pleated skirt with green detailing and trim, styled with ‘Greek-inspired’ accessories.
At Lacoste, under the design direction of Pelagia Kolotouros, Look 35 featured a cable-knit v-neck cropped vest with green tipping, paired with matching knickers that were layered under an ivory puffer coat with a green lining. At Sandy Liang, Look 10 showcased a navy blue zip-front jacket worn over a knit turtleneck and a white pleated skirt. On the retail front, cult brands such as Ganni and Sporty & Rich both released collaborations with heritage tennis outfitter Prince last year, while both Tory Burch and Reformation have nearly sold out of their tennis-inspired activewear collections.
Several factors contribute to the success of the tenniscore trend including its social media influence wherein TikTok played a crucial role in popularising ‘Tennis Core’, as users shared and recreated looks, propelling the trend into mainstream fashion. Furthermore, its versatile nature brings together a blend of athleticwear with casual outfits making it viable for various occasions, be it casual outings or more fashionable events. Rooted in nostalgia, the retro appeal of traditional tennis attire attracts those who appreciate vintage fashion, while the modern twist keeps it relevant and trendy for today’s generation.
