Tennis is having a moment, and everyone is dressed to their nines, all ready to show up on the court. All thanks to the bubbling hype of Luca Guadagnino’s new film, Challengers, about a tennis player caught up in a love triangle. The aesthetics and fashion in the Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor-starrer are unparalleled.
For summer 2024, tenniscore fashion is the go-to vibe. And what’s not to love? Tennis court style meets preppy, curating a successful capsule wardrobe for the season.
While tenniscore was a major trend in 2022, due to the sport’s viability in socially distanced situations, this classic mix of sporty and luxury athleisure still offers a timeless and versatile option for men’s everyday wear. The beauty of the trend lies in its ability to be both comfortable and polished.
From Wimbledon summer matches to the US Open, tennis has been synonymous with style and sophistication. Even tennis players including Roger Federer, Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Rudd, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and others, have had the best style on and off the court and managed to carry the essence of sport throughout their popular style moments.
Tenniscore 🤝 #ChallengersMovie press tour. Which look was your favourite? See it in cinemas April 26. pic.twitter.com/qJvx9D60Ru
— Warner Bros. IRL (@WarnerBrosIRL) April 20, 2024
For men, tenniscore fashion is all about seamlessly combining technical innovation with preppy chicness, offering a minimalistic style that is enough to make a statement. Interested, yet?
Here is our ultimate lowdown on tenniscore fashion for men, how to serve the look and essential pieces to add to your wardrobe to perfect this sporty style trend.
All about the Tenniscore style: What is it?
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Tennis Core, aka tenniscore, represents a harmonious blend of tennis players’ style and everyday fashion. It is a fusion of contemporary leisure trends with a touch of nostalgia.
You don’t even have to take our word for it! The rise of #tenniscore on TikTok and Instagram has already transformed into a lucrative retail triumph with brands including United Colors of Benetton, Uniqlo, Polo Ralph Lauren, Miu Miu, JW Anderson, Gucci and Louis Vuitton releasing preppy collections, a suitable choice to sport the trend.
Shreyas Chandra, the founder of Raceorbit, explains the sudden rise of the trend. He says, “As a designer inspired by the clean lines and timeless elegance of the racing culture, I’m drawn to the resurgence of the tenniscore aesthetic for men. It offers a refreshing change from overly casual trends, blending classic sportswear with a modern, preppy vibe. This versatile look works well for various occasions, from casual outings to the office.
He adds, “It focuses on clean silhouettes and high-quality fabrics, like crisp white polo shirts in breathable cotton paired with slim-fit chinos or tailored shorts. A timeless colour palette of navy, beige and olive green provides the foundation.”
How to perfect your tenniscore style
1. Opt for polo shirts and shorts
Ramprasad Sridharan, chief executive officer and managing director at United Colors of Benetton India believes in investing in polo shirts and shorts to amplify your tenniscore look.
He explains, “In the realm of tennis, the polo shirt brings back a sense of tradition and refinement. United Colors Of Benetton’s Spring Summer 2024 polo shirt reigns supreme keeping in mind that tennis wear fashion picks have been the go-to this year. Along with being a fluid choice for anyone to pick up and style with key pieces from the SS’24 collection. Anyone can breathe new life into the classic piqué polo shirt, considering it is a versatile must-have staple for every member of the family.”
2. Linens and white hues are your BFFs
The tenniscore aesthetic requires men to go down the understated luxury route. Embracing the classic staples of tennis fashion such as polos and tailored shorts is a quick way to achieve this aesthetic. It can be further pushed by going for a relaxed fit T-shirt along with shorts and a nice pair of sneakers.
Tenniscore would also mean playing in shades of white to remain true to the heritage of the sport. Incorporate pieces that reflect the sport’s leisurely yet refined appeal. Furthermore, pay attention to details and craftsmanship when selecting your attire. Look for high-quality fabrics and craftsmanship that ensure both comfort and style. Blend in classic tennis staples with contemporary influences, adds Vivek Mishra, the chief designer of Fetus.
To beat the summer heat, men can also go for linen-based clothing choices. “Crisp white polo shirts paired with tailored chinos or relaxed linen pants create a clean base that can be easily accented with pops of colour. Adding a classic baseball cap gives a sporty touch. This style works great for casual brunches, exploring the city or even relaxed evening events. It may not be at its peak anymore, but its core elements continue to hold lasting appeal,” suggests Vasudev Prasad, the founder of Lost My Accent.
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3. Prioritise accessorising
Accessorising is important for improving your tennis-inspired style. Classic white sneakers, a cosy sweater or a lightweight jacket can add a touch of timeless charm. A simple watch or bracelet completes the look without being too flashy. The beauty of this style is that it can be adapted to suit different preferences. You can incorporate bolder colours, patterns, or slightly looser shirts balanced with cuffed chinos, recommends Chandra.
4. Get bejewelled
Tennis bracelets are the best way to include bling in your tenniscore fashion looks. These bracelets come in a single line of diamonds and gemstones, creating an excellent contrast with your overall look.
Shweta Gupta, the founder of Jewels by Shweta recommends experimenting with other types of bracelets as well. She adds: “Jewellery can truly enhance your tennis-inspired look. You can incorporate polished bracelets made from woven leather or braided cords, subtle signet rings or minimal chain necklaces to add personality without overwhelming the clean lines. We even offer a polo-inspired necklace, a perfect conversation starter! Finally, a classic baseball cap and a timeless watch with sunglasses complete the look.”
5. Tennis shoes to the rescue!
Is tenniscore even tenniscore without the classic tennis shoes? Absolutely, not!
Some style recommendations for your tennis-inspired fashion looks
1. Swarovski Matrix tennis bracelet
Swarovski’s contemporary unisex Matrix Tennis bracelet showcases black tones as the focal point of your style, with a ruthenium-plated setting adorned with round jet-coloured stones. This bracelet comes in multiple colour options including shades of pink, gold, rose gold and white for you to pick from.
2. Ralph Lauren Polo shirts
Make Ralph Lauren’s signature polo shirt your new best friend to nail the sporty look. The classic polo can be styled with chinos or white linen shorts along with white sneakers.
Pro tip: Opt for light-coloured tones like blue, yellow, white, teal and pink for your next polos.
3. Adidas Stan Smith sneakers
Adidas’ classic Stan Smith shoes can be paired with diverse looks, and they never go out of style! Think of pairing them with a knit vest or a striped shirt along with crisp white trousers and you are ready to take over!
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(Hero and feature image credit: Instagram/Adidas and IMDb/Challengers)
