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As with any sport, match points matter the most, right? After all, that’s the main goal: who scores more points and wins the game. However, other factors also contribute to a successful game, and proper clothing is one of them. The audience and fans might not put much thought into this and think it’s only about dress code and style.
But it’s more than that. Besides the tennis racquets essential for mastering the court, proper apparel plays a significant role in enhancing comfort, agility, and mobility, contributing to overall better performance. Although in the past tennis attire was somewhat rigid, nowadays, players have more freedom in selecting their clothing and expressing their style. There is a wide selection of clothes for tennis, allowing you to find apparel to suit your preferences.
Essential Pieces of Tennis Apparel and Their Function on the Court
Every player’s wardrobe should include tops and bottoms, hats or visors, socks and tennis shoes. You can also accessorise your preference for enhanced style on the court.
Polo Shirts and Tanks
Polo shirts or tanks are the staple of every tennis player’s wardrobe. They are essential clothes for tennis that offer a balance between style and functionality. That brings us to the next question: What is the best fabric for tennis shirts? Most tops are made from breathable materials such as polyester, spandex or cotton blends because of their ability to wick away moisture, which allows the skin to breathe.
Wearing breathable clothes is especially important during long hours of play in the summer under the scorching sun. Furthermore, polo shirts offer players additional sun protection around the neck area with the collars of the polos. As for tanks, they provide greater mobility, ventilation, and a more streamlined fit.
Although both men and women can wear polos on the court, female players tend to gravitate more towards tanks, as they feel more comfortable and look more stylish and chic.
Tennis Shorts, Skirts or Dresses
Tennis bottoms offer greater versatility in terms of style and fashion. They are also designed with moisture-wick technology, which helps players stay comfortable during the dynamic movements and allows them to accommodate the demands of the game. The skin must stay dry and cool during extreme temperatures, which is particularly prominent during the Australian Open.
Tennis bottoms are made from stretchy materials and elastic waistbands that ensure a secure fit, yet, allow freedom of movement. Additionally, skirts and dresses often incorporate built-in shorts or compression liners for added coverage and convenience. As such, the design allows female players to feel confident in their movements and allows them to sprint and lunge with ease.
These garments come in various styles and lengths, allowing players to find something to fit their style while adhering to the tournament regulations and standards.
Hats and Visors
Players are always exposed to the outside elements, regardless if it’s winter, summer or any other season. The weather conditions can often reduce the visibility and make it harder for players to focus on the game. That’s why hats and visors serve as essential accessories for tennis players. They protect player’s eyes from glare, wind or rain and reduce eye strain during outdoor matches.
Another great thing about visors and hats is that they help manage perspiration by absorbing the sweat and preventing it from dripping into players’ eyes. It helps players to maintain a clear vision throughout the match and stay focused on the game and performance.
Many hats and visors come with adjustable straps which allow players to customize them to their preferred size and provide long-lasting comfort.
Socks
For many, socks may seem like a minor detail that does not have much role in a player’s performance. Well, it’s quality the opposite because they do serve a great role in supporting players’ feet, preventing discomfort during matches.
But how are tennis socks different from standard socks? Due to the nature of the game, which requires players to stand on their feet for extended periods, tennis socks feature cushioned soles and arch support to help reduce the risk of blisters and foot fatigue.
Plus, they are also made from materials with moisture-wicking properties to help keep players’ feet dry and cool. The design provides comfortable snug around the ankles, without restricting circulation.
Tennis Shoes
What you wear on the feet can have a huge impact on how you feel. The same goes for tennis players. Footwear is the most important piece of tennis apparel. It’s incredibly important that the tennis shoes provide players with ultimate comfort. After all, they are standing on their feet for too long, which can lead to soreness and pain in their feet.
That’s why tennis shoes are specifically designed to help players move confidently and comfortably across the court. Tennis footwear features durable outsoles, supportive midsoles and responsive cushioning. The design provides stability and traction during quick lateral movements which happen frequently during tennis matches. The fabrics and design of tennis shoes also allow players’ feet to breathe, keeping them cool and comfortable.
The variety of styles and designs helps players find something they like and something that fits their personality.
