'I test fitness wear for a living — this is the tennis kit I really rate'
It's safe to say we've been bitten by the Wimbledon bug here at WH — cute white skirts, Pimm's and powerful female athletes? Yes please. And we're not alone; tennis (and particularly padel tennis) is one of the fastest growing sports among women, with over 50 million players globally.
The benefits of playing tennis include increased aerobic capacity, range of motion and physical and mental agility, to name just a few. There's also just so much joy to be found in tennis; socialising, the energising quality of being outdoors, the power you feel on smashing a return, plus the pleasing thwack of ball on racket. It’s a sign – along with Pimm’s jugs overflowing with fruit and pillowy mounds of strawberries and cream – that summer has arrived.
But as with any sport, the right kit can make all the difference. Which is why I took to the court and put a range of tennis gear to the test to find the brands that deliver on both style and substance.
The best tennis kit for women to shop in 2024: tried and tested
With Wimbledon in full swing, it’s a great time to stock up on tennis kit staples before they sell out. From traditional pleated tennis skirts and on-trend dresses to tennis shoes and sweat bands, here’s everything worth investing in before you hit the court this summer.
The tennis dress
It’s hard to pick a favourite from lululemon’s tennis range, but this classic white dress ticks all the boxes for me. It’s incredibly lightweight, fits beautifully and offers great stretch so you can twist to your heart’s content.
But the undershorts are where this dress really comes into its own – they give great coverage, have mesh sections for breathability and both drop-in and ball-release pockets on each thigh, which comes in handy on the court.
With an undershort you obviously have to put the dress on from the bottom (shorts first), but there’s a half zip to the front that makes this easy, and means you’ve got options for your neckline.
I love the generous gently ruffled skirt and how the shorts peep out beneath it – making sitting between sets a modest affair – as well as the narrow straps that sit across the traps rather than shoulders so don’t cause the dress to ride up when serving.
The panelling is flattering and helps you feel held in, while the cut-out back is a nice touch, adds to the flexibility of the piece, and pairs elegantly with the lululemon energy longline bra.
I also highly recommend the M&S tennis dress for a budget option and this azure tennis dress from Vuori if white’s not your thing.
The sweat-wicking tank
Let’s not beat around the bush – tennis is a sweaty business. But this tank top from Nike’s tennis collection is designed to help you beat the heat while serving up your very best game.
Made with a vented peekaboo back and super-light, perforated knit Dri-FIT material, it keeps you dry, cool and comfortable. The racerback cut and narrow shoulders aid mobility while the V-neck nods to lawn club style.
I wore it tucked into a tennis skirt – the slightly cropped hem means there’s no excess material around your waist – but it looks just as good layered over the top. It’s simple and understated, but there’s much more going on than meets the eye – just like the very best tennis matches.
It's also available in blue, black and peachy pink, but I recommend the white for both heat-reflecting and tradition-hailing purposes.
The modern tennis skirt
There’s something about a crisp white tennis skirt (or skort) that just makes you want to peel open a can of fresh tennis balls and head to the court.
So after a lot of hunting, I settled on this minimal A-line number from Vuori’s court to resort collection. While pleats have their place, I adore the pared-back design of this one.
The widened hem makes for great manoeuvrability, the length is perfect (there’s never any distracting fabric getting in your way) and it’s gorgeously stretchy, so you can dash around the court unimpeded.
The undershorts are a triumph too – they’re shorter than most, allowing you to run freely, and lightweight, thin, and soft, so don’t dig in or chafe. There are two ball pockets; one opening upwards (which can also house a phone comfortably), and one opening downwards for easy ball release.
The skirt is totally opaque, which is not always the case with white gear, and it pairs well with the Vuori Daily Crop if you prefer a bit of midriff on show.
Prefer pleats? I also loved this mesh mid-rise baby from lululemon, as seen on Markéta Vondroušová at last year's tournament.
The springy tennis shoes
The best tennis shoes absorb shock and soften your landings, leaving you free to focus on your game and not twinging knees. These hard court tennis shoes from Nike are the epitome of rally-ready: sturdy, comfortable and offering exceptional cushioning in the midsole.
They’re low cut, allowing you to approach the net at speed, have a clever grip pattern that allows you to slide with control, and offer great flexibility around the collar to allow for twists and last minute direction changes.
They do run a little small so if you’re in-between sizes or prefer a thicker tennis sock then size up. They're also available in blue, hot pink and white and green.
The court-ready co-ord
Activewear brand Varley specialises in timeless pieces that perform, and I love this pairing of traditional pleats with a contemporary round-neck tank. Marrying tennis white, lawn club green and a chic dash of pale pink, it looks the part while remaining practical thanks to the unfussy tee and handy undershorts.
Deliciously soft, stretchy and a joy to wear, the tank top is versatile, loose enough to feel comfortable (but you’re not faced with yards of flapping material), with generous arm holes that leave you free to perfect your backhand.
The tennis skirt, or skort, is a little longer than some but the vintage-inspired pleats mean you get full range of motion. The built-in undershorts are stretchy, comfortable and offer ample coverage as well as deep phone and ball pockets on each thigh.
Together, the set is surprisingly breathable – I was sceptical about the skirt – and looks gorgeous. The green and pink of the skirt are both echoed in the trim of the tank for a tastefully sophisticated look.
And the match day essentials
It’s the little things that make all the difference, and that applies to tennis just as anywhere else. To save yourself from squinting, a tennis visor or cap is a must – I’m a big fan of this street-ready embroidered cap from Sporty & Rich.
Wristbands will offer a welcome mop for your forehead (trust me, you’ll need it) as well as prevent sweat from running down your arms onto your hands and impeding grip – here Nike has the edge with these double-sized bands.
Decent socks are paramount to ensure comfort and support, and if you have long hair like me, you’ll understand the importance of a good scrunchie. These ones from lululemon may be a bit pricey but they do not budge, are comfortable to wear (no hair pulling or tangling) and go the distance.
Game, set, match.
More tennis resources from Women's Health...
The best tennis rackets to shop now - for every level of player
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