How Tennis Shapes Fashion from Wimbledon to Roland Garros

From all-white elegance to clay-court-inspired hues. Explore how tennis influences designer collections, street style, and cultural trends.

Image Courtesy of People Magazine

The summer sun beats down on a packed Wimbledon and US Open crowd. Crisp whites glimmer on the court as players serve with precise elegance, while fashion editors discreetly note the audience’s outfits. Straw hats, pleated skirts, and pastel dresses float among the spectators, mingling tradition with modern flair. But beyond the matches, a question lingers: how did tennis, a sport steeped in etiquette and history, transform into a significant force in seasonal fashion? From Serena Williams’ bold statement ensembles with Puma to Rafael Nadal’s sleek Nike collaborations, the sport has become a stage for athletic performance and sartorial influence. Tennis courts are now as much about looks as they are about points, inspiring collections that crossover into everyday wardrobes.

From Courts to Closets: A Historical Perspective

Tennis fashion has a long story, one rooted in rules and rituals. Wimbledon’s “all-white” dress code dates back over a century, enforcing clean lines and understated elegance. This tradition did more than maintain decorum; it shaped the visual language of tennis-inspired fashion. The minimalist chic of crisp polos and pleated skirts trickled from the courts to high fashion, influencing designers who saw refinement in simplicity.

Meanwhile, Roland Garros offered a different palette. The rich oranges and reds of the clay courts inspired summer collections that favored earthy neutrals and soft terracotta tones. Designers borrowed these visual cues, reinterpreting them for streetwear and resort collections. Over the decades, tennis aesthetics, the skirts, polos, headbands, and court shoes moved from strictly functional athletic wear to symbols of lifestyle and leisure, shaping everything from preppy chic to urban casual. Today, tennis’s sartorial influence reaches far beyond courtside seating, in campaigns, street style, and high-fashion runways.

The white dress code of Wimbledon. Image Courtesy of Tierol

Roland Garros dress code. Image Courtesy of Michel Spingler via WWD

Stars on the Court, Icons Off It

Tennis players have always served as cultural touchstones, but some have crossed into the fashion spotlight with remarkable effect.

Serena Williams is the most daring example. Known for her bold, statement-making court outfits, she has consistently pushed boundaries, blending sport with theatricality. Williams demonstrates how a player's style can define a collection, from powerful jumpsuits and custom gowns to her Puma collaboration that fused performance wear with high-fashion sensibility.

Roger Federer, in contrast, exemplifies understated elegance. His minimalist approach, favoring classic lines and muted tones, mirrors the clean aesthetic of traditional tennis but also translates effortlessly to lifestyle fashion. Collaborations with brands like Uniqlo highlight his timeless approach, appealing to fans who value versatility and sophistication.

Naomi Osaka brings a younger, streetwear-infused perspective. Mixing oversized hoodies, statement sneakers, and bold colors with court-ready gear, Osaka embodies the modern hybrid of athlete and influencer, bridging performance, culture, and fashion in a way that resonates globally. These players aren’t just wearing clothes but shaping trends, influencing what fans and designers wear next season.

Serena Williams in Periwinkle Tulle at the 2018 US Open. Image Courtesy of Sarah Stier via InStyle

Roger Federer collection with Uniqlo. Image Courtesy of Vogue US

Naomi Osaka in vivid green tennis dress. Image Courtesy of Mike Stobe via Elle US

Courtside to Catwalk: Brand Collaborations

High-fashion and sportswear brands alike have long turned to tennis for inspiration. Nike, Adidas, Lacoste, and Ralph Lauren have consistently drawn from court aesthetics, producing collections that balance performance with lifestyle appeal. Tennis stripes, pleats, and breathable fabrics frequently appear on runways, reimagined in luxurious materials or unexpected colorways.

Some runway moments have directly referenced the courts. Chanel’s Cruise collection, for instance, incorporated tailored sport-inspired suits and airy dresses that recalled the grace of tennis movement. Street style enthusiasts picked up on these cues, layering visors, sneakers, and headbands into daily wear. Tennis-inspired fashion has thus evolved into a full-season strategy: brands capitalize on the sport’s visual identity while consumers translate those cues into versatile, wearable style. Accessories like structured tennis bags and athletic-inspired jewelry now sit comfortably alongside tailored blazers and summer dresses, bridging performance and elegance seamlessly.

Image Courtesy of Chanel

Trending Now: Tennis Fashion in 2025

This year, tennis-inspired style has evolved to embrace subtle court references. Color palettes reflect the play surfaces: terracotta clay, lush grass, and pale hardcourt neutrals. Materials are technical yet stylish, with breathable fabrics crossing from performance wear into street-ready silhouettes. Sneakers continue to dominate, while visors, socks, and classic tennis bags become lifestyle accessories rather than just functional pieces. Designers experiment with layering, pairing pleated skirts with oversized jackets, or incorporating subtle stripe motifs into summer dresses, giving the sport’s aesthetic a modern, wearable edge. Tennis is no longer seasonal commentary alone; it’s a lifestyle language.

Cultural and Lifestyle Influence

Wimbledon has become something of an alternative fashion week. Attendees arrive in carefully curated ensembles, showcasing designer hats, elegant dresses, and polished accessories, all photographed for social media coverage. The tennis aesthetic extends beyond events: it appears in music videos, influencer feeds, and lifestyle imagery, shaping a perception of effortless chic. This cultural penetration ensures tennis remains more than a sport; it’s an aspirational symbol, influencing fashion seasons worldwide and connecting athleticism to lifestyle in ways that resonate with diverse audiences.

Image Courtesy of Vogue Hong Kong

How to Ace the Tennis-Inspired Look

Want to bring courtside chic into your wardrobe? Start with foundational pieces like pleated skirts, polo shirts, and classic sneakers. Pair a skirt with a tailored blazer for a polished silhouette. Court-inspired accessories, such as visors, socks, and structured tennis bags, can anchor your outfit while remaining subtle. For casual-cool styling, combine tennis dresses with streetwear sneakers or layer oversized jackets for a modern contrast.

Do: Mix one standout item with neutral basics, like a bold visor or statement bag.

Don’t: Overdo patterns or try to replicate a complete court outfit; literally, subtlety keeps it stylish.

Tennis fashion has evolved far beyond its functional origins. The sport has potently influenced contemporary fashion, from Wimbledon whites to clay-inspired hues, player icons to street style. Its appeal lies in a blend of tradition, performance, and cultural cachet, offering elegance and versatility. Whether you embrace it for the courts or the catwalk, tennis-inspired style is a timeless game worth playing.