For the last few years, it seems that everyone — including this very publication — has been observing the rise of soccer’s influence on fashion. The global game was, after all, building up to a big moment in the 2026 World Cup. Everyone from sportswear brands like adidas and Nike to fashion names like Louis Vuitton got in on the fun. And hey, it certainly stands to reason that with the popularity of the game only increasing in North America, that influence isn’t necessarily going anywhere. But it’s worth noting that the World Cup has passed. There won’t be another major international tournament until 2028. And with the big moment finally having passed, it’s a good moment to take a look at another sport with a rich fashion history: tennis.
The sport’s popularity never exactly waned, but the new generation of stars — Naomi Osaka, Ben Shelton, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Coco Gauff among them — has finally created something of a youth moment in the sport. Plus, it’s easier to get in on the ground floor of a player’s career as opposed to hinging your viewing habits on the twilight years of an older legend. The ATP Tour is a long season, running from late winter into the fall. It’s international, with stops everywhere from Monaco to Paris to Australia.
Most crucially, tennis — unlike soccer — does not require uniforms. Tennis players get to take the court in different threads every tournament they play in, with dress codes changing at different events. What Francis Tiafoe wears at the all-white-everything Wimbledon will be drastically different from the casual dress code at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the U.S. Open. As a result, the sport’s history in fashion is wide-spanning and rich; a contrast to other major team sports, which require a uniformity amongst competitors. Tennis is different. You could fill a book with Roger Federer’s fashion journey alone, from plush cable-knit sweaters at Wimbledon to dope Nike zip-ups to On-designed shoes to his historic leap to Uniqlo in the latter years of his career.
There’s a little something for everyone in tennis style, too. If you skew on the Ivy side of the spectrum, look to some of the threads Polo Ralph Lauren has put together for the US Open in the past, or to the vintage country club vibes of Arthur Ashe. Got an eye for seventies and eighties vintage swag? Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe are your guys. If you’re primarily a streetwear head you’ll flip for the oversized tees and neon graphics of the Andre Agassi nineties. Even today, there are new innovations in the space — Hugo Boss has been making waves more and more as a player uniform sponsor, most notably outfitting American star Taylor Fritz in chic Euro-friendly looks for competition.
In terms of where to shop, it never hurts to start with Wilson. Ever since expanding their reach as a sportswear brand in 2021, they’ve been churning out heat season after season. Chief Creative Officer Joelle Michaeloff pulls inspiration from the brand’s deep archive: sleek polos, svelte tracksuits, and clean shorts with a five-inch inseam dominate, all of which are performance friendly but would look just as good on a lunch date. Boast is another heritage brand in the space looking to up their platform with down-the-middle tennis staples that transition just as well into the lifestyle space.
Accelerating tennis’ rise to the top of the fashion world are newcomers like Spence, an LA-based brand, which makes simple tennis basics in modern streetwear-influenced construction and proportions. Meanwhile, Human By Nature draws from a rich history of vintage athleticwear across the world to make some of the best shorts you’re likely to come across these days (though, to be fair, they also shine with apparel inspired by vintage Japanese soccer squads; football isn’t going away). Even high-fashion houses get in on the fun now and then — Ralph Lauren remains a staple at Grand Slam tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open, and right now you can pick up a luxe racquet case in the classic Louis Vuitton monogram on their website or in stores.
Tennis remains relevant — and it’s only going to get bigger. Exciting new sportswear brands bring the sport’s fashionable legacy back to the forefront, while well-established labels release some of their best work. And hey, if those don’t float your boat you can always try pulling up some vintage John McEnroe or Andre Agassi tees on eBay — they’re pretty tough to beat. Tennis has never been cooler, and tennis threads have never looked better. Whether you’ve got a court reservation at a local park or just want to show up to a US Open watch party in a good fit, find whatever excuse you need to serve a good fit.
FEATURE PHOTO: TOMMY PAUL OF THE UNITED STATES DURING THE GENTLEMEN’S SINGLES FIRST ROUND MATCH ON DAY ONE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS WIMBLEDON 2026. PHOTO BY DANIEL KOPATSCH/GETTY IMAGES.
