The French Open, currently taking place in Paris, is celebrating its 123rd edition with top players like Rafael Nadal and Coco Gauff competing on the clay courts. In the City of Light next month, the 2024 Vogue World show will commemorate 100 years of fashion and sport, highlighting the surprisingly chic history of tennis. Tennis has a fanciful fashion history dating back to the sport’s origins in 19th century Britain, where players wore corsets, floor-length skirts, and even hats on the court.
During the 1800s, players, both men and women, were required to wear all-white attire on the tennis court. This rule is still followed at Wimbledon today, though women are now allowed to wear colored undershorts. Despite the lack of color, players in the 1800s embraced extreme silhouettes, with women often wearing skin-tight corsets over their floor-length dresses. This elevated style reflected the high-class status of tennis at the time, aligning with contemporary fashion trends.
In the 1920s, tennis fashion began to evolve, with colored trims gradually being introduced and players like Suzanne Lenglen pushing boundaries with short-sleeve or sleeveless tops paired with skirts. This era saw a transition towards more casual and fashion-forward tennis attire, departing from the extravagant and somewhat absurd early days of the sport. Players today prioritize performance and comfort when selecting their on-court outfits, shifting the focus from fashion to function.
Notable moments in tennis fashion history include Serena Williams’s Off-White tutu at the 2018 U.S. Open, showcasing the sport’s modern approach to style. However, the charm and extravagance of the early days of tennis fashion still captivate fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. The sport’s evolution from elaborate and flamboyant attire to streamlined and performance-driven clothing reflects broader shifts in fashion trends and societal perceptions of athleticism.
Despite the shift towards more practical and functional clothing in today’s tennis world, the sport’s past embraces a whimsical and nostalgic approach to fashion. From corsets and floor-length skirts to the daring fashion choices of pioneers like Suzanne Lenglen, tennis fashion has undergone significant transformations over the years. As the 2024 Vogue World show approaches, enthusiasts can look forward to a celebration of the sport’s history intertwined with the evolution of fashion on the court.
