With the release of Challengers this summer, many of us fell in love with the tennis-core fashion trend—and the preppy style isn’t going away any time soon. Now, with the US Open in full swing, there’s no better time to step up your tennis wardrobe.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a dozen tennis skirts and dresses fit for a Williams sister—that is to say, they not only look great, but also offer the performance features you need to stay comfortable and confident during every serve, volley, and match point. (Then we threw in a couple for pure aesthetics.) Because whether you’re a seasoned player, are picking up a racket for the first time, or just like the ‘fits, the right gear can make all the difference in how you feel on (or off) the court.
From classic pleated skirts that channel the sport’s iconic style to modern, sleek designs with built-in compression shorts, here’s what you need to serve looks this season.
1. Lululemon High-Rise Pleated Tennis Skirt
Lululemon
While this pleated skirt will fit right in on any tennis court, it doesn’t necessarily scream workout wear, which means you can and should consider incorporating it into your everyday wardrobe as well. Its built-in liner is made from a sweat-wicking fabric that makes it perfect for transitional dressing.
2. Alo Micro Plisse Tennis Skirt
Alo
If accordion pleats are a little too on the nose when it comes to this tennis-core trend, try opting for something a little more subtle—demure, if you will. This option from Alo is a great example The micro pleating adds interest and texture without being too obviously tennis, which will play well with other items in your closet even if they’re not super sporty.
3. Coco Gauff x AE Pleated Denim Cargo Mini Skirt
Coco Gauff x AE
For her limited-edition collab with American Eagle, defending US Open Women’s Champion Coco Gauff put a denim spin on a classic tennis skirt. The indigo wash and stretchy material feel straight out of the early aughts fashion, which, like Gauff herself, is looking for a repeat this season.
4. Alo Tennis Club Sweater Knit Skirt
Alo
With its high-waist, A-line fit, this knit skirt is a very cutesy way to embrace tennis core without feeling like you’re on your way to work out—it is exercise-friendly, however, and comes with built-in shorts. The collegiate stripes along the edge offer a preppy touch, and for the full effect, pair it with the matching sports bra and cardigan, which are also made from 100-percent cotton.
5. NikeCourt Dri-FIT Victory Women’s Flouncy Tennis Skirt (Plus Size)
Nike
With its flowy, flouncy design and breathable, stretchy fabric, this skirt allows for easy movement while keeping you cool and dry. The wide, supportive waistband and built-in shorts ensure comfort and coverage, which is what we call a win-win.
6. ODODOS Wrap Skort
The wrap skort is a versatile piece that would be an ace in any wardrobe, whether you’re into racket sports or not. This one features built-in shorts, two side pockets, and moisture-wicking fabric, ensuring functionality on the court. But its sleek, stylish design makes it easy to pair with your favorite top for a casual off-court look. Plus, it comes in a slew of colors that’ll transition well from summer to fall.
7. Varley Amar Dress
Designed with a flattering fit and a sporty silhouette, this dress is a timeless take on classic tennis whites. It features moisture-wicking fabric and a built-in bra, offering support and comfort during play—just note that it doesn’t come with built-in shorts so BYO if you prefer extra coverage. Its longer skirt length makes it a bit more polished if you want something you can wear to work not just while working out.
8. Sporty&Rich SRHWC Hilary Dress
Sporty&Rich
This shirt dress is a perfect blend of modern comfort and classic tennis style. Featuring an iconic polo design with a crisp collar and button placket, it pays homage to traditional tennis attire while offering a fresh, contemporary look thanks to its contrast piping and patch pockets.
9. Lacoste Women’s Ultra Dry Tennis Dress & Removable Shorts
Lacoste
With its bold argyle pattern and streamline silhouette, this dress combines style and function, featuring removable shorts for added versatility and comfort in a standout look that’s both modern and timeless.
10. Adidas by Stella McCartney TruePace Printed Recycled Stretch-Jersey Mini Dress
Adidas
While white is definitely the color most closely associated with tennis clothing, bold tones are becoming more mainstream in the sport thanks to fashion risk-takers like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. This highlighter-hued option is made from recycled stretch jersey that’s designed to keep you cool even when things heat up. Its adjustable bra straps are rare on exercise dresses, but make it easier to customize a fit for your torso length, something that’s always a little tricky with one-pieces.
11. Fila Challenger Pleated Seamless Skort
Fila
Pleats like the mini knife pleats on this skort, have been a signature style element of tennis skirts and dresses for decades, but it’s not just an aesthetic choice—the design offers players a fuller range of motion than a more fitted skirt shape would. This option is made with moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry, while the built-in shorts provide coverage and support. Bonus: Their seamless construction will also help prevent chafing.
12. Nike by Yoon Women’s Skirt
If you caught Naomi Osaka’s first-round game in the US Open, then you saw the two-time women’s singles champ show up (and show out) in a brat green kit designed by Yoon Ahn for Nike. Proving that the pair would make fine doubles partners, Osaka is the face of Yoon’s new varsity inspired tennis collection for Nike which just dropped, and it’s giving back-to-school vibes in the best way possible. This mini skirt features a fitted design with back pleats for ease of movement, while the midweight fabric adds structure making it the perfect mix of prep and performance.
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