What Do Male Tennis Players Wear?
Whether you’re a casual tennis fan or a diehard player, you’ve probably wondered at some point what the guys on the court are wearing. While there isn’t a dress code per se, there are some definite trends in men’s tennis fashion. Here’s a look at what the pros are wearing these days.
Introduction
When playing tennis, male players must adhere to the dress code set by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The ITF is the governing body of tennis worldwide and sets the rules and regulations for all aspects of the game, including clothing worn by competitors. While there is some leeway given to players in terms of what they can wear, there are still certain guidelines that must be followed.
All male players must wear shirts that cover their chest, shoulders, and upper arms. Shirts cannot have any ruffles or other decorations and must be tucked into the player’s shorts. In addition, male players must wear shorts that are no more than three inches above the knee. Shorts cannot have any pockets or zippers and must also be worn without underwear. Male players may also wear sleeveless shirts as long as they adhere to the other aforementioned guidelines.
In terms of footwear, male players must wear shoes that have non-marking soles. They are also allowed to wear socks if they prefer, but these too must be without any decoration. Finally, male players are not allowed to wear hats or any other type of headwear during matches. They may however use bandanas or headbands to keep their hair out of their eyes.
History
The origins of tennis date back several centuries. The game is thought to have originated in France, where it was known as jeu de paume ( literally “palm game”). From there, it spread to England, where it became known as real tennis or court tennis. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that lawn tennis became the more common term for the sport we now know simply as tennis.
While the game has remained largely unchanged since its inception, the same cannot be said for the attire worn by male tennis players. In the early days of lawn tennis, players wore stringent all-white outfits that included long-sleeved shirts, knee-length trousers and heavy Victorian-style shoes. Even though this style of clothing was extremely cumbersome and impractical, it was considered necessary in order to maintain a sense of decorum on the court.
In present day, fortunately, male tennis players are not nearly as constrained by fashion conventions. While all-white remains the traditional color scheme for competitive play, there is much more flexibility when it comes to both style and function. Today’s top players often opt for form-fitting shorts and shirts that allow them to move more freely around the court. And while they still need to maintain a level of professionalism, they also have the freedom to express their individuality through their clothing choices. With that said, let’s take a closer look at what male tennis players typically wear on the court.
The Outfit
There are a few different things that male tennis players must wear during a match. They must wear a shirt, shorts, and shoes. Most players choose to wear a collared shirt in order to stay cool and comfortable during the match. The shorts must also be comfortable and allow the player to move freely. The shoes must have a good grip so that the player can move around the court easily.
Shirt
While the basic design of the tennis shirt has remained relatively unchanged over the years, there have been some subtle shifts in style. The biggest trend in recent years has been the move away from traditional tennis whites and toward brighter, more eye-catching colors. This is especially true on the men’s tour, where a number of players have started to experiment with unique and colorful designs.
While some purists may balk at this departure from tradition, there’s no denying that it has made for some great fashion moments on the court. Here are a few of our favorite examples:
1. Rafael Nadal’s Neon Orange Shirt: Nadal is one of the most stylish players on the tour, and he often takes risks with his clothing choices. This neon orange shirt from Nike is a great example of that bold style.
2. Stanislas Wawrinka’s Pink Shirt: Wawrinka caused a stir when he debuted this pink shirt at Wimbledon in 2014. Some traditionalists were appalled by the color choice, but we think it looks great.
3. Novak Djokovic’s Blue Shirt: Djokovic caused a stir of his own when he wore this blue shirt during his semifinal match at the 2015 French Open. Again, some traditionalists were not fans, but we think it’s a great look.
Shorts
The Hemline
Tennis shorts should fall at mid-thigh. This ensures that they are long enough to provide adequate coverage and safety, but short enough to allow for a full range of motion.
The Fabric
Tennis shorts are typically made from a lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric. This helps keep players cool and dry during intense matches.
The Color
Most tennis shorts are white, but players are free to choose any color they like as long as it complies with the tournament’s dress code.
The Fit
Tennis shorts should be snug but not tight. They should allow full range of motion without being so loose that they get in the way.
Shoes
The type of shoe a player wears is critical to his game. Tennis shoes have to provide good traction so players can quickly change directions on the court. They also need to be durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of playing on hard surfaces. Players usually have one or two pairs of shoes that they use for practice and match play.
There are different types of shoes designed for different playing surfaces. Clay court shoes have a herringbone tread pattern that provides good traction on clay courts. Hard court shoes have a flatter sole that helps players move quickly on hard courts.
Players also need to be careful about the fit of their shoes. Tennis shoes should be snug but not too tight so that players can move freely on the court.
Conclusion
Overall, male tennis players tend to dress relatively conservatively compared to other athletes. They typically wear shorts and a polo shirt or tank top, and they often their accessory game is fairly understated as well. However, there is still some room for personal expression and style within the guidelines of tennis attire, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little bit and find what works best for you.
