Tennis fashion has evolved radically over the past few years; an increasing number of sportswear manufacturers and designers are incorporating modern fashion trends into their tennis apparel. The idea that tennis outfits serve the performance purpose and not the style function is a common misconception. Why can't athletes look their best on a public stage?
That's the question British designer Stella McCartney asked and answered in her partnership with sportswear giant adidas. Her mantra is simple: "Don’t sacrifice style for sport". And as can be seen in the adidas Stella McCartney collection, the designs are top-notch. With colorblocks, embroidered patches, and exquisite cuts, her tennis apparel is fresh out of the box.
"Before I started I don't think there was quite so much availability of embroideries, prints or mixing colors. I think it was perhaps a little bit more old-fashioned in its approach. I like to think I've brought in a little bit of rebellion onto the court," she said in an interview with CNN last year.
Plus, brownie points for sustainable fashion! McCartney has used eco-friendly materials and production methods way before sustainability was even a major topic of discussion in the industry. She now brings this with her into the tennis world, and we are all for that change.
Here are our top picks from her collection that celebrate the fusion of fashion with performance.
1. Stella McCartney Barricade Tennis Dress:
The vivid colors in this piece are a fresh departure from the traditional whites and blues. The laser-cut detail at the back and sides add chic to this vibrant dress, with the quarter zip in the front sealing the deal. Garbine Muguruza and Caroline Wozniacki wore this at the BNP Paribas Open this year.
2. Stella McCartney Barricade Tennis Tank in Aero Lime with the Stella McCartney Barricade Tennis Skort in White:
How often do you see this zesty Aero Lime color featured in tennis outfits? The zipper on the side with the contrasting piping at the neck looks elegant, but the white skort, with the Aero Lime shorts and the laser-cut detail in the front to show them off, is the clear winner here. Caroline Wozniacki wore this at the Australian Open, where she went on to win her first Grand Slam.
3. Barricade Tennis Tee in Scarlet with the Stella McCartney Barricade Tennis Skort in Black:
For a look that's subtle and stylish at the same time, choose this outfit. The minimalistic textured detail at the shoulders and contrast piping elevate the classic tee but allow the trendy skort to shine at the same time. With the ruffled hem, laser cuts and a white shortie that shows through, the skort is the star of the show (or the outfit).
4. Stella McCartney Barricade Tennis Dress:
The classic black with the asymmetric, gray colorblocks looks sophisticated, but the laser cuts and ruffled hem really bring out the chic in the dress. Caroline Wozniacki and Garbine Muguruza will sport this at this year's French Open.
5. Women's Stella McCartney Barricade Tennis Tee with the Stella McCartney Barricade Tennis Skort:
For those of us who like more coverage, the Barricade Tennis Tee is ideal. Using simple design elements such as deep, contrasting colors and the V-shaped print at the front, the shirt makes a bold statement. Pair it with this Barricade Skort to add laser-cut details and flounce to your outfit for the day!
Shop these at Tennis Express and turn your on-court style up a notch!
For Additional Apparel
To explore 2018 tennis apparel from other brands, check out our blogs below:
