Tenniscore: The Rise and Reinvention of the Sporty-Chic Fashion Trend

From iconic pleats and polos to runway-ready colorways, see how tenniscore is serving a stylish grand slam in 2025.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 29, 2025

From iconic pleats and polos to runway-ready colorways, see how tenniscore is serving a stylish grand slam in 2025.

Tenniscore: The Sporty-Chic Trend Defining 2025 Fashion

The tenniscore trend is acing the fashion world, serving fresh, energetic style inspired by the traditions and culture of tennis. From pleated white skirts and crisp polo shirts to elevated accessories and retro athleisure influences, tenniscore is equally at home courtside and in everyday street style. Combining prep-classic silhouettes and modern twists, it’s clear why tenniscore has become the fashion movement everyone wants to rally behind in 2025.

Why Everyone Is Talking About Tenniscore

Tenniscore is a fashion phenomenon characterized by its blend of classic tennis attire—think preppy pleats, sweaters, and polos—with contemporary fits and street-style sensibilities. What began as a nod to the sport’s rich heritage has evolved into a statement of effortless luxury and gender-inclusive, versatile dressing.

Roots in Tennis Tradition: Key elements like crisp whites, pleated miniskirts, and collared shirts are borrowed from historical tennis uniforms, giving tenniscore a longstanding sense of tradition.
Modern, Wearable Updates: Designers are reimagining these classics with bold colors, new cuts, and innovative fabrics, making them relevant both on and off the court.
Cultural Moments: From cinematic nods in movies like Challengers to social media influencers and pro athletes, tenniscore has captured popular imagination far beyond the sports world.

The Evolution and Origins of Tenniscore

While the tenniscore trend is experiencing a resurgence, its history is deeply rooted in both sport and fashion. The 1970s and 80s brought iconic tennis fashion moments, championed by figures like Billie Jean King and Chris Evert, whose on-court wins and off-court style set the tone for generations of tennis-inspired looks. Today’s tenniscore movement draws equally from these retro icons and from the ongoing pursuit of quiet luxury, comfort, and gender neutrality in fashion.

Influence of Wimbledon and Grand Slams: The strict all-white dress codes and high-profile tournaments have cemented tennis style as a symbol of prestige and elegance.
Fashion Houses Take Note: Luxury brands and sportswear giants—including Miu Miu, Lacoste, and Nike—have all contributed to the tenniscore revival, each adding their own spin on the sporty-chic aesthetic.

Key Elements That Define the Tenniscore Aesthetic

Tenniscore is recognizable for specific pieces, tactile fabrics, and a clean, playful palette, but it’s also adaptable—whether you’re dressing for match point or a day in the city.

Pleated Skirts: The tennis skirt is arguably the most iconic piece, offering a dynamic silhouette, sporty pleats, and built-in shorts for comfort and movement. Modern iterations include classic whites, pastels, bold color blocks, and even tulle or mesh overlays.
Polo Shirts: Slim silhouettes, rib-knits, and both cropped and elongated styles are trending, often with innovative closures or buttonless plackets for a fresh look.
Sweater Vests and Cardigans: Emblematic of preppy roots, vests and knitwear with classic patterns—like argyle and stripes—are frequently styled over dresses or with miniskirts for a layered effect.
Varsity Jackets and Oversized Outerwear: Bold, roomy throw-ons pair perfectly with fitted tennis bottoms, bridging athletic and streetwear inspiration.
Dresses With Performance and Personality: Today’s tennis dresses blend function with flare, featuring moisture-wicking fabrics, colorblocking, and heritage trims to balance comfort and style.
Crew Socks and Classic Sneakers: Retro tube socks and chunky white sneakers complete the tenniscore look and channel on-court authenticity.
Accessories: Tennis bracelets, visors or caps, logo-emblazoned bags, and even sweatbands are all in play for a finishing touch.

Trending Fabrics & Colors in Tenniscore for 2025

Technical and Soft Fabrics: Performance blends, mesh, tulle, boucle, and rib knits are favorites for their movement and tactile appeal.
Color Palette: Bright white remains the hero hue, accented by soft pinks, blues, neons, and bold colorblocks, along with pastel and aquatic-inspired tones for seasonal freshness.
Classic Patterns: Argyle, houndstooth, plaid, and sailor stripes are being modernized for a playful preppy vibe.

Notable Tenniscore Looks and Celebrity Endorsements

Designers, athletes, and pop culture icons have propelled tenniscore into the fashion spotlight by embracing both the sporty roots and the evolving, inclusive language of this trend.

Billie Jean King: Her 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” win—and the iconic minidress she wore—remains an influence to this day.
Chris Evert: The moment her diamond bracelet snapped at the US Open, inadvertently creating the trend-setting “tennis bracelet,” underscores tennis’s power over the fashion world.
Zendaya in Challengers: The film’s styling has made tenniscore newly aspirational for Gen Z and beyond, reinforcing the fashion-sport crossover.
Modern Tennis Stars: Athletes like Serena Williams and emerging stars such as Ben Shelton seamlessly blur the lines between performance wear and everyday looks, often seen in trendy tenniscore fits both on and off the court.

How Tenniscore Is Worn Off the Court

Though tenniscore originated on the courts, its popularity has quickly transcended the boundaries of the sport, finding a presence on city streets, in classrooms, and at social events addressing inclusivity and comfort without sacrificing style.

Mix & Match: Pair pleated skirts with chunky sweaters or an oversized hoodie, or style a fitted polo with jeans for a more relaxed vibe.
Layering: Use varsity jackets or sweater vests for transitional weather or to add nostalgic dimension to your look.
Accessories: Sporty socks, minimalist sneakers, and a statement tennis bracelet instantly channel the tenniscore aesthetic, even when you’re nowhere near a tennis court.
Gender-Inclusive Tailoring: Unisex silhouettes emphasize comfort, practicality, and versatility, making tenniscore wearable for all identities.

2025’s Biggest Tenniscore Trends

Trend	Description	Where to Style
Feminine Polos	Slim or oversized, ribbed or knit, polos remain core to tennis-based fashion.	On/off-court, brunch, office
Pleated Skirts & Tulle/Mesh	From classic white to pastel and neon; tulle overlays add drama to the silhouette.	Matches, parties, daily wear
Boxy Outerwear	Bold jackets, windbreakers, oversized hoodies	Street, travel, post-workout
Hot Pants/No Pants Look	Very short shorts under oversize tops or visible shortie skirts take court style to the streets.	Practice, festivals, bold fashion statements
Aquatic & Nautical Themes	Shades of blue and sailor stripes reflect summer freshness.	Resort, vacation, spring/summer
Plaid, Tweed, Houndstooth	Preppy patterns reimagined in easy silhouettes for both genders.	Classrooms, off-duty, layering

Essential Tenniscore Pieces for 2025 and How to Style Them

The Pleated Skirt: The defining tenniscore staple, best worn with a tucked-in polo or a cropped sweater and paired with tube socks and low-profile sneakers for instant retro vibes.
The Polo Shirt: Buttoned-up for a refined look or left open for casual ease, the polo adapts to almost any bottom, from classic chinos to bold miniskirts.
Performance Dress: Sporty, A-line cuts with technical fabrics work on and off the court. Style with a cardigan and a structured bag for an athleisure-inspired day ensemble.
Oversized Jacket: Throw an oversized windbreaker or varsity jacket over a fitted base for chilly mornings or as an off-duty fashion statement. Bonus points for sporting collegiate or club patches.
Tennis Accessories: Never underestimate the impact of a crisp white cap, chunky tennis bracelet, playfully patterned crew socks, and retro shades.

The Impact of Tenniscore: More Than Just a Trend

Tenniscore’s relevance in the current fashion ecosystem reaches beyond aesthetics. The trend embodies many of the values rising to the forefront of 2025’s fashion culture:

Quiet Luxury: Understated, high-quality basics with timeless appeal
Gender-Neutral Tailoring: Silhouettes designed to flatter any body, transcending traditional gender boundaries
Sporty Practicality: Looks that prioritize comfort and function for real life

Where to Shop the Tenniscore Trend

The tenniscore movement is being championed by a host of brands, ranging from legacy luxury houses to sportwear visionaries to new-era sustainable labels. Look to:

Miu Miu: For high-fashion pleats and reimagined preppy classics
Lacoste: For performance dresses and heritage-inspired layers
Nike: For bold athletic colorways, technical fabrics, and up-to-the-minute tenniswear
Emerging Brands: Gender-inclusive, eco-friendly options—from track jackets to statement skirts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is tenniscore?

A: Tenniscore is a fashion trend inspired by classic tennis attire, emphasizing sporty-preppy pieces such as pleated skirts, polos, sweater vests, and clean accessories. It merges vintage tennis style with contemporary fits and can be worn both on and off the court.

Q: Is tenniscore only for people who play tennis?

A: No, tenniscore has moved far beyond the court; it’s a versatile trend for anyone who appreciates a blend of athleticism, comfort, and elevated casual wear. Many fans wear tenniscore for everyday activities or social occasions without ever picking up a racket.

Q: How do I incorporate tenniscore into my wardrobe?

A: Focus on key pieces like pleated skirts, crisp polos, and statement accessories. Start by pairing a pleated skirt with a simple tee, or add a classic tennis sweater vest over jeans. Don’t forget sneakers and crew socks for an authentic touch.

Q: What colors should I look for in tenniscore styles?

A: Traditional tennis whites are always in, but soft pinks, pastel blues, bold neons, and colorblock brights are also trending for 2025. Patterns like plaid, stripes, and houndstooth add preppy appeal.

Q: Which celebrities have helped popularize tenniscore?

A: Icons such as Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Zendaya (via Challengers), and contemporary tennis stars like Serena Williams have all played a role in making tenniscore a global style staple.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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