From the catwalk to the court, fashion’s obsession with tennis has gained momentum in 2025, thanks to a slew of sleek courtside collaborations and chic tennis collections. Bottega Veneta’s newly appointed creative director, Louise Trotter, named Italian tennis star Lorenzo Musetti as her first brand ambassador. Coco Gauff fronts the Miu Miu x New Balance collaboration, while Carlos Alcaraz is an ambassador for Louis Vuitton. British player Jack Draper has been aptly cast as the face of Burberry’s high summer campaign. Gucci, ahead of the curve, tapped Wimbledon Champion Jannik Sinner in 2022 and has since launched its tennis capsule collection, complete with a limited-edition racquet in collaboration with Head.
But beyond the sleek campaigns and big-name brand endorsements, interest in racquet sports is rising year on year. Tennis’s accessibility both on TV and online has no doubt played a huge part. This summer, Wimbledon’s TikTok channel provided behind-the-scenes access, celebrity crowd sightings and interviews with the players throughout the tournament to its 3.1 million followers.
There’s also the knock-on effect from the pandemic. With restrictions in place, many people turned to outdoor exercise, leading to a surge in tennis, which continues to this day. “The uptake in tennis post-Covid has been steady, and there are long waiting lists,” says Daragh Murphy, past captain of Charleville Tennis Club in Phibsborough, Dublin. “I’m in two clubs with waiting lists, with my local club having over 350 on the waiting list. It’s an excellent excuse to get out into the fresh air, mingle and get some exercise.”
Rivalling its popularity is padel, the fast-growing sport that is further fuelling the racquet sport fever and helping drive demand for tennis apparel. According to market research firm Dataintelo, the global market for tennis clothing is expected to reach $5.2 billion by 2032. With the increased demand for both sports, it’s proof that there is a market for fresh, functional sportswear, and brands are taking note.
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Designed to perform but effortless enough for everyday wear, today’s tennis styles work hard on the court and look just as good off it. Polished pleats, crisp polos and minimalist court-inspired pieces are showing up beyond the baseline. Miu Miu, Tory Burch and Lacoste have all served up tennis-inspired styles into their runway collections, proving you can dress the part, whether or not you’ve picked up a racquet. But it’s not just high-end designers tapping into tennis-core; a new league of mid-price brands is delivering coffee-run-meets-court-rally styles.
Varley offers polished neutrals and cosy zip-ups perfect for layering, while Sporty & Rich channels a vintage preppy style. Adidas x Stella McCartney fuses innovative technology, sustainability and a sprinkle of style thanks to McCartney’s fashion credentials.
Los Angeles-based activewear brand Splits59, which boasts a celebrity roster including Margot Robbie and Hailey Bieber, has just launched at Seagreen in Monkstown and Ranelagh in Dublin. It’s known for its functional clothing that transcends traditional workout gear.
That said, if you do fancy a rally, dressing for the game in Ireland’s unpredictable, often inclement weather requires a nuanced blend of performance, mobility and design-driven details.
Similar to standard performance workout gear, think moisture-wicking fabrics that allow you to move freely across the court. Murphy relies on one brand, Nike, appreciating the consistent fit and the variety of technical fabrics they offer.
“Slam shirts have a more premium fabric, which is great for hot weather or long sessions,” he says. “DRI-Fit tops have a nice stretch, are lighter, and effectively handle sweat. Heritage Polos have a classy look and are breezy, but they’re not ideal for humid weather.” Wind- and rainproof zip-ups, as well as stable trainers explicitly designed for sprinting on the court, are also essential.
You can either channel Wimbledon whites with crisp styles, or opt for something bolder; it depends on your mood, the weather, performance and opponent, says Murphy. “Is it sunny out? Then maybe it’s time for some bold and striking colours. Are you playing against a nemesis? Perhaps it’s time for some muted blacks and greens. Did I lose badly in a certain top? Then that top might not see the light of day again for a while.”
