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The best tennis dresses and skirts for on and off the court this summer
Embrace your inner Sharapova with our wellness editor's top picks
The summer of tennis is here! From knife-pleat skirts and Wimbledon white polo shirts to cable-knit sweaters and crew socks, tennis-inspired outfits are taking over the courts, parks and streets.
If you plan on picking up a racket – good for you, tennis can do wonders for your fitness, including boosting aerobic capacity, stamina, strength and bone density, and it can have a major impact on your mental health, too. A study of 2,300 people conducted by ASICS found that those who played tennis, regardless of ability level, felt more positive, more focused and were better able to cope with stress than those who didn't.
As with any sport, choosing the right kit is key. Along with a good pair of tennis shoes, a tennis dress or skirt is a great place to start, which is why we’ve rounded up the top pieces to shop this tennis season. Here are our favourites at a glance, with our detailed reviews below.
How do I choose a tennis skirt?
When it comes to choosing the best tennis dresses and skirts, you should opt for something that’s sweat-wicking, breathable, comfy and easy to move around in. Of course, it has to look good, too.
To help you find your perfect match (sorry), I dusted off my racket and got to work putting a range of designs from top brands, including Lululemon, Alo Yoga and Sweaty Betty, to the test.
As a wellness editor with extensive experience testing activewear – from the best leggings to the best sports bras – and as a huge tennis fan, I know how to separate the also-rans from the aces. Below, you can find my top picks, which are equal parts functional and stylish.
Trendy Californian brand Vuori has hit the nail on the head with this pleated number. The high-rise design is made from a lightweight, ultra stretchy woven material, so it has a lovely floaty feel, but the drawcord at the waist ensures a secure fit and the concealed inner shorts mean it’s a practical pick, too.
There’s a well-placed pocket inside that’s easily accessible during play and, thanks to the technical fabric, you won’t end up a sweaty mess post-match. It comes in buttermilk yellow and black, too.
Pair with the brand’s Sedona Half Zip to keep you comfortable if the weather takes a turn.
Next time you’re browsing the M&S website for a new maxi skirt or pair of sandals, may we suggest adding the brand’s sports dress from its GoodMove collection to your basket, too?
I’m a big fan of the half zip detailing at the front – which makes it easier to get on and off –and I like the high neckline, which offers extra coverage around the chest. There’s mesh panelling at to prevent overheating the soft, stretchy fabric means you needn’t worry about unwanted rubbing or chafing while you’re playing. The best part? It's just £35.
This pleated tennis skirt from the experts at Wilson is serving preppy chic. Like the other options in this list, it comes with built-in shorts and a hidden pocket for hands-free storage.
The fabric – which is extremely breathable and quick to dry – is treated with an anti-odour finish to prevent any unwanted smells as you work up a sweat on the court. It's just the right level of compressive, providing good support without feeling tight and uncomfortable. We love the field green colourway, but there are plenty more to choose from including red, navy and black.
Whether you’re into tennis, paddle or pickleball, this Sweaty Betty dress is a good shout if you take your game seriously. It’s crafted from moisture-wicking material, with fast-drying technology, mesh panels for ventilation and plenty of stretch so you can move freely and comfortably on the court.
The high neckline is perfect for those who want some extra coverage and there’s a bra shelf for anyone with larger breasts who requires more support. Just note, it doesn’t have built-in shorts and there’s no pockets for your balls or valuables.
If you’re looking to embrace the tenniscore trend on a budget, consider this design from high street heavyweight H&M. It comes in classic white, black, pink or dark brown and will set you back less than £20.
It will see you through your tennis lessons in comfort thanks to its moisture-wicking, fast-drying fabric and high, secure waistband. It has that all-important ball pocket and is a good pick for those who aren’t fans of tight knife pleats.
We also love the dress version, which is soft, floaty and has all the features you need to ace your game. See you on the court.
This Lululemon skirt is just what you need if you want to be match-ready. The quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabric will help you stay cool, while the stretchy Lycra ensures comfort.
In terms of features, you get built-in shorts, drop-in pockets for storing balls, and silicone grippers on the hem to prevent the skirt from riding up. I’m a huge fan of the subtle pleated design and those on the tall side will be pleased to know this skirt is longer than some of the others in our round-up.
A-list approved activewear brand Alo (Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez and Bella Hadid are all fans) has made quite the splash with its stylish tennis range.
Made with the brand’s signature Airlift performance fabric, it’s designed to keep you cool and comfortable as you serve ace after ace. Note, it is on the short side, but the built-in shorts are there to protect your modesty and the compressive waistband is extremely flattering. There’s also a pocket for storing a tennis ball, your keys or purse.
Sling on a sweatshirt and you can happily wear it from the court to brunch.
BAM is best known for its buttery soft bamboo yoga gear, but the brand’s tennis kit is just as impressive. The material feels gloriously smooth against the skin and, thanks to a wide, stretchy waistband and side splits, it’s not restrictive in the slightest.
The built-in shorts underneath mean you can run around the court with confidence and there are practical side pockets for storing balls. If comfort is the name of the game, you can’t go wrong.
This simple yet stylish dress from Vuori treads the line between casualwear and sports kit. If you’re heading for drinks after a game, swap your trainers for sandals, slip on a cardigan and you’re good to go.
Performance-wise, it’s made with the brand’s cooling BreatheInterlock fabric, plus it has hidden shorts, pockets and a lined bra for extra support. Size up for a comfy fit – especially if you have larger breasts.
I tried the black colourway, which is currently low in stock, but it looks chic in white and green, too.
Original Penguin Women’s Tennis Veronica Mesh Dress
Original Penguin is best known for its high-performance golf wear, but the brand ventured into the world of tennis a few of years ago, and its clothes are worth investing in.
Not only does this classic polo-style dress look chic, but it also boasts mesh sleeves and moisture-wicking technology to stop you getting hot and sticky mid-set. The stretchy fabric allows for ultimate freedom of movement and the internal shorts provide plenty of coverage.
It also comes in a dark blue, if Wimbledon white isn’t your cup of tea.
If you want to make a statement on (and off) the court, this Free People dress is worth considering. It has unique strappy detailing at the back, a flattering cutout waist and comes in a range of colours.
It doesn’t just look the business though – it includes a built-in shelf bra for support, stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric and undershorts complete with a ball and phone pocket. The medium compression level keeps everything in place, but the mini length may not be for everyone.
This versatile dress from Next is ideal for tennis lessons, hiking trips and everyday casualwear, too.
The breathable fabric excelled in the sweat-wicking department and felt stretchy enough to wear throughout the day. Like the other options on this list, it comes with built-in shorts and a hidden pocket for hands-free storage.
Featuring a square neckline and an elegant back design, it’s sure to earn plenty of compliments on the court. Wear it with a pair of tennis shoes (we love Asics’ A.P.C. Solution Speed FF 3) or dress it up with some ballet pumps when you’re off-duty.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
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