How to Look Good on Court: A Guide for Women Tennis Players
While men's tennis players get to strut their stuff in short-sleeved, almost skintight shirts, women have to make do with more modest long-sleeved versions. The same goes for men's versus women's tennis clothing: male players have a much wider range of options when it comes to on-court apparel.
Fortunately, this doesn't mean those female tennis players are at a disadvantage when it comes to visual appeal. With the right outfit and accessories, you can still look your best while competing at the highest level of the sport. That said, there are some subtle differences in how both genders dress for court. Here is an overview of how women can improve their style on the court when playing tennis, whether as a casual social game or a more competitive match.
A Guide to Women's Tennis Outfit Essentials
When it comes to tennis attire, there are a few key pieces that every player should have in their closet. A tennis skirt or trousers are a must for any woman who wants to wear shorts on the court. Most tennis facilities have strict rules about players' leg coverage, and shorts are not permitted. These days, there are plenty of modest tennis skirts and trousers designed with tennis in mind. Light fabrics, like cotton and polyester, are best for tennis. You'll want something breathable since tennis is a sport that can get pretty hot and sweaty.
Avoid fabrics with an elastic waistband (like sweatshirts, sweatpants, and yoga pants), which can get caught in the strings of your racquet. A tennis jacket or sweater is a good investment, too. You can wear it when you travel to and from the courts, and you can take it off on the court if you get too warm. A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt is a good choice, too.
Understanding the function of tennis clothing
This might seem obvious, but the first thing to consider when choosing your outfit is the type of clothing you're putting on. Men's tennis shirts are made of a shorter, tighter material, while women are more likely to wear looser shirts with sleeves. This is because men's and women's bodies move differently on the court. Women have wider hips and lower centers of gravity, and they tend to move more slowly than men. Men have narrower hips, and they move faster. This is why women tend to have looser clothing, while men's clothing is usually tighter.
The looser clothing gives women's bodies more room to move. The tighter clothes that men wear would restrict their movements too much. Numerous studies have also shown that different fabrics are optimal for each gender. Men's shirts are often printed with logos and other designs, while women's are more likely to be made of cotton or polyester. There is also a difference in color choices between men's and women's tennis outfits. While the majority of men's tennis gear is either black or white, many women prefer to wear colored, patterned shirts and sweaters.
This is because of the changing seasons. In the winter, when tennis is played indoors, darker colors are essential. At other times of the year, players can get away with lighter colors.
Shoe choice and fit
Thanks to the rise of athleisure and more casual athletic wear, tennis shoes now come in a wide range of colors and styles. The most important thing when choosing a shoe is to make sure it fits your foot properly. Shoe sizes vary depending on the brand, so always try on several pairs of shoes before buying. There are a few different types of tennis shoes, each designed for a different type of player. The three most common types of shoes are the classic Tennis-Lux, the Barricade, and the Court Premier.
The classic Tennis-Lux is an all-around shoe that works on most surfaces. The Barricade shoe is heavy-duty and works best on clay courts. The Court Premier is for intermediate or advanced players; it doesn't provide as much traction as the Barricade but is lighter. When choosing your tennis shoes, take into account the type of surface you'll be playing on most often. If you play on clay courts, you'll want a heavier shoe with more traction to prevent you from slipping. If you play on hard courts, a lighter shoe is better.
Turtlenecks and pants
While there is no rule against women wearing men's tennis clothing, women's tennis shirts and pants tend to be looser and longer than their male equivalents. Wearing men's tennis clothing might result in a shirt that is too tight, while women's tennis clothing can be too long. Wearing tights or leggings is a good idea for all tennis players. They provide warmth and comfort, particularly on cold winter days. Women's tennis tights are often longer than men's, covering the ankles and feet. You can buy tights or leggings with grips on the soles, which help keep you from slipping on the court.
Short sleeve shirts
Many women prefer to wear a short-sleeved shirt, but this can pose a problem: if the shirt isn't the right length, it can get stuck in the strings of the racquet. This can be dangerous and even result in a string break. To prevent this from happening, it's best to wear a longer-sleeved shirt. This is especially important when playing on clay courts. The soles of tennis shoes and the clay, when combined, create a lot of friction and cause shoes to heat up. This can result in a fire hazard and make it difficult to move around the court. Short-sleeved shirts are also more likely to get caught in the strings of the racquet. To avoid this, wear a longer shirt that covers your wrist and forearm. If you do get a shirt stuck in the strings, it's best to stop playing, remove your shirt, and then re-string your racquet.
Long sleeve shirts
Long-sleeved shirts are a good option for cooler weather or when you play on hard courts. They are also useful if you have sensitive skin and prefer to keep it covered up while playing. When choosing a long-sleeved shirt, look for something with a snug fit. Loose-fitting shirts are more likely to get stuck in the strings. They should also have a tight weave, as a loose weave can catch on the strings of the racquet. It's a good idea to wear a long-sleeved shirt that covers your elbows and wrists. This will help keep dirt and debris away from your skin and prevent infections. You can also wear long-sleeved shirts made with anti-microbial or UV-blocking fabrics. This help prevents odors from building up and keeps you cool in the heat.
Dresses and skirts
Dresses and skirts are great for women who want to wear something light and comfortable during warm-weather tennis games. Like shorts, they can be a bit tricky to play in, though. Most women prefer to wear a skirt with the option of built-in shorts, like a tennis skirt, or to wear shorts underneath a skirt. The advantage of a skirt is that it provides more protection from the sun than shorts, while shorts offer more protection from the elements, such as cold weather and splashing water. If you wear a skirt, make sure that it is long enough so that it doesn't get caught in the strings of the racquet. You can wear tights underneath a skirt to make sure it's not too short.
Ankle Wraps and Support Hosiery for Women
Ankle wraps are a good investment if you have weak ankles that get tired after playing tennis. They come in a variety of styles and provide support without restricting movement. Athletic support hosiery is another good investment for tennis players with weak ankles. These come in a variety of colors and patterns and can be worn under socks or tights. Support hosiery is useful for people with a variety of injuries, including knee and ankle injuries. It helps with overall comfort and reduces fatigue.
Conclusion
When you're first starting out on the tennis court, it can feel like all eyes are on you. It feels as though everyone is watching you and judging your every move, and that's because they probably are! You'll be playing in front of people who will judge your style, technique, and etiquette. Even the pros have their own unique style when it comes to how they look on the court. If you want to be taken seriously as a player, then these tips will help you stand out from the rest of the pack. Visit Womenwire.com for more advice on how to look good on the court as a woman tennis player.
