Picture credits to my coach!
I think most people have "their sport". Tennis is definitely mine.I've been playing since I was nine; I started at my neighborhood bath & racquet over the summer and then began playing for USTA. In the spring of freshman year, I found my second home when I made the varsity girl's tennis team, and I was so excited to be named Junior Captain last year. Now, my senior season is fast approaching and I don't know where the time went! I'm so ready to see all my girls again but every match will be bittersweet, knowing that they're my last in High School.
As senior captain this year I've been pulling everything together before tryouts. I've also been getting my own workout wardrobe ready to go! Although I play volleyball in the fall, I wear very different clothing for tennis, and many of my tennis pieces transition into regular workout wear whenever I go to the gym. Over the years I think I've finally figured out what works for me.
Today, I thought I would share my essential pieces. Whether you're just getting into the sport or want to round out your wardrobe, I hope you'll find some inspiration (and a bit of advice) to pull from!
1 // The perfect yoga pant.
This is a must, especially if you're playing outdoors in the colder months. Personally, I would recommend a plain black skinny style (as opposed to boot-cut), just because I find it layers better underneath skirts, giving you an extra layer of warmth. My favorite brand for these is Athleta; they come in tall, petite, and regular sizes and fit like a dream! Nike and New Balance are also great choices. I do own a pair of Lululemons, but honestly, while the fit is great I've been disappointed with the quality and can't recommend them for that reason.
2 // The right shoes.
Not all athletic shoes are created equal. There is definitely a huge difference between a pair of running shoes and a pair of true tennis shoes. It has to do with how you move in them; the former gives more linear support for back-to-front movement while running, while the latter gives lateral support for the side-to-side movements in tennis. I'm a firm believer that it's important to buy shoes that are meant for your sport, especially if you're serious and practicing several hours a day. Like I've mentioned, I go through tennis shoes really quickly, so I've tried a lot of different brands over the years before settling on Nike as my favorite. However, there are so many different options and I would recommend finding a store in your area that can properly fit you.
3 // The classic skirt.
Tennis skirts are my favorite thing to wear during the season. Don't get me wrong, I love athletic shorts as much as the next girl, but there's something that's so much more comfortable about a good tennis skirt. I would definitely recommend looking into the Nike skirts, they run small (I typically wear a small/medium, and I buy a large in Nike for a looser fit) but the quality is amazing. I've had several of mine for years, thrown them in the washer/dryer countless times, and they still look great.
4 // Supportive sports bra.
Sports bras are so so important. There is nothing worse than not feeling secure and comfortable when you're trying to focus on a match. My personal favorite style for tennis is from Victoria's Secret; they're ultra-supportive with an underwire and clasp, and nothing will be moving while you're running around on the court. For regular workouts, I actually prefer a softer fabric sports bra that's more compressive than it is supportive. My favorites are from various brands, and I usually find good options in the workout section at Marshall's. The important thing is to make sure that you feel comfortable in them!
5 // An invisibobble.
My hair hates staying in ponytails, and it's a huge problem during tennis season. A few months ago I discovered the invisibobble, and decided to try it out for myself. In theory, the spiral band should keep my hair in place, but I wasn't sure if that would be the case in practice. Well, let me tell you, this thing is no joke. I can put my hair in a high pony, and if I tie it with this, it will stay in all practice. It's amazing! I would highly recommend picking one up. Pro tip: if your invisibobble stretches out too much over time, just stick it in some boiling water and it will shrink back to its original size.
6 // Workout tops.
I own more t-shirts than I can count, but I rarely wear them for tennis. I find that lightweight workout tops (the kind made from moisture-wicking material) are much easier to move in and a lot more comfortable. Early in the season, when it's still cold, I wear long-sleeved tops (my favorite are from Old Navy -- if you haven't checked out their activewear line, I would highly recommend it!). Once the temps rise I switch to wearing almost exclusively tank tops. My "lucky" tank top is a red one that was part of my high school uniform freshman year; it's from Wilson and it still fits like a dream all these years later.
7 // An easy pullover.
One of the trickiest parts about dressing for spring tennis is the fact that the temperatures can vary so much, even over the span of a few hours. I always have a pullover in my bag to layer if needed. It's important for me to have one that's made with a stretchier, breathable material to make it easy to move my arms in (anything that restricts my arm movement is a huge no-no!).
Those are all of my tennis and workout clothing must-haves! Do you play any sports, and if so, what are your favorite items?
2 // The right shoes.
Not all athletic shoes are created equal. There is definitely a huge difference between a pair of running shoes and a pair of true tennis shoes. It has to do with how you move in them; the former gives more linear support for back-to-front movement while running, while the latter gives lateral support for the side-to-side movements in tennis. I'm a firm believer that it's important to buy shoes that are meant for your sport, especially if you're serious and practicing several hours a day. Like I've mentioned, I go through tennis shoes really quickly, so I've tried a lot of different brands over the years before settling on Nike as my favorite. However, there are so many different options and I would recommend finding a store in your area that can properly fit you.
3 // The classic skirt.
Tennis skirts are my favorite thing to wear during the season. Don't get me wrong, I love athletic shorts as much as the next girl, but there's something that's so much more comfortable about a good tennis skirt. I would definitely recommend looking into the Nike skirts, they run small (I typically wear a small/medium, and I buy a large in Nike for a looser fit) but the quality is amazing. I've had several of mine for years, thrown them in the washer/dryer countless times, and they still look great.
4 // Supportive sports bra.
Sports bras are so so important. There is nothing worse than not feeling secure and comfortable when you're trying to focus on a match. My personal favorite style for tennis is from Victoria's Secret; they're ultra-supportive with an underwire and clasp, and nothing will be moving while you're running around on the court. For regular workouts, I actually prefer a softer fabric sports bra that's more compressive than it is supportive. My favorites are from various brands, and I usually find good options in the workout section at Marshall's. The important thing is to make sure that you feel comfortable in them!
5 // An invisibobble.
My hair hates staying in ponytails, and it's a huge problem during tennis season. A few months ago I discovered the invisibobble, and decided to try it out for myself. In theory, the spiral band should keep my hair in place, but I wasn't sure if that would be the case in practice. Well, let me tell you, this thing is no joke. I can put my hair in a high pony, and if I tie it with this, it will stay in all practice. It's amazing! I would highly recommend picking one up. Pro tip: if your invisibobble stretches out too much over time, just stick it in some boiling water and it will shrink back to its original size.
6 // Workout tops.
I own more t-shirts than I can count, but I rarely wear them for tennis. I find that lightweight workout tops (the kind made from moisture-wicking material) are much easier to move in and a lot more comfortable. Early in the season, when it's still cold, I wear long-sleeved tops (my favorite are from Old Navy -- if you haven't checked out their activewear line, I would highly recommend it!). Once the temps rise I switch to wearing almost exclusively tank tops. My "lucky" tank top is a red one that was part of my high school uniform freshman year; it's from Wilson and it still fits like a dream all these years later.
7 // An easy pullover.
One of the trickiest parts about dressing for spring tennis is the fact that the temperatures can vary so much, even over the span of a few hours. I always have a pullover in my bag to layer if needed. It's important for me to have one that's made with a stretchier, breathable material to make it easy to move my arms in (anything that restricts my arm movement is a huge no-no!).
Those are all of my tennis and workout clothing must-haves! Do you play any sports, and if so, what are your favorite items?
xo,
I don't play tennis but I do run and lift weights and these are perfect for those too! I especially love those striped New Balance leggings.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great Monday!
Felicity | http://oliverandmoose.com