”Tenniscore’ trend is serving looks — on and off the court

Fashion & Beauty

By Brooke Steinberg

Love-love what you’re wearing.

No, you’re not seeing doubles — while the final match may have been called at this year’s US Open, tennis continues to take center court, thanks to a growing number of young fashionistas eagerly integrating the sport’s civilized-athletic aesthetic into everyday attire.

Known as “Tenniscore” among its youthful followers, the trend is heavily influenced by some of the Gen Z internet’s current favorite things — sport, stealth luxe, old money.

And brands have been taking notice, serving new looks and collaborations inspired by the genteel game.

KITH has partnered with the gold-standard brand of tennis, Wilson, to bring the signature brand into the streetwear market. In June, Nike brought back tennis icon John McEnroe’s Mac Attack signature tennis shoe — the shoe he wore on the court in the ’80s — after nearly 40 years. And, of course, the resurgence of Lacoste, witnessed on the court and in the stands this year, is a sure sign of the rise of tennis fashion.

“Tennis has always been associated with elegance, particularly from a sartorial point of view,” Catherine Spindler, Deputy CEO of Lacoste, told The Post. “In recent years, the influence of tennis in fashion has accelerated. Pieces inspired by the world of tennis are now worn by everyone.”

“There’s definitely a new age of silent luxury … it’s become about looking polished and sophisticated,” Tierra Alysia, founder of luxury sports apparel brand Vividus — fresh from her impressive show at New York Fashion Week — told The Post.

“I have this funny phrase I use with my friends: ‘country club queen’ or ‘country club bae.’ It’s a vibe and aesthetic of looking like all you did today was have brunch with the girls, go shopping and head to the country club,” she said.

Alysia, who said she grew tired of buying “ugly” and uncomfortable pro shop clothing, was inspired by the trend to launch her own brand, which started in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, since sports like tennis and golf can be played solo or enjoyed while social distancing.

Alysia — one of few Native American designers in the sphere — said her inspiration for her collection is her love for streetwear combined with a passion for women’s designer luxury fashion.

“I think looking good and wearing a well-put-together outfit is half the game in these posh sports. Fashion is built into both tennis and golf’s DNA. When you look your best, you definitely play your best, too,” she said.

An rise in interest in the concept is more than just a TikTok-driven flash in the pan, according to Circana, which studies consumer behavior.

Sales revenue in the US for tennis apparel increased by 15% in the 12 months ending June 2023, versus the prior year, and is up 38% versus three years ago, according to the research firm. Tennis shoe sales grew by 21% versus the prior year and increased 37% compared to three years ago.

“A balance of sporty and chic, tennis apparel has carved a place in consumers’ post-pandemic wardrobe evolution as they swap their sweats for something more stylish without sacrificing on comfort,” Kristen Classi-Zummo, apparel industry analyst at Circana, said in a release. “The versatility of athletic dresses, skirts, and other tennis-inspired apparel is having just as much of an impact on sales as the sport itself.”

The fashion trend forecasters at Modacable agree, saying that the upgraded athleisure trend has brought to market more sweaters, footwear, bags, hats and outerwear that’s easy to mix and match while “always looking on point,” a researcher told The Post.

Pop culture and social influence has also been a huge influence, Modacable noted, specifying a minimal sports set such as leggings and a top as the “perfect example.”

“It works for almost all generations and body types,” they explained. “Big stars wearing sports clothes everywhere makes people feel like they can look cool, spending almost nothing, in a basic track set or yoga set … It’s easy, and always on point in 90% of day-to-day life.”

And in the end, designer Alysia admits, comfort is key, saying that she feels most comfortable when wearing sports apparel or streetwear.

“I’ve worn some very beautiful designer gowns and outfits, and some of those were the most uncomfortable I could’ve possibly ever worn,” she admitted. “And I don’t know about you, but when I feel uncomfortable in an outfit or shoes, I just don’t feel as confident walking into a room or in event. So for me, I absolutely love the luxury sports apparel world.”