An offshoot of the old-money aesthetic, or rather its sporty spirit, Tenniscore has taken the internet by storm this summer. In the past couple of weeks, it has definitely carved a strong niche for itself with Zendaya's looks for the promotions of her upcoming movie, Challengers. Tenniscore is all about a fusion of athleticism and elegance, and after researching for hours, we feel that this one might just be here to stay, unlike the rest. Here's a deep dive into the trend, its history and key pieces that will help you inculcate the aesthetic in your everyday lives.
The Ultimate Guide To Nailing The Tenniscore Trend In All Its Facets
Why The Resurgence
The chic and sporty aesthetic is the perfect style to emulate during the boisterous summer heat, with no regard to whether you play the sport or not. While Zendaya and Josh 'O'Connor's magic might've brought the trend to light, there were signs of the trend simmering already, whether it was a glimpse of the viral Taylor Swift video in a twirly lilac skirt playing tennis or the gaining popularity of pickleball in India.
The roots go way back to the dusty-old fashion looks; nobody can deny the timelessness of the charm of sophisticated athleisure, with quiet luxury setting the stage for it in the last couple of years. The ultimate blend of leisure and sleek style has been a great topic of discussion where comfort emerges as an important factor in fashion, and this trend serves just that. It has a fascinating history of evolution, and its recurrence will always have a linear trajectory in the fashion side of things.
A Little Peek Into The 'Smashing' History
Tenniscore evolved dramatically over the 19th century, with Lottie Dod who first wore an 'unconventional attire' —a long skirt and blouse, during the Wimbledon and sparked off a conversation on women's clothing on the court. Then came the 1920s, when Suzanne Lenglen wore a calf-length skirt with bare arms. This action of hers is still regarded as one of the finest moments in tennis fashion history.
During the 1940s, more and more women started rocking short skirts for greater mobility, which later evolved to pleated skits with a cinched waist. Afterwards, the fabric of the style took centre stage, with special drip-dry garments taking the movement forward. During the millennium, brands like Adidas and Nike jumped up on the bandwagon, creating advancements with sustainability at its core. The effortless chic look with stellar charm has since become popular, and it was under an exclusive spotlight in 2024. This preppy aesthetic is now all over our feeds.
Key Elements To 'Serve' In This Aesthetic
Short Skirts Or Skorts
White skirts with a pleated finish or modern-day skorts exude the core essence of this look. We recommend going with staple colours that can be paired with a number of things, making it a versatile piece in your wardrobe. They are perfect for tennis, golf, and pickleball and seamlessly blend the touch of sophistication with a casual charm. We've also seen it become a classic addition to all the preppy outfits on Instagram and Pinterest, looking super cute and aesthetic.
Brands To Check Out: The Clothing Factory, MIXT, ASICS, Under Armour, and Norma Kamali
![Pleated White Skirt](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Ff%2Fa%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2Ffa9f90b1382401-100_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)
![Purple Skort](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2F3%2F8%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2F38258ebAHSRWRGFS42699_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)
Polos
Polo shirts give authentic tenniscore and are a super versatile and classic piece to have in your wardrobe. Get them in different colours and cuts, including cropped ones, which are quite in fashion. They are comfortable, old-money aesthetic encoded, and look great on the court while being sophisticated and elegant in the most effortless ways.
Brands To Check Out: ONLY, The Souled Store, Beverly Hills Polo Club, KAZO, Global Replublic, and US Polo ASSN
![Women Cropped Polo Shirt](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2F7%2Fe%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2F7ec5731228136_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)
![Sleeveless Polo T-Shirt](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fb%2F0%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2Fb01a655K700108BEIGE_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)
A Preppy Sweater
For a visual cue for this, refer to the scenes from the movie Challengers where Zendaya is sitting in the stands among the audience or channel Jay from Modern Family as he golfs. A preppy sweater immediately gives off a sporty-club look and looks great paired with a skirt or denim for casual wear. You can tie them around your neck to channel the 'overwhelmingly rich look', and bring your tenniscore ensemble together.
Brands To Check Out: Styli, Pepe Jeans, and Cover Story
![Cable Knit Sweater](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fc%2Fd%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2Fcdff8ed7002992236_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)
![Off White Stripped Pullover](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2F7%2F0%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2F708ae67VM241441101_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)
Vintage Visors
Tenniscore uses subtle accessories, and vintage visors are one of the more significant ones. These help you protect from the glaring sun, which in turn helps with better visibility as well while looking stylish and aesthetic. Many high-end brands like Dior have been on trend for this and have lovely pieces that truly capture the aesthetic.
Brands To Check Out: Under Armour, Puma, Adidas, and The Upside
![Visor Cap](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2F3%2F3%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2F33f7cdc1361563001_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)
![Visor Cap in Navy Blue](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2F6%2F0%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2F607f8aa2323807_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)
A-Line Dresses
A modern homage to the quintessential traditional tenniscore, A-line dresses have become a huge hit based on their sheer comfort and effortless styling. They look sporty and uncomplicated, and are the easiest way to channel the tennis aesthetic if you have a hard time experimenting with new styles and trends.
Brands To Check Out: Kica, Adidas, Nykd By Nykaa, and Under Armour
![Tennis Dress](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Ff%2F4%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2Ff419b2fKICAX00004482_Dress_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)
![Sport Dress](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2F7%2F7%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2F772fce21382402-410_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)
Functional Accessories
Tenniscore accessories are all about keeping it simple and minimal, so think wristbands, sunglasses, and other dainty details like headbands and high ponies. Always remember to channel a super clean vibe and not overdo it, capturing the true essence of the look.
Brands To Check Out: Only, Yellow Chimes, Nike, Forever 21, and Accessorise London
![Tr Ess Core Wristband](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fe%2Fe%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2Fee6a3de4062449829471_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)
![Jersy Bandos](https://imgcache.lbb.in/cache?src=https%3A%2F%2Fadn-static1.nykaa.com%2Fnykdesignstudio-images%2Fpub%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2F8%2F1%2Ftr%3Ah-400%2Cw-300%2Ccm-pad_resize%2F81112c3MA-68608392001_1.jpg%3Frnd%3D20200526195200)
![](https://imgmedia.lbb.in/media/2022/12/63a054a49f2614636e5f9ec2_1671451812988.png)