What to Wear to Play Tennis: Shoes, Skirts, Shorts, and Club Dress Codes
Your shoes should match the court surface, your bottoms need a ball pocket, and some clubs still want whites. A complete guide for lessons, leagues, and social hits.
Theo Marsh7 min read
In This Story
In This Story
Key Takeaways
- Buy tennis shoes for your court surface; running shoes are not built for lateral stops.
- Choose skirts, skorts, shorts, or leggings with a ball pocket.
- Wicking tops and sun protection matter more than brand.
- Some private clubs and Wimbledon require whites; most public courts do not.
Tennis has the most dress-code history of any racket sport, which can make a first lesson feel intimidating. In practice, the rules are simple: shoes built for lateral movement on your court surface, bottoms with somewhere to put a ball, and breathable layers. Whites only matter at certain clubs — and at Wimbledon.
Fast answer
Court-specific shoes, pocketed bottoms, a wicking top
Check your club's dress code before booking; many public courts have none.
Shoes: match the surface
| Compare | Hard court | Clay | Grass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outsole | Durable modified herringbone | Full herringbone that releases clay | Small pimples or nubs |
| Priority | Durability and cushioning | Traction while sliding | Grip without damaging turf |
| Can you cross over? | All-court shoes work on most surfaces | Clay shoes also suit padel | Grass shoes are specialist |
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
The same principles apply as in our pickleball shoes guide: a flatter base, a reinforced side wall, and an outsole made for your surface.
Skirt, skort, shorts, or dress
- Skorts and tennis skirts with built-in shorts: classic look, great mobility, ball pockets in the liner.
- Shorts: 5–9" inseams with a deep pocket or liner pocket for a second serve ball.
- Tennis dresses: one-piece and cool in heat; pair with ball shorts underneath.
- Leggings or tights: practical on cold days; choose a pair with side pockets.
Compare options in skort vs shorts vs leggings for court sports.
Tops and layers
- Wicking polos, tees, or tanks; cotton gets heavy in long sets.
- Relaxed shoulders for serves and overheads.
- UPF long sleeves, a visor or cap, and sunglasses for outdoor summer play.
- A zip jacket or quarter-zip for cool mornings and between sets.
Club whites and dress codes
Some private clubs still ask for predominantly white clothing, collared tops, or tennis-specific shoes to protect their courts. Wimbledon is the strictest: competitors wear almost entirely white, though since 2023 women may wear dark-coloured undershorts. Most public courts and many clubs simply ask for athletic wear and non-marking court shoes. When in doubt, ask the pro shop before your first booking.
Your bag checklist
- Racket and a fresh can of balls.
- Water and a small towel.
- Sweatband or overgrip for sweaty hands.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses outdoors.
- A spare top for long sessions.
Weighing tennis against the newer court sports? Read pickleball vs padel vs tennis. The court-sports look has become its own style — see what to wear to play pickleball.
Frequently Asked
What should I wear to my first tennis lesson?
Tennis or all-court shoes, comfortable athletic shorts, a skort or leggings with a pocket, a breathable top, and a water bottle. Check whether your club has a dress code.
Can I wear running shoes to play tennis?
For a casual hit, yes, but regular play needs tennis shoes. Running shoes lack lateral support and their soft, raised heel makes side-to-side stops less stable.
Do you have to wear white to play tennis?
Only at some private clubs and tournaments such as Wimbledon. Most public courts and many clubs allow any athletic clothing.
Can you play tennis in leggings?
Yes. Leggings with side pockets are practical in cold weather. Choose an opaque, sweat-wicking pair.
Sources
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