Different Shades of Tennis
Can our favorite game experience a style revolution and stay true to tradition? Absolutely!
When tennis and fashion team up, everybody wins. This year, their partnership has been stronger than ever. Best part? The two are influencing each other, giving rise to all sorts of trends, exciting moments and exquisitely wearable clothes and accessories for on and off the court. Yes, tennis lovers are going to look good everywhere they go. (Doubletake fans stay tuned–we’re definitely getting in on the action.)
Proof of concept? Well, at the recent Laver Cup tournament held in Berlin, guess who tossed the coin to determine serve in a singles match. None other than mega tennis fan and Vogue magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. She then took her seat in the stands next to her tennis BFF Roger Federer. Two very stylish GOATS confirming the alliance between the two worlds.
So, let’s unpack the tennis/style trend, starting with a look at some of the biggest style statements from the latest major tennis tournament. NYC’s US Open is always a showcase for players and spectators to show up and show out, and the ‘scene’ did not disappoint in 2024. On court, Naomi Osaka took the prize for the most notable ‘fit. Her on-court ruffles, tulle, giant bows and pearls were a nod to an ultra-feminine, girl power style which originated in her native Japan. Ambush designer Yoon Ahn worked with Nike to create the outfit, which was the talk of the town.
Indie Update: Tennis fans and fashionistas were sorry to see Osaka go out in the second round, sadly ending the on-court fashion show and putting the brakes on Osaka’s comeback… for now. She has switched coaches since, hiring Serena Williams’ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou. Can’t wait to see how she looks at the Australian Open, in terms of her game and her wardrobe.
Other notable kits at the Open included the infamous underarm dress by Adidas. Overall, the Adidas collection, worn by several top players, including finalist Jessica Pegula and semi-finalist Karolina Muchova, was a hit. The black, purple and white color-scheme really stood out on court. But the long-sleeve Adidas dress with large cut-outs revealing just the underarm area was not super flattering. Maybe it was super comfortable to play in? As for more winning looks, US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka wore a beautiful fuchsia pink Nike dress for day matches, switching to a black version with hot pink accents at night. Gorgeous. Coco Gauff wore pretty blues for New Balance. Marta Kostyuk, always a style star, wore Day-Glo yellow by Wilson. Emma Navarro went the classic route in Fila’s old-school, preppy styles in beige and navy and dark maroon red. Similarly, Leylah Fernandez wore Lululemon in traditional tennis colors of white, dark green and bright yellow.
Celebrities flocked to the US Open this year, and their style choices seemed to mirror what was happening on court: traditional luxe tennis whites and beiges, or lovely pops of navy, light blue, pink and yellow. Kendall Jenner wore a sexy/sporty white mini dress. Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Steph and Aesha Curry opted for variations on classic polo shirts in beige and white. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were the perfect on-trend couple. She wore a cute pink and white gingham mini dress, while he sported head-to-toe Gucci tenniscore, in beige with green and red stripes (of course).
The colorways available this fall, in athletic wear and beyond, are beautiful and varied—a nod to the classic playbook, with just the right updates to feel fresh and modern. There are shades, and styles, allowing everyone to express themselves and feel great. Osaka said she chose lime green for her daytime dress at the US Open because it represented ‘serenity.’ And her black ensemble for night matches made her feel strong. Color has power. It just does. And while tennis is a sport steeped in tradition and custom, which is part of its charm, Osaka’s style gambit also worked to show how the game can expand and evolve. She helped send the message that this game is for everyone. There’s room in tennis for individuality and breaking new ground. And given the growing number of participants—message received. For every prim and proper Wimbledon, there’s the late-night-cocktail party that is the US Open. We can enjoy both!
A Doubletake Update: We are certainly enjoying watching the fashion world focus on tennis. Of course, the intersection of tennis and style is where we live and work and has been for some time. We take decisions about color and form seriously, staying ahead of trends and reinventing on court fashion. Our mission will always be to set a standard of timeless elegance, blending sport and luxury, always with an emphasis on functionality. Color is a huge part of that. We incorporate shades that make a statement, that help us feel confident, prepared and happy to be in the game.
With this in mind, we’re launching a limited edition Holiday collection of tennis and pickleball backpacks, which signify an exciting new Doubletake direction. Building on our core collection, we’re transforming our favorite shades of beige, pearl, navy, taupe, graphite and rose for the season, adding subtle patterns, prints, a touch of sparkle and a rich sheen. In the soft, supple materials inspired by feel and weight of designer handbags, these stunning new backpacks are perhaps our most versatile yet. The eight luminous colors and textures we’ve chosen for the Melbourne can go just about anywhere, on court or off. And while the colors and textures are different, the bags maintain their essential functionality, with space for everything and pockets galore. Speaking of off court, watch this space for more exciting Doubletake news which will redefine a modern approach to smart accessorizing. Can’t wait!
