Image source: Getty / Jennifer Smith, Julia Kuzenkov and Wendy Wei and photo illustration: Aly Lim
When you hear terms like “hot girl hobby” and “‘that girl’ training,” racket sports probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. Chances are you think of people doing reformer Pilates dressed in Lululemon, or those TikTok videos where people share the fancy outfits they wear to adult ballet class. These days, adopting a fitness routine or playing a sport for pleasure is extremely popular, especially when there is a heavy emphasis on dressing well while working up a sweat. However, more recently, racket sports such as paddle tennis, pickleball, racquetball and tennis, along with the accompanying “tenniscore” aesthetic, seem to be dominating the space.
Having the skills to back up your style (and vice versa) is a huge plus, but the trend is more about people finding a way to exercise that’s both effective and enjoyable.
Although “That girl” on her TikTok seems to have recently discovered them, racket sports are nothing new. And while they have an undeniable link to the upper class, racket sports are for everyone. Many public community parks have courts on a first-come, first-served basis, and anyone with a gym membership can realistically reserve rackets and court time. But throw in the pressed polo shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, and pleated white skirts, and suddenly playing racquet sports becomes a status symbol associated with old money and country club exclusivity. The preppy outfits that go with racket sports have been around for decades, but have only recently taken center stage with a larger crowd. What used to function exclusively as sportswear has now been turned into couture by designers and retailers like Miu Miu and Saks Fifth Avenue. Tennis company Wilson has even collaborated with luxury streetwear brand Kith to launch a collection of sportswear and equipment. And celebrities like Bella Hadid, Beyoncé, and Hilary Duff have worn it everywhere from dinner in Santa Monica to lunch at Subway. So how did racket sports become a fashion statement?
Grace Thomas, founder and lead stylist at BuiltGracefully, says it was actually the result of two individual trends gaining traction at the same time. “The tennis boom really started during COVID, when people were looking for ways to exercise and socialize while keeping their distance,” Thomas tells POPSUGAR. “While the trend for this type of exercise increased, the fad of the early 2000s and late 1990s began to become prominent.” The coincidental overlap in the revival of racket sports and the Y2K look is what ultimately brought to life what Thomas calls “court craze.”
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The fact that tennis players are becoming more and more famous for more than just their playing skills has helped keep the tennis aesthetic relevant since it started trending in 2021. Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, for example, are revered as style icons for what they wear. both on and off the pitch, as well as important voices in collective discussions about motherhood and mental health. Its influence on popular culture is evident in TV shows and movies like “Do Revenge” and “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” where white sneakers are as much a fashion statement as a sports uniform. But while fashion is an undeniable driving force for interest in racket sports, there’s a bigger reason why people end up fully committing to them as a hobby.
“We don’t often get the opportunity to run, jump and play. This trend sparked that need for many of us.”
According to fitness expert and personal trainer Becky Codi, racket sports are extremely social in nature, especially when you’re playing doubles or mixed doubles. The social element of racket sports not only makes training fly by, it also keeps people excited to come back for more. “We don’t usually get the opportunity to run, jump, and play. This trend sparked that need for many of us,” explains Codi. Many people would rather play tennis or pickleball with their friends than do a traditional workout at the gym, and games can be as calm or intense as you like.
Racquet sports, of course, aren’t the only fitness trend making working out more enjoyable. People continue to choose activities like dance, cardio, and yoga for the same reasons. However, when it comes to racket sports, Codi points out that they offer something more unique: friendly competition. “There’s a sense of accomplishment that you don’t get from standard exercise classes,” she says. Getting a solid workout in is rewarding in itself, but when you add the chance of winning a match on top of that, it’s easy to see why racket sports remain so popular.
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In the past, tennis has been the favorite racket sport, but now more people are turning to other games like pickleball and paddle tennis. The main reason, says Alyssa Carroll, founder of Disco Country Club, is accessibility. While the court craze is proof enough that you don’t technically have to play tennis to experience it, people still want to get in on the action and do it in the most beginner-friendly way possible. “Games like pickleball are easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people with a variety of athletic abilities, which is why it has become extremely popular. The fastest growing group of new pickleball players is actually under 35 years old, and it’s because the game is so active and fun, Carroll tells POPSUGAR. “You can play it for fun with a drink in hand, or make it as competitive and challenging as you want.” Smaller courts and lighter paddles and balls allow players lean more towards recreation The social aspect of racquet and padel sports rather than athletics alone, combined with the affordable equipment and free public courts, makes it an accessible way to participate in tennis culture .
No matter what racquet sport you play, there’s a lot more to it than just hitting balls back and forth through a net. With their recent reputation in the fashion world, racket sports have quickly become one of the trendiest ways to stay active. And with people discovering more accessible racket sports like pickleball and the preppy dress code becoming common, it’s easier than ever to follow the trend and really fit it into your lifestyle. Whether you want to switch up your usual exercise routine, turn it into a social activity, or just try tennis, playing a racket sport is the best way to go.
Having the skills to back up your style (and vice versa) is a huge plus, but the trend is more about people finding a way to exercise that’s both effective and enjoyable – it’s a plus that helps you look good. both inside and outside. court.
team to start
Carryall Gear Bag: The designers of the Rebel Deuce Tennis Tote ($348) thought of everything. The bag fits up to two tennis rackets, has two large exterior pockets to store water bottles or a can of balls, and features a large detachable clutch to store your valuables, plus a drawstring nylon pouch to store shoes or sweaty clothes. Tory Burch’s Two-Tone Canvas Tennis Bag ($498) is a statement-maker at any fancy country club, while EINENG’s Pickleball Bag ($50) is more affordably priced.
Comfortable tennis dress or skirt: The Old Navy PowerSoft Shelf-Bra Support Sleeveless Dress ($60) fits sizes XS to 4X and is a hit with customers, rating nearly five stars on more than 12,000 reviews. Reina Olga’s Serena Skirt ($153) is made from luxe sweatshirt fabric and cut at a unique diagonal angle to look great whether you’re a beginner or a pro. The NikeCourt Dri-Fit Advantage Pleated Tennis Skirt ($75) is a pure performance piece, but it looks cute enough to post all over your TikTok.
Court-ready shoes: You can get away with wearing any supportive shoe for your adventures on the court. If you want to level up, the Asics Gel-Resolution 8 ($140), Adizero Ubersonic 4 ($140) or NikeCourt React Vapor NXT ($160) will help you hit the net with superior grip and cushioning.
Rackets, paddles and balls: Stock up on the classic neon yellow Wilson tennis balls ($12) and pickleballs ($15), but consider having fun with your paddle, especially if you’re joining the pickleball team. From Disco Country Club’s Sky paddle ($65), with a retro logo design, to a cool Niupipo paddle ($76 for two), with a simpler, sportier look, the options are endless.
Source: news.google.com