Once considered the unofficial uniform of old-fashioned country clubs and New England boarding schools—polos, pleated skirts, and blinding whites have become staples of the latest microtrend: tenniscore. Sparked off the heels of Luca Guadagnino’s riveting tennis film Challengers, specifically red carpet maestro Zendaya’s delectable method-dressing streak on its press tour—from her custom Loewe fits to her recent slinky neon green Celia Kritharioti dress that literally held a tennis ball—one can’t ignore the natural chemistry the sport has with fashion.
While tennis itself is no stranger to fashion endorsements—with Ralph Lauren has outfitting the Australian Open for the past four years, and star players like Serena Williams and Emma Raducanu serving as brand ambassadors for Stuart Weitzman and Dior—it is the courtside fashion that has been at the heart of the tenniscore trend since its inception.
Paige Lorenze, one of Instagram’s poster girls for tenniscore styling and the girlfriend of American tennis player Tommy Paul, described the microtrend as a “fashion movement that fuses the classic, historical styles in tennis with modern ready-to-wear pieces” in a recent interview with Forbes.
Offering a much more modern interpretation of tennis’s sartorial inclinations, the exuberant style is set to have its first big break on the silver screen with Zendaya’s leading role in Challengers. Jonathan Anderson, the creative mastermind behind JW Anderson and Loewe who served as the film’s costume designer, drew inspiration from JFK Jr.’s effortless ’80s style that effuses both comfort and timeless elegance.
Amidst tenniscore’s grand slam as the ultimate trend of summer 2024, here is Vogue Singapore’s shopping guide to serving on and off the court.
1 / 15
Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Pony-embroidered V-neck knitted vest, $326
Available at Farfetch.
5 / 15
The Row Marley suede-paneled leather sneakers, $1,269
Available at Mytheresa.
9 / 15
Miu Miu Logo patch knitted short sleeved polo shirt, $1,569
Available at Cettire.
10 / 15
Palm Angels Pleated crepe tennis skirt, $451
Available at Net-a-Porter.
12 / 15
Loewe Dégradé cotton-blend piqué polo shirt, $1,159
Available at Net-a-Porter.
13 / 15
Saint Laurent Knitted sleeveless cotton polo top, $1,087
Available at Farfetch.
14 / 15
Max Mara High-waist straight-leg tailored trousers, $359
Available at Farfetch.
15 / 15
Maison Margiela x Gentle Monster MM104 Goggle-shape sunglasses, $843
Available at Farfetch.
