New to tennis or just joined a club? The first question most people ask isn't about technique it's about what to actually wear. Tennis has a reputation for dress codes, and it's half-deserved. Some clubs are strict. Public courts are not. Either way, getting the kit right makes a difference in how you move, how you're received at the club, and honestly, how you feel walking onto the court.
This guide covers everything: dress codes, fabrics, what men should wear, what women should wear, the difference between on-court and off-court kit, and where to find premium tennis clothing made in Europe that looks as good as it performs.
Does Tennis Have a Dress Code?
It depends entirely on where you're playing.
Public Courts No Rules
At a public park or leisure centre court, there is no dress code. Wear whatever you're comfortable moving in. The only practical requirement: non-marking soles on your shoes, so you don't leave scuffs on the surface.
Tennis Clubs Usually Yes
Most private and members' clubs have a dress code, and it varies. The general rule is: no denim, no casual T-shirts, no football kits. Collared shirts for men are standard at traditional clubs. Women are usually expected to wear proper tennis skirts, dresses, or performance shorts not gym leggings from another sport.
If you've just joined a club, check the rules before your first session. Most clubs publish them on their website or hand out a guide at induction.
Wimbledon All White
If you ever make it to the grass courts of Wimbledon, the rule is almost entirely white clothing one of the strictest dress codes in sport. For most players, this never applies, but it's worth knowing.
What to Wear to Play Tennis: Men
Men's tennis kit is straightforward. The core pieces are the same whether you're at a club or a public court the quality and fit is where it gets interesting.
Tennis Shirt
A breathable polo or performance shirt is the standard. Most clubs expect a collar for formal play a polo shirt is the safest choice and the most versatile. Look for moisture-wicking fabric that pulls sweat away rather than holding it. CourtClub's Men's On-Court Poloshirt is made from premium European fabric with a collar and embroidered logo club-ready from the moment you put it on.
Tennis Shorts
Court-length shorts with a secure waistband. You need range of motion for lunges and lateral movement, so the cut matters. Avoid anything too long or too baggy it'll slow you down. The Men's On-Court Shorts sit at the right length, with a waistband that holds through movement and a fabric weight that breathes.
Socks and Shoes
Non-marking tennis shoes with lateral support are essential running shoes don't provide the same sideways stability and can wear out faster on court. Compression socks or padded sports socks reduce blisters on long sessions.
Cold Weather Add a Half-Zip
When it's cold, layer up before and after your session with a half-zip hoodie or a warm-up jacket. Avoid anything that restricts shoulder movement you need a full range for your serve. CourtClub's half-zip range is made for exactly this: light enough to warm up in, smart enough to wear to the clubhouse after.
Browse the full Men's Tennis Clothing collection →
What to Wear to Play Tennis: Women
Women's tennis clothing has evolved significantly the days of mandatory white skirts are mostly gone. Modern club play allows far more choice, and performance is the priority.
Tennis Skirt or Shorts
Both work. Tennis skirts usually come with built-in compression shorts underneath, which gives you the coverage and security to move freely without thinking about it. Performance shorts are equally acceptable at most clubs and are increasingly popular. The key is fit not too tight that it restricts movement, not so loose it gets in the way.
Tennis Top
A breathable polo, fitted T-shirt, or performance tank. Avoid anything with a loose fit that might catch the wind or get tangled during a serve. For club play, a polo shirt or fitted collared top is the safer choice at traditional clubs. CourtClub's Women's Tennis Clothing includes both polo and shirt options built from European organic cotton lightweight, breathable, and designed with a unisex sporty fit that works equally well for women.
Dress Option
Tennis dresses combine top and skirt into one piece built-in shorts underneath, simple to put on, and they look clean on court. They're popular for match days and club events.
Off-Court Layer
After a match, you need something warm and presentable for the clubhouse. A half-zip hoodie or a lightweight jacket made for the tennis lifestyle is the right call not a generic gym hoodie. CourtClub's Off-Court collection is built for exactly this transition: court to clubhouse, without changing.
Browse the full Women's Tennis Clothing collection →
The Best Fabrics for Tennis Clothing
Fabric is where a lot of cheap tennis kit falls short. Here's what to look for and why it matters.
Moisture-Wicking Synthetics
Polyester and nylon blends pull sweat away from the skin and dry fast. Standard for performance tennis wear you'll find them in most on-court tops and shorts.
Organic Cotton (Premium)
Premium brands including CourtClub use high-weight organic cotton for off-court and lifestyle pieces. Heavier, better feel, more durable. CourtClub's shirts are made from 240g/m² organic cotton crafted in Portugal you can feel the difference immediately.
Bouclé and European Yarns
For half-zips and lifestyle pieces, textured European yarns like bouclé give you warmth and structure without weight. CourtClub uses these in the half-zip and polo sweatshirt range pieces that cross from court to street without looking out of place in either setting.
What to Avoid
• Heavy cotton T-shirts absorb sweat and stay wet
• Denim or thick canvas restricts movement, not allowed at most clubs
• Loose synthetic fabrics catch the wind and get distracting during play
On-Court vs Off-Court: What's the Difference?
This distinction matters more than most beginners realise. On-court clothing is performance-first made for movement, sweat management, and club dress codes. Off-court clothing is lifestyle-first made for the time between sessions, the clubhouse, the journey home, and the street.
CourtClub splits the range exactly this way. The On-Court collection covers match-ready polo shirts, performance shorts, and kits. The Off-Court collection covers hoodies, half-zips, polo sweatshirts, and shirts made for the rest of the day.
You don't need a completely separate wardrobe for both, but having a kit that's clearly built for each purpose makes the difference on court and off it.
Why Premium European Tennis Clothing Makes a Difference
Most tennis clothing at the budget end of the market is made in factories that prioritise volume over quality. The fabric wears thin after a season. The stitching pulls. The fit gets distorted after a few washes.
CourtClub produces everything in Portugal and Italy using sustainable methods and premium European yarns. That's not a marketing line it shows up in the fabric weight, the durability, and the way the pieces hold their shape over two or three seasons instead of one.
• Made in Portugal and Italy using sustainable production
• 240g/m² organic cotton on shirt pieces
• European-sourced yarns across the half-zip and polo range
• Worn at the US Open tested at the highest level
• Trusted by over 1,600 club members across Europe
If you're joining a club and want to invest in kit that lasts and looks the part, start here.
Quick Reference: Tennis Outfit Checklist
Men's Club Tennis Kit
• Polo shirt or collared performance top
• Court-length performance shorts
• Non-marking tennis shoes with lateral support
• Padded sports socks
• Half-zip or warm-up jacket for cold days
Women's Club Tennis Kit
• Tennis skirt with built-in shorts, or performance shorts
• Fitted polo, tank top, or performance T-shirt
• Non-marking tennis shoes
• Padded sports socks
• Half-zip or off-court layer for before and after
What NOT to Wear at a Tennis Club
• Denim of any kind
• Football or rugby kits
• Generic gym T-shirts (at traditional clubs)
• Running shoes with marking soles
• Overly loose or baggy clothing
FAQS QUESTIONS
Q: What should I wear to play tennis for the first time?
For your first session, keep it simple. A breathable polo or fitted T-shirt, comfortable shorts, and tennis shoes with non-marking soles cover the basics. If you're joining a club, check their dress code most expect a collared shirt for men and proper tennis shorts or a skirt for women. Avoid denim, football kits, and running shoes.
Q: Do I need specific tennis clothes or can I wear regular sportswear?
At public courts, regular sportswear is fine as long as you're comfortable. At tennis clubs, most have a dress code that requires proper tennis attire collared shirts for men, tennis skirts or performance shorts for women. Generic gym kit is often not acceptable at traditional clubs.
Q: What do men wear to play tennis?
Men typically wear a polo shirt or performance T-shirt with court-length tennis shorts. At most clubs, a collared shirt is expected. Add non-marking tennis shoes, padded socks, and a warm-up half-zip or jacket for cold days. CourtClub's Men's On-Court collection covers all of this, made from premium European fabrics.
Q: What do women wear to play tennis?
Women's tennis attire typically includes a tennis skirt with built-in compression shorts, or performance shorts, paired with a fitted polo, tank, or T-shirt. Tennis dresses are also popular for match days. Non-marking shoes and a half-zip or jacket for the clubhouse complete the kit. CourtClub's Women's collection is built for both on-court performance and off-court style.
Q: What fabrics are best for tennis clothing?
For on-court wear, moisture-wicking synthetics like polyester and nylon blends are best they pull sweat away and dry fast. For premium lifestyle and off-court pieces, look for high-weight organic cotton or European yarns. CourtClub uses 240g/m² organic cotton on shirts and European-sourced yarns on the half-zip and polo sweatshirt range.
Q: Is there a dress code for tennis clubs in Europe?
Most European tennis clubs have a dress code, though the strictness varies. Traditional clubs typically require collared shirts for men and proper tennis attire for women no denim, no casual T-shirts, no football kits. Check your specific club's rules before your first visit. CourtClub's on-court range is designed to be club-ready across European clubs.
Q: What's the difference between on-court and off-court tennis clothing?
On-court clothing is performance-focused breathable fabrics, correct cuts for movement, and designs that comply with club dress codes. Off-court clothing is lifestyle-focused hoodies, half-zips, and shirts designed for the clubhouse, the journey home, and everyday wear. CourtClub separates the range into On-Court and Off-Court collections to cover both.
