Pleated skirts, polo shirts and white trainers: tenniscore has long since left the court and secured a permanent place in our wardrobes. Why this sporty yet polished aesthetic is far more than a fleeting fashion trend.
Few sports possess such a distinctive fashion identity as tennis. Crisp whites, precisely pleated skirts, polo collars, fine-knit jumpers and clean-lined trainers: the aesthetic of the court has been unmistakable for decades. Yet what was once largely reserved for Wimbledon and country clubs has long since found its way onto the streets of Paris, London and New York.
Under the name tenniscore, the look has experienced a remarkable revival in recent years. And while other “core” trends tend to disappear from social media just as quickly as they emerge, tenniscore appears to be playing a much longer match. Even in 2026, the blend of sport, preppy chic and luxury fashion remains omnipresent.
The formula behind tenniscore is surprisingly simple. The look takes classic elements of tennis attire and translates them into a modern everyday wardrobe. At its heart are pleated skirts, polo shirts, tennis dresses, knitted vests, cardigans, white socks, trainers and caps.
The aim, however, is not to look as though you are on your way to serve. Far more interesting is the interplay of contrasts. A white tennis skirt is paired with an oversized blazer, a polo shirt with elegant tailored trousers, a classic cardigan with a mini skirt and loafers.
This is precisely where the strength of the trend lies: tenniscore exists somewhere between sporting functionality and personal style.
A Fashion Liaison with a Long History
The connection between tennis and fashion is by no means new. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, the court became a stage for sartorial change. French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen caused a sensation in the 1920s when, instead of the restrictive clothing typical of the time, she competed in lighter, shorter designs by French couturier Jean Patou. In doing so, she became not only a sporting icon, but also one of fashion’s earliest muses.
Soon afterwards, René Lacoste left an equally lasting mark on the aesthetic of tennis. The French player was looking for a more practical alternative to the stiff shirts of his era and helped turn the short-sleeved polo shirt into a modern classic. In 1933, together with André Gillier, he went on to found Lacoste, creating a connection between sport and fashion that still feels relevant today.
What was once performance wear has since become one of the most enduring staples in fashion history.
How “Challengers” Gave Tenniscore an Extra Boost
One cultural moment gave the trend yet another surge of momentum: “Challengers”. Released in 2024 and starring Zendaya, the film not only brought tennis into the heart of popular culture, but also made its accompanying aesthetic desirable all over again.
Suddenly, it was no longer just about the sport itself. Tennis came to represent summer, status, rivalry, polished club aesthetics and a certain kind of effortless sexiness. It is precisely this combination that feels so relevant at a time when fashion is once again embracing classic codes, albeit with a far less rigid approach.
Tenniscore is therefore closely related to trends such as quiet luxury, preppy style and the old-money aesthetic – only with a distinctly sportier, lighter touch.
Perhaps this is precisely why tenniscore refuses to disappear. The look reflects a modern idea of luxury – one that is less about evening gowns and high heels, and far more about an effortless, lifestyle-driven sense of elegance.
A perfectly cut white polo shirt, a fine-knit jumper draped over the shoulders and a pleated skirt feel polished without ever appearing over-styled. It is an aesthetic that evokes wealth and leisure, yet is no longer confined to exclusive tennis clubs. Today, tennis-inspired pieces are worn just as naturally on the court as they are in the office, at lunch or in the evening.
Tenniscore manages to feel nostalgic, elegant and entirely contemporary all at once.
Photos: Pexels