Tennis Clothing and Equipment Guide
Whether you’re a regular tennis player who is taking to the court every week or a complete beginner who is looking to pick up a new hobby, wearing the right kit can make a difference to your comfort on court.
The most important thing is to feel comfortable while playing tennis. Usually you can wear any type of activewear or trainers you like. However there are also some more tennis-specific clothing and shoes out there that can offer great benefits.
Our partners at Pro:Direct have pulled together this informative tennis clothing and trainer guide, so you know exactly what you’re looking for before you purchase.
There are plenty of options when it comes to tennis tops. You can choose between a t-shirt, polo and a long sleeve, but it’s good to have options so you can adapt to the weather conditions and the seasons.
You should also consider whether you prefer a top that has a looser to tight cut, and look for clothes with breathable materials.
The flexibility of the material is also an important factor. Clothes with elastic give you more freedom and movement during your tennis matches, which is vital to putting in a good performance on court.
For the colder months, you might want to consider wearing tracksuit bottoms and a training jacket or sweatshirt. This will allow you to warm up comfortably and you can then take off your long tennis clothing once your muscles feel ready.
If you’re a regular player on the tennis court, you’ll know that playing for many hours a week can have an impact on your feet and legs, which is why the trainers you wear are vital to your performance on the court and for preventing injuries.
Again, it’s not essential to own tennis trainers, but if you’re looking for maximum comfort while playing, then investing in some shoes specifically designed for tennis is a great route to go down.
There are three main areas you’ll want to consider when looking for your next pair of tennis shoes, so we’ll break it down for you.
Cushioning
Having well cushioned tennis shoes is essential for preventing strain in your legs and feet, as it relieves the pressure. You’ll also want to get a shoe with good grip, endurance, and the maximum amount of stability. This way, you can ensure you don’t pick up any injuries or rolled ankles while on court.
Support
While support and stability are needed in a tennis trainer, you also need to have a certain amount of freedom of movement to make quick sprints to return the ball.
What separates tennis shoes to a regular trainer is that they are specifically designed to offer support, stability and often use materials that help deliver energy return – ultimately supporting your footwork, speed and movement on court.
Midsole material
Similarly, tennis trainers use a different midsole than regular trainers, with the materials being light and elastic to lower the impact-blow and provide energy return. Meanwhile, the outsoles are typically made of resistant rubber compounds.
When it comes to the upper and linings, tennis shoes manufacturers use a combination of high-tech materials, mesh-inserts or small holes to improve the breathability, while regular sports shoes don’t have these characteristics.
Finally, you’ll want something to carry your all your equipment in to court and tennis bags are a great option. While many people carry their tennis equipment in a regular gym bag or backpack, you might want to invest in something a little bit bigger that will allow you to store everything you could possibly need for a tennis session.
Storage space and bag size are key when it comes to buying a new tennis bag that fits your rackets, balls, shoes and other equipment in. If you’re heading to a Park Tennis court or a training session at your local club, a tennis backpack is a great option that allows you to carry your essential equipment, without being too large to carry.
If you’re regularly competing at tournaments, you could opt for the classic racket shape bags that are a popular choice amongst many tennis players. This style of bag holds up to 15 tennis rackets and contains extra compartments for any tennis shoes, clothing or accessories you may need.
It’s important to keep hydrated and have regular drinks breaks while playing tennis.
Before you head to court make sure you have a reusable bottle that’s full of water and ready to go.
We can all play our part to reduce single use plastic waste.