When it comes to fitness apparel, it doesn’t get more classic than tennis whites. A quick look back at history reveals that during the Victorian era, white tennis skirts came into fashion, although in ankle-length versions paired, mercilessly, with corsets and bustles. Eventually those impractical details fell by the wayside and some of the first modern white tennis skirts hit the grass courts by the 1920s, cut with crisp pleats. Today, the iconic staple has evolved in length (moving above the knee) and fabrication (sweat-wicking materials) but is still an essential part of any tennis kit—or closet in general, since the best white tennis skirts are wearable on and off the court.
The best white tennis skirts combine functional details with style-forward flourishes.
“The white tennis skirt is timeless,” says LA-based fashion stylist Kathryn Gosik. For inspiration, Gosik looks to Venus and Serena Williams (“trailblazers for their athletic fashion and female empowerment”) and influencers such as Bella Hadid, who “often pair white tennis skirts with white crop tops and white sneakers for a monochromatic look.” Whether on the streets or at the net, it’s a versatile fitness essential designed to let you move freely and keep you cool and comfortable. Ahead, we asked the experts for high-performance picks. Here, seven of the best white tennis skirts they swear by.
- Best White Tennis Skirt Overall: EleVen By Venus Williams Flutter Skirt
- Best Pleated White Tennis Skirt: Alo Grand Slam Tennis Skirt
- Best High-Waisted White Tennis Skirt: Lululemon Hotty High-Rise Skirt
- Best White Tennis Skort: Outdoor Voices Sport 4-Inch Skort
- Best Plus-Size White Tennis Skirt: NikeCourt Dri-Fit Victory Tennis Skirt
- Best White Tennis Skirt Without Shorts: Los Angeles Apparel Tennis Skirt
- Best Affordable White Tennis Skirt: Target Wild Fable Woven Tennis Mini A-Line Skirt
Best White Tennis Skirt Overall
EleVen By Venus Williams: Compression Shorts And UPF 50+ Fabric
Best Pleated White Tennis Skirt
Alo Yoga: Quick-Drying With Side Pockets
Best High-Waisted White Tennis Skirt
Lululemon: Supportive Waistband And Thoughtful Details
Best White Tennis Skort
Outdoor Voices: Fluid And Fashion-Forward
Best Plus-Size White Tennis Skirt
Nike: Comfortable And Cooling
Best White Tennis Skirt Without Shorts
Los Angeles Apparel: Woven Fabric And High Waistband
Most Stylish White Tennis Skirt
Tory Burch: Tailored With Stretch
Best Affordable White Tennis Skirt
Target Wild Fable: Function Meets Fashion
How To Choose The Best White Tennis Skirt
With tennis season comes tennis dressing. To determine which criteria set certain tennis skirts apart in a sea of options, for both performance and style, we asked experts what they look—and wear themselves.
- Coverage: For players, one swift move can kick up a pleated frill, and when wearing off the court, there’s always a staircase to be climbed. “I'm all about the skort,” says Chicago-based fashion expert Hannah Black. “And anyone with curves will also appreciate the coverage and security built in shorts offer.” Los Angeles-based stylist Kathryn Gosik finds that “length is an important factor for all kinds of skirts,” she says, noting that inseams of three to five inches provide the right amount of coverage and movement.
- Comfort: The recent popularity of tennis skirts has much to do with their comfort in the first place. “Whether you will be wearing a tennis skirt to play tennis, or walk around in outside, it should help you move through your day with ease,” says Gosik. Spandex-infused fabrics and ultra-stretch waistbands are easy to find in this category.
- Utility: Part of the appeal of tennis skirts beyond the court is that they’re one of the original fitness items to incorporate convenient storage. “Most sport skorts also offer built in pockets for your phone or keys,” Black says. That functionality makes these skirts extremely versatile. “People have swapped everyday clothes for athleisure and workout clothes,” says Gosik. The same pocket that was designed for an in-play replacement tennis ball on the court can stretch to fit a smart phone or wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Skirts
How do I choose a tennis skirt?
The length of a skirt does matter, especially if you’re hoping to let it do double duty as a piece for on and off the court. “I prefer my tennis skirts to have an inseam of three to five inches,” says Gosik. “I found that anything shorter or longer affects my comfort and mobility.” She adds that “the right tennis skirt should be breezy and playful.” For those that travel often or have to pack lots of options, there’s convenience in crease-free fabrics. “I appreciate a skirt with a bit of structure that washes well and doesn't need to be ironed,” says Black.
Is there a tennis skirt in style for 2022?
That really depends on how you plan to wear and use your tennis skirt. “You should keep in mind what purpose the skirt will serve in your wardrobe,” says Gosik. “Will you be wearing this skirt to work out? Or to lounge in?” She asks. “There are many different features that are beneficial for different activities—you might want built-in spandex shorts while playing tennis but not need them for lounging.” Bottom line: With so many options on the market for summer and beyond, choosing one option for sport and one for leisure is a practical way to go.
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