Tennis is one of the few sports which allow players to look good and experiment with their outfits as if they were preparing to take the grand stage. The development of fashion in tennis is a definite factor which influences both worlds. However, you are not likely to see it come up at sportsbook reviews as a key aspect that dictates their odds. Nonetheless, the following points prove this wrong and raise awareness of the impact that an outfit can have for the tennis player’s overall performance.
Dating back to Victorian England, tennis has been able to make a statement in the fashion world. The clear white clothes worn by players were seen as a sign of power and wealth, much like the sport is nowadays. The long skirts and long-sleeved blouses made it difficult for female tennis players to move and gain advantage of each opportunity.
Once they started baring their knees and arms, fashion designers saw an opportunity to profit. This prompted the French tennis player René Lacoste to create a more breathable fabric which marked the beginning of the polo shirts recognized by the small crocodile symbol.
The next couple of decades witnessed the advance of tighter and lighter tennis apparel. Even unitards and laced details made an appearance on the court. The gameplay was not affected, but these changes made a statement in the world of tennis fashion. It’s important to mention that the white color was holding the primate position in it, as Wimbledon authorities made it the only color players could wear in order to participate. The style of the 90s rebelled against it and introduced color schemes for the first time. Many female tennis players used this to insert colored details at the sleeves, collar and hem line of their outfits which were dictated by the fashion trends in general. Maria Sharapova even included Swarovski crystals which marked the onset of accessories on the court.
The beginning of this century was also the beginning of the career of two incredible female players, the Williams sisters. Venus shook the field with a lace dress while Serena continued to mix block colors in order to emphasize their vitality. The men were also part of the revolution. Some of the best-dressed players include Roger Federer who is usually recognized by his headband. Novak Djokovic is another fashion icon in tennis due to his suit-like shirts and shorts especially tailored for him.
Ultimately, famous fashion designers started collaborating with tennis stars and their well-known brands. This made the connection between fashion and tennis even deeper and opened a whole new area for exploration. Fashion designers reached a new audience and managed to widen their influence. As for the world of tennis, both male and female players are now able to enjoy outfits which look good and feel good at the same time.
So next time you think your favorite tennis player is going to win the match, check what they’re wearing just to be on the safe side.
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