Those of you who know me are laughing right now after reading that I am writing about tennis fashion. Thanks to my wife dressing me, I actually have on matching shorts and shirts most of the time. This edition, I want to talk about how the new fashion is helpful to your performance.
Remember playing in cotton tee shirts and shorts or skirts and tops that were made of thick, heavy polyester? I think those cotton tees weighed about five pounds when wet. Today’s clothing is moisture wicking and dries almost as quickly as it gets wet. Players stay cooler on the court, and the fabrics allow your body to better recover even while wearing wet clothing. Several manufacturers are making apparel with UV protection built in to help protect you from the harsh sun. And they weigh nothing. Shorts are made with built-in underwear and skirts with built-in tights for more warmth when needed.
Fashion today looks good, too. I remember wearing a pair of the lined denim shorts that Andre Agassi played in. They looked good, but they were extremely hot and very heavy when wet. Players like to feel good about the way they look, which can really affect how they play. Today’s clothing companies have combined aesthetics with functionality, and we are all benefitting from their ingenuity.
Footwear has also come a long way. Today’s shoes have more support and yet are more comfortable than the shoes of the past. And they, too, are more fashionable and colorful than ever before. Some companies even allow you to personalize and customize your shoes.
And accessories have gotten in on the act. Performance material caps and UV protecting hats now exist. Socks and sweatbands come in colors and patterns yet have improved performance as well. Warm-ups have zip out sleeves that will turn into a vest and pants that convert into shorts so you can adjust to your own body temperature.
Look in your closet at your current tennis wardrobe and decide if you are in need of an upgrade. It can really help your game. And then come see me, or I should say my wife who runs our tennis shops, for some good advice.
Tracy Townsend is a resort tennis expert, and his company 30A Tennis manages Seaside Tennis on behalf of the Seaside Community Development Corp. You can reach him at tennis@seasidefl.com or call (850) 231-2214. For news, events and court conditions, find Seaside Tennis on Facebook.
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