Tennis style in the city borrows elements from classic tennis clothing, such as polos, white, stripes and pleats, but uses them as ordinary fashion. You do not have to avoid technical sports fabrics or sneakers; the difference lies mainly in how you combine the pieces.
What makes the tennis look so appealing?
The tennis look stands for a fresh, orderly elegance: lots of white, light colours, straight lines and a collar at the neck. It is sporty without being pushy and suits summer days in the city. The secret lies in the details: a polo with a quarter zip or buttons, a skirt that falls just above the knee or trousers with pleats, and a few subtle stripes. That brings the atmosphere of the court to the terrace.
The four building blocks
- The polo. The core piece. Choose a fine, soft fabric in white, cream or with a soft stripe.
- The skirt or trousers with pleats. Pleats give movement and make sure the whole does not become too sporty.
- A light or sporty colour palette. White, cream, navy and light blue are classic choices, but other colours can work just as well.
- Shoes that set the direction. Sneakers keep the look sportier; loafers make it more dressed-up.
For Women: polo, skirt and pleats
The white Ophelia is slim-fit and ribbed, with a fully closable quarter zip. Combine her with the white Rosa, a slim-fit midi skirt of 60 cm in size S. For more colour, the cream striped Arabella is a slim-fit fine-knit polo that works well with the navy high-waist Arabelli.
For Men: striped polo and trousers with pleats
The white Atticus is slim-fit and currently comes with the size advice to go one size up from your usual. With the white Harrison, slim-tapered trousers with a single pleat, a fully light combination emerges. A navy or coloured layer can add contrast, but is not needed.
Why pleats work so well
Pleats give extra fabric and movement to trousers or a skirt. They change the silhouette, but do not automatically lengthen the leg. In combination with a polo, a clear reference to classic tennis and club style emerges.
Wearing white trousers without worries
White trousers put many people off, but with a few rules they are perfectly wearable. Choose an underwear colour close to your skin tone, so nothing shows through. If you sit on a terrace, put a napkin on your lap and choose a chair that looks clean. Do not leave a white garment in the bag for too long and wash it according to the label, so the white stays fresh.
Three city looks
- By day on the terrace. White polo, white skirt or trousers, flat shoes and a navy sweater over your shoulders.
- Friday lunch. A striped polo with cream pleated trousers and loafers. Polished enough for the office, relaxed enough for the weekend.
- Summer evening. A fine-knit polo in cream with a knee-length skirt and a thin cardigan for when it cools down.
How to keep it urban
If you want to make the tennis reference less literal, combine a sporty element with something more dressed-up, such as a polo with trousers or sneakers with a smart skirt. Technical fabrics, logos or sports shoes are not wrong by definition; they just make the reference sportier.
Caring for white
| Problem | Approach |
|---|---|
| Yellow marks under the arms | Rinse out quickly, pre-treat and wash at the temperature on the label |
| Sand and dust | Shake or brush out, then wash according to the label |
| White gone dull | Wash separately with a detergent for whites |
| Creases | Let hang to relax or steam, depending on the label |
Read more about washing and ironing on our care instructions page. Also take a look at the collections polos for Women and polos for Men for more pieces in white and cream.
Shoes for the tennis look
Sneakers make the look sportier; loafers or other smart shoes make it more dressed-up. Visible or invisible socks can both work, depending on the effect you want.
Common mistakes
- Imitating a complete sports outfit, including sports shoes and a headband.
- Thinking the look may only consist of white, cream and navy.
- Fits that are too tight, making the look appear strained.
- Wearing creased white, when white calls for a neat finish.
Accessories that suit
A tennis look lends itself to small, calm accessories. Think of a cap or sunglasses in a neutral shade, a bag in leather or canvas in navy or beige and a thin watch. Keep jewellery minimal and avoid large, shiny pieces. A sweater over the shoulders, preferably in navy or cream, is a classic tennis detail that completes your outfit straight away.
Shop the look
Ophelia: ribbed polo with quarter zip, white
Rosa: knee-length skirt, white
Arabella: fine-knit polo, cream striped
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, navy
Atticus: striped cotton polo, white
Harrison: tapered trousers with pleats, white
Frequently asked questions
How do you wear the tennis look in the city?
Use polos, stripes, pleats and sporty shoes as a reference to tennis and combine them with ordinary city clothing.
Which colours suit tennis style?
White, cream, navy and light blue are classic choices, but other colours can work just as well.
Which shoes do you wear with the tennis look?
Clean, low sneakers or loafers. Avoid striking sports shoes, so the look stays polished.
Is a lot of white practical in the city?
It takes some attention, but with quick rinsing and washing at the right temperature, white stays beautiful. When in doubt, choose a cream shade.
