The best tennis dresses are designed to be stylish, but they also keep comfort and performance in mind. Whether a player is hitting during the heat of the summer, or layering up in the colder seasons, there are tennis dresses available for all seasons and weather conditions.
This guide will take a look at the best tennis dresses for every season, as well as what features should be included in tennis dresses and how popular they are with all levels of players.
Table of Contents
Are tennis dresses still popular in 2025?
What to look for in a tennis dress for each season
How to find the right size and fit
What is the overall market value of tennis wear globally?
Google search trends for the best tennis dresses
The best tennis dresses for every season
Textured fabric dress
Temperature adaptive dress
Dual-layer breathability and thermal balance tennis dress
Thermal or fleece tennis dress
Final thoughts
Are tennis dresses still popular in 2025?
Tennis dresses remain very popular in 2025, both on the court and off it. “Tenniscore” fashion continues to be the driving force behind sales of tennis dresses, as influencers and celebrities feature them on social media channels such as TikTok and Instagram. Tennis dresses are highly valued for their athletic yet sleek appearance, and they can be very versatile too.
Top brands such as Nike, Lululemon, and Adidas regularly release new lines of tennis dresses as part of their seasonal collections. These dresses directly relate to the type of court the professional players are playing on at various times of the year.
What to look for in a tennis dress for each season
Many tennis dresses are designed to be worn throughout the year, but seasonal dresses have certain features that are more suitable to warm or cold climates. Buyers will be looking for tennis dresses that can adapt to different climates while suiting their personal needs.
- Spring: The fabric should be breathable but slightly thicker than summer styles due to changes in temperature. Slightly extended skirts and cap sleeves are recommended, and it’s common to combine these dresses with half-sleeve tops or hoodies when the temperature drops. Floral patterns and bright colors are popular in the springtime.
- Summer: Moisture-wicking and lightweight materials are highly recommended, such as polyester blends. Dresses with mesh panels are also popular for breathability. For maximum airflow, racerback styles and sleeveless shirts are the most popular, along with light shades that will reduce the heat from the sun and protect the skin from UV rays. Ventilation zones will help players stay comfortable during long hitting sessions and matches.
- Fall: Heavier materials are recommended than those worn in the spring and summer, especially those that offer more coverage but are still breathable, such as cotton blends. These dresses are easy to pair with a jacket or compression top if needed, and for cooler temperatures, longer hemlines and higher necks are desired. In terms of color, earth tones are a big hit during the fall tennis season.
- Winter: The focus with winter tennis dresses is flexibility and warmth. Fleece-lined or thermal fabrics, and even dresses with insulated panels, are highly sought after. Slimmer fits will allow players to add layers to the outfit without restricting their movement, and they also allow them to wear thicker jackets when playing. Dresses with higher collars or thumb holes in long-sleeve tops are key features that buyers will look for as well.
How to find the right size and fit
Tennis dresses will vary in sizes and fit depending on the style, materials, and brand. It’s important that buyers know their measurements beforehand and that they check the sizing charts online, if they’re available. Reading other customers’ reviews can also help to provide insight on how the dresses fit across different body types.
Fabrics that include elastane or spandex will be more flexible, but for a more snug fit, buyers should look for compression styles. For people who are between sizes, the best option is to order a size up, especially with brands that are known for having smaller fits. If consumers are shopping online, they’ll be looking for retailers that allow free global shipping or easy exchanges so they can try on the dresses without worry.
What is the overall market value of tennis wear globally?
Tennis wear covers all types of apparel, from dresses to tennis skirts and skorts. The market is constantly seeing new tennis clothing trends emerge, which is why the market’s value is constantly on the rise. Buyers are now looking for sneakers and women’s tennis bags that match their clothing.
In 2024, the global market value of tennis wear reached approximately USD 2.21 billion. It’s expected that this market value will increase substantially over the next decade. By 2033, the market is projected to have a value of USD 2.99 billion, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% between 2025 and 2033.
North America, particularly the United States, is expected to lead the market due to the competitive nature of the sport in the continent, as well as the growing demand for stylish sportswear. Advertising and celebrity endorsements are also helping to increase sales. Asia Pacific will also show significant growth during this period.
Google search trends for the best tennis dresses
Google Ads shows that the average monthly search volume for “tennis dresses” in 2024 was 74,000. The most searches appeared in June, when they reached 165,000, and this was followed by July and August, when searches sat at approximately 135,000 per month. This highlights the demand for tennis dresses in the summer season, when people are spending more time outdoors and using their free time to socialize and participate in physical activities.
The search results also show a growing demand for sustainability in tennis fashion. Buyers are increasingly on the hunt for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester in each product that they buy.
Many of the top brands are shifting their manufacturing process to align with these new consumer preferences. By providing exclusive access to a flash sale every so often, brands are better able to draw in buyers from the comfort of their own home without needing to go into a physical shop.
The best tennis dresses for every season
Tennis dresses are constantly evolving and adapting to seasonal trends, new materials, and performance demands. The most sought-after styles blend comfort and style together with a focus on versatility and movement. Keep reading to find out what the best tennis dresses for each season are.
Textured fabric dress
The best tennis dresses for spring are all about adaptability and style. The use of textured fabric or double-knit blends makes the dresses breathable but still strong enough to maintain their structure. Styles such as panelled skirts, floral colors, and fitted bodices are popular as they allow for lightweight layering. The addition of mesh inserts at heat zones and comfortable compression built-in shorts under the dress add to its functionality.
The Performance Dress by Lacoste x Bandier is a good example of this style. This limited edition dress blends the practicality of tennis with streetwear aesthetics.
Temperature adaptive dress
Summer tennis dresses have a strong focus on freedom of movement and thermoregulation. They’re designed using high-performance blends such as high-gauge polyester-spandex, which offers both UV protection and sweat evaporation. Most dresses will include integrated mesh paneling, internal shelf bras, built-in showers, and ventilation zones.
Brands such as Adidas are producing some of the best tennis clothes, with breathability in mind so that they can be worn in peak temperatures without causing discomfort. The racerback design is evident as well in styles such as the Aeroready Pro Dress.
Dual-layer breathability and thermal balance tennis dress
The best tennis dresses for the fall feature midweight performance jerseys with an integrated ergonomic design, such as dropped armholes or tapered waists. This construction allows the wearer to comfortably add compression layers underneath without it becoming too bulky. Moisture-balancing properties are also key for temperature adaptability.
Rhone’s Course to Court Dress is a prime example of a fall-inspired tennis dress. It’s made with a stretch knit fabric that’s breathable but still offers warmth, and it features sun protection and integrated support.
Thermal or fleece tennis dress
Winter women’s tennis dresses are designed with active comfort in mind. This means that they often have either thermal or fleece lining, which both offer warmth without taking anything away from the stretchiness of the dress. The use of longer sleeves, mock necks, and seamless zones all work together to provide better heat retention without compromising on mobility. Players can also benefit from adding further insulating base layers under the dress.
Lululemon has improved their tennis-specific clothing over the years, and their Lightweight Linerless Tennis Dress is proving to be very popular due to its slim fit, built-in bra, and versatility for layering.
Final thoughts
Each season comes with its own style of tennis outfits, so choosing the best tennis dresses comes down to personal preference, temperature, and playing conditions. Many dresses can be worn throughout the year, but players who want additional comfort, warmth, or breathability will be looking for seasonal dresses that have stand-out features such as quick-drying fabrics and a built-in bra.
