Courtcore Is the New Normcore: Why Tenniswear Is Trending in 2025

You don’t need a racket—or even a gym membership—to rock the tenniswear trend. Trust me, I haven’t stepped on a court in years, but my pleated skirt is working overtime in my weekly rotation.

Pinterest

Welcome to 2025, where courtcore is everywhere—from runways and influencer feeds to your local coffee line. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably seen a sudden explosion of crisp whites, little vests, preppy collars, and those perfectly structured mini skirts that somehow make you feel both sporty and expensive. It’s like normcore graduated and joined an elite tennis club.

This trend isn’t just about looking cute (though it nails that part too). It’s rooted in the rise of quiet luxury, retro athleticism, and the “I casually play sports for leisure” aesthetic. And spoiler alert: you don’t have to play tennis to dress the part. Let’s dive into what courtcore is, why it’s so hot right now, and how to pull it off without looking like you're en route to the US Open.

Essential Set and Motion Fleece by HAUTE

WHAT IS ‘COURTCORE’? (AND WHY EVERYONE’S OBSESSED)

So, what the heck is courtcore?

It’s the fashion girl’s love letter to tennis—less about winning matches, more about winning at brunch style. Think: pleated skirts, fitted polos, knit vests, crisp whites, and classic country club energy... but with a street-style twist.

The magic is in the mix. You’re taking something traditionally clean and buttoned-up and pairing it with chunkier sneakers, bold accessories, or an oversized hoodie. It’s quietly confident—like you could hop into a doubles match or a photoshoot.

The best part? It flatters. The structure of a tennis dress or the fit of a ribbed polo gives you a pulled-together silhouette without trying too hard. I wore a tennis-inspired set to lunch last week and felt like the CEO of summer.

WHY TENNISWEAR IS TRENDING IN 2025

This isn’t a fluke. There are actual forces behind the tenniswear takeover—and I’ve fully fallen for it.

First up: runways. From Miu Miu to Sporty & Rich, brands are flooding their collections with tennis references. Think varsity cardigans, logo socks, and pristine whites. Even legacy brands like Lacoste are having a fashion renaissance.

Next? Social media. TikTok blew up with "tenniscore" edits—girls in pleated skirts twirling their matcha lattes. Instagram caught on. Pinterest boards are filled with tennis whites styled with gold hoops and New Balances.

Also, can we talk about celeb style? Zendaya in a tailored white skirt and crew socks? Perfection. Bella Hadid mixing a Wilson skirt with a vintage tee? Goals. Hailey Bieber layering polos under sweatshirts with a slick bun? That’s basically courtcore in a nutshell.

And don’t forget the underlying vibe: old money meets wellness chic. It’s all very “I play recreationally, I hydrate with coconut water, I casually summer in the Hamptons.”

MUST-HAVE COURTCORE PIECES FOR EVERYDAY STYLE

Here’s what’s earned a permanent place in my closet (and probably yours soon too):

• Pleated tennis skirts — bonus points for built-in shorts. I like mine in white or pastel.

• Fitted polos — classic, cropped, or even sleeveless. They just work.

• Lightweight vests — great for layering and adding preppy texture.

• Tennis dresses — short, structured, and flirty. The kind you can throw on and go.

• Crew socks — wear them pulled up with clean white sneakers.

• Simple sneakers — Adidas Sambas, Veja, or anything minimal.

• Visors or dad caps — optional but seriously cute on bad hair days.

And here’s the magic: you don’t need all of it. Start with one or two pieces and build your look around them.

HOW TO WEAR TENNISWEAR WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE YOU’RE IN A MATCH

The key to making courtcore wearable off-court is balance.

Here’s what I’ve figured out after a few oops moments (like looking too “club uniform” while grocery shopping):

• Layer it smart: Throw a trench or oversized blazer over your dress. Suddenly, it’s fashion—not gym class.

• Mix with non-sporty pieces: I pair my white skirt with a chunky sweater or crisp button-down.

• Stick to clean colors: Whites, creams, navy, and the occasional soft green or blush feel upscale.

• Accessorize like an adult: Gold hoops, leather crossbody, and tinted lip balm elevate the look.

• Avoid bold logos: You're not auditioning for Wimbledon. Aim for subtle sophistication.

I’ve even worn a tennis dress under a denim jacket with boots for a night out—and felt weirdly confident.

WHERE TO SHOP THE TENNISWEAR TREND (WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK)

Not all courtcore pieces require a designer budget. Trust me—I mix high and low all the time.

High-End (if you're feeling fancy):

• Sporty & Rich — perfect retro vibe

• HAUTE — minimal, sculpted tennis-inspired silhouettes

• Miu Miu — $$$ but iconic

Mid-Range (where I shop most):

• Tory Burch Sport — feminine and functional

• SET Active — super flattering basics

• Reformation — stylish dresses with a sporty edge

Affordable (but still cute):

• Abercrombie — shockingly good skirts

• Zara or H&M Studio — seasonal gems

• Uniqlo — polos and cardigans that hold up

Pro tip: Real tennis brands like Wilson, Fila, or Nike have legit skirts and dresses. Just style them fashionably—think chunky knits or a neutral trench on top.

FROM THE COURT TO COFFEE — COURTCORE IS HERE TO STAY

So here we are—deep into the tenniswear takeover, and honestly? I’m not mad about it. It’s flattering, clean, and gives big “I’ve got my life together” energy.

Whether you’re serving lattes instead of tennis balls, or just want to feel fresh and fashionable while running errands, courtcore works. It’s more than a trend—it’s a mindset. Polished, confident, just athletic enough to keep you comfy.

🎾 Want in? Start small. Throw on a pleated skirt with sneakers and go from there. You might not win Wimbledon, but you’ll definitely win best dressed at brunch.