The tenniscore trend went full circle a few years back, getting quietly remade from its original niche athletic standpoint into one of the most recognisable fashion signatures of modern athleisure. Celebrities like Zendaya, Hailey Bieber and Emma Chamberlain started taking pleated minis to places other than tennis lessons—coffee runs, travel days, weekend brunches. And beneath all this? A perfectly styled tennis skirt.
But how do you wear this timeless silhouette in ways that feel current, comfortable, and authentically you? This guide breaks down the essentials — supported by real data, athlete-inspired insights, and style moments from everyday women.
The Rise of the Tennis Skirt in Everyday Fashion
Worldwide searches for tennis skirt outfits have more than doubled in 2020, according to Google Trends data that feature sizable spikes each summer and early fall. According to analysts from Lyst, searches for "white pleated tennis skirts" had grown 45 percent in a week following the 2023 US Open. But it's proof that the garment isn't seasonal — it's a year-round fashion staple inspired by both sports culture, celebrity styling and the wider comfort-wear movement.
One example that illustrates this shift comes from Mia, a 27-year-old marketing coordinator in Austin.
"For a pickleball outing, I bought my first tennis skirt," she says. "I wound up wearing it to work the next day with a knit top and sneakers. It just made sense — cute, comfortable and put-together without trying too hard."
Her experience reflects a larger phenomenon: clothes you can wear between working out and loafing.
1. Style It With Must-have Tops: T-Shirts & Camis.
If you're new to the trend of styling tennis skirts, take it down a notch. A fitted or baby T-shirt also gives you that I-just-threw-this-on "model off duty," trajectory. You can use cotton or technical fabrics, depending on whether you intend to show off your lewk in a gym or magazine ad.
For those warm-weather days, tank tops are the perfect pairing. They perfectly offset the skirt structure with a smooth, athletic upper body line. In a 2024 consumer report by Sport Apparel Insider, The result in the ways young females style tennis-inspired outfits is that "72% of them felt especially comfortable when wearing sleeveless tops because it "brings out an active and confident body profile without feeling overdressed.Party killers".
If you're looking for a more relaxed vibe, try ribbed tanks as they temper the sporty nature and makes the outfit versatile both on and off court.
2. Create an Active Set With Supportive Sports Bras
A lot of athletes, from college jocks to suburban tennis enthusiasts, find skirts the perfect trunks substitute because they allow for more range of motion and ventilation when paired with Sports Bras. This is not just aesthetic styling; it is styling that serves a purpose.
The American Council on Exercise explians that high-impact exercise demands supportive upper clothing to limit the movement of your breasts and ease discomfort. For tennis especially (when you're rotating your upper body and shifting direction on the fly), support matters.
Fashion-wise, a matching color Sports Bra creates a sleek, coordinated "athlete edit." Think the clean two-piece looks seen on pro players during summer matches. For streetwear styling, consider an oversized zip hoodie or varsity jacket layered over your bra top and skirt — a combination that celebrities often wear when photographed post-workout.
3. Add Layers With Lightweight Jackets
As temperatures drop, or when you want more dimension in your outfit, lightweight jackets become your best styling tool. Cropped windbreakers, bomber jackets, and even fleece zip-ups add structure while maintaining the athletic vibe.
Data from the NPD Group shows that sales of light outerwear in activewear categories increased by 18% YOY, driven largely by consumer demand for "versatile layers" that work across multiple temperatures and activities. This directly supports the idea that a tennis skirt–based outfit doesn't have to be limited to warm weather.
Styling tip:
- A cropped jacket emphasizes the high-waisted nature of most tennis skirts.
- A fitted track jacket gives a clean, retro-tennis feel.
- A lightweight fleece creates a cozy fall look without losing the sporty essence.
4. Footwear: Sneakers Make (or Break) the Look
Sneakers are the natural choice — both for functional tennis play and for a street-ready athleisure look.
- White sneakers create the clean classic tennis aesthetic.
- Chunky platform sneakers add modern Gen Z flair.
- Court shoes give an authentic athletic feel.
In cooler seasons, some women pair ankle socks and soft, ribbed leg warmers to add texture. Pinterest's 2024 trend report shows searches for "tennis skirt winter outfits" increasing by more than 80%, indicating growing interest in cold-weather styling.
5. Accessories That Elevate the Look
The secret to making a tennis skirt outfit feel modern is in the accessories.
- Baseball caps enhance the sporty vibe.
- Shoulder bags or mini backpacks add practicality without losing style.
- Minimal jewelry (thin hoops, tennis bracelets, clean stud earrings) keeps the look elevated.
Influencers often use one simple accessory trick: sunglasses. Oversized or sporty wrap frames instantly give off a celebrity-off-duty vibe.
A Celebrity Moment: Zendaya's Winning Look
During the 2024 "Challengers" press run, Zendaya wore several tennis-inspired looks styled by Law Roach — pleated minis, slim-fit tops, and clean courtside silhouettes. After a viral Venice photo call appearance, global searches for "green tennis skirt outfit" increased by 80% that week.
Her impact demonstrates the cultural power tennis fashion carries today.
6. Build Your Own Everyday Tennis Skirt Uniform
The beauty of this piece is how versatile it is. You can build your signature version based on your lifestyle:
For Work-Casual Days
- Soft knit top
- Delicate jewelry
- Minimalist sneakers
For Weekend Errands
- Oversized tee
- Crew socks
- Sporty sunglasses
For Court Days
- Supportive athletic top
- Lightweight layer
- High-performance sneakers
For School or Campus
- Tank top + cropped jacket
- Tote bag
- Clean accessories
Why Tennis Skirts Are Here to Stay
The overlap of sports culture, comfort-first fashion, and celebrity influence ensures that tennis skirts will remain a wardrobe staple. More importantly, they offer something women value today more than ever: flexibility.
As Mia from Austin puts it,
"It's the only skirt I own that works for a workout, a date, a grocery run, and a weekend trip. It's like a Swiss Army knife—cute, functional, zero effort."
Ready to Elevate Your Everyday Tennis Style?
Whether you're dressing for performance, comfort, or fashion, the tennis skirt offers unmatched versatility. With the right top, supportive layers, and confidence, your outfit will always feel intentional and modern.