Quick Answer:
Tennis players wear skirts mainly for comfort, freedom of movement, and tradition. Modern tennis skirts are designed with built-in shorts for practicality and performance, while also carrying a long history as part of the sport’s fashion identity.
🎾 Tradition in Tennis Fashion
Skirts have been a part of women’s tennis for more than a century.
Early pioneers like Suzanne Lenglen helped popularize them in the 1920s, blending elegance with functionality.
Over time, tennis skirts became closely tied to the sport’s image, and many players still choose them today as part of that tradition.
🏃 Functionality and Performance
Freedom of Movement
Modern tennis skirts are made with lightweight, stretchy fabrics that allow full mobility for running, sliding, and reaching.
Most designs include built-in compression shorts (skorts) so players can move freely without distraction.
Cooling and Comfort
Skirts are also practical in warm conditions.
Compared with leggings or longer shorts, they allow better airflow, helping players stay cool during long rallies and matches.
Moisture-wicking fabrics further improve comfort.
👟 Storage and Practicality
Tennis skirts often come with built-in shorts that double as ball pockets.
This lets players tuck extra tennis balls securely during service games, eliminating the need to hold them by hand.
It’s a simple but important detail that adds to efficiency on court.
💃 Style and Identity
For many players, skirts are also a style preference.
Tennis has always had a strong connection to fashion, and apparel is a way for athletes to express identity and confidence.
Some prefer skirts, while others choose dresses, shorts, or leggings—making it a matter of personal comfort rather than strict rules.
👩 Why Do Female Tennis Players Wear Skirts?
While skirts are most often associated with female players, they are not required by modern tennis regulations.
The WTA and ITF dress codes allow a wide range of outfits, including shorts and leggings.
Skirts remain popular because they strike a balance between tradition, practicality, and style, making them a default choice for many.
🧠 The Psychology of Tennis Skirts
Even in situations where skirts may not be strictly necessary, players often continue to wear them because of routine.
Just like wearing the same type of shoes or wristbands, consistent clothing choices create familiarity.
This sense of routine can provide reassurance and focus, which are important in high-pressure matches.
📜 Are Skirts Required in Tennis?
No. While older tennis traditions emphasized skirts, today’s professional rules are flexible.
Players can choose shorts, leggings, or dresses as long as they comply with sponsor and tournament guidelines.
Skirts are still common, but they are not mandatory.
🏃 Freedom of Movement and Flexibility
Why Some Players Prefer Skirts
One of the main reasons skirts remain popular is the freedom of movement they offer.
Tennis skirts are designed with lightweight, stretchy fabrics and built-in shorts (skorts), which allow players to lunge, slide, and stretch without fabric restriction.
Unlike some shorts, skirts don’t bunch up as easily when spreading your legs wide to reach for a ball.
Why My Friend Prefers Skirts Over Shorts in Tennis
I once asked a friend who prefers skirts over shorts why she makes that choice.
Her answer was simple: “When I go for wide balls, I just feel less restricted in a skirt.
Shorts sometimes feel tight, but skirts move with me.”
That perspective matches what many players say — skirts can feel more natural and flexible in fast, demanding rallies.
What I’ve Noticed Watching WTA Players in Skirts
I’ve personally seen female professional players perform full splits on court to reach wide shots, often while wearing skirts.
Watching that in action, it made sense why tennis skirts are preferred by some athletes.
Tennis skirts offer more flexibility for full splits and wide reaches on court, movements that shorts might sometimes restrict.
Why Some Players Prefer Shorts
At the same time, some players prefer shorts for the extra coverage and sense of security.
This is especially true in high-intensity matches where sliding and quick pivots are common.
Shorts may also feel sturdier for those who want added confidence when moving aggressively around the court.
Ultimately, both options are valid — the choice comes down to personal comfort, playing style, and what helps the player feel most confident on court.
❓ FAQ
Q: Do women have to wear skirts in tennis?
No. Players can also wear shorts, leggings, or dresses depending on preference.
Q: Why are skirts more common than shorts?
Skirts combine tradition, comfort, and practicality, making them a popular choice for many athletes.
Q: What are tennis skirts made of?
Performance fabrics designed to be lightweight, stretchy, and sweat-resistant. Most come with built-in shorts.
Q: Who popularized tennis skirts?
Suzanne Lenglen in the 1920s helped bring skirts into mainstream tennis fashion.
📝 Verdict
Tennis players wear skirts because they combine tradition, functionality, and personal style.
They are not required by modern rules, but they remain a defining part of the sport’s fashion and performance culture.
Whether for cooling, comfort, or identity, skirts continue to be a practical and popular choice on court.