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In 2024, you couldn’t contain tennis style to the courts if you tried. It’s been a great year for fans of the sport (and its timeless aesthetic): We kicked the summer off with Challengers (and a corresponding “Tenniscore” lookbook from Zendaya), sailed right into the Olympics, and we’ve never been more ready to obsess over all things US Open. With all that Grand Slam energy in the air, it’s no wonder that tennis skirts are suddenly everywhere.
While it’s having A Moment, the tennis skirt has actually been a staple of its sport for over a century—though not always in the functional-meets-flirty form we know and love. There was a time when an exposed ankle or—brace yourself—calf on the tennis court wasn’t just cause for gossip in the stands: It could result in official fouls. But luckily, as the sport progressed over the 20th century, tennis skirts also got a revamp to better serve the athletes wearing them.
With shorter hemlines, built-in shorts, and breezier fabrics came increased agility on the courts, and a whole new avenue of self expression for players. Combing through more than 100 years of photos of tennis skirts, I found a balance of nostalgic elements that have stood the test of time—like crisp pleats and bright whites—and enough personal flair to keep things exciting, including retro throwbacks, metallic details, and lace.
Below, check out a visual history of the tennis skirt—and stay tuned for more style inspo from the pros throughout the 2024 US Open.
1888
Bet you never thought you’d hear “floor length” and “tennis skirt” in reference to the same garment.
1912
1922
1925
1926
Maybe not the most practical, but major style points, TBH.
1931
Enter, the skort! Thank goodness you’re here!
1950
I’m pretty sure this entire look was on my 2024 summer mood board.
1952
1959
Our players’ legs have finally been freed—and this photo captures exactly how I feel about it.
1965
1972
1979
Are we awarding points for pattern play yet?
1981
Fun fact: Chris Evert, shown above, was also the person who popularized the diamond “tennis bracelet.”
1994
This red skirt and sneaker combo is checking all of my retro style boxes.
1996
I’ve never seen a case for pleats quite like this one.
2010
2015
2016
2016
2018
2022
This matchup was iconic enough on its own, but this SKIRT?!
It’s a spectacle every time Serena plays, but this skirt adds a whole new performance element to her game.
2023
Okay, this one’s actually art.
2024
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Say it with me: A skirt should NEVER restrict a celebration.
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