Tennis Clothing Rules

Getting ready to hit the courts to play tennis? Make sure you are wearing the tennis attire that will get you in the gates and keep you comfortable throughout the match.

No matter how well you play, your game will suffer if you can't get in the door because you're not wearing the right shoes. The type of shoes you wear in tennis depends on the type of court you'll be playing on. Most courts are made of a hard surface, such as asphalt and concrete. While tennis shoes are recommended for these courts, what is most important is that the shoes have a non-marking sole. Shoes with black soles can leave marks on the court that are difficult to remove. For most public courts, white-soled or non-marking gym, running or cross training shoes should suffice. You may also find courts made of clay. In the U.S., most of the clay courts are in private clubs. Clay courts require more maintenance than hard surfaces because the clay has to be watered and swept off of the lines. Some clubs require that players wear specific clay court tennis shoes, but others simply require generic tennis shoes. If you're not going to a hoity-toity clay court club, do you even need to buy tennis shoes? If you're going to be playing tennis regularly --once a week or more--absolutely. Tennis is a game of lateral movement as well as quick sprints, stops and redirection. Running shoes don't provide the lateral support, and trainers don't always provide the cushioning to support feet that can put in miles on the tennis court. Depending on the style of your game, a sports shoe store can help you find a tennis shoe that gives you the traction and support you need.

Now that you've gotten your shoes ready, let's work our way up. At the All England Club, where the Championships of Wimbledon are played, the rule of clothes color is simple: you can wear whatever color you like, as long as it's white. Some private clubs may also require players to wear all or mostly white. If you're visiting a club for the first time, call ahead to make sure you know its particular requirements. For most other tennis centers, your choices are nearly limitless. New styles come out almost monthly, so players have a plethora of choices to choose from. Some tennis facilities restrict players from wearing cut-off jeans or pants, or sleeveless shirts (for men). Most courts, however, have a come as you are policy.

With that being said, there are a few tricks of the trade for tennis players when it comes to clothes. Wear or bring layers. A 9:30 morning match in March can start off quite chilly, but can warm up quickly. Wearing shorts or a skirt and short sleeves under a warm up suit ensures you'll be prepared for whatever the weather may bring. Likewise, an evening match may start off warm, but can turn brisk. Having a long sleeve shirt to put on can help you keep your focus on the game, and not on the temperature.

The days of cotton on the court are long gone. New fabrics containing Dri-Fit and ClimaLite help wick away moisture to keep you feeling drier. Under Armour's performance fabrics move with you and, depending on the specific product line, can be worn to keep you warm or cool. You can also find fabrics that add UV protection.

While it's not really a rule, it should be. Good socks keep your feet dry and provide extra cushioning for all of the running you do. Look for tennis or running specific socks to provide the thickness you need.

Most club players prefer to wear a hat or visor when they play. Not only does it provide shade from the glare of the sun, it protects your eyes from potential sun damage. Knowing these tennis clothing rules and recommendations will help you step on the court feeling comfortable, prepared and ready to play your game.