Sports and athleisure often inspire fashion trends.

In the summer of 2024, centre-court chic is in the limelight, with worldwide searches for 'tenniscore' exploding by 345% in the last 30 days, according to Google Trends.

Additionally, online interest in 'tennis outfits' has also risen by 228% throughout Great Britain and Ireland in the last year, according to Pinterest Trends, as well as 80% for 'sporty outfits'.

This trend comes directly after the release of The Challengers (2024), which made $15 million on its opening weekend and had a legendary press tour with fashion icon Zendaya, who wore tennis-themed dresses, shoes, and more on the red carpet.

Here, plus-sized fashion experts, Zizzi Fashion, examine how people can channel this tennis-inspired fashion trend, whether they want to look like their favorite athlete on the court or actress on the big screen.

Sporting a Pleated Skirt

Pleated skirts are the epitome of tennis-themed fashion. The iconic skirts are worn by professional tennis players every year, whether they're slaying at the French Open or Wimbledon. This year, however, pleated skirts have left the tennis court and made their way onto the catwalk.

Lacoste’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection at Paris Fashion Week was the perfect example of 'tenniscore' breaking into the fashion world. The collection had multiple tennis-inspired outfits, including mini and mid-length pleated skirts in hues of green, brown, and black.

It’s safe to say that pleated skirts will be out in full force this summer. There are countless ways to sport a pleated skirt, including pairing them with cowboy boots, graphic t-shirts, or denim jackets. They’re a versatile tennis-themed trend that can be molded to each person’s individual style.

Chic Tennis Dresses

Tennis dresses are made for the court. Although, if this year has made one thing clear, it’s that the short and sweet ensemble also belongs on the red carpet, dominating this summer’s 'tenniscore' fashion trend.

Zendaya wore multiple dresses on The Challengers (2024) press tour. In Rome, the actress turned heads in a silver plunging tennis dress. The pleated bottom and striped detailing were iconic nods to this season’s trend.

Tennis dresses can also be styled casually. Pairing tennis dresses with boots, denim jackets, trainers, and pull-over jumpers can create an effortless, casual look for summer.

The Iconic Polo Shirt

Polo shirts are an iconic, versatile piece of clothing. The collared shirts have made waves in multiple fashion trends throughout history, from 90s mod-style polo shirts to this year’s preppy trend revival – and they’re back for 'tenniscore' 2024.

Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection featured numerous polo shirts. The brand’s models sported classic navy blue shirts and an oversized, striped shirt in brown. Both styles are unisex and can be worn by anyone with a taste for tennis-inspired clothing.

Plus, there’s no “right” way to wear a polo shirt. To channel classic court-centre chic, people can wear fitted polo shirts layered with a retro jumper tied around their shoulders, paying homage to Princess Diana’s timeless style in the 90s.

However, there are other, more casual ways to style polo shirts. Hailey Bieber, for example, looked effortlessly chic in a striped polo shirt paired with baggy denim jeans and an oversized leather jacket, as pictured in 2023. This casual take is an easy way to embrace tennis-inspired fashion this summer.

Centre-Court Colours

Last, but certainly not least, are centre-court colors. White is undoubtedly the number one color for this year’s tennis-inspired fashion. Whether someone sports a tennis dress or a polo shirt, all-white outfits embody the elegance and class of the sport.

Although, this year’s 'tenniscore' fashion trend also embraces brighter, bolder colors. Zendaya wore multiple green-colored outfits on The Challengers (2024) press tour, including a tennis ball green gown that stunned at the film’s afterparty. If that doesn’t scream 'tenniscore', nothing will.

Don’t stop at green, though. In addition to embracing centre-court colors, people can wear tennis-inspired fits in a range of hues. Think pink tennis skirts, brown polo shirts, and more – the list goes on and on.

A spokesperson at Zizzi Fashion commented:

“There’s no doubt that 'tenniscore' is this summer’s most in-demand fashion trend. To embrace tennis-inspired fashion this summer, remember to wear each item in whichever way feels comfortable and natural. For example, people can wear pleated skirts alongside other athleisure, although they will also style well with everyday clothing, like knitwear and this season’s trending trainers. In short, 'tenniscore' is individual to the person and can be molded to fit their style, just like any fashion trend.”