A Brief History of Women's Tennis Fashion
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Posted On :
Nov-01-2012
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Article Word Count :
564
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Women have been playing tennis since the 1870s, and while the game hasn’t changed that much, the fashions have evolved dramatically throughout the years.
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Women have been playing tennis since the 1870s, and while the game hasn’t changed that much, the fashions have evolved dramatically throughout the years. From long, flowing skirts to high fashion activewear and designer tennis dresses, here is a look at how far women’s tennis fashions have come.
The modern game of tennis was originally a sport for the wealthy, and women players dressed as if they were attending a garden party. In the early years, a typical tennis outfit consisted of a wide-brimmed hat, a frilly blouse and a long, full skirt. The women also wore bustles and corsets under their clothes, and some ladies even chose to embellish their outfits with furs. Although this type of outfit did not allow for a lot of freedom to move, women’s tennis was not a very active game. In those days, the game was played in a very refined way and was often referred to as pat ball. Although most players initially wore dark colors, they soon switched to all-white ensembles, which were better at hiding sweat stains. The custom spread, and it wasn’t long before white outfits became required for players competing at Wimbledon. By the early 1900s, women were rolling up their sleeves and wearing skirts that just reached their ankles.
The End of Corsets and Bustles
After World War I, tennis fashions became more daring, and women’s skirts began to rise even higher. The 1920s ushered in the flapper era, and tennis fashions soon followed the new styles. Short sleeves, dropped waists and knee-length skirts made it easier for women to move around and play harder during the games. They also stopped wearing hats and began to wear headbands in their hair. Additionally, corsets and bustles were no longer in style. By this time, women’s tennis had become more competitive, and pat ball was a thing of the past. Some women even defied the all-white rule and began wearing colored cardigans over their tennis dresses. By the 1930s, a few brave women had even begun to wear Bermuda shorts.
The Beginning of Sensible Clothes
The 1940s and ‘50s ushered in the era of practical apparel, and women’s tennis fashions followed suit. Women began wearing clothes that were comfortable and not just fashionable. Although some women preferred wearing slacks or shorts, most women opted for short-sleeved shirts and short skirts that were above their knees. The shorter skirts meant that undergarments were sometimes visible, and women began wearing ruffled panties under their skirts. Hats were no longer a necessity, but some tennis players chose to wear caps or visors.
By the 1970s and ‘80s, women tennis players began wearing collared shirts and miniskirts or mini dresses. Some women preferred to wear athletic shorts or skirts with built-in shorts. Gradually, more women began experimenting with color, and many chose pastels over outfits that were entirely white.
Tennis Apparel for the Modern Age
The modern age of tennis has seen a higher emphasis on athletic apparel that is both fashionable and comfortable. Now, instead of practical shirts and shorts, many athletes choose high fashion activewear or designer tennis dresses. No longer confined to whites and pastels, these outfits come in an array of bright colors and are often embellished with Swarovski crystals, lace and ruffles. When it comes to modern tennis apparel, bolder is definitely better.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_A Brief History of Women's Tennis Fashion_233292.aspx
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Author Resource :
The author has an immense knowledge on high fashion activewear. Know more about designer tennis dresses related info in his website.
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Keywords :
designer tennis dresses, high fashion activewear,
Category :
Recreation and Sports
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Recreation and Sports
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