It started as a whisper. Then came the headlines. Now it’s a full blown identity crisis: Are you tennis core or pickleball chic?
In 2023 and 2024, pickleball exploded onto the scene with the energy of a sport that knows it’s hot right now. Meanwhile, tennis, the OG prestige game of white skirts and hushed claps, is having its own fashion renaissance , a quiet luxury comeback that says, “I’ve been here. You’re just catching up.”
But let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t about the rules of the game , it’s about the lifestyle. And CULT Brief is here to break down the cultural score.
Tennis has always had a thing for fashion. From Chris Evert’s pearl necklaces in the ’70s to Serena Williams’ Off-White tutu, this sport doesn’t just allow for style it demands it.
Today, tennis has become fashion’s favorite muse. Wimbledon isn’t just a tournament , it’s a runway with grass. And brands know it.
Gucci, Lacoste, Miu Miu, and Sporty & Rich are diving deep into tennis aesthetics. Think: crisp pleats, headbands, ribbed polos, and the kind of ankle socks that look best with a martini in hand.
Celebs like Zendaya, Jannik Sinner, Emma Chamberlain, and Jacob Elordi have all leaned into the look, whether they play or not. Because tennis now lives just as much on moodboards as it does on ESPN.
And let’s not forget the “Challengers” effect. The Luca Guadagnino film hasn’t even hit theaters yet and it’s already influencing an entire generation’s summer wardrobe. Blame Zendaya’s Loewe tennis heels if you must.
But if tennis is old money, pickleball is new vibe.
It’s easier to learn, played on smaller courts, and screams group chat activity. And the cool kids? They’re eating it up.
Brands have taken note. Alo Yoga now makes paddle specific gear. Outdoor Voices dropped pickleball ready sets in soft sage and matcha. Recess Pickleball sells designer paddles in pastel marble prints and neon swirls are making the accessory itself a flex.
And don’t even get us started on the influencer crowd. Pickleball is now the go to collab sport for wellness brands and pop ups.
So… Who’s Winning?
Honestly? Both.
Tennis has heritage, prestige, and a cinematic comeback. It’s structured. It’s aspirational. It’s for your Pinterest board and your dream vacation. Pickleball, on the other hand is fun, chaotic, and cool.
Tennis is your capsule wardrobe. Pickleball is your personality era.
CULT Brief is living for the fact that we don’t have to choose.
Because if we’re being real? We’ll take the Gucci racquet bag and the pastel paddle. Now someone get us a court.
