For optimal cold-weather tennis attire, look for jackets constructed of breathable fabrics that keep you warm without overheating. A hat or visor may also help reduce eye strain during matches by keeping sweat away from your eyes and away from eyelids.
Tennis skirts add an elegant flounce to any court-ready ensemble, providing sophisticated flair while staying comfortable while playing. Wear yours with a simple tank and moisture-wicking sports bra for optimal comfort while playing.
Waterproof and Wind-Resistant Jackets or Shells
Skiing, hiking or playing tennis – jackets that provide water or wind-resistance can be invaluable defenses against rain and cold. Waterproof jackets typically utilize a membrane or laminate that protects you from precipitation while still allowing breathability and providing a pleasant next-to-skin feel. These jackets also boast additional features to make them suitable for various activities, including half-elastic cuffs to seal out wind and drawcords at the hem to adjust fit, storm flaps with Velcro or snap closures, reflective details for increased visibility in poor lighting, as well as RECCO reflectors in their hoods that can assist rescuers should an emergency arise such as an avalanche or other.
Dependent upon your model, you have two jacket options to choose from: hardshell and softshell jackets. Hardshells provide greater waterproofing protection while both types offer flexibility to suit individual needs and conditions.
Key to selecting a waterproof jacket is its durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment. This coating applies to the outer face fabric and works to repel rainwater before it soaks through, keeping you dry on wet days. Reapplying may occasionally be required but is essential if it rains heavily.
Oiselle Whirlwind jacket provides an excellent example of both waterproofing and wind-resistance; featuring a woven ripstop fabric to block winds while still permitting full range of motion, its sleek silhouette is perfect for cool spring runs while it can pack away into its own chest pocket when not needed.
Thermal Beanie or Headband
An effective tennis hat or visor is essential when playing in hot and sunny conditions, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sun damage and eye problems as well as keeping your head cool while decreasing sweat that would otherwise pool on your face.
Consider also investing in a thermal beanie that provides warmth without adding bulk. This type of hat fits snuggly around your ears and forehead for maximum comfort, even while wearing rain hats or caps. Plush loop fabric offers soft comfort that stretches for optimal fitting – plush loop fabric provides stretch to provide the snuggest possible fit – designed specifically to be worn under helmets or rain hats and featuring dual position Sunglass Lock to secure shades in place.
Moisture-Wicking Base Layer
An effective base layer should be comfortable, breathable, absorbing sweat efficiently and feeling soft against your skin, with antimicrobial protection to avoid any unpleasant odors. There are a range of fabrics and styles for base layers available such as lightweight balaclavas and cap liners; short and long-sleeve tees; vests; briefs as well as socks gloves mitts to choose from.
Each base layer garment is designed to wick away moisture, but which fabric you select depends on weather conditions and your activity level. Light synthetic fabrics tend to work well in warm-weather base layers as they wick away sweat quickly while drying quickly, keeping you comfortable without sweaty chills that could lead to chafing issues.
Hiking or running, wearing a lightweight merino wool blend or 100% merino wool base layer will keep you warm while remaining breathable and comfortable. Our favorite is the Icebreaker BodyFitZone 150 for its technical venting features, soft fabric and anti-odor capabilities.
Fabric’s wicking properties are determined by its ability to transport moisture away from your skin’s surface and into its next layer, where it can be absorbed and evaporated by body heat or artificial means. Traditional testing for wicking only measures how much water a fabric absorbs and how quickly it dries without taking humidity levels into account; humidity has an enormous influence on evaporation rates and drying times.
As temperatures decrease and activity levels increase, adding extra warmth becomes essential. A midweight base layer works best here because it retains heat without adding bulk; heavier and thicker base layers may be useful as second layers in colder environments as a second wicking base layer layer.
Insulating Mid-Layer
In colder conditions, a mid-layer that traps heat and provides insulation is key to maintaining your body temperature and avoiding abrasions from adversely impacting gameplay. Polyester or merino wool materials excel at moisture control and thermal retention; additionally, opt for tighter fits which support mobility without feeling bulky during intense gaming sessions.
For mildly windy and rainy conditions, waterproof shells provide great protection from rain and snow without penetrating your mid layer – this type of outer layer is especially ideal if playing tennis in moderately wet or rainy conditions, though other options such as soft shell jackets or hybrid insulation layers might provide greater flexibility and breathability than their waterproof counterparts.
When temperatures get very cold, a breathable waterproof/wind-resistant jacket or hybrid insulation layer that combines an outer shell and an insulating jacket should keep you warm while still allowing sweat to evaporate, keeping you from getting wet from rain or snow. In extreme cold temperatures, an insulated jacket with thick synthetic or down padding or puffy would provide adequate warmth.
For extreme cold conditions, consider investing in either a down or synthetic hybrid insulator that’s lightweight yet breathable, providing warmth while being highly compressible – perfect for easy storage in your bag. When conditions allow it, also consider wearing a merino wool jumper as they offer warmth while simultaneously being moisture wicking and more durable than cotton, polyester or polypropylene sportswear brands used as main fabrics.
Strategic Accessories
For extra warmth in the cold, layer a sports jacket over your short-sleeve tennis tee or long-sleeve shirt. A breathable polyester jacket provides insulation without hindering movement; plus it can easily be taken off once you feel warm again. Choose a jacket with contrasting trim or colors to complete a coordinated look.
Quality racket and court shoes are essential for optimal performance, but you also require an outfit suitable for playing in colder climates. Choose a tennis skirt or pants made of breathable fabrics with built-in compression shorts to get the most out of your workout; in extreme colder temperatures you may require an additional pair of tights.
Tennis Express provides apparel designed to keep you comfortable and focused while on the court, from warming up for a match or practicing your serve, all the way through warm-up sessions to match play or simply practicing serves. Choose from an extensive selection of men’s and women’s breathable fabric tennis shirts as well as shorts or skirts that match to complete an ensemble look.
Many brands have introduced innovative fabrics into their tennis apparel collections to provide players with enhanced comfort and performance on the court. Adidas’ ClimaProof fabric blocks wind, rain and snow while still allowing heat and sweat to escape through evaporation; and their Parley collection utilizes fabric made from recycled plastic that would otherwise pollute oceans and beaches.
Before hitting the court, always ensure your clothing has been washed in cold water to reduce shrinking and fading, using gentle detergents as these will maintain moisture-wicking or insulating features in its composition.