Summer means playing tennis in hotter conditions. Stay comfortable and perform your best with clothes designed to handle the elements.
Everybody has a favorite, lucky T-shirt. You know, the one with the logo of your beloved sports franchise or alma mater on it that you seem to wear every time you squeak out a tough three-setter. Sentiment is great, but competing in stretched-out cotton Ts is not the way to play. Athletic apparel made with polyester-based fabric is clearly superior in terms of keeping you dry, cool, and comfortable. While cotton soaks up sweat, making shirts heavy and saggy, breathable performance materials whisk perspiration away from your body and allow it to evaporate more quickly. Plus, many of these clothes are ventilated, provide UV protection, and repel odors, so they’re much better options when the temperature rises. Here’s a sample of some of the latest performance offerings.
1. Under Armour Druid shorts $40
They’re roomy and long, so they would cross over nicely to the basketball court.
underarmour.com
2. New Balance Malibu bra top $48
The racer-back cut is flattering on the back and the built-in bra offers extra support.
newbalance.com
3. Nike Heritage reversible shorts $45
These Dri-FIT men’s shorts are plaid on one side and solid on the other so you can switch it up.
nike.com
4. Adidas YOC Theme polo $50
Mesh inserts under the arms keep you extra cool.
shopadidas.com
5. Nike Tennis skirt $60
This Dri-FIT skirt lays over compression shorts and has two tiers of ruffles to add a little flair to your game.
nikestore.com
6. Champion Vapor loose-fit tank $32
The Cocona fabric, which is derived from coconut shells, blocks 96 percent of UV rays.
championcatalog.com
7. Under Armour Advantage tank $45
There’s a built-in bra for support, and the orange and pink colors go great with tanned skin.
underarmour.com