New Obsession: Tennis
As an interior designer, I'm always on the lookout for stylish and functional pieces that make a house feel like a home. But in my free time, I'm exploring a different kind of space––the tennis court. Although I attended tennis camps as a kid, it wasn't until my husband gifted me with all the best gear a few years ago that I decided to dive back in and start taking lessons with a good friend. **I have to give a shoutout to my husband's gift-giving skills. He always goes big for birthdays and decided to gear me up with all the best equipment for tennis (the 5 items listed below). While I probably would've gone for cheaper options myself, I have to admit that having high-quality gear has made a big difference in my game. Below are the five items that got me started:
Babolat Pure Strike 100 Tennis Racquet // I absolutely LOVE this racquet. It’s definitely an investment but I hope to have it forever.
Stella McCartney tennis dress // Mine is discontinued but he purchased it on Shopbop (one of my favorite sites for all my clothing).
Stella McCartney tennis bag // Again, sadly, mine is not online anymore but he purchased it on Shopbop.
Adidas Women’s Gamecourt 2 tennis shoe // These are so comfortable and perfect for a beginner like me. They say true to size but I got a 6.5 and I’m typically a 7.
Penn Tennis Balls // Can’t play without a few of these. My girlfriend gets hers at Costco but I typically just get mine online.
As a beginner, I quickly realized that the right gear can make all the difference in improving your game. So, I've been on a mission to find the best tennis equipment that not only performs well, but looks good too. Here are a few more of my top picks that I’ve added to my new sporty wardrobe:
6. State Cotton Quarter Socks // I am a Stance loyalist. My husband is one of the founders of Stance. We actually moved to China 10 years ago when Stance was just beginning. I’ll have to share some stories about those adventures another day.
7. Stance Performance Tabs // another staple of mine while playing tennis. Their performance line is the best, in my opinion.
8. Stance Performance Tabs // bcs. I wear these all the time, I always purchase multiples.
9. Tennis skirt // I recently purchased this and I’m obsessed. It was affordable (on Amazon…yay for prime shipping) and it’s so flattering. I got an XS and I love the fit.
10. Skortsie // I get so many compliments on this when I wear it. It’s so comfortable and so cute. I got an XS but wish I had gotten a S. You'll want a nude sports bra under it bcs. it’s very sheer.
11. Sports Bra // love this. I wear it all the time.
12. Skort // another staple. Love it.
13. Navy Knit Sweater // I am also a Minnow loyalist. The founder is one of my dearest friends and she’s such an inspiration to me. Plus, no one makes cuter kids clothing and swimwear. The quality of this sweater is amazing and it will hold up forever. I have this in a S bcs. I wanted one to be a little more oversized.
14. Cream Knit Sweater // I have the cream in an XS. I love both sizes but this one is a little more fitted on me.
15. Sunglasses // I love these Amazon sunnies. Most players wear hats or visors but I don’t feel like I am good enough to look that pro so I stick with these. They’re affordable so if I break them, I am not ruining a pair of designer sunglasses.
16. Pullover // This is another staple of mine. It’s super cozy for chilly mornings.
*I have to give an honorable mention to Tory Burch Sport. While I love their classic and cute tennis clothes, I've found myself hesitating to order from their site multiple times due to the $$ prices and lack of availability in the sizes I'm shopping for. Nevertheless, their stylish designs still catch my eye and I can appreciate the quality and craftsmanship that goes into each piece.
I hope these recommendations will help you find the perfect gear for your own tennis (or pickle ball) journey, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out like me. And who knows, maybe with enough practice I’ll beat my husband someday. For now, I'm just enjoying the process of rediscovering the game, laughing with my slightly inappropriate coach, and falling in love with the game all over again.
*Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchase made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).