WGSN: Tennis Revamps Fashion Trends
WGSN reports a 5% surge in global tennis players to 87M, driving a 7% increase in tennis-themed apparel and the rise of the #Tenniscore trend in retail fashion.
- 1Global tennis participation grew by 5% to over 87 million players (ITF 2021 report data), signaling a robust market for tennis-inspired fashion and sportswear.
- 2The #Tenniscore trend, identified by WGSN, led to a 7% year-over-year increase in tennis-tagged apparel and a 2% rise in pleated skirts, now making up 24% of all skirt sales.
- 3Luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton are strategically partnering with tennis athletes (e.g., Jannik Sinner, Rayssa Leal) to capitalize on the sport's growing influence and expand their appeal to trend-conscious consumers.
Tennis's growing popularity and fashion impact
Recent research from WGSN, a global authority on consumer and design trends, underscores the profound influence of tennis on the fashion landscape. This article explores WGSN's key findings, detailing how an uptick in tennis participation is driving changes in consumer fashion choices and preferences.
The Rise of Tennis and Its Cultural Impact
WGSN's analysis, drawing from the International Tennis Federation’s 2021 Global Tennis Report, notes a 5% increase in tennis players worldwide, totaling over 87 million active participants. This growth stands out in an era where many sports saw declines, highlighting tennis’s unique appeal as a socially distanced-friendly sport.
The sport has evolved into a social phenomenon that transcends traditional gameplay, becoming a statement of fashion and inclusivity. WGSN highlights how the USTA's 2021 initiatives have successfully repositioned tennis as more accessible and diverse, removing its elite sport stigma and appealing to a broader demographic.
Key Fashion Trends and the #Tenniscore Phenomenon
WGSN's data reveals significant year-over-year growth in tennis-themed apparel:
- Increase in tennis-themed apparel: A 7% rise in styles tagged with “tennis” compared to the previous year.
- Growth in pleated skirts: Pleated skirts, synonymous with tennis, increased by 2% year-over-year, now constituting 24% of the skirts mix.
The rise of #Tenniscore
Identified early by WGSN, the #tenniscore trend symbolizes the intersection of prep, activewear, and luxury. This trend has been gaining momentum as brands explore combining traditional sports attire with modern fashion elements to attract and engage new audiences.
Brands Embracing Tennis-Inspired Fashion
Fashion houses are not just observers but active participants in promoting tennis-inspired fashion. Partnerships like Gucci with Jannik Sinner and Louis Vuitton with Rayssa Leal highlight the strategic melding of sports endorsements with fashion branding, enhancing appeal among trend-sensitive consumers.
The Future Landscape of Tennis Fashion
WGSN’s insights demonstrate that tennis is not merely influencing fashion trends but is at the forefront of defining new sartorial norms. The sport's ability to merge functionality with luxury and inclusivity is expected to drive further innovation in fashion design and marketing strategies.
