Monday, 10 December 2012

Tennis Team Apparel Then And Now

By Brandie Montgomery


It is undeniable that tennis team apparel has experienced various modifications since the early days of the activity. Rules and regulations have changed particularly on how the game is executed. Thus, it is also necessary to change the style of the sport attire.

During the early days, the attire worn by the athlete echoes the current trend and fashion style. The increase in the number of individuals attracted to the sport also brought with it the changes. Most of the players observe that to be better athletes, they have to be able to move without restrictions. Thus, the clothing used in the sport today reflects the personality of the activity and not the current fashion.

The game of tennis originated from a hand ball game developed by monks. During actual games, participating monks wear the usual habits identifying them of their order. After the sport was integrated as a mainstream activity, both men and women were allowed to participate in the games.

The early rules of the activity have no specific provision for the proper attire to wear during the event. Thus, people use the clothes they wear everyday in playing. Since most of the early players belong to the upper class, the common clothes during sporting events follow the current style and designs. This is carried over to the first Wimbledon tournament where men still when male competitors wore long pants and shoes with soft soles.

The attire of women athletes have also evolved. Before, women dress up in bundles of fur and full length skirts. This clothing has become so restrictive and heavy to carry around the court. That is why many females refrained from competing until the next evolution happened that raised the edging to above the knee.

The color choice has also evolved with the changing fashion. The most popular color, white, was chosen for a single reason. It hides easily any trace of sweat. From then on, white is always associated with the match. However, advancements in technology have also changed popular color choices. Now, technologically advance cloths are capable of whisking away sweat. This results to the different colored dress used by tennis players.

The changing rules and regulations of the game is seen to be the main reason for the clothing style change. Game rules require for agile and quick movements that also requires the athletes to wear unrestricted clothing. After several requests by the members of clubs, the alterations in clothing where finally allowed.

Despite the many changes undergone by the sport, one aspect remains. Men and women dress differently when playing the sport. In style and design, there is more evolution observed in the attire of females than in males.

Attires for men now allow shorts and shirts. Skirts and tops for women are made for first for functionality than style. Long hemlines are now outdated. Women players are more comfortable in wearing polo shirts and sleeveless tops than furs. The big difference between the attires then and now only shows that there is indeed evolution in tennis team apparel worn by athletes.




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