In the early 1900s, women stepping onto the grass courts of a tennis tournament looked more like they were attending a formal dinner than competing in a sport. Floor-length skirts made of heavy white linen or cotton were held out by stiff petticoats, adding serious weight to every step. Underneath, tight corsets made deep breathing difficult mid-match. High-collared blouses, long sleeves, neckties, and wide-brimmed hats pinned to the hair completed the look. Tennis was a high-society sport during the Edwardian era, and the clothing reflected that status entirely.
Every match was a physical battle not just against an opponent, but against the garments themselves. The weight and heat of full-length skirts and stockings tested a player’s endurance before the first set was even finished.
The 1910s brought measured change. Hemlines crept up just enough to expose the ankles, reducing the risk of tripping on a serve. Fabrics grew lighter, improving airflow in summer heat. But modesty rules held firm — long sleeves and stockings remained standard even at high temperatures.
Tournament players of this decade wore outfits that were a compromise — slightly less restrictive than the Victorian era, but still far from practical athletic wear.
Indoor tournaments drew the same dress standards as outdoor play. Players competing at venues like the Women’s National Indoor Tennis Tournament in New York still appeared in long skirts and structured blouses.
The 1920s broke everything open. French star Suzanne Lenglen arrived at Wimbledon in a knee-length pleated skirt and a sleeveless top — an outfit that shocked spectators but let her run, jump, and reach shots that were physically impossible in older styles. She swapped hats for a silk headband called the “Lenglen bandeau,” which kept hair clear without adding weight. By the late 1920s, corsets were gone. Loose tunics, elastic waistbands, and lightweight canvas sneakers with rubber soles replaced the heavy leather boots of the previous decade. White remained standard, as it hid perspiration and reflected sunlight.
