Tennis

Suffering from tennis elbow? Discover the best arm-friendly tennis rackets in the UK for 2026, plus string and tension tips to play pain-free.

What to Wear for Tennis: The Complete UK Kit Guide (2026) If you have ever turned up to a court in a cotton t-shirt and spent the second set soaked through, you already know that knowing what to wear for tennis makes a real difference. The right kit keeps you cool, dry and moving freely — and on many UK club courts it keeps you within the dress code, too. In this guide we cover everything from tops and bottoms to shoes, socks and the accessories that matter when the British sun (finally) shows up. Whether you are a weekend club player, joining a local league this summer, or buying your first proper tennis outfit, this is the no-nonsense, UK-focused rundown. By the end you will know exactly what to pack in your bag — and where to find quality tennis clothing without overspending. Why Your Tennis Clothing Actually Matters Tennis is a stop-start, explosive sport: long rallies, sudden sprints, lunges and overhead reaches. Your clothing has to move with you and manage a lot of sweat. The single biggest factor is fabric. Cotton soaks up moisture, gets heavy and clings — fine for a knockabout, miserable for a three-set match. Modern performance fabrics use polyester or poly-blend yarns that wick sweat to the surface where it evaporates, keeping you lighter and cooler. Look for terms like "moisture-wicking", "Coolmax" or "cooling technology" on the label. Fit matters too: too tight and you restrict your serve; too baggy and the fabric flaps and snags. The goal is a comfortable, athletic cut that lets you swing freely. Get the fabric and fit right and everything else — colour, brand, price — is personal preference. Tennis Tops: Polos, T-Shirts and Layers The polo shirt is the classic tennis top for good reason: the collar gives a smart, traditional look that suits club settings, and a good performance polo wicks sweat brilliantly. Many UK clubs still favour a polo, and some have a whites-only policy, so a clean white or pale polo is a safe bet. If you prefer something more relaxed, a lightweight technical t-shirt works perfectly well for casual play and coaching sessions. In cooler months, add a breathable mid-layer or quarter-zip you can peel off as you warm up. Avoid heavy cotton hoodies on court — they trap heat and moisture. Whatever style you choose, prioritise a soft, stretchy, wicking fabric and a fit that lets your shoulders rotate fully through the serve. Two or three tops in rotation will see you through a full British season of weekly play. Bottoms: Shorts, Skirts and Compression For men, fitted athletic shorts with a 3–5 inch inseam and a little stretch are the standard. Look for a moisture-wicking fabric, a secure waistband and pockets deep enough to hold a spare ball when serving. For women, the tennis skirt remains hugely popular — and the "tenniscore" trend has made pleated skirts one of the defining looks of 2026. Most tennis skirts have built-in compression shorts underneath, so you get a smart silhouette with full coverage and freedom to move. Skorts (skirt-and-short combos) and straightforward performance shorts are great alternatives. Whatever you pick, the rules are the same as for tops: breathable, quick-drying fabric and a cut that never restricts a deep lunge. Compression base layers can also help with muscle support during longer matches and on colder UK mornings when courts are chilly. Tennis Shoes and Socks — Don't Skip This This is the one area where everyday trainers genuinely let you down. Tennis shoes are built for rapid side-to-side movement, with reinforced lateral support, durable outsoles and grip designed for the court surface you play on — be that acrylic hard court, artificial grass or clay. Running shoes, by contrast, are built only for forward motion and offer little sideways stability, which is how ankle rolls happen. Match your outsole to your surface where you can, and replace shoes once the tread wears smooth. Pair them with proper sports socks: cushioned, wicking and ideally cut to prevent blisters. Many players swear by a thin liner sock under a cushioned sock for long matches. Good footwear protects your knees, ankles and hips over a season far more than any other single piece of kit, so it is worth investing here first. Caps, Visors and Hot-Weather Accessories British summers are unpredictable, but when the sun is out a glaring high court can ruin your timing on overheads and serves. A breathable cap or visor with a sweat-wicking band keeps the sun off and stops sweat running into your eyes. Visors offer shade while letting heat escape from the top of your head — popular with players who run hot. A cap gives a little more coverage. Round out your hot-weather kit with a sweatband or wristband, a refillable water bottle, and a small towel for changeovers. Don't forget sun cream and, for spring and autumn sessions, a packable layer for when the temperature drops between sets. These small extras cost very little but make a long match on an exposed UK court far more comfortable. Dressing for British Weather and Club Dress Codes Playing tennis in the UK means planning for four seasons in one afternoon. Layering is your friend: start with a wicking base, add a mid-layer for warm-ups, and keep a water-resistant top in your bag for showers. In summer, prioritise light colours and maximum breathability. Always check your club's dress code before you join — some traditional clubs require predominantly white kit, while community and council courts are usually relaxed. If you play in a team or league, coordinated club kit looks sharp and can be customised with your club crest. At Central Sports we work with plenty of UK clubs on personalised teamwear, and most of our performance ranges are easy to brand. When in doubt, a clean white wicking polo and neat shorts or skirt will never be wrong. Final Serve Knowing what to wear for tennis comes down to three priorities: wicking fabrics that keep you dry, a fit that lets you move freely, and proper court shoes to protect your joints. Add a cap or visor for the sun, dress in layers for the changeable British weather, and check your club's dress code before your first session. Get those basics right and you will play more comfortably and more confidently all season. Ready to upgrade your kit? Browse the tennis-ready performance gear at centralsports.co.uk and get match-ready with fast UK delivery.

Suffering from tennis elbow? Discover the best arm-friendly gear, supports and grips to relieve pain and keep you playing longer. A UK guide from Central Sports.

Looking for the perfect pair of tennis shoes? Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a passionate weekend player, we've got you covered. At Central Sports, we offer a handpicked collection of performance-ready tennis trainers for men, women, and juniors — designed to support your game across all court types. Explore top brands trusted by professionals and tennis enthusiasts alike, including Babolat, Yonex, K-Swiss, On Running, Wilson, and Adidas. From clay courts to hard courts, every pair is engineered for speed, stability, and comfort — so you can move with confidence and play your best. A Wide Range of Court-Ready Options Not all tennis shoes are made the same — and the right choice can make all the difference to your performance, foot health, and endurance. Our selection includes: All Court Tennis Shoes: Versatile soles suitable for most surfaces, perfect for players who use multiple courts. Clay Court Tennis Shoes: Featuring herringbone patterns for grip and sliding control on clay surfaces. Hard court Tennis Shoes: Reinforced durability and cushioning to handle rough, abrasive courts. Smash Court Shoes: Ideal for indoor carpet or artificial grass courts, offering low-profile support and excellent traction. Whether you're training on a school court, playing club tournaments, or just picking up the sport, we've got styles tailored to your needs. Designed for Performance: Speed, Stability & Comfort Modern tennis trainers aren’t just about aesthetics — they play a vital role in preventing injuries and boosting your game. That’s why every shoe we stock combines three key pillars of performance: Speed: Lightweight builds to help you move quickly and react faster. Stability: Lateral support and structured soles keep your feet grounded during intense rallies. Comfort: Breathable uppers, padded insoles, and responsive midsoles reduce fatigue and impact stress. From the explosive energy return of Adidas to the soft cushioning of On Running, each brand brings something unique to the table. Best Tennis Shoe Brands at Central Sports We’re proud to carry some of the best names in tennis footwear: Babolat – Known for court-specific grip and PRO SHIELD toe protection. Yonex – Offers signature shock absorption with ergonomic designs, especially popular among agility-focused players. K-Swiss – Classic American styling meets solid all-round performance. On Running – Swiss-engineered comfort, great for those who value lightness and cushioning. Wilson – A trusted tennis brand with reliable designs for hard and clay surfaces. Adidas – Combines style and substance, often featuring their proprietary Boost and Adiwear technologies. A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Tennis Shoes Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the ideal pair: 1. Know Your Court Surface Clay Court: Choose shoes with a full herringbone outsole for better slide control. Hard Court: Look for extra cushioning and durable outsoles. All Court: Great if you play on a mix of surfaces and need all-around grip. Smash Court / Carpet: Opt for flatter soles with low-to-the-ground responsiveness. 2. Match Your Playing Style Baseline Player: You’ll benefit from sturdy shoes with good lateral support. All-Court Mover: Go for something lightweight and agile to keep up with your pace. 3. Fit & Comfort Check for a snug midfoot, ample toe room, and heel lockdown. Many of our shoes come in regular and wide fit options to accommodate different foot shapes. 4. Durability vs. Speed If you're playing 3+ times a week, choose a model with reinforced toe guards and abrasion-resistant soles. For occasional or social play, you might prioritise lightness and comfort over rugged build. Why Buy Your Tennis Shoes from Central Sports? At Central Sports, we’re more than just a retailer — we’re part of the tennis community. Whether you’re shopping for your first pair or upgrading your match-day kit, we’re here to help you make the right choice. ✅ UK-based customer support ✅ Fast & reliable shipping ✅ Trusted by pros, coaches, and clubs nationwide ✅ Junior sizes available for growing players Find Your Perfect Pair Today Your shoes are the foundation of your game. Don’t let poor grip, discomfort, or worn-out soles hold you back. Explore our full range of tennis shoes and discover the perfect blend of performance, comfort, and court control. Use our filters to shop by size, court type, brand or gender — and get ready to elevate your game.  

Looking for the right pair of tennis trainers this summer? Discover our top 5 all-court picks for 2025 — built for grip, agility, and comfort on every surface.

The Blade series, in particular, stands as a testament to this legacy. Nearly two decades ago, Wilson introduced the Blade racket, a line that would become a hallmark for players who command the court with control and precision. Through the years, the Blade has evolved, embracing new technologies while maintaining the soul that made it a favourite among champions.

The new Head Speed Rackets have been meticulously designed and engineered to offer players an enhanced tennis experience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your tennis journey, these rackets are poised to take your game to the next level. With cutting-edge technology, innovative materials, and a commitment to excellence, Head has elevated its Speed Racket series to deliver better power, control, and comfort on the court. The HEAD Speed tennis racket range, known for its advanced design and performance, enhanced with Auxetic 2.0 technology. This technology provides a soft, exhilarating feel, supporting fast-paced play and impactful shots. Engineered for control and speed, the Speed series, used by athletes like Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, features sleek design and versatility. It offers various models with different beam widths, catering to different playing styles, from precision shots to aggressive play, blending innovation and playability.

In the dynamic world of tennis, few racket ranges have left a lasting impact like the Wilson Blade series, revered by recreational enthusiasts and professionals alike. Join us as we dive into the remarkable features, player endorsements, and cutting-edge technology that define the Wilson Blade range.

When it comes to buying Yonex shoes, getting the right size is crucial for comfort and performance. In this handy guide, we'll help you find the perfect fit across various size standards: UK, CM, EU, and US.