Tennis Gear: US Open Style Guide for Players and Fans

Posted on Jul 7th 2026

Tennis Gear: US Open Style Guide for Players and Fans

The US Open blends elite tennis with one of the biggest fashion moments in sports. Every late August, Arthur Ashe Stadium becomes a runway where players and fans alike bring their best looks to the court.

Sports apparel trends have elevated the tournament into a cultural event, and whether you're playing, watching from the stands, or streaming from home, style is very much part of the experience.

What Professional Players Wear

Pro players at the US Open dress in performance gear that's equal parts function and flair. The US Open outfits you see on the court are carefully engineered by sponsors such as Nike, Adidas, and Lacoste for heat, movement, and style.

Here's what the pros typically wear:

  • Moisture-wicking polos and fitted shirts that keep players cool during long matches in the New York summer heat
  • Compression shorts or skirts with built-in pockets for ball storage
  • Lightweight tennis shoes with lateral support and non-marking soles
  • Sweat-resistant headbands and wristbands for practical style under pressure
  • Color-coordinated warm-up jackets worn courtside during changeovers

Jewelry and luxury accessories have also become a major part of the on-court look in recent years. Players like Aryna Sabalenka and Emma Navarro have been sporting more jewelry than ever at the US Open, with diamond partnerships, layered necklaces, and ear stacks. Luxury watch brands have also gotten in on the action, with top players wearing high-dollar timepieces during matches and post-game press conferences.

For fans, professional-quality, authentic gear doesn’t have to come with the same premium price tag seen in elite accessories. Locker Room Direct offers sport-ready apparel built to the same standards as the pros.

US Open Fashion for Fans

There's no official US Open dress code for fans in the stands, but the crowd at Flushing Meadows tends to dress up more than your average sporting event. Think smart casual with a sporty edge.

Knowing what to wear to the US Open comes down to comfort and polish. You'll be walking, sitting, and possibly cheering for hours, so breathable fabrics and supportive footwear matter.

Sundresses, linen shorts, and tailored athletic wear are all popular choices. Many fans coordinate their outfits around their favorite player's colors as a fun nod to team spirit.

Keep an eye on what's trending in sports apparel to stay current with the looks showing up both on and off the court.

Essential Tennis Gear and Accessories

Whether you're a competitive player or a recreational one, the right gear makes a difference. Tennis accessories range from functional to purely expressive.

Here's a solid starting kit:

  • A quality tennis bag to carry rackets, water bottles, a change of clothes, and accessories
  • Overgrip tape for better racket feel during long sessions
  • Tennis-specific socks with cushioning in high-impact zones
  • UV-protective sunglasses designed to stay put during movement
  • A durable visor or hat to handle the sun without overheating

When you're building out your gear collection, knowing how to spot authentic products saves you money and frustration. Locker Room Direct carries genuine, donated gear from pro and collegiate teams. Browse the selection here.

How to Dress for Different US Open Experiences

Going to an evening session at Arthur Ashe is a different vibe from an afternoon match on an outer court. Evening sessions tend to draw a dressier crowd, and many fans treat it like a night out.

Tennis outfits for women at evening sessions often include sleek athleisure sets, flowy skirts paired with performance tops, or elevated polo dresses. Comfortable wedges or stylish sneakers complete the look.

Tennis outfits for men run toward chino shorts, a fitted polo, clean white sneakers, and a lightweight layer for the air-conditioned suites. Keep it relaxed but intentional.

Daytime outer court matches are more casual. Tennis apparel with breathability and sun protection move to the top of the priority list when you're sitting in direct sun for two hours.

The Future of Tennis Fashion and Tenniscore

Tenniscore has moved well beyond the court. The aesthetic- crisp whites, pleated skirts, polo collars, and clean sneakers has become a mainstream fashion movement embraced by people who have never picked up a racket. Seasonal sports apparel is still evolving, and tennis is leading the charge in blurring the line between athletic wear and everyday style. Expect more crossover, more bold colorways, and more performance fabric in everyday wardrobes.

To bring that on-court energy into your own look, shop professional-quality gear built for performance and style at Locker Room Direct.

About Locker Room Direct

Locker Room Direct is an online seller of team-issued athletic gear and apparel. All our products are donated to us by professional and collegiate sports teams. When you shop at our store, you will find new and used name-brand items across a wide variety of leagues, teams, and sports.

From jerseys to mouthguards, khakis to cleats, we are sure you will find something for yourself or the sports fan or athlete in your life. We keep our prices competitive and want to ensure you're excited about every purchase.

Why do we sell sporting goods and apparel? Locker Room Direct uses 100% of our proceeds to support our nonprofit work with Uncommon Sports Group (USG).

USG's goal is to see the sports industry changed for God's glory. We partner with students and young professionals to provide faith-based training and resources to prepare our members for a life in professional or collegiate athletics. If you'd like to know more about USG’s work, check out our programs page.

By purchasing from Locker Room Direct, you're supporting domestic service projects, international mission trips, leadership development, and the continued discipleship of our students and members.

We are thankful for the support of our donors, customers, and partners around the world. You can continue supporting both our crucial work and your favorite sports teams by buying apparel from Locker Room Direct today!