What to Wear for Fall Tennis: 7 Essentials for Cooler Days

Fall may be one of the best seasons for tennis. The courts are cooler, the sun is less intense, and a long match feels a lot more appealing when it isn't 90 degrees outside.

The tricky part? Getting dressed.

A chilly morning can turn into a warm afternoon, and an outfit that feels perfect during your first few games can feel much too hot by the second set. The key to fall tennis is choosing clothing that gives you warmth and coverage without restricting movement—and layering so you can adjust as the temperature changes.

Here are seven things to consider when getting dressed for fall tennis.

1. Trade the Tennis Skirt for More Coverage

Traditional tennis skirts are great in warm weather, but once temperatures start dropping, bare legs can make those first few games uncomfortable.

This is where skirted leggings really shine.

You still get the familiar look and movement of a tennis skirt, but with built-in leg coverage underneath. There is no need to layer separate leggings under a skirt, and you don't have to worry about the two pieces shifting independently while you play.

For early fall, capris or midcalf lengths can provide just enough additional coverage. When mornings get colder, ankle-length leggings become an easy choice.

2. Look for Fabric That Moves With You

Warmth doesn't have to mean heavy.

For tennis, you want fabric with enough stretch to move through serves, lunges and quick changes of direction without feeling restrictive. Moisture-wicking performance fabric is especially helpful because even on a chilly day, you are probably going to work up a sweat.

The goal is to stay comfortable before, during and after the match—not to feel bundled up.

3. Dress for the Second Set

This may be the most important rule of cool-weather tennis.

You might be cold when you arrive at the court, but you probably won't be cold 30 minutes later.

Instead of wearing one very warm layer, wear several lighter ones that are easy to remove.

A lightweight long-sleeve top or pullover over a tank or performance shirt lets you warm up comfortably and then shed a layer once you're moving.

4. Don't Forget About Pockets

Cold-weather tennis clothing still needs to function like tennis clothing.

That means you need somewhere to put the ball.

Look for deep, easily accessible pockets that can comfortably hold tennis balls without interfering with movement. This is one reason we put two large side pockets in our Sol Sister Sport skirted leggings.

We wanted them to be useful on the court—not simply leggings with a skirt attached.

5. Choose Your Length According to the Weather

One advantage of skirted leggings is that you can adjust your coverage without completely changing your tennis wardrobe.

As a general guide:

60–70°F: Bike short, capri or midcalf lengths can work beautifully.

50–60°F: Midcalf or ankle lengths provide more warmth while still feeling lightweight.

Below 50°F: Ankle-length leggings paired with layers on top are usually our choice.

Of course, everyone experiences temperature differently. Some players are comfortable in shorts at 50 degrees while others are reaching for a jacket at 65.

Wear what makes you comfortable enough to forget about your clothes and concentrate on your game.

6. Think Beyond the Match

One of our favorite things about fall tennis clothing is that it can easily transition into the rest of the day.

A skirted legging with a simple top and pullover works for the court but doesn't necessarily look like an outfit that can only be worn for tennis.

Throw on a jacket after your match and you can head to lunch, walk the dog, run errands or meet a friend without changing.

For many of us, that versatility matters.

7. Don't Abandon Sun Protection Just Because It's Fall

Cooler weather doesn't mean UV exposure disappears.

If you're spending several hours outside playing tennis, hiking, golfing or walking, covering your skin remains one of the simplest ways to reduce sun exposure.

Longer leggings and long-sleeve tops can provide physical coverage while also keeping you warmer—two benefits from the same piece of clothing.

The Best Fall Tennis Outfit Is the One You Forget About

After more than 40 years of playing tennis, I've learned that the best tennis clothes are the ones I stop thinking about once the match starts.

They stay where they're supposed to stay. They move when I move. They have somewhere to put a tennis ball. They provide the coverage I want, and they don't make me choose between feeling comfortable and feeling put together.

That's ultimately why I started Sol Sister Sport.

Fall tennis doesn't require an entirely new wardrobe. Sometimes it just requires a little more coverage, a few smart layers and clothing designed for the way you actually play.

Ready for cooler days on the court? Explore Sol Sister Sport skirted leggings in ankle, midcalf, capri and bike-short lengths to find the coverage that works for you.