Gen Z dress like they're ready for Wimbledon as sales of skorts surge

•  Zendaya’s tennis-inspired red carpet looks have created a new Summer trend
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With Summer fast approaching, it’s getting closer to the time where we either break out our tennis whites, or watch Wimbledon’s finest in theirs.

But now, Gen Z are taking it a step further, with the latest trend tennis-core sweeping across TikTok and other social media platforms.

And it’s largely thanks to actor Zendaya, who has been donning tennis garb – including shoes with tennis balls on the heels – as part of her press tour for upcoming movie Challengers, where she plays a tennis prodigy.

According to data from Buy Now, Pay Later platform Clearpay, the online trend has translated into real sales, with purchases of tennis-related clothing increasing significantly over the last year.

For example, UK sales of skorts have risen by 134 per cent year-on-year, with sales of mini pleated skirts increasing by 109 per cent.

Zendaya photographed while promoting her new movie Challengers, in which she plays a tennis prodigy. The film is thought to have inspired much of the tennis core trend

Tennis core has been trending on TikTok, with people creating videos showing their outfits inspired by the trend

The trend has coincided with a major sales increase of tennis related items including pleated skirts

And Brits have also been snapping up tennis core accessories and footwear, with ‘crew socks seeing a 20 per cent increase in growth, and white trainers jumping by 27 per cent amongst Generation Z in comparison to the previous year’.

In addition, Etsy has also seen a significant rise in searches for tennis core items in the past three months, when compared to the same time period last year.

According to the online retail platform, searches for tennis sweaters, hoodies, or shirts have surged by 47 per cent, prompting Etsy to predict that the trend will ‘continue to grow throughout the spring and summer’.

Etsy Trend Expert, Dayna Isom Johnson said: ‘This spring, and looking ahead to a packed summer of sporting events, we’re loving all things tennis core.

‘The fact it is both comfy and chic has likely led to the rise in popularity of activewear as everyday wear, given shoppers are increasingly looking for comfort in what they wear.’

It’s no surprise to see that the movie has boosted interest in the style, according to sporting icon Venus Williams, speaking to Harpers Bazaar, tennis garb is always in style.

She said: ‘Tennis never goes out of style – it’s always trending! I’ve always loved seeing people embracing tennis-core and incorporating it into everyday style in their own unique way.

‘Tennis has long been at the intersection of sports and fashion, and Lacoste was one of those pioneers who helped elevate sports-chic looks.’

TikTok creators from around the world have been taking part in the Challengers outfit of the day challenge, whereby they try to recreate tennis core looks

Those seeking tennis core style could look at this range from Wimbledon

It features items like vests, skirts (pictured) and under shorts

It’s not just clothing that’s getting a preppy makeover: tennis core also extends to interior decor.

Tennis core in numbers

Overall year-on-year growth sales

Skort – 134%

Mini Pleated Skirt – 109%

White Skirt – 48%

Tennis Skirt – 16%

Court Dress – 35%

Source: Clearpay

And Etsy also credits the star-studded tennis film Challengers for the interest in tennis core.

According to the platform, which describes tennis as a ‘cherished British pastime’, the sport not only influences fashion, but ‘also seamlessly complements interior decor’.

‘Characterised by clean, simple items that exude a preppy and practical vibe, tennis core is the ideal choice for refreshing your home this spring,’ said Etsy.

‘Prints and other decorations, such as statues, offer a simple method for integrating the tennis core aesthetic into your home, as they can effortlessly blend with any decor.’

To create the look, it also suggested incorporating vintage rackets or still life sketches into your interior design.

Other small touches that could help you embrace the trend when it comes to your home include printed items, for example, a tennis ball motif cushion or an embroidered towel.

According to Etsy:  ‘These small touches can significantly elevate the ambiance; simplicity is paramount in this style.’

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