Are Polos Appropriate for Tennis Players? A 55-Year Player Explains
Yes, polos are appropriate for tennis players—but whether a polo actually works for you depends almost entirely on which polo you choose and how it is made.
I have been playing tennis for over 55 years. In that time I have worn everything from stiff cotton piqué shirts to modern performance polos engineered for high-intensity movement, and the difference between them on a hot court is significant. In this guide I will walk you through the history of the polo in tennis, how dress codes have evolved, what separates a tennis polo from a casual one, and exactly what to look for so you can wear one on court without slowing yourself down.
The Polo Shirt Was Invented for Tennis—Not the Other Way Around
Many players assume the collared shirt was borrowed from equestrian culture to impose a formal dress code on the tennis court. This is completely backwards.
The modern polo was explicitly invented by a tennis player, for tennis players. In the 1920s, French legend René Lacoste grew tired of the restrictive attire required at the time: long-sleeved button-down shirts, ties, and heavy flannel trousers. He designed a lightweight knitted cotton piqué shirt with a soft, un-starched collar. When he won the 1926 U.S. Open wearing it, he changed sports fashion permanently. By the 1950s, Fred Perry had launched his own polo line and the collared shirt became the established standard for the sport.
So when you pull on a polo before a match, you are not bowing to some borrowed tradition. You are wearing something designed for the court you are about to walk onto.
Do Tennis Players Actually Wear Polos Today?
Polo shirts remain a common and respected choice at all levels of the game—from recreational club players to competitive amateurs. Dress codes have relaxed significantly over the decades, and most governing bodies and local clubs now allow high-performance crew-neck and V-neck athletic shirts alongside polos.
That said, some traditional private clubs still expect a collared shirt. Wimbledon enforces strict white clothing rules, and older country clubs often maintain explicit collar requirements.
Always check the rules of your venue before your first visit. At a public park or modern fitness facility, no one will question your shirt either way. At a traditional club, a polo is almost always the safe call—it satisfies collar requirements while still functioning as athletic wear if you choose the right version.
Performance Polo vs. Casual Polo: Why It Matters on Court
Not all polos behave the same once you start moving and sweating. A casual cotton polo and a performance tennis polo may look similar at first glance, but they are very different garments.
Tennis polos are primarily made from polyester or polyester-spandex blends so that moisture evaporates quickly rather than being absorbed into the fabric. They are also cut to allow the arm movement required for serves, volleys, and groundstrokes.
A standard cotton polo absorbs sweat and gets progressively heavier throughout the match. It sticks to your body, restricts movement, and by the third set you feel like you are carrying extra weight. I have been there. You can manage it, but plan on changing your shirt after about ten games if you want to stay comfortable. A polo made for tennis performance simply feels better during the sustained physical demands of a full match.
The Biggest Mistakes Players Make When Wearing Polos for Tennis
The problems almost always come down to three things:
1. Fixating on looks over function. Seeing a classic collar and assuming the shirt is ready for court—without checking how the fabric performs under heat and sustained movement. The collar is not the issue. The material is.
2. Choosing heavy cotton. Standard cotton traps moisture instead of releasing it. This leads to chafing, restricted movement, and a soaked shirt by the time you need your energy most.
3. Ignoring weight and stretch. Stiff, thick weaves restrict shoulder rotation during overhead serves and lateral movement.
I can identify when a polo is failing someone from across the court. You see the player fidgeting after every point—pulling the shirt away from their body, adjusting the collar, tugging at the hem. That is a clear signal the shirt is the wrong size, the wrong cut, or simply not designed for tennis. When something works well, you never notice it—the player just plays.
What to Look for in a Tennis Polo: Practical Advice From the Court
When a recreational player asks me what to look for in the best polo for tennis, here is what I tell them:
Fabric first. Ditch 100% cotton. Look for polyester-spandex blends or merino wool engineered for athletic movement. You want four-way stretch so your shoulders can rotate freely during serves and overheads. One option worth knowing: a performance base layer worn under a cotton polo gives you breathability from the inside while keeping the look of cotton on the outside. Learn more about the difference of a Pique and Classic Polo.
Collar construction matters. A collar that curls up and loses its shape the moment you start sweating looks sloppy and becomes a distraction. Look for bonded or ribbed collars designed to stay flat, or consider a blade or zipper collar—a minimal option that eliminates flapping fabric entirely.
Cut and length. Casual polos are often cut wide and long to stay tucked into golf pants. On a tennis court, that length either looks awkward untucked or constantly pulls out during lateral movement when tucked in. A tennis-specific slim fit with a hem that hits around your hip bones keeps things clean and out of the way.
Seam details. Standard polos have thick, raised seams on the shoulders that chafe after an hour of repetitive swinging. Look for flatlock seams or rolled-forward shoulder seams—they sit smooth against the skin through your entire service motion.
A fine example of a colored and still classic in wimbledon green and good fitting Polo.
When Does a Polo Make the Most Sense on a Tennis Court?
Polos make the most sense in traditional settings: country clubs, grass or clay courts, moderate weather, and for players with a classic, control-oriented playing style. The collar and button placket offer both functional and aesthetic advantages in those contexts.
In very hot or high-humidity conditions, a lightweight performance crew-neck may feel slightly cooler simply because there is less fabric around the neck and chest. That said, modern technical polos have narrowed this gap considerably, and good collar construction with moisture-wicking fabric manages heat surprisingly well.
But there is another not to be underestimated advantage of a Polo when the sun is burning. With a Polo you have better protection of the neck against the sun and even more, if you turn up the shirt collar. That is a huge protection, if you play in the midday sun.
There is also something worth acknowledging about the statement a polo makes. When you walk on court in a well-fitted performance polo, you signal that you take the game seriously and respect its traditions. The polo communicates care—for the game, for your opponent, and for the occasion.
When you start building the wardrobe for tennis, this mindset of the 3-3-3 rule can be of help.
Tennis Dress Codes: What You Need to Know Before You Play
Dress code rules vary significantly depending on where you play.
Public courts and modern recreational facilities: Typically no dress code at all. Wear whatever athletic clothing allows movement.
Private and traditional tennis clubs: Often maintain expectations around collared shirts. Some require them explicitly. Always check before your first visit rather than assuming.
Major tournaments: Wimbledon requires almost entirely white clothing for competitors. Organized leagues and club tournaments publish dress codes—read those rules in advance.
The practical advantage of a polo in any setting: it almost never fails the requirement. If a club has a collar rule, you are covered. If a venue has no rule, you still look appropriate. According to the USTA's guidelines on tennis attire, appropriate athletic wear is expected at all levels—and a polo consistently qualifies. It is the one shirt choice that works across virtually every tennis context a recreational or club-level player is likely to encounter.
The Misconception That Polos Restrict Overhead Movement
A common reason recreational players default to crew-neck t-shirts is the assumption that a collar and placket restrict the range of motion needed for a serve or overhead.
This is not true of a properly designed tennis polo. Performance tennis polos are engineered with raglan sleeves, split side-seams, and a dropped tennis tail to keep the shirt anchored during movement while allowing a completely free range of motion. The restriction players sometimes feel comes from wearing the wrong polo—a casual lifestyle polo with a stiff weave and standard shoulder seams will restrict you. A performance tennis polo built with stretch fabric will not. If you have dismissed polos because of this concern, a properly designed version is worth a fair try. The difference is noticeable from the first serve.
This Polo is a classic.
Final Thoughts
Are polos appropriate for tennis players? Without question—yes. The polo was born on the tennis court, it satisfies dress codes at every level of the game, and a well-made performance polo performs as well as any athletic shirt during play.
The only caveat: the polo you choose matters. A casual cotton polo will work in a pinch, but it will hold you back by the second set. A tennis-specific performance polo with the right fabric, collar, cut, and seams will stay out of your way and let you focus on the game.
If you are interested in how the same practical thinking applies to apparel across other athletic disciplines, take a look at what we offer at Laluedesign.com —sports lifestyle apparel built around real experience on the court, the saddle, and beyond. And for readers who also ride, our True Love Horse Lovers Warm Love Hoodie reflects the same comfort-first design philosophy. The right gear does not guarantee a better game—but the wrong gear can make a good game harder than it needs to be.