Match-Ready Elegance: The Art of Dressing Well for Tennis

Tennis holds a unique place in the world of sport. It’s one of the few sports, alongside golf and polo, where elegance is as much a part of the experience as the score itself. Between the stands at Wimbledon and those at the US Open, people show up as much for the match as to be seen, and seen well.

For us here in Canada, every summer, the return of the National Bank Open (Omnium Banque Nationale in french) presented by Rogers, the men’s draw in Montréal at IGA Stadium, and the women’s draw in Toronto at Sobeys Stadium for 2026, is the perfect occasion to revisit your summer wardrobe and put together a look worthy of the stands.

The spirit of tennis dress codes: heritage meets relaxed style

Tennis has a long history of dress codes, dating back over a century to the influence of English clubs and the custom of “tennis whites” (a reference to the colour, not to the players’ skin tone). Spectators obviously aren’t expected to wear white head to toe, that’s reserved for the players at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, but this heritage still shapes the aesthetic: clean lines, refined lightweight fabrics, a palette that breathes summer while staying classic.

Gentlemen, forget the too “smart casual.” Tennis has never needed a compromise to be elegant, and neither do you. You don’t need a three-piece suit or an expensive wardrobe, tennis is a sport open to everyone, attire included. And if the mood strikes, nothing’s stopping you from wearing that three-piece suit: here, elegance is never overdone. What sets a great outfit apart is the care put into it: well-fitted, pressed clothing, in colours that hold together, able to see you through an entire day out in the August sun.

Dressing well for tennis: the essential pieces

Your style starts here, don’t try to overdo it.

Dress shirts & Polos

No t-shirt here. The polo remains the crown jewel of the tennis wardrobe, and for good reason: it embodies, all on its own, the balance between sport, elegance, and René Lacoste’s legacy. Go for a high-quality cotton piqué, a close-to-body cut that isn’t too tight, in understated colours like white, navy, forest green, or a pastel shade for a bolder look. We love the ones from Sunspel, Canali, and Gran Sasso (the latter two brands are available at our partner Clusier, where Le Club by Gentologie members get a discount). Skip the big logos and heavily branded polos: that’s the players’ territory, since they’re paid to display the brands that dress them. Yours, you wear for yourself, not for a sponsor. If you’re looking to bring your A-game with a full suit, like broadcaster Patrick Langlois did on a recent trip to Wimbledon, go for it, it’ll make you a style reference in your own right!

For an evening session or a suite, a lightweight linen or poplin shirt, worn with or without a tie, paired with a jacket, adds a more polished touch (again, a full suit is always welcome). Why not add a pair of nice tennis-themed cufflinks, while you’re at it. August nights and evenings can get chillier in Montréal, so keeping a sweater on hand is a good idea for matches that run late. And keep an umbrella close by, the weather can turn quickly.

Pants & Shorts

It’s worth remembering, when dressing well for tennis, that you’ll be seated most of the time, so choose pants that are wrinkle-resistant, comfortable, and not too tight. Forget the jeans. Chinos remain the safe bet: straight or slightly tapered cut, in beige, khaki, or navy tones, or the three-piece suit mentioned above. On the hottest days, tailored shorts at the knee, in a structured fabric, work very well during the day. Keep it polished rather than beachy: you’re not on the sand here, you’re at the tennis.

On your feet

As we mentioned in this article: the piece a gentleman most often under-invests in is exactly the one that reveals the coherence of a summer wardrobe. In summer, feet are more exposed, materials are more taxed by heat and humidity, and footwear is more visible because the rest of the outfit is lighter. The wrong pair can undo an otherwise flawless look. Our picks: the loafer, the boat shoe, and the espadrille in its Mediterranean form, or, for a three-piece suit, the derby or the oxford. Sneakers and basketball shoes stay home.

Accessories

A style with no accessories feels a little incomplete. Here’s what to add to round out your look.

Sunglasses

An absolute must, both for style and for comfort, don’t forget you’ll be exposed to the sun for hours (put them away once evening falls). Revisit our article on summer style for the gentleman, where you’ll find brands like Barton Perreira, Oliver Peoples, Persol, and Jacques Marie Mage, all far more elegant than most budget sunglasses, and a perfect match for your classic style. Smart glasses are off the table.

The watch

Tennis has a long-standing relationship with sport watchmaking. Rolex, notably, is a sponsor of major tournaments, including the National Bank Open. A chronograph or an elegant watch, like this IWC, rounds out a chic look perfectly. Skip the oversized watches that clash with a classic style, save those for diving.

Headwear

The genuine Panama and the boater remain the undisputed references of summer men’s elegance, the latter having long been worn in tennis stands themselves. The head and scalp are among the most exposed areas during a day outdoors: a good hat isn’t just about looking sharp, it’s protection everyone should adopt, regardless of how much hair they have, or don’t. Invest in a proper hat. Skip the $20 version from the big-box store, which likely won’t last very long. In Montreal, head to Henri Henri. In London, think Lock & Co. Hatters.

The bag

Go for a tote or a handled satchel in genuine soft leather, rather than a shoulder bag, the strap has an unfortunate habit of breaking the line of a jacket or shirt, as we noted in our article on the 35 mistakes men make when wearing a suit. A compact format is more than enough to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and tickets (though those are often just on your phone, tucked into your jacket pocket and put away once you’re in the stands) without weighing down your silhouette.

Elegance at the Grand Slam tournaments

Every major tournament has its own sartorial personality, if you’re attending one, try to stand out the right way.

Wimbledon

In England, strict whites are required of the players only, in the stands, there’s no official dress code for the general public, but tradition calls for dressing elegantly, especially on Centre Court. Dressing well for tennis is simply the norm here. It’s the tournament where British classicism reigns, by convention rather than by rule.

Roland-Garros

On the clay courts of Paris, the mood is more relaxed and effortlessly French-chic: linen, neutral tones, well-kept loafers. Let’s be honest, French relaxed style is always elegant.

The US Open

In New York, the style leans more urban and bold, where bright colours and statement pieces naturally find their place.

The Australian Open

In Melbourne, there’s no official dress code at all, it’s actually the most relaxed of the four Grand Slams, carried by a festival atmosphere and intense summer heat (seasons being reversed in the southern hemisphere). That said, nothing stops you from standing out: it’s precisely where the absence of rules leaves the most room for elegance, for those who choose to embrace it.

In summary

Dressing well for tennis means striking a balance between the sport’s elegant heritage and the realities of a summer day spent outdoors. Lean on breathable fabrics, a restrained palette with a few pops of colour, and accessories that do their job: sunglasses, a watch, a hat. Dear tennis fans, whether you’re at IGA Stadium in Montreal, Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, or at any other tournament around the world, these small choices are what will turn your style into that of a true gentleman.