Tennis polos from French Days
The selection of tennis polos from the French Days includes technical and cotton polos for the court and club: Lacoste, from the French Team line to the model associated with Novak Djokovic, Mouratoglou Apparel, Asics, Tecnifibre, Yonex, Joma, and Oliver. Cuts for men, women, and children, breathable materials for matches or cotton pique for after the game: everything to dress the tennis, padel, or badminton player.
The polo, an iconic piece for the court, at a reduced price.
René Lacoste and the invention of the tennis polo
The polo owes its place on the courts to René Lacoste. In the 1920s, players wore stiff long-sleeved shirts; the French champion came up with a short-sleeved shirt with a soft collar, made from a breathable knit. In 1933, having retired from competition, he teamed up with André Gillier, a knitwear manufacturer, to produce this model in small piqué cotton, a lightweight waffle knit that allows the skin to breathe. The crocodile embroidered on the chest refers to the nickname he earned from a bet involving a crocodile skin suitcase. Since then, the fit and collar of this polo have remained the benchmark for tennis attire.
The rest of the outfit
The French Days rackets also come in:
- T-shirts, technical tops.
- Shorts / Skirts.
- Shoes.
- Rackets.
- Bags.
All offers are gathered on the racket sports page.
Technical polo or cotton piqué: what fabric to play with
For exertion, the material makes a difference. The technical polo in polyester, like the Tecnifibre Team Mesh with open sections, the Lacoste Ultra Dry or the Asics Match and Court polos, wicks sweat away and dries in minutes between games. The cotton piqué, softer and warmer, absorbs sweat and becomes heavier during a long match, but maintains a perfect look at the club-house; the blended cotton Lacoste polo bridges the two. The jacquard of the Lacoste Ultra Dry Jacquard adds a woven pattern into the knit itself, without prints that might crack over washes.
French Team, Djokovic, Mouratoglou: polos born on the circuit
Several polos tell a story of the court. The French Team line from Lacoste features the colours of the French tennis team, in men's and women's versions. The Djokovic on Court polo comes from the partnership established in 2017 between the crocodile brand and the Serbian player. Mouratoglou Apparel, the brand of the academy founded by coach Patrick Mouratoglou on the French Riviera, names its Match polos after cities of major tournaments, Paris or New York, with a more understated Classic version. At Tecnifibre, a French brand that started with string manufacturing, and at Yonex, the Team range outfits club competitors, including children's sizes.
Fitted or regular fit: finding your polo size
A tennis polo should allow the shoulder to move freely for serves and smashes. The regular fit, straight and a bit loose, works for both playing and casual wear; the fitted cut, closer to the torso, prevents the fabric from flapping and obstructing strikes. Lacoste numbers its sizes instead of using letters: for men, three corresponds to an S, four to an M and five to an L. For a child, choose their age size, or a size up to account for growth, checking the sleeve length. A technical polo can be washed at thirty degrees, inside out, without softener.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of a long-sleeved polo?
The long-sleeved polo is worn in cool weather, during warm-ups or autumn matches outdoors, and protects the arms from the sun in summer. In technical fabric, it remains breathable; in cotton piqué, it looks more dressed up for the club.
How to fold a polo in a suitcase?
Button the collar, lay the polo face down on a table, fold the sleeves and a third from each side towards the centre, then fold in half or roll from the bottom. This keeps the collar flat and prevents it from creasing during travel.
How to prevent a polo collar from curling?
Wash it with the buttons closed, then dry it flat or on a hanger while reshaping the collar by hand. A gentle iron on the reverse is enough for cotton; avoid the tumble dryer, which distorts the ribbed edges of the collar.
Can you play padel or badminton in a polo?
Yes, the technical polo is suitable for all racket sports: it breathes, dries quickly and keeps the arms free. In badminton, where you sweat a lot indoors, a very lightweight model, like those from the Yonex range, is the most comfortable choice.
Why does Wimbledon impose a white dress code?
The tradition dates back to the late nineteenth century when white was thought to hide sweat marks. The tournament still requires an almost entirely white outfit today, which few clubs demand elsewhere.
