Written by: Caleb Moll

Photographed by: Britney Spangenberg

Models: Caleb Moll, Conner Orgill, Michael Meads

Summer is just around the corner, and it is time to prepare for summer vacations, warm weather activities, road trips, and most important – to revamp our closets! When it comes to refreshing our wardrobe for summer, we are all looking for those key summer staples. Some of those staples, often enough, consist of lightweight tees, tank tops, collared shirts, summer accessories, and shorts of all varieties. However, those of us that are looking to embrace a new aesthetic for the summer – I know I definitely am – may enjoy a new men’s summer aesthetic. The trend is known as Active Courtside.

This summer trend originates from the effects of COVID-19. The pandemic allowed individuals to explore new recreational activities to pass time during lockdown. One of the activities that increased in popularity during lockdown was racquet sports. Racquet sports include tennis, badminton, and squash. During lockdown, these types of activities accommodated social distancing and allowed individuals to be physically active outside. Racquet sports permitted people to follow Covid guidelines while socializing safely during the pandemic.

According to many media outlets, approximately 6.78 million tennis players have played each year since the start of COVID-19. This is the highest number of tennis players recorded in over two decades! This effect is documented across the United States, as well as in our own backyard. College students, Springfield natives, and long-time tennis players can be spotted sharing outdoor tennis courts year round. The impact of the pandemic, including the rise of racquet sports, is currently affecting men’s fashion trends.

Men’s trends this summer will adopt a “tennis-like” aesthetic. For example, Active Courtside incorporates breathable and sustainable athletic pieces that are juxtaposed with preppy garments. Items include layered crew necks, pique polos, quarter zips, sweater vests, and warm-up tops. Not only does this summer trend incorporate the colors for 2023, but Active Courtside also utilizes high-performance sustainable textiles. These materials are lightweight and breathable for summertime, allowing for movement, and even containing properties that are “anti-stink”. These properties are perfect for warmer weather and, in turn, for racquet sports. Some of the brands that excel at this trend are brands such as Lacoste, Original Penguin, Laurel Canyon Tennis Club, Wilson, and Lululemon.

Now, grab those headphones, tennis balls, racquets, and a trendy fit – and you're ready to go down to the tennis court!

Below are some Key Items and Highlights of Active Courtside:

Key Colors

-Cirrus Blue

-Wild Rose

-Midnight Blue

-Astro green

-Optic White

Key Garments

-Tech T-Shirt

-Ringer Tees

-Pocket Polo Shirts

-Layered Athletic Shorts

-Club Trousers

- Club Joggers

-Zip Warm-Up Tops

-Knitted Tops

Key Materials

-pique cotton (lightweight & comfortable)

-recycled polyester (quick dry properties)

-Polyester w/ metal (ant-stink properties)

-Natural fibers (coconut & cotton)

-Lycra (known as spandex & for ROM)

Let’s Go Down To The Tennis Court