Tennis fashion in the 1970s was a superstar in its own right: from tracksuits to headbands, tennis athletic wear became a mainstream style for the first time. It’s no coincidence that this shift in public perception and participation in the great sport occurred at the beginning of the Open Era. Tennis needed a revitalization and changing the rules to allow amateurs and professionals alike to compete in tournaments provided the opportunity for all players to make a living playing tennis. This shift facilitated players like Arthur Ashe, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, and Martina Navratilova rising to the top of their sport to become superstars both on and off the court!
Inspired by the players’ fearless attitudes and bold styles, Pharrell Williams has designed a brilliant collection for adidas to debut at the 2017 US Open by remixing the 1970’s most unforgettable looks with the latest technologies. This throwback to an iconic, golden era includes a range of clothing, accessories, and footwear that bring a cool, colorful, and sophisticated spirit to the world of tennis apparel. Reimagined on today’s tennis heroes, you won’t be able to take your eyes off this classic collection on Angelique Kerber, Dominic Thiem, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Tomas Berdych, Simona Halep, and Jelena Ostapenko.
The latest breakthroughs in technology informed adidas and Pharrell Williams’s collaborative collection, so climalite and climacool keep the body dry during the hottest Grand Slam tournament of the season. Authentically modeling stripes, tighter fitting shorts, low waists, and v-necklines, this collection brings bright polyester back into the light under the new roof at Flushing Meadows! To enhance the overall vintage aesthetic, colors are limited to bold Yellow, Black, Red, and Blue against a dependable White backdrop. This colorblocking palette is unique to the 1970s and at Tennis Express we’re loving the throwback!
All the adidas Men are sporting the Colorblock Tennis Short in Chalk White or Dark Blue, featuring a multicolored elastic waistband, comfort fit drawcord, side seam pockets, and UPF 50+ UV protection. These shorts are the best of both worlds with the trusted adidas fit and updated vintage look.
Dominic Thiem is wearing the Tennis Tee in Chalk White with a contrast color ribbed crew neckline, designed to easily integrate with the rest of the collection. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Tomas Berdych are playing a little more old school with the Colorblock Tennis Polo in Chalk White. The match-ready top features a flat knit ribbed collar and cuffs as well as contrast side and sleeve panels.
Angelique Kerber is ready to defend her 2016 US Open title and she’s doing it wearing the Colorblock Tennis Dress in Chalk White, which features a v-neckline and colorblock printed panels at the sides for a retro athletic style. The 3-in-1 package includes built-in short tights and a built-in bra, so its ready to wear for any player – not just world number 1s!
Simona Halep *was* on fire this season, but she had an unfair (I think) start this tournament against Sharapova. She looked great, though, in the Colorblock Tennis Tank in Chalk White and Tennis Skort in Dark Blue and Scarlet. This tank features a flat knit ribbed polo collar with golden era style multicolor stripes, a 4-button placket, and an opening at the middle back for the ultimate high-fashion athletic style. The pleated skirt spices up the look and it’s part of the adidas sustainable product program: Products are made in more sustainable ways to make the world a better place, saving resources and decreasing emissions.
Bold sneaker design is nothing new to adidas or 2017, but these new Pharrell Williams tennis shoes would have been shocking and revolutionary in 1970 with not-yet-invented comfort and technology! The now iconic Men’s Barricade in Scarlet and White uses state-of-the-art design and craftsmanship to be the most stable and durable shoe on the court. Adaptive midfoot support leaves the forefoot to move and flex naturally. 
The Women’s Ubersonic 3 in Chalk White and Blue uses an innovative sock style ankle support to provide stability points during fast paced play. The new approach to tennis footwear maintains a lightweight construction Chris Evert would have loved at those hard court Grand Slams!
Finally, the 1970s would’ve been nothing without tennis headbands! The rise in popularity of track suits meant it was suddenly acceptable to wear sweatbands in public when not exercising… Luckily, we didn’t hold on to that trend, but athletes on the court still need to keep the hair and sweat out of their eyes. The Tennis Headband in Dark Blue and Chalk White maximizes comfort through material, construction, and thickness while the engineered stripes coordinate well with the style of the entire collection. Just don’t forget to take it off when you leave the club!
This collection is one of the most exciting superstars to come out of tennis since…well…the 1970s! adidas and Pharrell Williams’s collaboration is sure to fire up athletes and fans at the 2017 US Open. Start shopping at TennisExpress.com today for the unique opportunity to dress like your favorite tennis heroes of past and present!
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