Going to the tennis? Linen is the perfect match (and game & set). Explore the elegant linen dresses, tops and must-have accessories that will keep you winning off the court.
It's all about Australia, for these next few weeks (Jan 12th – Feb 1st to be precise) when the Australian Open comes around. It's one of the most prestigious events on the tennis calendar, which attracts more than 1 million visitors to Melbourne. So what better time than to dress on theme and wear an Australian brand to the tennis?
There's just as much action happening off the court as there is on it. Don't miss out and join in with the fashion fun with our linen outfit ideas that are here to ensure you soak up the good vibes, all while looking sophisticated without even trying.
Linen clothing is lightweight, breathable, antimicrobial and thermo-regulating. Do you need anything else? Well, we won't say no to front row tickets for the final. Or to the hand-eye coordination of a tennis player. Read on for our curated edit of the best off-court looks, along with a sprinkle of tennis fashion history for extra inspiration.
Ari Tie Blouse
Our Ari Tie Blouse (in white) is self-assured and polished, and makes you look like you know what you're doing. So much so you'll be asked to explain what a "tie-break" is to the spectators sitting next to you.
You can't go wrong with a white-on-white matching set for the tennis. For the outfit inspiration, we've taken a page out of tennis WAG Paige Lorenze's style book (who's a superstar in her own right and founder of the brand DairyBoy). For last year's Open, she styled a fitted top with white Bermuda shorts, a skinny leather belt and strappy sandals. Put a more graceful spin on this idea with our Ari Tie Blouse and match it with our Jager White Bermuda Shorts.
If this is your one tennis event for the year, the Ari Tie Blouse will just as seamlessly work in the office. Simply match it with a pair of dressy slacks and pumps, and you'll feel ready for work, even if you've just run out of coffee.
A whole day at the tennis can involve plenty of sitting and standing, and we don't want you to stress over crinkles. Keep your favourite linen pieces suave and smooth with our blog on how to keep linen from wrinkling.
Zado Navy Dress
The Australian Open is one of the hottest events of the summer, and you'll need an equally special dress to match. Our Zado Dress went viral for a reason; it feels fresh and contemporary while being a delight to wear. Be prepared to be looked at. You might even get a smile from Carlos Alcaraz himself. People will tell you he smiles at everyone, and even when he loses, but don't listen to them.
White sneakers (make them canvas for a lighter option) elegantly complement the white trim and navy of the dress. Finish it off with tortoiseshell sunglasses, and your outfit will look like it's been thought up by a professional stylist.
Beja Shirt Jacket
Stand out from the crowd with our Beja Shirt Jacket, tailored in a classic swing silhouette and cropped shape, which elongates the body. It's a striking layering piece that's sun-smart and will add unique polish to your courtside looks. It says I know the rules, and have a private tennis coach I play with on the weekends.
The limited-edition print does all the heavy lifting in terms of style, so the rest of your outfit can be kept quiet. Here are some outfit ideas to pair with our Beja Jacket:
- White camisole top + white high-waisted linen trousers + silver cool sneakers
- White linen dress + raffia bag + strappy sandals/flats
- Butter yellow maxi dress + barely-there sandals
History of Tennis Fashion
Everyone's all about tennis fashion now (and so are we), but would they want to travel to the Victorian era when the women were playing in corsets and maxi skirts? Below, we'll take you through a very brisk history of some of the most major moments in tennis fashion. If you ever need ideas, these staples are always an elegant place to start.
- Tennis Whites: Dating back to the Victorian era, tennis players wore predominantly white clothing as bright colours showed sweat patches more easily. Also, a helpful tip to keep in mind as you navigate the Aussie Open. Since 1963, at the prestigious Wimbledon tournament, it has been a rule to wear all-white to honour the long tradition. They're very strict as well, Wimbledon says, "it must be white, not off-white or cream". So if you're ever out of ideas, white linen dresses are a chic, history-approved option.
- Polo Shirt: Running around the court in a tie and flannel trousers was the norm for men before René Lacoste came around. In the 1930s, he began producing the first prototype of the polo shirt, with its lightweight fabric, short sleeves and prim & proper collar, it was a hit. An easy way to pay homage to this trend is with a midi polo dress, like our Ribbed Polo Linen Midi Dress.
- Pleated Tennis Skirts: Tennis and pleated skirts go way back. Victorian women tennis players didn't just have to battle against their opponents or focus on watching the ball. No, they also had to compete against their clothes. Long skirts with bustles were their uniform, as were corsets. Until the 1920s, when Suzanne Lenglen (who has a court named after her at the French Open) caused a stir by wearing a mid-calf pleated skirt, and now we've never looked back. Tuck a polished white linen shirt into your pleated mini skirt, and you'll look so refined, you might just get ushered into the VIP area.
Accessories to Make Your Outfits Courtside-Approved
These are some stress-free ways you can enhance your outfits using accessories. Keep these in mind so you won't feel out of place, and you'll be ready to take a picture even if you meet Serena Williams.
- Caps: Throwing on a cap over pretty linen dresses is an instant way to make your outfit feel a little more sporty, and you'll spot so many at the tennis. You can choose more country-club-approved colours like forest green and navy. Or use the cap to serve up some punchy shades such as pinks, corals and blues.
- Cable-knit sweater: For those night matches that run until 2am, always keep a chic sweater handy; we'd recommend something in cotton to help you survive the summer heat. During the day, you can tie it around your shoulders and give off major preppy energy, like you've had 3 generations go to Yale.
- Sunglasses: Practical and stylish, they'll inject easy glamour into any look. Go for the big kind if you like to cover up, or pick more petite frames if you're going for a more demure look. Either way, you'll actually be able to see the tennis ball while the sun's out.
- Crochet & woven bags: Make them cute and fun. When someone looks at your bag, they should immediately think "summer". Trinkets are all the rage in 2026, and so it's the perfect time to add a tennis ball or racquet keychain to your bag. Just make sure that your bag is small enough to fit under your seat, or it won't be allowed.
- Boat loafers: These could just as easily be worn to Nantucket, and that's why they're also perfect for the tennis. The flats are ideal for those who plan to make countless trips between the food & drinks area and the tennis courts. Ones in suede give off summer vibes.
Kirin Belted Maxi Dress
Giving off historic vibes, our Kirin Maxi Dress with its timeless shirt dress design has seen and lived through it all. Actresses have come and gone; skirt hemlines have gone up and down, and our Kirin Dress still remains.
It's too special a piece to keep hidden in your closet; it has to be taken out and admired. And with more than 20,000 people a day visiting the Australian Open, there'll be plenty of admiring going on. This linen maxi dress pairs effortlessly with chocolate browns, beiges and regal reds.
- Kirin Dress + silk scarf tied around the neck + brown leather sandals
- Kirin Dress + beige sports cap + platform mules
- Kirin Dress (worn as a cardigan) + red linen dress + ballerina flats
When you have limited-edition pieces, you want to keep them in impeccable condition for as long as possible. Discover our blog on how to care for linen clothing at home, to make sure that happens.
Conclusion: Courtside Linen Looks
We're all supposed to be watching the yellow ball on the court, but who can keep their eyes off what everyone's wearing? Everyone shows up and shows out, and with our linen looks, you won't be left behind. To survive the heat, don't forget to match these with a mini handheld fan and an icy drink.
Here's a quick summary of the best courtside linen looks that you'll love to wear to the Australian Open and all your next summer parties:
- Tennis whites: With a white matching linen set or white linen dresses, you'll instantly nail the dress code.
- Navy summer dress: A linen maxi dress has just enough polish and airiness to make it perfect for cheering on the Aussies at the tennis. The navy colourway makes it a little more preppy.
- Statement-making layering pieces: Limited-edition printed jackets and dresses will add a hint of exclusivity to your looks, and make sure that you're best dressed.
