How do I make a vintage 1980s tennis player costume?

Choose a white polo shirt with retro colored stripes (like navy and red) on the collar, short tight shorts, tube socks with colored stripes, and a wooden tennis racket.

What can I use if I don't have a real tennis racket?

You can cut a racket shape out of cardboard, draw the strings with a marker, or buy a cheap plastic toy racket from a dollar store.

Is a tennis player costume good for cold weather?

Yes, you can easily adapt it by wearing white leggings under your skirt or shorts and layering a white athletic zip-up jacket or cable-knit sweater over your polo.

AI-generated example

Tennis Player Costume

Ace your next costume party with a classic, sporty tennis look.

Dressing up as a tennis player is a classic, high-energy choice that works perfectly for solo costumes, couples, or groups. This sporty look is built around clean athletic wear, classic sweatbands, and a tennis racket. Whether you go for a modern athletic style or a retro 1980s vibe, it is comfortable, easy to assemble, and instantly recognizable.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~15 min
Budget: $20–60

See yourself as Tennis Player →What you need Buy the Tennis Player costume

Try it on

See yourself as Tennis Player

One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.

Choose or drop a photo of yourselfJPG · PNG · HEIC

One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.

Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.

Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.

Tennis Player costume — Example look · AI-generated

You as Tennis Player

Result

What you need for a Tennis Player costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Tennis Player costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.

Shop Tennis Player at Spirit ↗

White polo shirt
A classic white short-sleeved polo shirt, preferably in a lightweight cotton or athletic mesh fabric.
DIY: Use any plain white t-shirt or tank top you already own.
Amazon
White tennis skirt or athletic shorts
A pleated white tennis skirt, skort, or simple white athletic shorts.
DIY: Use any light-colored athletic shorts or a white skirt.
Amazon
Terrycloth sweatbands
A matching set of a terrycloth headband and two wristbands, preferably in white, red, or royal blue.
DIY: Cut the cuffs off old colorful socks to make quick wristbands.
Amazon
White crew socks
Classic white athletic crew socks, pulled up mid-calf.
Amazon
White sneakers
Clean, classic white athletic sneakers or tennis shoes.
DIY: Use any clean athletic shoes you already own.
Amazon
Sun visor
A classic white or matching colored sun visor hat.
DIY: Use a standard baseball cap worn backward.
Amazon
Tennis racket
A real tennis racket, either a modern lightweight version or a vintage wooden racket for a retro look.
DIY: Cut a racket shape out of sturdy cardboard and draw the string grid with a black marker.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Tennis Player costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the white polo shirt or athletic top.
2
Pair the top with your white tennis skirt, skort, or athletic shorts.
3
Pull on the white crew socks and lace up your white sneakers.
4
Place the terrycloth headband around your forehead and slide the sweatbands onto your wrists.
5
Adjust the sun visor on your head, angling the brim slightly upward.
6
Carry the tennis racket in your dominant hand to complete the athlete look.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair practical and sporty. Pull long hair back into a high ponytail or braid secured under the visor. Keep makeup minimal and fresh-faced, or add a swipe of white zinc-style face paint across the bridge of the nose for an outdoor tournament look.

Tennis Player for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Go as mixed doubles partners in matching white outfits, or recreate the iconic Battle of the Sexes with Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
group: Form a full tennis club team with matching polo shirts, visors, and different colored rackets.
kids: A mini tennis dress or polo with shorts, paired with a lightweight plastic toy racket.
Plus size: Opt for a stretchy, moisture-wicking athletic polo and an elastic-waist tennis skirt or athletic shorts for maximum comfort.
pet: A green tennis ball-themed collar or a tiny white sweatband around their neck.

Tips

If carrying a real racket gets heavy, look for a lightweight vintage wooden racket or a plastic toy version.
Keep a real tennis ball in your pocket or carry a can of tennis balls to use as extra props.
Wear comfortable, broken-in white sneakers since you will likely be on your feet all night.

Tennis Player costume FAQ

How do I make a vintage 1980s tennis player costume?: Choose a white polo shirt with retro colored stripes (like navy and red) on the collar, short tight shorts, tube socks with colored stripes, and a wooden tennis racket.
What can I use if I don't have a real tennis racket?: You can cut a racket shape out of cardboard, draw the strings with a marker, or buy a cheap plastic toy racket from a dollar store.
Is a tennis player costume good for cold weather?: Yes, you can easily adapt it by wearing white leggings under your skirt or shorts and layering a white athletic zip-up jacket or cable-knit sweater over your polo.

Did you know? The traditional 'tennis whites' dress code was originally introduced in the 1800s to prevent sweat patches from showing on colored clothing.