Thoughts on Warm Up Clothing during a match?

Fuji

Fuji

Legend
Hey all,

Figured I'd get your opinion here! Just sort of a funny situation I was talking about with some of my friends recently.

What's your opinion on an opponent who plays with warm up clothes on the entire match? Do you get offended, or do you just leave it alone? We know a very good player who doesn't take off his warm ups for a match, regardless of it's indoors, hot or cold, etc. Always wears a hoodie/jacket and sweats to play. Would you be offended by this type of behaviour?

Honestly, it doesn't bug me at all one bit, but we've noticed some people get quite upset when their opponents "don't even need to take off the sweater" to play. :razz:

Curious to hear your guys thoughts on this!

-Fuji
 
G

gmatheis

Hall of Fame
When I play mixed, I expect the women to play in a bra and panties and am very upset when they don't.
 
Fuji

Fuji

Legend
SwankPeRFection said:
What is warm and cold to you is not warm and cold to someone else. Think about that. Let players play in what they want.
Click to expand...

Oh I totally agree with you. How this came about is sort of a funny story. Mate was playing a match, and left his sweater on because it was cold indoors, and his opponent got pretty snarky with comments regarding how he didn't have to even take off his sweater to beat him, or something along those lines. Just funny how people get it into their heads that it's a sign of dominance or something. :razz:

-Fuji
 
D

dizzlmcwizzl

Hall of Fame
Me personally, In cool weather I will start in sweats ... but eventually I will play in shorts and a t-shirt (long sleeve if it is really cold).

I had a friend that grew up on the shores of lake Erie and he would play in any weather often times wearing a jacket and gloves. That really upsets someone if you get beaten by a guy wearing snow shoveling gloves.
 
dcdoorknob

dcdoorknob

Hall of Fame
Heh, if I saw a guy play in sweats all match during the summer in Mississippi, I wouldn't be offended, but I would certainly be concerned about his health (both mental and physical).
 
S

slowfox

Professional
I know a guy who wears warm up pants all the time. Some folks find it odd, but he doesn't seem to care. What I find funny is when some guy wears short shorts, like the 70s 80s styles. Funny cuz I didn't know those tennis shorts were still being made.
 
N

NLBwell

Legend
I wouldn't have even noticed what the other guy was wearing.

I did keep my warmup pants on one time in 90+ degree weather in Houston. The buttof my shorts tore open just before the match, so I couldn't take them off. Unfortunately, I lost at the end of a long 3rd set when I got very tired.

I have some short shorts, and they were made in the 70's or 80's.
 
N

North

Professional
It never occurred to me to even think about something like that lol. Now that you ask, though, I couldn't care less & it's really none of my business anyway.
 
S

spot

Hall of Fame
What's your opinion on an opponent who plays with warm up clothes on the entire match? Do you get offended
Click to expand...

I don't even understand the question... how on earth could someone get offended by that!?
 
Cindysphinx

Cindysphinx

G.O.A.T.
Guys are just way too concerned about what the other guys are wearing.

"OMG, I can't believe he actually wore *that*. Plaids, stripes *and* argyle? I think I'm going to vomit."

"Did you see Steve's mom jeans? He has, like, no butt at all. Gross!"

"Bob showed up wearing the same tie I was wearing. And he knew I was planning to wear that tie for months. I had to spend the whole night avoiding him!"

Men are adorable!
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
Cindysphinx said:
Guys are just way too concerned about what the other guys are wearing.

"OMG, I can't believe he actually wore *that*. Plaids, stripes *and* argyle? I think I'm going to vomit."

"Did you see Steve's mom jeans? He has, like, no butt at all. Gross!"

"Bob showed up wearing the same tie I was wearing. And he knew I was planning to wear that tie for months. I had to spend the whole night avoiding him!"

Men are adorable!
Click to expand...

Played dubs with a guy who wore a wool sportcoat and pants w/black racquetball shoes everyday during the fall. Adorable, eh?
 
Fuji

Fuji

Legend
spot said:
I don't even understand the question... how on earth could someone get offended by that!?
Click to expand...

I'm glad to see you guys get how ridiculous this sounded when we were told the story! Hahaha! At least I'm not alone!

-Fuji
 
G

gmatheis

Hall of Fame
Cindysphinx said:
Guys are just way too concerned about what the other guys are wearing.

"OMG, I can't believe he actually wore *that*. Plaids, stripes *and* argyle? I think I'm going to vomit."

"Did you see Steve's mom jeans? He has, like, no butt at all. Gross!"

"Bob showed up wearing the same tie I was wearing. And he knew I was planning to wear that tie for months. I had to spend the whole night avoiding him!"

Men are adorable!
Click to expand...

The only men like this hang out at the Blue Oyster Bar
 
SwankPeRFection

SwankPeRFection

Hall of Fame
This kind of goes along the lines of if someone shows up dresses like Federer and has his equipment as well, but obviously can't play like him.

Bottom line is this. Wear what you want, play with what you want, play however you want. If anyone judges you, tell them to f o. ;)

Chances are good they've got something that they use because a pro uses it somewhere down the line as well, so who's the pot calling the kettle black now?


As for me, I keep my long pants on as well as a long sleeve shirt when the temps are under 50 out. Anything like that and even if I'm hot, I leave them on because if I take them off, my muscles would eventually get cold due to wind/whatever. Either way, if you're wearing perf materials you shouldn't be dripping wet anyway, even if you're warm. It's better to be warm and not pull something than to be cold and pull a muscle. Yes, it can happen... and very easily in the winter times.
 
S

slowfox

Professional
Cindysphinx said:
Guys (Girls) are just way too concerned about what the other guys (girls) are wearing.

"OMG, I can't believe he (she) actually wore *that*. Plaids, stripes *and* argyle? I think I'm going to vomit."

"Did you see Steve's (Susie's) mom jeans? He (She) has, like, no butt at all. Gross!"

"Bob (Jen) showed up wearing the same tie (shoes) I was wearing. And he (she) knew I was planning to wear that tie (those shoes) for months. I had to spend the whole night avoiding him (her)!"

Men (Women) are adorable!
Click to expand...

Bolded text by me.
Cuts both ways... :)
 
Relinquis

Relinquis

Hall of Fame
hilarious thread!

if the guys find it offensive, they're not paying enough attention to their own game. there is nothing offensive about this.

i sometimes wear a sweater or jacket and shorts if i'm playing in the cold (rarely happens). Usually take it off after the first set, or a few games once i warm up.
 
O

omega4

Rookie
Personally, I think those who are concerned enough about what others wear to get offended or upset by it need to find something else that's actually important enough to worry about.

Suggestions include the economy, taxes, retirement investment portfolio strategies, and what to get for dinner.

Fuji said:
Hey all,

Figured I'd get your opinion here! Just sort of a funny situation I was talking about with some of my friends recently.

What's your opinion on an opponent who plays with warm up clothes on the entire match? Do you get offended, or do you just leave it alone? We know a very good player who doesn't take off his warm ups for a match, regardless of it's indoors, hot or cold, etc. Always wears a hoodie/jacket and sweats to play. Would you be offended by this type of behaviour?

Honestly, it doesn't bug me at all one bit, but we've noticed some people get quite upset when their opponents "don't even need to take off the sweater" to play. :razz:

Curious to hear your guys thoughts on this!

-Fuji
Click to expand...
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
blakesq said:
only an idiot could be offended by an opponent wearing warmups.
Click to expand...

Not to throw shade but noticed teaching pros would fill-in our doubles practices and never remove their warm-ups. Keep the ball moving and never break a sweat.
 
B

bethany2

New User
I played my first USTA match (mixed) on Friday and since my tennis clothes are still packed away in a box somewhere, I just wore running shorts (with pockets) and a college T-shirt. You would have thought I showed up in a suit and tie from the reaction I got! My captain (who I just met) looked me up and down and slowly asked me if I had ever played tennis before! Luckily I played fine and nobody said anything after my match, but wow I had NO idea that anybody would/could care what other people were wearing to play in a match!!
 
Fuji

Fuji

Legend
bethany2 said:
I played my first USTA match (mixed) on Friday and since my tennis clothes are still packed away in a box somewhere, I just wore running shorts (with pockets) and a college T-shirt. You would have thought I showed up in a suit and tie from the reaction I got! My captain (who I just met) looked me up and down and slowly asked me if I had ever played tennis before! Luckily I played fine and nobody said anything after my match, but wow I had NO idea that anybody would/could care what other people were wearing to play in a match!!
Click to expand...

Hahaha! That's pretty funny how even your captain gave you the up and down!

-Fuji
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
Our club has a night devotad to modeling clothes for USTA League members. Matching ootfits. Guess there are attitudes.
 
S

slowfox

Professional
bethany2 said:
I played my first USTA match (mixed) on Friday and since my tennis clothes are still packed away in a box somewhere, I just wore running shorts (with pockets) and a college T-shirt. You would have thought I showed up in a suit and tie from the reaction I got! My captain (who I just met) looked me up and down and slowly asked me if I had ever played tennis before! Luckily I played fine and nobody said anything after my match, but wow I had NO idea that anybody would/could care what other people were wearing to play in a match!!
Click to expand...

I'm wearing full-length jeans to the courts one day. Will report back.
 
Relinquis

Relinquis

Hall of Fame
This is such a great thread.

I remember playing squash for the first time against a friend of mine who was a college level player. I had just moved to a new city so got new gear from the sport shop. I looked like a pro with the new, coordinated/matching, branded equipment and clothing; Looked as if i was sponsored by Nike and Wilson... My opponent was intimidated... Until i hit my first serve that is... then he burst into laughter! He must have lay there on the court floor for 2 minutes straight convulsing uncontrollably. I had hit a full motion tennis style serve*!

It's amazing what affects people's perceptions.

The really funny thing is that when i go to my regular tennis club everyone is dressed like mini-federers, mini-nadals (including knee bands and finger tape) or mini-djokovics/murrays. I really stand out with my plain black shorts and solid coloured unbranded t-shirts.


* Serves in squash are underhand.
 
beernutz

beernutz

Hall of Fame
Fuji said:
Oh I totally agree with you. How this came about is sort of a funny story. Mate was playing a match, and left his sweater on because it was cold indoors, and his opponent got pretty snarky with comments regarding how he didn't have to even take off his sweater to beat him, or something along those lines. Just funny how people get it into their heads that it's a sign of dominance or something. :razz:

-Fuji
Click to expand...
If I said this to an opponent who was beating me it would be meant as a compliment.
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
Will not even mention playing dubs against a team in fully Agassified gear with hair to match. Jean shorts. Had to win just to keep our Man Cards. Warm-up Gear? Fogetaboutit! Don't Hate The Player
 
O

omega4

Rookie
Ronaldo said:
Will not even mention playing dubs against a team in fully Agassified gear with hair to match. Jean shorts. Had to win just to keep our Man Cards. Warm-up Gear? Fogetaboutit! Don't Hate The Player
Click to expand...

What's with the angst towards the old Agassi "wild hair" look and gear?

There were quite a few players in the late 80s who dressed like Agassi in high school tennis competitions. While the look wasn't my thing personally, I didn't find it offensive or worthy of ridicule either.

If you're going to make fun of the "Agassi" look, why stop there? Let's hear your thoughts on old balding seniors or players who haven't seen their shoes for over a decade or always have to ask for seatbelt extenders on airplanes.
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
omega4 said:
What's with the angst towards the old Agassi "wild hair" look and gear?

There were quite a few players in the late 80s who dressed like Agassi in high school tennis competitions. While the look wasn't my thing personally, I didn't find it offensive or worthy of ridicule either.

If you're going to make fun of the "Agassi" look, why stop there? Let's hear your thoughts on old balding seniors or players who haven't seen their shoes for over a decade or always have to ask for seatbelt extenders on airplanes.
Click to expand...

Never made fun of it. Just motivated us a bit more. Btw, those balding seniors that play USTA League matches hired trainers, play more than they did twenty years ago.
 
goober

goober

Legend
spot said:
I don't even understand the question... how on earth could someone get offended by that!?
Click to expand...

The whole line of thinking is "I don't need to take off my warm ups to beat you. I am not breaking a sweat." I actually have run across this before. In much warmer weather (90 degrees!) one of my teammates did not take off a hooded sweatshirt. He rolled over an opponent and the guy was asking him why he is not taking off his sweatshirt during the match. "I guess you don't think I am a worthy opponent."
 
O

omega4

Rookie
Ronaldo said:
Never made fun of it. Just motivated us a bit more. Btw, those balding seniors that play USTA League matches hired trainers, play more than they did twenty years ago.
Click to expand...

Well, when you wrote you "had to win just to keep your Man cards", I got the impression that you thought those who choose to dress like Agassi were less than men because of their style choices.

Maybe I'm just being idealistic and naive but I wish people in general could enjoy whatever they're doing (e.g. playing tennis) without qualifying others based on their decisions (e.g. clothing styles).

Personally, I've never chosen to dress like anyone because of their status in a sport (e.g. Tiger Woods). But I'd never judge someone who did choose to dress like those they admired nor would I feel compelled to beat them "just to keep my Man card".
 
O

omega4

Rookie
goober said:
The whole line of thinking is "I don't need to take off my warm ups to beat you. I am not breaking a sweat." I actually have run across this before. In much warmer weather (90 degrees!) one of my teammates did not take off a hooded sweatshirt. He rolled over an opponent and the guy was asking him why he is not taking off his sweatshirt during the match. "I guess you don't think I am a worthy opponent."
Click to expand...

Personally, I think anyone who entertains that line of thinking is reading way too much into other people's actions.

It's a little like men and women when it comes to dating. Both tend to read way too much into every little thing like body action, words used, etc.
 
Fuji

Fuji

Legend
goober said:
The whole line of thinking is "I don't need to take off my warm ups to beat you. I am not breaking a sweat." I actually have run across this before. In much warmer weather (90 degrees!) one of my teammates did not take off a hooded sweatshirt. He rolled over an opponent and the guy was asking him why he is not taking off his sweatshirt during the match. "I guess you don't think I am a worthy opponent."
Click to expand...

Exactly the point I was attempting to make in my OP.

Great post! :)

-Fuji
 
G

Govnor

Professional
there is a guy I used to play soccer against that always wears a long sleeved top. I could never understand it. It was indoors and often very hot in the summer. But he obviously liked it.
 
woodrow1029

woodrow1029

Hall of Fame
Fuji said:
but we've noticed some people get quite upset when their opponents "don't even need to take off the sweater" to play. :razz:

Curious to hear your guys thoughts on this!

-Fuji
Click to expand...

Anyone who gets upset or offended because their opponent plays in warm-ups, or a sweatshirt, or hoodie, or jacket, in recreational or amateur tennis needs to find something better to do! LOL

Now, in pro tennis, it's against the rules, unless the supervisor gives prior approval for long pants or jackets to be worn (for cold weather reasons, or skin issues, or religious reasons), and then, the warm-ups need to conform to the logo restrictions in place by ITF, ATP or WTA.
 
Fuji

Fuji

Legend
woodrow1029 said:
Anyone who gets upset or offended because their opponent plays in warm-ups, or a sweatshirt, or hoodie, or jacket, in recreational or amateur tennis needs to find something better to do! LOL

Now, in pro tennis, it's against the rules, unless the supervisor gives prior approval for long pants or jackets to be worn (for cold weather reasons, or skin issues, or religious reasons), and then, the warm-ups need to conform to the logo restrictions in place by ITF, ATP or WTA.
Click to expand...

That's really interesting regarding pro tour clothing guidelines. I never knew about that!

Thanks for the info! :)

-Fuji
 
Angle Queen

Angle Queen

Professional
This thread has amused me.

As someone who suffers from Raynaud's (as well as hypotension), I often play in many layers of clothes, especially in the cooler months and indoors. Even then, there are times I cannot feel my fingertips and gripping the racquet is a challenge.

But I must admit, I've had more than a few opponents remark, post-match, that I never broke a sweat or had to take my layers off. My reply (regardless of the end result) is that I had to work hard...and that not sweating can present real problems, particularly in warm weather. My body simply cannot cool off and heat exhaustion is a real risk.

In mixed, however, I've had a regular male partner who told me once (in front of his wife...who also laughed hilariously with us)....that playing with me was like playing Strip Tennis -- that the better/harder the match, the more I took off. :oops: If I ended up in just my top and skort...we'd played one helluva match!
 
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