does having high quality apparel make you play better?
- Thread starter Bencia
- Start date
apparel won't affect how well you play, for the most part. shoes and gear will, but almost any decent athletic outfit will now make you play any better or worse. however, there is a thing called comfortable which shouldn't be overlooked. if there are certain underwear, socks, hat, etc, that i am very comfy in and like... then i think i should wear them. being uncomfortable during a match isn't fun. so get stuff that works for you, and you should be fine. as far as "high quality", i think some people mistake that to mean "expensive", and i don't think expensive apparel will make you play any better than normal "good quality" apparel.
TheShaun
Hall of Fame
what do you think? :roll:
I get the feeling that it won't matter to non-tour players. To me, a nice tee shirt and some gym shorts and I'm good to go.
I suppose if you have a tendency to overheat, sweat a lot, or have other such physical issues, then maybe some of the "performance" clothing might help you a bit.
I suppose if you have a tendency to overheat, sweat a lot, or have other such physical issues, then maybe some of the "performance" clothing might help you a bit.
TheShaun
Hall of Fame
i think the question is misleading. by "high quality apparel" most people would assume it to mean something expensive with a logo on it. ex. nike, adidas, etc.
if by "high quality" you mean comfortable and moisture wicking, then yes. it may not make you better but you'll be far more comfortable than if you were wearing cotton.
if by "high quality" you mean comfortable and moisture wicking, then yes. it may not make you better but you'll be far more comfortable than if you were wearing cotton.
YULitle
Hall of Fame
I don't know about the losing focus part, but...
Yonex apparel IS really itchy. The local rep gave me a free shirt once. I gifted it to my brother.
I guess if it makes you feel more confident, then it can help your game. My anecdotal evidence shows that the best players I see at clubs usually wear clothes that wouldn't even be sold as tennis apparel, but just normal gym clothes. Shoes are the only apparel I find important.
CAM178
Hall of Fame
Hell no it doesn't help. But, remember that this is a sport, and for some it is purely psychological. Look no further than Rafa, who will not go out onto the court if his water bottles aren't lined up right.
If some people feel more confident in some clothes, then yes, it will matter for them. But that is purely psychosomatic.
If some people feel more confident in some clothes, then yes, it will matter for them. But that is purely psychosomatic.
Yeah, that's a real FREAK there. Man, when I saw him moving those water bottles around before starting a match, I thought he has to be absolutely insane.
And maybe he is, who knows.
He takes a sip out of the one bottle, then the other, then lines them up again before going out on court. Every time.
Freak.
StealthGnome
Semi-Pro
I remembered when Rafa asked for a trainer and the trainer moved his bottles the slightest and he flipped out!
It may not make a difference in your game, but it may be more comfortable for you. For example, I sweat a lot so my cotton shirt was always drenching wet in the summer, sticking to my back and all. But with a dri-fit shirt, yeah, it's wet, too, but it doesn't feel as heavy or sticky.
CAM178
Hall of Fame
It's actually a pretty serious disease, as it transfers over to several other things in that person's life. It's called OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It can lead to having to take a certain number of steps, not walking on cracks, touching things a certain number of times. Based on his water bottle thing, I would not be the least bit surprised if Rafa does this elsewhere in his life.
But hey: he's #2 in the world, making millions, and dating a hottie. . . hell, I'd mutter like Rain Man in between points if I had results like that!
![[d]ragon](/data/avatars/m/26/26312.jpg?1574364787){kind=avatar}
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Nicholas Kiefer is even crazier. He HAS to walk over and touch the sideline with the tip of his racquet before receiving EVERY frickin' serve or else he's unable to play. :shock:It's actually a pretty serious disease, as it transfers over to several other things in that person's life. It's called OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It can lead to having to take a certain number of steps, not walking on cracks, touching things a certain number of times. Based on his water bottle thing, I would not be the least bit surprised if Rafa does this elsewhere in his life.
But hey: he's #2 in the world, making millions, and dating a hottie. . . hell, I'd mutter like Rain Man in between points if I had results like that!
tzinc
Semi-Pro
Shoes are important but you can find QUALITY shoes marked down especially when the new stuff comes in. There are also some lesser cost shoes that do just fine. My g/f picked up some great Reeboks for 29 bucks.
As for clothes no-name type clothes can be just as good as name brand.
They are often being made in the same factories anyway.
As for clothes no-name type clothes can be just as good as name brand.
They are often being made in the same factories anyway.
flyer
Hall of Fame
shoes to an extent, but once you have a quality pair of kicks thats about the end of it, you will be more comfortable when your playing but you won't play better, having nice clothes doesn't improve you forehand, also many high priced clothes have seems all other the place and are actually more uncomfortable than a simple moisture wicking top
JackSkellington
Rookie
only for shoes. I tried playing in Chucks because it was spur of the moment and I had no gear. Ended up with huge blisters all over my toes
Depends what you mean by "better"
Better can have a lot of meanings...
I like to look good playing. I use tennis as an escape and something to look forward. I dress nicely all the time anyway, and for my escape time I want to look good for myself out on the court. I feel better if I think I look nice. So if I feel better, I probably play better. I figure I might not play like a pro, but I can look like one and feel like one.
The wrong clothes can effect how you play. Clima cool, etc. shirts are wonderful here in Florida. I feel way better in those than my doubles partner and opponents do in heavy cotton polo shirts. Real tennis shorts with a ball pocket work better than running shorts or shorts with no pocket. It sucks to have to serve holding two balls in your hands becuase you got shorts with no pockets (in my opinion).
High quality doesn't necessarily mean expensive or fancy. I get a lot of good shirts by "lesser" brands like Starter, Champion, etc. that look, feel and last about the same as Nike or Adidas, but at 1/4 the price.
Good socks like Thorlo are a lot thicker and more padded. They might help your feet, especially in some shoes.
I don't skimp on shoes. Good name brand tennis shoes are a must. I'm not convinced that brand XYZ's $110 shoe is aa whole lot better than the mid priced $60 shoe, but they are both wayyyyyyy better than $20 Wal Mart shoes. And having the right kind of shoe (tennis versus running) helps. I hurt my ankle badly during an impromptu match wearing $110 Nike Shox running shoes because they allowed my ankle to turn. Good shoes... just not for tennis.
Better can have a lot of meanings...
I like to look good playing. I use tennis as an escape and something to look forward. I dress nicely all the time anyway, and for my escape time I want to look good for myself out on the court. I feel better if I think I look nice. So if I feel better, I probably play better. I figure I might not play like a pro, but I can look like one and feel like one.
The wrong clothes can effect how you play. Clima cool, etc. shirts are wonderful here in Florida. I feel way better in those than my doubles partner and opponents do in heavy cotton polo shirts. Real tennis shorts with a ball pocket work better than running shorts or shorts with no pocket. It sucks to have to serve holding two balls in your hands becuase you got shorts with no pockets (in my opinion).
High quality doesn't necessarily mean expensive or fancy. I get a lot of good shirts by "lesser" brands like Starter, Champion, etc. that look, feel and last about the same as Nike or Adidas, but at 1/4 the price.
Good socks like Thorlo are a lot thicker and more padded. They might help your feet, especially in some shoes.
I don't skimp on shoes. Good name brand tennis shoes are a must. I'm not convinced that brand XYZ's $110 shoe is aa whole lot better than the mid priced $60 shoe, but they are both wayyyyyyy better than $20 Wal Mart shoes. And having the right kind of shoe (tennis versus running) helps. I hurt my ankle badly during an impromptu match wearing $110 Nike Shox running shoes because they allowed my ankle to turn. Good shoes... just not for tennis.
zacinnc78
Professional
i think i could relate to that lol
WildVolley
Legend
Having good quality shoes can help, but fit and traction is more important than overall quality in my experience.
In the hot weather I definitely prefer poly or poly-blend clothing because I sweat profusely. Does it have to be high quality? No. I play just as well in $5 shorts and not wearing a shirt as in "name brand" apparel I've picket up at deep discounts.
If you have a lot of money, you can wear whatever your favorite pro does. But don't think it will improve your game.
In the hot weather I definitely prefer poly or poly-blend clothing because I sweat profusely. Does it have to be high quality? No. I play just as well in $5 shorts and not wearing a shirt as in "name brand" apparel I've picket up at deep discounts.
If you have a lot of money, you can wear whatever your favorite pro does. But don't think it will improve your game.
I wouldn't spare any expense when it comes to your footwear but, in regards to shirts/short/etc I don't think it matters what you wear as long as it's comfortable.
FuriousYellow
Professional
I just like ventilated shirts when I play which means poly and if you're going to wear poly, the cheap stuff tends to be uncomfortable.
It doesn't have to be real expensive, top of the line stuff. I normally buy stuff from Adidas Response line which are less expensive than the Competition line and usually after they go on sale. The price difference compared to something like Champion's C9 line is usually less than $10.
It doesn't have to be real expensive, top of the line stuff. I normally buy stuff from Adidas Response line which are less expensive than the Competition line and usually after they go on sale. The price difference compared to something like Champion's C9 line is usually less than $10.
what is quality?
Quality isn't brand its comfort, fit, usefulness, support, etc. You can get that with a name brand, but also with store brands, etc. It depends on the items.
Here in Florida I think you would not play as well with some big heavy basketball shoes and a nappy thick knit shirt compared to some light weight tennis shoes and a Cool Max type shirt. If your feet hurt and your hot and uncomfortable, its going to cut down on your focus.
I think a good racquet DOES make you play better too. A friend and I both started playing tennis from scratch at the same time. I got myself a good Yonex racquet and she got a cheap name brand racquet for about $40. I can do shots and things that she can't beucase her racquet just can't do it. Even new strings don't really help. When I have used it myself, it hurts my wrist to do just mid powered hits. She got a new racquet finally and her game improved 100% almost immediately.
Quality isn't brand its comfort, fit, usefulness, support, etc. You can get that with a name brand, but also with store brands, etc. It depends on the items.
Here in Florida I think you would not play as well with some big heavy basketball shoes and a nappy thick knit shirt compared to some light weight tennis shoes and a Cool Max type shirt. If your feet hurt and your hot and uncomfortable, its going to cut down on your focus.
I think a good racquet DOES make you play better too. A friend and I both started playing tennis from scratch at the same time. I got myself a good Yonex racquet and she got a cheap name brand racquet for about $40. I can do shots and things that she can't beucase her racquet just can't do it. Even new strings don't really help. When I have used it myself, it hurts my wrist to do just mid powered hits. She got a new racquet finally and her game improved 100% almost immediately.
I can relate. I bought some $15 Ashburys from Steve & Barry's to parry vs. the country club types in their $120 Babolat shoes on the Har-Tru. That said, the cheaper shoes worry me regarding support, fit and cushioning. I don't wear them on hard courts. My ASICS's are vastly superior (and cost it).
I have acquired a wide range of tennis ensembles this past couple of years, from tournament t-shirts to Starter (Wal-Mart) to Fila. I vote with the better dressed camp. You're dreaming if you think anything from the big box stores is the equal of Fila or even Nike (I don't do much Adidas lately) in terms of materials, design, workmanship, or fit. I do have a $6 wicking t-shirt I got from Wal-Mart that I like pretty well. Some of the Champion stuff I got at Target is pretty nice too, but my favorite 1/2-zip from them is prematurely falling apart.
I think an analogy from the music world applies. You can make great sounds with some $300 guitars. A $2000 guitar will probably sound better, but if you show up with one, you'd better have some chops. Also, the really good tennis clothes can be very expensive and hard to find.
Here is an article I just came across on tennis fashions from a couple of years ago: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/28/sports/tennis/28fashion.html?_r=1&oref=slogin It's from the New York Times. Is this an error: "In the 1970’s, Chris Evert ushered in an era of girlishness with her cut-out dresses, pleated Ellesse skirts, ruffled bloomers, blown-out hairdos and on-court diamond bangle." Technically, this is incorrect, as Evert didn't sign with Ellesse until 1980, right?
Just my two cents. ..
martini1
Hall of Fame
Good shoes a must, but they don't mean expensive all the time. Like someone mentioned before you are get a good pair of shoes when there is a promotion going on. Now speaking hundreds to four figures for a fashion brand tennis "looking" shoe is another stories. If they don't the job better than the $120 Nike or Adidas, it's just a pair of fashion shoes. I won't wear them on the court.
Apparel wise it is always good to dress properly fitting the environment. I prefer wearing poly shirts. If you sweat a lot your cotton shirt will be soaking wet in no time. It feels very uncomfortable when you are cooling down in a soaking wet shirt.
Wear something according to the rules of the facility. If they require tennis shoes, wear them. There are places also don't like denim, overly large (or small) sized clothing, etc.
So all in all a proper tennis outfit is the best. May not make you play better but sure would make your experience a little better. Imagine trying to put 2 tennis balls in a pair of skinny jeans. Now coming in dressed just like Rafa from head to toe and got your *** kicked is a different matter...
Apparel wise it is always good to dress properly fitting the environment. I prefer wearing poly shirts. If you sweat a lot your cotton shirt will be soaking wet in no time. It feels very uncomfortable when you are cooling down in a soaking wet shirt.
Wear something according to the rules of the facility. If they require tennis shoes, wear them. There are places also don't like denim, overly large (or small) sized clothing, etc.
So all in all a proper tennis outfit is the best. May not make you play better but sure would make your experience a little better. Imagine trying to put 2 tennis balls in a pair of skinny jeans. Now coming in dressed just like Rafa from head to toe and got your *** kicked is a different matter...
roger nadal
Semi-Pro
it can effect ur play like if u play in heavy cotton it mght be little uncomfortable if u play with polyester ur more comfortable and less sweaty
Charlie_Boy
Semi-Pro
Shoes help I think. Everything else, hell no.
JoshDragon
Hall of Fame
A person's apparel has no influence on their game. I like to buy Nadal's longer shorts and dri-fit shirts but I've played in jeans before and it doesn't detract from my game except for slightly reducing my speed.
Babolat725
New User
I think its not our decision you've got to go find something that looks and feels good and please don't make it sleeveless.
goosala
Hall of Fame
I have played pretty much my whole life in just T shirts and regular cotton shorts. I have to say the new materials now allow me to move without binding like cotton. After a while with enough sweat cotton just becomes cumbersome. I tried wearing tank tops and they help a little better but prefer a particular line of athletic wear sold at a large retailer with a red target as its trademark. I stay cooler and can move with more range.
miniRafa386
Hall of Fame
on paper, it doesnt help. but i find that i play better in certain materials than others, just because i feel better in those than the others.
whatever floats your boat.
whatever floats your boat.
littleboi21
Rookie
As long as it feels comfortable. Shoes would be the most important though. It has to have quality and comfort. At least for me.
B
Barricade V
Guest
is there a video of that?
B
Barricade V
Guest
dosent matter except for shorts, i like basketball shorts and in tennis i can't stretch nearly as easy compared to tennis shorts
benne
Semi-Pro
comfort is key, also something that doesn't stick to your body when it gets soaked, and can evaporate sweat fast is important to me. Nike is great. I don't like adidas apparel as much as the few shirts I've had from them have left me heavy and wet in matches. Which when I look at those matches I've tended to lose.
tennis is a superstitious sport. so is the player.
tennis is a superstitious sport. so is the player.
appppppppple
Banned
depends if it makes you more comfortable
