Thermal clothing for tennis in the winter

pinco000

New User
Hi guys, the winter is firmly knocking on the door here in the UK. With indoor tennis outpriced especially in London, the only way is stay outdoors. Can someone recommend some thermal clothing, men`s leggins and a long sleeve thermal top? I need to get myself sorted asap as wearing a hoodie and a tracksuit is not exactly the best. It slows me down when running, when serving. Its also heavy and doesn't protect from cold as it should. My lower back is in slight discomfort from playing yesterday at 7-8C. Ma
 

antony

Hall of Fame
It’s not difficult… wear clothes that don’t absorb moisture (no cotton) and layer them

If outside I would wear long johns (merino wool preferably, but any outdoors base layer will work) under some sort of athletic pant, and wear a polyester and/or wool baselayer (smartwool, Patagonia, any ski /cold hiking gear shirt) under a mid layer (I like a cashmere sweater but most things will do, and if necessary, a wind proof shell of some sort
 

innoVAShaun

G.O.A.T.
Any type of baselayer polyester/wool blend should work. For a little extra stretch, look for the additional spandex blend. Champion has a pretty good selection.
 

FlamingCheeto

Hall of Fame
Just have 3 layers with the first always been short sleeve/shorts wicking. You will ALWAYS get overheated and too hot if you wear thermal as your baselayer, guaranteed even if playing outside in 39 degree weather like I am doing in 15 mniutes.
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
Compression clothing (tops and bottoms) is essential as the innermost layer for me as it does a good job of keeping you warm when you exercise. I’ll start with other layers on top and then peel the outer layers off as I get warmed up.
 

WildVolley

Legend
Good advice in this thread. Go with something that's thin and wicking against your skin. I'd say some sort of close fitting wicking poly, but that's because it is mainly what I have. Then I have sweat pants and a light sweat shirt over that. If it is really cold (rare where I live), I also put on a sweat jacket with pockets (for my hands) and a hat.

Once you get playing, you're going to start overheating quickly in most cases, so it is best to to lose some outer layers once you're warm and then put stuff back on during breaks. I also bring a towel to wipe away sweat.
 

Purestriker

Legend
Good advice in this thread. Go with something that's thin and wicking against your skin. I'd say some sort of close fitting wicking poly, but that's because it is mainly what I have. Then I have sweat pants and a light sweat shirt over that. If it is really cold (rare where I live), I also put on a sweat jacket with pockets (for my hands) and a hat.

Once you get playing, you're going to start overheating quickly in most cases, so it is best to to lose some outer layers once you're warm and then put stuff back on during breaks. I also bring a towel to wipe away sweat.
Agree. It’s a lot easier to take layers off once your warm.
 

pinco000

New User
Thanks for all the advice guys. I went around my local sports centre and got myself a warm and breathable men's running tights. They are designed for running so should be ok for tennis too. I wear my tennis shorts on top as the tights have no pockets. Made of Main fabric 91% Polyester, 9% Elastane Yoke 90% Polyamide, 10% Elastane. They should provide warmth and comfort too while managing the moisture. They should not overheat judging by the scale on the website. They are lvl2 out of 5.
For the upper I bought a base layer top. It has a breathable material to help to reduce sweat build up, keeping me warm and dry. It is primarily for footballers but I think it might work. Main fabric 67% Polyester, 30% Polyamide, 3% Elastane. On top of this I will have my regular short sleeve t-shirt. Plus a hoodie initially but right before the match the hoodie will come off.
Not sure how this will work in terms of heat and comfort but I cant continue playing in shorts with t-shirt and a hoodie. Its just not comfy on the upper and too cold down. I have my lower back in pain due to the cold and i cant play right now due to it. Hope once I recover this will be ok for me to go.
PS: both items I bought are close fitting so wont be flying around when running or make me unable to wear my shorts and a t-shirt
 

Vicious49

Legend
It’s not difficult… wear clothes that don’t absorb moisture (no cotton) and layer them

If outside I would wear long johns (merino wool preferably, but any outdoors base layer will work) under some sort of athletic pant, and wear a polyester and/or wool baselayer (smartwool, Patagonia, any ski /cold hiking gear shirt) under a mid layer (I like a cashmere sweater but most things will do, and if necessary, a wind proof shell of some sort

You're playing in a cashmere sweater? Baller status right there.
 

antony

Hall of Fame
You're playing in a cashmere sweater? Baller status right there.
I bought a basic black one a few years ago that is so soft and fantastic for everything. Can wear it out nearly anywhere, of course. I’ve used it for snowboarding too as a mid layer. Excellent performance for athletic applications. Never smells, I just dry clean every good while. I later got a navy blue one on sale. Definitely a lifetime investment
 
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MasterZeb

Hall of Fame
I’ve tried baselayers and although they do keep me warm, I for some reason play worse with them on. Feel restricted and too tight. I prefer having my arm relaxed and free flowing. I’ve looked around for maybe no sleeve baselayers but they’re all warmer weather. Maybe I could cut the sleeves on mine.
 

onehandbh

G.O.A.T.
I wear layers in cool weather. I like the thin Uniqo heattech shirts.
I also wear sweat pants until I am warmed up.
 

antony

Hall of Fame
I’ve tried baselayers and although they do keep me warm, I for some reason play worse with them on. Feel restricted and too tight. I prefer having my arm relaxed and free flowing. I’ve looked around for maybe no sleeve baselayers but they’re all warmer weather. Maybe I could cut the sleeves on mine.
Lacoste has some compression shirts for half off on sale right now that cut off right before the elbow
 

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
the base layers should be in pieces. bicycle length compression shorts. calf compression sleeves. Knee sleeve if you must.
sleeveless compression shirt. compression arm sleeves. that way your base joint mobility is preserved.

layer over top of that as you like. I usually go with tennis shorts, perhaps a neck gaiter, SHORT sleeve tennis shirt, long wristbands (pull em down as far towards your hand as you can without compromising your grip on the racquet), elastic headband that covers you ears. One handed Back hand? One glove on off hand? (not glitter! haha)

IF that is not enough to keep you warm while actively playing, it's time to bite the bullet and pay to play inside....

also. be sure to drop that sting tension!
 

cortado

Professional
I just wear a Helly Hansen long-sleeve thermal as a base layer, my regular breathable under armour t-shirt over that, and a long-sleeve under-armour over that. I often don't bother with anything on my legs just wear shorts, but this winter I might try Helly Hansen thermal leggings and shorts over that. Don't really like playing in trousers, feels weird.
 
S

Slicehand

Guest
Always shorts and tshirt, just forces you to play more intense, think viking
 
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