White apparel

[MathGeek]

10 miles? [daily mountain biking distance]

We are not talking about the same thing.

I don't even know how is it possible to ride only 10 miles to a high mountain, unless you are driving by car to the beginning of the trail, and the said trail is an extremely short loop.

To give you an idea, I am riding a century every weekend, and sometimes a lot more when the brevet season starts, not to speak of the multi-days rides.

You basically need the padded riding shorts, and basically every other piece of clothing or equipment that can prevent the reduction of the enjoyment from the ride.

Just as one can enjoy tennis without owning whites and being an elitist, one can enjoy mountain biking without owning specialized cycling clothes and being an elitist.

Am I not a "real" mountain biker because I only bike 2000 miles a year in increments closer to 10 miles at a time? I live in the SE US, so access to high mountains is limited, and due to inconsiderate drivers, my family does load the bikes on a rack and drive to the trailheads. There are lots of local mountain biking loops under 10 miles. Not everyone can live in a place like Colorado.

I probably don't play enough tennis (or the right kind of tennis) to qualify as a "real" tennis player either. But in 2018 I managed to win two county wide tournaments (1 in men's singles and 1 in MxD) and to take 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in state wide events (men's singles and MxD).

Perhaps I'm not a "real" angler, because I fished less than 20 times. But I'll be eating redfish weekly for the next 6 months from my last trip, and my YouTube fishing channel got over 100,000 views in the past year.

I suppose I'm not a real shooter either, since I don't own specialized shooting clothes. But I've coached national champions in two different NRA shooting disciplines, and in spite of aging eyes and other challenges, I possess and NRA "Master" classification in my favorite discipline. (NRA Master is essentially the equivalent of an NTRP rating of 5.0.)

Elitists can always set arbitrary standards for admission to their clubs. No thanks. I'll just keep enjoying myself and staying fit with my chosen recreational activities. I haven't the time nor inclination to meet the stupid standards of others, much less own white tennis apparel. (I do own a number of fishing shirts, though.)

 

[tennis tom]

Just as one can enjoy tennis without owning whites and being an elitist,

Not being sarcastic, MathGeek, you sound like a very accomplished recreational renaissance man! I don't think wearing whites has anything to do with being "elitist"--it comes from being traditional. I've seen plenty of players at public courts in the olden days who wore whites--it was the tradition coming from practical needs. Prior to Addidas and Nke, etc, there was no other choice of tennis wear--you basicly had a choice of Wilson or Dunlop. White reflected heat and didn't show sweat, you could bleach it with real bleach and it looked bright forever. Now, if you bleach stuff it fades the colors. The collar absorbed perspiration and kept your neck cool. The open buttoned front allowed the chest and the neck area to dissipate heat versus a crew collar. Tennis whites just came from poorer economic times when there wasn't the explosion of money into the game, then Nike came out with all the wild designs for Agassi. Whites came out of time when players let their rackets do the talking and not their ensembles.

 

[ShaunS]

Now, if you bleach stuff it fades the colors.

Bleach Alternative detergent does a strong job with most stains, and your manservant won't have to worry about the colors.

Whites came out of time when players let their rackets do the talking and not their ensembles.

 

[tennis tom]

Bleach Alternative detergent does a strong job with most stains, and your manservant won't have to worry about the colors.

Nothin' works as good as bleach to make your whites look like new--but, it's dangerous to use it on anything that has any color in it like designer logos.

Hey, I don't have a manservant--I'm not a rich tenured professor--I wash my tidy-whities in the bathroom basin or while they're on me showering to conserve soap and water.

 

[sureshs]

Nothin' works as good as bleach to make your whites look like new--but, it's dangerous to use it on anything that has any color in it like designer logos.

Hey, I don't have a manservant--I'm not a rich tenured professor--I wash my unmentionables in the bathroom basin or while I'm showering to conserve soap and water.

LOL tenured profs are not rich

 

[OnTheLine]

Just as one can enjoy tennis without owning whites and being an elitist, one can enjoy mountain biking without owning specialized cycling clothes and being an elitist.

Am I not a "real" mountain biker because I only bike 2000 miles a year in increments closer to 10 miles at a time? I live in the SE US, so access to high mountains is limited, and due to inconsiderate drivers, my family does load the bikes on a rack and drive to the trailheads. There are lots of local mountain biking loops under 10 miles. Not everyone can live in a place like Colorado.

I probably don't play enough tennis (or the right kind of tennis) to qualify as a "real" tennis player either. But in 2018 I managed to win two county wide tournaments (1 in men's singles and 1 in MxD) and to take 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in state wide events (men's singles and MxD).

Perhaps I'm not a "real" angler, because I fished less than 20 times. But I'll be eating redfish weekly for the next 6 months from my last trip, and my YouTube fishing channel got over 100,000 views in the past year.

I suppose I'm not a real shooter either, since I don't own specialized shooting clothes. But I've coached national champions in two different NRA shooting disciplines, and in spite of aging eyes and other challenges, I possess and NRA "Master" classification in my favorite discipline. (NRA Master is essentially the equivalent of an NTRP rating of 5.0.)

Elitists can always set arbitrary standards for admission to their clubs. No thanks. I'll just keep enjoying myself and staying fit with my chosen recreational activities. I haven't the time nor inclination to meet the stupid standards of others, much less own white tennis apparel. (I do own a number of fishing shirts, though.)

You are probably complaining to my comment about taking tennis "seriously" versus just playing ... At no point did I say someone who doesn't play seriously with an aim for improvement and putting in a lot of court time isn't a "real" tennis player just that their monetary needs for the sport are different from the casual player.

BUT, deriding others for what they spend on tennis (or any sport) by calling them elitists (classic insult by the conservative types to rally their uneducated base) is pretty sad.

BTW my father who played in the 60s-80s, and a poorly paid tenured professor ... had his tennis whites. There were no whites-only clubs that he played at ... he played at a park or at the university ... but he played in all whites as did just about everyone.

If you think you are somehow morally superior for not having specialized clothing for any sport ... enjoy the ride. (but without the padded biking shorts, make it a short ride)

 

[tennis tom]

LOL tenured profs are not rich

Hey, anyone who makes a dollar more then I do is rich!

 

[sureshs]

(but without the padded biking shorts, make it a short ride)

I have heard that men can be permanently affected down there if they don't take adequate precautions when cycling

 

[tennis tom]

BUT, deriding others for what they spend on tennis (or any sport) by calling them elitists (classic insult by the conservative types to rally their uneducated base) is pretty sad.

Hey, I thought "the elites' were the "rich" Republicans hanging out at the country club who voted for Bush--now I'm getting confused--I got to get out my S.I. Hayakawa.

 

[tennis tom]

I have heard that men can be permanently affected down there if they don't take adequate precautions when cycling

There's been a lot of commercials on TV of late advertising meds for Peyronie's Disease; and with the increase in bike riding--coincidence, or no?

 

[sureshs]

Not being sarcastic, MathGeek, you sound like a very accomplished recreational renaissance man! I don't think wearing whites has anything to do with being "elitist"--it comes from being traditional. I've seen plenty of players at public courts in the olden days who wore whites--it was the tradition coming from practical needs. Prior to Addidas and Nke, etc, there was no other choice of tennis wear--you basicly had a choice of Wilson or Dunlop. White reflected heat and didn't show sweat, you could bleach it with real bleach and it looked bright forever. Now, if you bleach stuff it fades the colors. The collar absorbed perspiration and kept your neck cool. The open buttoned front allowed the chest and the neck area to dissipate heat versus a crew collar. Tennis whites just came from poorer economic times when there wasn't the explosion of money into the game, then Nike came out with all the wild designs for Agassi. Whites came out of time when players let their rackets do the talking and not their ensembles.

Adidas Stan Smith shoes were only available in white, right? They used to be called keds back then.

So were the Adidas Rod Laver ones.

 

[tennis tom]

Adidas Stan Smith shoes were only available in white, right? They used to be called keds back then.

So were the Adidas Rod Laver ones.

In my day, all you had were Converse All-Stars (prior to their retro-revival) for $8.00, and if you had the money Jack Purcell PF Flyers for $13.00 which had a little more support. Then things went really crazy in the 60's and 70's when the green soled Dunlops came in from limeyland, and then the Tretorns came over from Sweden in white or blue--the rest is history.

 

[OnTheLine]

In my day, all you had were Converse All-Stars (prior to their retro-revival) for $8.00, and if you had the money Jack Purcell PF Flyers for $13.00 which had a little more support. Then things went really crazy in the 60's and 70's when the green soled Dunlops came in from limeyland, and then the Tretorns came over from Sweden in white or blue--the rest is history.

Tretorns ... I had the white with blue ... were my bday present in roughly '83 ... the all leather version which I very carefully kept clean and used the white paste polish on to keep them as perfect as possible until they totally fell apart a few years later

 

[tennis tom]

Yep, Tretorns were the MOST comfortable shoe, for a few sets--then the that wonderful cushy insole squished down. I wore the white canvas ones until the blue colored ones came out--very light weight! Tom Brown wore them to make those little white scratch marks near the hash mark when he served, dragging his toe when the rules were you had to keep both feet on the ground when serving. As for their pressure-less balls, I think I may still have a can--probably good as new after 40 years--they had no pressure--never could figure out what to do with them, they didn't take off like their shoes did. I have a retro pair of Jack Purcells I bought for Woodies & Whites--no support what-so-ever, but I can deal with it for one or two tournaments a year with an orthotic stuck in--can't run anymore anyway so can't do much harm.

 

[sureshs]

Yep, Tretorns were the MOST comfortable shoe, for a few sets--then the that wonderful cushy insole squished down. I wore the white canvas ones until the blue colored ones came out--very light weight! Tom Brown wore them to make those little white scratch marks near the hash mark when he served, dragging his toe when the rules were you had to keep both feet on the ground when serving. As for their pressure-less balls, I think I may still have a can--probably good as new after 40 years--they had no pressure--never could figure out what to do with them, they didn't take off like their shoes did. I have a retro pair of Jack Purcells I bought for Woodies & Whites--no support what-so-ever, but I can deal with it for one or two tournaments a year with an orthotic stuck in--can't run anymore anyway so can't do much harm.

I found a photo of you:

 

[MathGeek]

Not being sarcastic, MathGeek, you sound like a very accomplished recreational renaissance man! I don't think wearing whites has anything to do with being "elitist"--it comes from being traditional. I've seen plenty of players at public courts in the olden days who wore whites--it was the tradition coming from practical needs.

For me the difference between traditional and elitist is whether one makes a choice to wear whites themselves or one endeavors to force others to wear whites as a condition of participation.

It is fine and dandy if folks want to wear white from a sense of tradition. More power to ya'.

But forcing visitors to wear white to play a league event? That's beyond tradition to elitism.

 

[MathGeek]

You are probably complaining to my comment about taking tennis "seriously" versus just playing ... At no point did I say someone who doesn't play seriously with an aim for improvement and putting in a lot of court time isn't a "real" tennis player just that their monetary needs for the sport are different from the casual player.

BUT, deriding others for what they spend on tennis (or any sport) by calling them elitists (classic insult by the conservative types to rally their uneducated base) is pretty sad.

BTW my father who played in the 60s-80s, and a poorly paid tenured professor ... had his tennis whites. There were no whites-only clubs that he played at ... he played at a park or at the university ... but he played in all whites as did just about everyone.

If you think you are somehow morally superior for not having specialized clothing for any sport ... enjoy the ride. (but without the padded biking shorts, make it a short ride)

No one is elitist for spending money or choosing their tennis attire. I apologize if I gave anyone the impression that was my view. The elitism I am criticizing is the idea that other tennis players should have white available to play in and wear them as a condition of playing as visitors in certain league venues. Spend your own money as you wish. You are an elitist when you begin telling others how to spend theirs as a condition of participation.

 

[Dartagnan64]

For me the difference between traditional and elitist is whether one makes a choice to wear whites themselves or one endeavors to force others to wear whites as a condition of participation.

It is fine and dandy if folks want to wear white from a sense of tradition. More power to ya'.

But forcing visitors to wear white to play a league event? That's beyond tradition to elitism.

I guess than anywhere with a dress code can be accused of elitism.

What you call elitism, I call decorum. Like wearing dark clothes at a funeral. Wearing a shirt and shoes at a public establishment.

Its been a long time since I last went to a meeting or event and didn't ask what the dress code was. Formal attire vs Business attire vs business casual. Clothing expectations are everywhere so I'm not sure where wearing whites to a tennis match at a private club falls out of this common norm of today's society. Are you folks all self employed truck drivers? Otherwise I'm sure you've been to events or places with dress codes and expectations. This isn't really different. Every guest i've invited to our club has had no issue with the all whites requirement and many comment that it looks nice to see everyone playing tennis in white clothing.

 

[tennis tom]

But forcing visitors to wear white to play a league event? That's beyond tradition to elitism.

I'm getting confused now whether "elites" refers to conservatives or liberals, donkeys or elephants, blues or reds, bloods or crips--I would not call it "elitist" to require guests at fancy clubs to dress according to the rules that they require of their members--I would term it more customary--it is their custom. I would compare it to if you are doing a yoga class where the custom is to be barefoot. You can do practically all yoga asanas with footwear--although socks might make some of them slippery, but no reason one can't do a head-stand with their shoes on. I've taken many a yoga class and have yet to see one person with shoes on or protest that they would not--it's just the custom and has some practical aspects. I have witnessed one of the foremost yoga teachers on the planet chew the living hell out of an attendee at a yoga "convention" in front of about 400 practitioners in an auditorium for having the temerity to even bring their shoes onto the floor, near their mat, not checking them outside at the shoe racks.

I wouldn't think of yoga as an elitist sport, yet it has some clothing, or lack there of, requirements. Yoga is thought of as a gentle practice here, but the guru (a lady) was quite vociferous about it and I felt embarrassed for the poor attendee. It is still the custom in many professional businesses to wear a suit and tie, except maybe on casual Friday--although I don't think that would work if you were a lawyer in a court of law. One may refuse to go along with the workplace dress code, but the HR department might be giving one a jingle to discuss it. A player has the choice not to play a match at a venue where they disagree with their rules, regulations or policies, the team captain is responsible to let his charges know of these venue specific requirements as part of their administrative duties being a team captain. Usually these clubs are accommodating in giving a loaner shirt, I'm not so sure about the shorts, or you could purchase one in their pro-shop.

 

[sureshs]

I wouldn't think of yoga as an elitist sport, yet it has some clothing, or lack there of, requirements.

The "lack thereof" makes it quite interesting to watch.

 

[sureshs]

I have witnessed one of the foremost yoga teachers on the planet chew the living hell out of an attendee at a yoga "convention" in front of about 400 practitioners in an auditorium for having the temerity to even bring their shoes onto the floor, near their mat, not checking them outside at the shoe racks.

The reason for that is historical in nature. In the old agricultural society in tropical surroundings, people insisted on guests taking off footwear and washing their feet before entering a home. The hot climate made it impractical to wear fully-enclosing footwear, and there were no antibiotic sprays and wipes in those days. So footwear inside the home or place of worship was a no-no. Eventually, it began to be perceived as an insult.

 

[tennis tom]

I wouldn't think of yoga as an elitist sport, yet it has some clothing, or lack there of, requirements

The "lack thereof" makes it quite interesting to watch.

I'm trying to remember, if while doing yoga at Harbin Hotsprings, we were clothed or not?--it was quite a while back. I know the watsu was nude, and those cooking in the communal kitchen were naked--got to watch out for those hot oil spatters, ouch!--but I don't remember about the yoga. Unfortunately, they didn't have a tennis court at Harbin.

 

[silentkman]

You should be practicing your serve instead.

You need to practice your lines.

 

[Nacho]

Do you think clubs should be allowed to insist that visiting opponents play in all white as required by their club rules?
Given most guys I play with never wear white shorts in particular this seems an imposition for League matches as opposed to casual guests.
I speak as a player in the Greater London (UK) area where there are still a few clubs with all white rules.

The tradition of wearing White started because white clothing, in a time when there was no such thing as tennis specific clothing, was less reflective of the heat and more comfortable to play in. White clothing was also more expensive, and considered a color worn by the elite. because of this it became the "traditional" color worn by clubs. So, there really is no reason to wear white except to hold to the elitist tradition.

Personally, I think its silly, and there are other clothing rules clubs can enforce besides wearing white (Tennis only attire, collard shirts, no large logos etc). Seems to me like white may be an outdated tradition born from an elite mindset.

I think it appropriate to suggest if a club is going to participate in a league, with other clubs that do not have this standard, they can relax the whites for visiting clubs and maybe only require a collard shirt or something.

However, its their club. And if a group of clubs is going to allow them in a league, then by default they are accepting to play under these circumstances. So unless the league wants to take some action, you gotta wear your whites. I don't think its too big a deal unless in the case of shoes, where I think this can be a burden on some players; or with beginner or rec. players who may not want to invest in much tennis clothing.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I think it appropriate to suggest if a club is going to participate in a league, with other clubs that do not have this standard, they can relax the whites for visiting clubs and maybe only require a collard shirt or something.

You've never been a member of an white clothes-only tennis club have you? OMG, letting other clubs come in and flaunt the all white tradition would go down like a fart in church. There would be immediate calls from the old guard to enforce the rules, complaints would come pouring in, calls for the tennis committees heads on a pike. It would be mayhem.

Tradition for many of these clubs is everything. Humans are nostalgic creatures and anyone trying to screw with 100 year old traditions, no matter the reason for the tradition, is going to be met with a high level of NIMBYism.

We live in a world where a lot of nice traditions are steadily dying. I'm as nostalgic and sentimental as anyone and am fine with any club that wants to keep with a time honored tradition like White tennis clothes. You damned iconoclasts can play tennis elsewhere

 

[Nacho]

You've never been a member of an white clothes-only tennis club have you?

I have as a matter of fact, Grass court only too.... but not sure what that has to do with anything

OMG, letting other clubs come in and flaunt the all white tradition would go down like a fart in church. There would be immediate calls from the old guard to enforce the rules, complaints would come pouring in, calls for the tennis committees heads on a pike. It would be mayhem.

I indicated that, less eloquently

Tradition for many of these clubs is everything. Humans are nostalgic creatures and anyone trying to screw with 100 year old traditions, no matter the reason for the tradition, is going to be met with a high level of NIMBYism.

Totally agree. But, if most members understood the tradition, how it started and why it was implemented, they may not be as attached to it. Some people are just going to dig in like ticks, thats people.

We live in a world where a lot of nice traditions are steadily dying. I'm as nostalgic and sentimental as anyone and am fine with any club that wants to keep with a time honored tradition like White tennis clothes. You damned iconoclasts can play tennis elsewhere

Hey, I like traditions too. And I do think that players can be asked to dress properly for tennis. Some clubs find it easier to manage an all white policy....Really doesn't bug me personally I got lots of White stuff, and bigger problems in tennis. But, if people gave some thought to why this became a tradition they may think about it a little further; thats all I am saying

 

[toby55555]

Actually I believe on a side note that the LTA (UK governing body) won’t give low interest loans to clubs that enforce an all white rule for their own members. The LTA want more kids playing etc and see this as off putting. However the clubs that have all white are usually so wealthy they couldn’t care less (Queens, Wimbledon, Hurlingham, Cumberland, St George’s etc etc).

 

[silentkman]

I'm getting confused now whether "elites" refers to conservatives or liberals, donkeys or elephants, blues or reds, bloods or crips--I would not call it "elitist" to require guests at fancy clubs to dress according to the rules that they require of their members--I would term it more customary--it is their custom. I would compare it to if you are doing a yoga class where the custom is to be barefoot. You can do practically all yoga asanas with footwear--although socks might make some of them slippery, but no reason one can't do a head-stand with their shoes on. I've taken many a yoga class and have yet to see one person with shoes on or protest that they would not--it's just the custom and has some practical aspects. I have witnessed one of the foremost yoga teachers on the planet chew the living hell out of an attendee at a yoga "convention" in front of about 400 practitioners in an auditorium for having the temerity to even bring their shoes onto the floor, near their mat, not checking them outside at the shoe racks.

I wouldn't think of yoga as an elitist sport, yet it has some clothing, or lack there of, requirements. Yoga is thought of as a gentle practice here, but the guru (a lady) was quite vociferous about it and I felt embarrassed for the poor attendee. It is still the custom in many professional businesses to wear a suit and tie, except maybe on casual Friday--although I don't think that would work if you were a lawyer in a court of law. One may refuse to go along with the workplace dress code, but the HR department might be giving one a jingle to discuss it. A player has the choice not to play a match at a venue where they disagree with their rules, regulations or policies, the team captain is responsible to let his charges know of these venue specific requirements as part of their administrative duties being a team captain. Usually these clubs are accommodating in giving a loaner shirt, I'm not so sure about the shorts, or you could purchase one in their pro-shop.

Just an horrible analogy.

 

[silentkman]

Actually I believe on a side note that the LTA (UK governing body) won’t give low interest loans to clubs that enforce an all white rule for their own members. The LTA want more kids playing etc and see this as off putting. However the clubs that have all white are usually so wealthy they couldn’t care less (Queens, Wimbledon, Hurlingham, Cumberland, St George’s etc etc).

interesting

 

[tennis tom]

Just an horrible analogy.

Took ya' two weeks to come up with a 4 word reply to my treatise--you could have at least said it was a deplorable analogy --your brain cells are going full bore aren't they.

BTW, I checked out Marshalls just 4 u--they have some great deals on white shorts and shirts for $20-30 that could get u into a nice place to play tennis on the cheap--Under Armour, Perry Ellis--they even have pleated tennis skirts for $19--enjoy!

 

[silentkman]

Took ya' two weeks to come up with a 4 word reply to my treatise--you could have at least said it was a deplorable analogy --your brain cells are going full bore aren't they.

BTW, I checked out Marshalls just 4 u--they have some great deals on white shorts and shirts for $20-30 that could get u into a nice place to play tennis on the cheap--Under Armour, Perry Ellis--they even have pleated tennis skirts for $19--enjoy!

You need to stop while you are behind. I don't spend 24/7 on these boards like you. Perry Ellis?

 

[tennis tom]

Perry Ellis?

FYI : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perry_Ellis

I thought this thread was about tennis whites expressing "elitist" white privilege. I've proven that purchasing whites is as affordable or even more so then patterns and solids, there's pics of Kramer wearing a white t-shirt. Who dresses you--Prada?

PS, there was a bloke at the club today playing a league match as a guest wearing the most ugly shirt and shorts I have ever seen--he was a mess too, resembled the unabomber--I should have taken a picture--what a MESS! Out of a minimal amount of respect being a guest a semi-public/private club--or out of self-respect and representing a team, you'd think he would look in a mirror once a decade. But, he was probably expressing his non-conformity by being a mess.

The Unabomber was actually better groomed and looked more dapper in his prison outfit :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Kaczynski​

 

[tennis tom]

How timely and apropos to this discussion ! :

http://www.princetennis.com/press-1​

 

[tennis tom]

PRINCE Whiteout racquet designed for Lucas Pouille :

​

 

[sureshs]

^^^ From the above:

"As for the all-white-that's a rule that comes courtesy of the All-England Club, which hosts the tournament. The idea was that seeing sweat stains (more visible through colored clothing) was considered vulgar, and the notion of "tennis whites" became a thing."

Is this really true?

 

[tennis tom]

"Don't let them see ya' sweat!"

 

[Deleted member 23235]

You've never been a member of an white clothes-only tennis club have you? OMG, letting other clubs come in and flaunt the all white tradition would go down like a fart in church. There would be immediate calls from the old guard to enforce the rules, complaints would come pouring in, calls for the tennis committees heads on a pike. It would be mayhem.

Tradition for many of these clubs is everything. Humans are nostalgic creatures and anyone trying to screw with 100 year old traditions, no matter the reason for the tradition, is going to be met with a high level of NIMBYism.

We live in a world where a lot of nice traditions are steadily dying. I'm as nostalgic and sentimental as anyone and am fine with any club that wants to keep with a time honored tradition like White tennis clothes. You damned iconoclasts can play tennis elsewhere

traditions that make sense and meaning, are universal, and tend to live forever, because they serve a purpose... but traditions for the sake of holding onto the past... is dumb,.. and is also how members of the ruling elite (ie. kings) hold onto power when they've long outlived their usefulness (to serve the people).

 

[tennis tom]

...but traditions for the sake of holding onto the past... is dumb,..

Agree wholeheartedly, wearing tennis clothes has no purpose in this age of SP70 sunblocks, they are just encumbering and hinder total range of motion--ALL those wearing ANY clothing on the courts are showing off their wealth and ability to purchase clothing, that those in poverty can't afford. Expensive sun-blocking products need to be banned also, like Neutrogena, or those from expensive beauty product companies. I personally stick to generics, like cocoa butter mixed with baby oil and iodine when I go fully kombat on the kourts. Clothing of any sort on the court is an anachronism that was championed by monarchs like Henry the 8th and Marie-Antoinette--in fact, playing tennis in any sort or fashion is akin to wanting to identify with the elite ruling classes--pickleball, ping-pong, and corn-hole are the emerging sports for the rising proletariat.--VIVA LA REVOLUCIO'N!

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Agree wholeheartedly, wearing tennis clothes has no purpose in this age of SP70 sunblocks, they are just encumbering and hinder total range of motion--ALL those wearing ANY clothing on the courts are showing off their wealth and ability to purchase clothing, that those in poverty can't afford. Expensive sun-blocking products need to be banned also, like Neutrogena, or those from expensive beauty product companies. I personally stick to generics, like cocoa butter mixed with baby oil and iodine when I go fully kombat on the kourts. Clothing of any sort on the court is an anachronism that was championed by monarchs like Henry the 8th and Marie-Antoinette--in fact, playing tennis in any sort or fashion is akin to wanting to identify with the elite ruling classes--pickleball, ping-pong, and corn-hole are the emerging sports for the rising proletariat.--VIVA LA REVOLUCIO'N!

glad you’re on board. you can be the general of my army spearheading the fight for this cause... I of course being the king. viva sport au naturelle!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[silentkman]

​

FYI : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perry_Ellis

I thought this thread was about tennis whites expressing "elitist" white privilege. I've proven that purchasing whites is as affordable or even more so then patterns and solids, there's pics of Kramer wearing a white t-shirt. Who dresses you--Prada?

PS, there was a bloke at the club today playing a league match as a guest wearing the most ugly shirt and shorts I have ever seen--he was a mess too, resembled the unabomber--I should have taken a picture--what a MESS! Out of a minimal amount of respect being a guest a semi-public/private club--or out of self-respect and representing a team, you'd think he would look in a mirror once a decade. But, he was probably expressing his non-conformity by being a mess.

The Unabomber was actually better groomed and looked more dapper in his prison outfit :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Kaczynski​

I would gather that most people know Perry Ellis. I'm not aware of any Perry Ellis tennis outfits. The bloke was a mess, and your point is? Your arguments are getting weaker by the moment. Prada does not carry any tennis outfits either.

 

[tennis tom]

...and your point is?

My point IS : wearing white is the most egalitarian expression of fashion there is. You can't tell the size of the wallet between the magnate from the son of the club's maintenance man. In fact many champions were the children of workers at "elite" private tennis clubs who were fostered by the club's members--Pancho Seguera is one that comes to mind and there are many others. I've seen pics of Kramer wearing generic white t-shirts. You don't have to wear whites with fancy logos that hint of wealth. My point is you can go to a Marshalls and find generic white collared shirts and shorts, for under $20, that will be PERFECTLY suitable to play at an old line club who's members wish to carry on the tradition--you are a guest, you can choose not to attend the event. If cost is a problem there are thrift stores where you can find whites for a dollar or two that were lightly worn by the "elites" who donated from their closets.

 

[silentkman]

This article seems to contradict your points. I'm cool wearing white shirts, totally against wearing white shorts and shoes.

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/08/why-do-tennis-players-wear-white/260785/

This from the the tennis Hall of fame website

One early tennis fashion consideration has persisted to the modern day, at least on the tradition-heavy grounds of Wimbledon; all white clothing was de rigeur for early tennis players, and considered particularly imperative for women. The idea that a woman should be seen perspiring was simply unimaginable, and fancy and colorful outfits—especially those made of silk or satin—failed in this regard.

This is interesting also.

https://www.tennisfame.com/foundingclubs/reciprocity

 

[tennis tom]

...totally against wearing white shorts and shoes.

If you accidentally poop your pants or aren't that fastidious in the personal hygiene area, wearing white shorts could be an embarrassment. I did once witness such an incident and it wasn't pretty--the bloke was mentally off in other departments and maybe he forgot to wipe. I recommend Charmin, if it works for the bears, it'll probably work for tennis players too.

It's good to take hard stands on important issues, you've drawn your bottom line on not wearing white shorts--good luck sticking it to Wimby--personally I'm still hoping to play there in the Vets division someday--I've got my whites all lined up.

 

[sureshs]

If you accidentally poop your pants or aren't that fastidious in the personal hygiene area, wearing white shorts could be an embarrassment. I did once witness such an incident and it wasn't pretty--the bloke was mentally off in other departments and maybe he forgot to wipe. I recommend Charmin, if it works for the bears, it'll probably work for tennis players too.

It's good to take hard stands on important issues, you've drawn your bottom line on not wearing white shorts--good luck sticking it to Wimby--personally I'm still hoping to play there in the Vets division someday--I've got my whites all lined up.

Yeah we have already covered anal leakage

 

[tennis tom]

Yeah we have already covered anal leakage

The topic can never be covered enough--like improving your tennis, repetition is the key to hygienic success. Leakage disasters are preventable with focus and practice.