TennisIDENTITY

Early Spring 2013. Tennis Fashion from Tail.

Tail's November release tennis collections include Pretty Tough, pictured above, and Animal Instincts, two pieces of which are featured below.  Both Spring 2013 groups tie fashion to function in a way that continues to make Tail very popular on rec courts. The brand has a reputation for tennis style that  flatters a wide variety of body types (not that these models have issues, but you know what I mean).

Above radiant dahlia, and mélange gray combine with classic black in fun, color blocked patterns in a variety of cuts. 

Animal print junkies, can take their love to court with the playful zebra print in combination with soft bloom (pinky), optic white and classic black, as above in the Animal Instincts group. Such a fun skirt.

Use each group's separates to create the sleek line of a dress without the reveal problems that can arise when your top and bottom require different sizes. Price points: tops $49-$65, skirts $55-$65, and dress $85. All pieces are easy care with moisture management and sun protection built in.

Find a retailer or buy at TailActivewear.com or Tennis-Warehouse.

For a Flamenco Flaired Win Check out this Tennis Collection from Tail.

Tail's Flamenco Twist collection lends some expressive flamenco flair to court dressing. Red is a power color on its own, add a flared bottom, low cut neckline and racquet in your teeth. Your feet will keep moving if you think about the percussive footwork required.

Pictured is the Flamenco Hot Tamale Dress, $67.00. Tiny metal studs in the black lining at the v modernize the look. This pic doesn't show  it but the hemline is actually adorned with black voile-like trim which picks up the top's insert pulling the look together nicely. This dress is my fav from this group.

The Flamenco Medalist vest is luxe cool (more for travel to and from the court) but I'd never wear it with this dress. It's got an oversized collar and ruched arm holes. Dare I say that this is looking a bit like something Stella McCartney would put out?

It would look great over a long sleeved black top and short or skort and pretty snap over all white as well, $72.00.

Find the pieces and the rest of the collection at Tennis-Warehouse.

A Little Tokyo Time Before London. New from Tail.

Tail has just released its brightly energetic Tokyo Time Collection, all athletic but fun without frills.

Pictured here is the color blocked Tokyo Bonsai tank, $59 and Tokyo Athlete Skort, $55, lollipop red, zest yellow and midnight navy. I love the surprise contrast of the built in shorties.

The entire group ranges in price from $36 to $80. My favs in the group are right here although I do like the white based Lotus dress as well. Everything is performance poly/spandex blend. Mesh panels insure heat control.

Learn more, find a retailer or buy at Tail or Tennis-Warehouse.

Glass Not Fragile. New Tail Moves With Your Tennis Game.

 
Grey, certainly not your usual color for spring, has a strong presence this fashion season. It is super sharp in combination with muted citrus brights as seen in Tail's newest Murano Glass Collection which combines heather grey and a color they call lightening bug in a poly spandex blend fabric. I love the lattimo opaque milk glass inspired color panels on these  pieces.

Pictured above is the Racerback Tank with Compression Bra, $59 USD (removable modesty pads in the bra) and Ravenna Colorblock Skirt with Shorties, $55. The group has 7 different tops, 5 skorts, 2 dresses and capri leggings for those looking for leg coverage in cooler spring temps or for evening play. The Breeze Strapping Jacket, $98 is a great looking complement.

Have to say that this collection would work with the new python print bag I reviewed in March (in white) from Court Couture.

Find the line at Tail or select pieces at Tennis-Warehouse. The Tail site has a store locator that's helpful.

Lookin' good. Style and fit tips for the size 14+ tennis player.

So your body is not a perfect ten and the close fitting athletic styles out there just don't suit your frame. According to the USTA, there were nearly 185,000 female players registered in their 2008 Leagues between the ages of 31 and 75. That's the bulk of USTA team-playing women. Every one of them needs tennis clothes; not all have Ana Ivanovic's body.

Sam Goldberg, a tennis fashion consultant to players and teams around New England, makes a living fitting women who play our game. Goldberg's clients (primarily league teams) are all are avid tennis enthusiasts, most have what Oprah might term a real woman's body.  

"I can size someone up and hand them a great looking outfit within a minute of meeting them," Goldberg says. "Nike and adidas are not well suited to most older women. My favorite brands for this player include: Bolle, Jerdog, Lejay, Fila, LBH and Tail. My clients don't usually want to wear skin tight clothing.They want well-made, comfortable, athletic attire thatis figure forgiving."

Five tips for size 14+ fit success:

1.) V-neck or scoop neck lines are more flattering to a larger frame than crew style necks. Pictured left, for example, is the Bolle Flower Power Court Tank, $45. The longer shirt length is good too.

2.) Pay attention to skirt lengths as well. Manufacturers are making them to suit each age group. "14 inches is nice for coverage" (see the Bolle Basic Skirt left, $40). Goldberg's favorite skirts are the longer ones from Bolle and Tail.

3.) Separates are best for players with "problem" bottom areas. "A small waist/ wide hips concern is very common," she says. "These women should look for a skirt that does not offer the built in shortie (called a skort). Skorts tend to sit too low on the waist for this body type."

 Most manufacturers making skirts offer a shortie separately.

4.) "Tennis clothes are not vanity sized. If you wear a size 14 in street clothes you need an XL in tennis. Size 16? Buy a 1X." Buy the right size and you will not be subject to the effects of skin-tight.

5.) Look to mono chromatic two-piece sets for a look with the most slimming line visually. Contrasting separates tend to break up the body into two chunks.

Sam Goldberg of "Something Special" is available for consult by emailing: gold513 (at) aol.com. She will fit and buy for you or your team. She is based in Rhode Island.

Paint Your Game Colorful with Tennis Style FromTail.

Wimbledon is over. Paint the game colorful again with Tail's Tropical Infusion Collection which offers a flattering color blocked graphic of island manderine and turquoise on navy or white. Pictured left is the Tropical Classic Fit Dress, $99 USD. Mesh on the sides and back insures ventilation.

Look too at Tail's just-released Palm Beach Group for some healthy doses of that perennial summer favorite, pink. Bring on the rainbow and strut your stuff. 

Next in line, Tail will release its Nantucket Collection, adorned with little tennis racquets (a nod to the island's signature whale shorts). This group will appeal to the player who loves old style women's court classics but wants updated style and performance. The fabric is technical, moisture managing soft stretch jersey. Cute ball pockets, ehh?  Preppy but not overly so. Top, $59, bottom, $69.

Find the looks at Tail or Tennis-Warehouse.