left: Michele Cosentino, Top Banana Founder and model in Birchy Tennis Dress $185; middle: Courtgirl Matchtime Tennis Towel in pink $30; right: Tennis Dress in Terrazzo $152; DuoKnit Y-Back Bralette in Cool Gray Neon Butterflies $77.00; Tennis Skirt in White Butterflies $102.00
Step up your game! We found some of the very best brands in our own backyard that are tennis dresses that are equally effortless and chic. There’s a lot of high energy around this trend–and we love that so many options are served up in breathable fabrics with pockets! We found some of the best brands that can help spice up your court attire, including local finds like Top Banana and Courtgirl.
www.hellotopbanana.com
1 // TOP BANANA
To be the Top Banana is to be the most important person in the room-also used to describe the headliner at a comedy show, generally the person leading the way and in charge. That is just how Michele Cosentino and her two children saw themselves, only in jest…using humor to navigate through hard times and still come out on top.
Michele felt anything but on top as a tennis player after moving from NYC to Westport CT. In fact, the first time she stepped on the court, she felt an air of tension signaling just how serious this sport was taken by it’s players. Instead, her self-deprecating humor and sense of style helped her soften some of those edges and find a sense of community, joy and friendship with the women she was playing with. Combining her background spent in graphic design and her time at Parsons studying Fashion Design, Michele began going through vintage patterns in search of nostalgia for a simpler time. Some tweaks to old tennis dress patterns (good-bye challenging back zippers, uncomfortable fabrics and sharply structured bras) and soon others were asking to share her creations. Covid hit and Michele and her kids worked on expanding her hobby into a brand, unsure of where it would lead them- but happy to explore the challenge as a family. Soon the banana became their symbol of the joy and humor which was what had what had gotten them through so many challenging experiences in their past.
Top Banana’s tennis essentials are created from recycled fabrics that include SPF, antibacterial and moisture wicking properties in small batches made in NY and CT. Unique styles for the tennis enthusiast that include vintage details like peter pan collars and patch pockets with the signature banana motif are just a few of the styles you will find yourself coveting for center court. You can find them on-line at hellotopbanana.com or at trunk shows around the country. Time to update your look for Match Point!
2 // COURTGIRL
Courtgirl might arguably be more focused on what happens OFF the court than ON…and we couldn’t be more excited about it! Courtgirl searched all over Westchester, The Hamptons and Newport, but they ultimately chose Westport as the location for their first showroom recognizing it was a community with the perfect energy for their raquet enthusiast designer gifting line.
Marina Roshe-an avid club tennis, pickle and paddle player-infuses her understanding of the modern player with the combination of playful comraderie. Courtgirl designs unique gifts, coffee and barware all for the love of raquet sports. Roshe, a former branding specialist for the likes of LACOSTE, Tory Burch and US OPEN wanted to focus more on the social-side of entertaining off the court.
Courtgirls socks, water bottles, towels and bags lend themselves perfectly to fundraiser giveaways or party swag for your next club or team event. Some of our favorite items are the ice breaker coasters (with quirky quotes like “Is it hot in here or is it your backhand?” and swizzle stick drink stirrers topped with score cards and tennis balls. They just released the exclusive Westport tote in honor of the amazing community of court girls. They wanted to celebrate the women “who play, entertain, give and enjoy beautifully designed products”.
Courtgirl is looking forward to hosting events at the space such as US Open watch parties and pop ups. If you are looking for a designer line that fits into your sporty lifestyle, definitely check them out!
3 // TEREZ
Terez’s all new Tennis Collection is designed to be worn on or off the court with styles including tennis dresses, tennis skirts, and matching sports bras. Made in Terez’s signature buttery soft + body-loving TLC (aka tender, love and care) fabric, the collection features colorful and vibrant prints, including butterflies, two-tone gingham, classic black and white checks, ballerina pink, stripes, and more. This collection is perfectly tailored to fit your lifestyle whether you wear it to play tennis, pickleball, out to brunch or even to run errands!
Photographs: courtesy of stores/brands