If you are a tennis fan or have played tennis at a certain level, you might have observed professional tennis players get out of their jackets before a match and then fit right back in before leaving the court at the end of their encounter.
It’s a question we’ve all probably asked ourselves but have yet to find the answer: “Why do tennis players wear a jacket before and after a match?”
Most people who are new to the sport of tennis don’t know why tennis players wear a jacket before and after a match. While it may seem like an unnecessary piece of clothing, it is actually part of the game and is worn for various reasons.
This article explains why tennis players wear a jacket before and after a match. It also covers the different types of tennis jackets.
Tennis players wear jackets before and after matches for many reasons. These are;
- Tennis players wear a jacket before and after a match to keep their muscles warm and disperse the moisture away by absorbing sweat, preventing injuries.
- The jackets also serve as an identifier that distinguishes the different players on the court.
- The players are expected to wear a jacket before and after a tennis match because it is considered good sportsmanship.
- Tennis players have endorsement contracts with high-level brands manufacturers who want their entire clothing line to be seen by the viewing audience.
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Here’s an in-depth explanation on why tennis players wear jackets.
Table of Content
To keep muscles warm
It’s common knowledge that tennis players wear a jacket before and after a match to keep the muscles warm, preventing injury. A cold muscle is more likely to pull or sprain, so wearing clothes with a high warmth factor will save you from any unnecessary strains or pulls that could keep you off the court for weeks at a time.
But how? And why are some jackets better than others? The following will explain the science behind how the body keeps itself warm.
The body regulates its temperature using two different processes: conduction and convection.
Conduction usually happens when your body temperature is lower than your environment temperature. As you sweat and temperatures rise, the process of convection kicks in to help you regulate your temperature at a comfortable level. When you are wearing a jacket, however, the process of conduction kicks in to keep you warm.
The air inside of the jacket provides a layer that helps you to stay warm.
This is why your body generates more heat when you wear a jacket than when you’re wearing your shirt or tennis vest without a jacket. Tennis jackets are made from all kinds of fabrics with varying features, so there’s always something perfect for anyone who wants to feel comfortable while playing.
To distinguish the different players on the court
The next time you watch a tournament or Wimbledon match on TV – pay close attention! You’ll see that every player has their personalized jacket with their name written across their backs for easy identification from all other players.
It is considered good sportsmanship
This probably won’t surprise you, but jackets also allow players to look more professional than if they were to just go out and play without one!
In other words, if a player in a tournament were not wearing his jacket, his opponent would have a better chance of knowing that he was not as serious about playing as he possibly could be!
Endorsement contracts with sports companies
The most common opinion surrounding wearing a jacket before and after matches is that it’s due to endorsement contracts between the game companies and the players.
The color of these jackets usually corresponds with the company that offers them sponsorship – think Nike or Adidas.
If you’ve ever watched Wimbledon during the summer months, you can see that many pros are wearing jackets to maintain their appearance as they walk from the courtside to the press room.
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Types of Tennis Jackets
We should soon have an in-depth piece on the different types of tennis jackets but to give you a bit of an overview, here’s what they could be like.
There are three different types of tennis coats; it’s essential to choose one that is appropriate for your game.
A “Golf” Jacket
A golf jacket is a type of linen jacket made from a very dense, lightweight fabric made out of cotton. It can often be made into different colors or patterns. The outer layer will have additional insulation, and it usually has pockets with elasticized flaps in the front and zippers on the side.
An Overshirt (Tennis Jacket)
The second type of tennis jacket is an overshirt. This type of jacket will have three layers: the first layer will be the tee shirt or tennis vest; the second layer will be a regular cotton or polyester shirt underneath; and the third layer will be a jacket on top, usually made from one of those materials as well.
The vest or tee shirt under your shirt should be made from a soft material to not rub against your skin. The thin cotton shirt you wear on top must also be comfortable to ensure that you don’t experience any chafing. It is also essential to make sure that the shirt is long enough so that it won’t ride up on your body while playing.
A “Tennis Vest.”
Finally, there’s a third type of jacket that can be used as a mid-layer. The tennis vest will have one or two layers made out of very thin material. It will usually have tiny pockets for storage and possibly a hood designed to help keep cool while playing.
It has a reversible exterior and two layers: one made from polyester or nylon, and the other layer made of a very thin, breathable fabric.
When choosing a jacket, it’s important to remember that having multiple types at the same time can be very uncomfortable. There should be a purpose for each jacket you wear; do not add a tennis jacket to an overshirt or overshirt to a tennis vest.
Final Words on Tennis Jackets
In many professional sports, people must dress a certain way. Tennis is no different. Tennis has its own dress code to help with distinguishing between players and spectators from afar. It also helps reduce injuries because it keeps players warm and dry before the game so they can play better as well as recover faster after a match or practice session.
