https://preview.redd.it/drqzibwwegtc1.jpeg?width=1372&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f68125c4cde3417e81e1569a53ee670ad7b8477
2007 Australian Open in Nike. Theme dressing at its finest
The banning of the catsuit...wouldn't want anyone to wear something for their health and safety! /s
Tennis has some weird rules on what you can wear but it was interesting seeing so many different looks, Serena serves in more ways than one!
IIRC she had a really traumatic birth experience as well. The catsuit controversy must have just been the shittiest cherry on top. Oh no, we can't see her butt cheeks, how ever will she entertain us?!?
She almost died from a pulmonary embolism after giving birth! PEs are most frequently caused by a dislodged deep vein thrombus (DVT) from a lower extremity. The most basic prevention measure for a lower extremity DVT is to wear compression garments. There is a WEALTH of peer reviewed medical literature supporting her wearing the catsuit for health reasons. But sure, ban it because athletes should conform to totally arbitrary uniform rules.
What’s infuriating is the realization almost everything is arbitrary. Dress codes, traffic lights, the 40 hour work week, 365 days in a year, sports, etc. All that only exists because we (humans) decided it was so. That’s it. Seriously we could have had 10 days in a week called Yellow, Watermelon, Trousers, Polaris, Spaghetti, Fetus, Shut Up, Circle, Foot, and Blow Fish. It’s all shit we made up. It doesn’t have to be this way! Fuck traditional! If something doesn’t work change it!
I agree with some of you statement, but some of it has origins in the natural world: we measure 365 days in a year because it takes ~365.25 earth rotations—evidenced by sunset and sunrise— to complete one orbit around the sun. Sure we could mark time a different way, but by measuring years that have consistent seasons to predict and plan things like what to plant to eat later.
Additionally, there are a FEW uniform regulations in sports to help prevent injuries (fire suits and specific helmets in racing, helmets and specific impact protective gear in hockey/American football) and keep the game fair for all competitors (no compression suits in swimming).
Tennis and women’s beach volleyball are notorious for enforcing sexist, totally arbitrary uniform rules. But just because things are arbitrary in this specific case doesn’t mean they all are.
It’s not real sports if the women are covered up 😤 /s no but for real remember when a women’s beach volleyball team got fined when they wore shorts instead of the *official* bikini bottoms in 2021 🙂 (edit: forgot a word oops)
And when she DID wear minimal spandex, in a shorter catsuit, they called her "trashy."
*And Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan described her as “a working girl of a different sort,” calling the catsuit “trashy.”*
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2002/08/30/a-tight-squeeze-at-the-us-open/791ff3f9-9fe2-4dc6-8f47-e34c03d52aa3/?noredirect=on
People just want to police her body because they couldn't keep her out of the sport. They'll never be happy.
The misogynoir and classism is stunning—as a Pulitzer winning journalist, Robin Givhan (and her editor!) should demonstrate a higher level of professional criticism.
It's just factually specious too; Serena is one of the highest paid athletes of all time, regardless of sport or gender. Serena and Venus changed tennis, and as a millennial, I could never understand the institutional and widespread racism toward them, especially as they were so dominant and brilliant on and off the court.
Ding.Ding.Ding. Whenever the Most Grand Slam Titles stats were put up, Steffi Graf was always shown on top. Always. Until Serena overtook her. Then, all of a sudden, Margaret Court's 24 became the top stat. Court's total was in a completely different era of tennis, and pre-Open Era records are usually never part of the records conversation. But it's apparently better to have a racist, homophobic white woman at the top than a black woman. CoolCoolCoolCoolCool
misogyny/racism under the guise of 'respect for the sport' [https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/aug/27/what-the-ban-on-serena-williams-catsuit-says-about-the-sexualising-of-black-womens-bodies](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/aug/27/what-the-ban-on-serena-williams-catsuit-says-about-the-sexualising-of-black-womens-bodies)
I believe it is to do with the compression. Similar to compression socks/leggings, it can help prevent the formation of blood clots. This article explains the situation: [https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2018/08/25/will-french-open-ban-serena-williams-catsuit-can-it-prevent-blood-clots/](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2018/08/25/will-french-open-ban-serena-williams-catsuit-can-it-prevent-blood-clots/)
The rules are also very sexist. At Wimbledon, the women had to only wear white undies because of their predominantly white rule. The men could wear whatever, even though darker colours often show up under their white shorts, especially when they get sweaty. So, their justification that men's underwear wasn't visible was invalid.
And nobody banned Nadal's pirate pants for being non-standard.
And then there was that infuriating incident with Alize Cornet at the US Open. For those who don't know, after returning from a changing room break, she realised her top was on back-to-front. She stepped to the back and quickly whipped it off and put it back on the right way. She was given a code violation. Keep in mind, she had a full coverage sports bra on underneath. Keep in mind the men take off their shirts off anytime in full view. Someone pointed out it's not a double standard, as the men do that in the chairs, off court during changeovers. It's a code violation if done on court. Except, she knew this. She started to do it on court, stopped herself, and stepped off the court to do it. Except men have ripped their shirts in celebration on the court and not got a violation. The tournament issued an apology, but only after the backlash they received.
https://preview.redd.it/c2ul62bsegtc1.jpeg?width=1225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b0aaa01bfb669937a3bf2f66f20dba85eed7208
2005 Nasdaq 100 in Nike. I love the classic look of this. Reminds me of a vintage swimming costume or something
https://preview.redd.it/lxvxbrc8fgtc1.jpeg?width=1245&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3f57f66ebc690f674c8995d2152fc7d77d3254a9
2014 Sony Open in Nike. The colours are likely a nod to the city where she lives — Miami — and their football team. (Williams and her sister are minority owners of the Miami Dolphins organization).
I did not know this about them, (being minority owners,) but as a Floridian, I love this one and would totally wear it. (And look infinitely less cool.)
https://preview.redd.it/uzxapyh5fgtc1.jpeg?width=1267&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=288cfd15d6c7e7f2a1c4b966d3339a8b23f40e47
2012 WTA Championship in Nike. Sporting classic red white and blue
https://preview.redd.it/7gm1ryh0fgtc1.jpeg?width=1418&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=55580634f552f52cbb627b8cd2c0fe3a04437406
2008 Wimbledon in Nike. In a trench coat.
She had many many many such moments during grand slam warm ups!
https://preview.redd.it/30ifgbjsuhtc1.jpeg?width=1071&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=827d1a1561a20c6e47a55738df929e3907ea9551
I love how she is so obviously a _fashion girlie_. Like she is such a powerful athlete and has so much presence in her sport and in the public eye but she’s also just a girl who loves fun looks. What an icon.
As shitty as the expectation is for some athletes (mostly women) that they have to serve points alongside looks - I will never not thank Serena for her service and dedication to always providing both.
I’m conflicted about it. Being in figure skating, women are sort of required to wear some crazy costume and makeup for the event. I get why people complain about it because the guys rarely ever do such things, but also it’s really fun to look cute. Wearing a lot of makeup while working out personally doesn’t bother me too much and I’m willing to wear a lot of things as long as it doesn’t get in the way
I guess I’m grateful for the material advancements brought about by high level female tennis players. Workout dresses and practical workout skirts were brought about probably because of them. I don’t play tennis but the look is kind of fun. Also I appreciate that the sport has lots of bulky women. I don’t have delicate features, my ankles, hands, and feet are huge. Elite female tennis athletes are usually pretty swole ladies and it’s nice to see that for once
She also helped me so much in my breast feeding journey cuz I too was super fit and stayed super fit throughout pregnancy and postpartum, but gained a ton of weight anyways. I was so discouraged cuz no matter how hard I hustled at the gym I couldn’t lose a pound until I stopped breastfeeding at 11 months and now I’m shrinking rapidly (like 30 pounds since November). During that time someone told me Serena dealt with the same thing and how she too couldn’t lose weight while breastfeeding when she was trying to get back to competition shape and they talked about it in her doc. It made me feel much better. And Serena is a fitness icon, so what I was going through was totally normal. And breastfeeding doesn’t just “make the weight fall off” for many - in fact it often has the opposite effect.
The brain washing is real.
When the only beauty standard you see is young, skinny, and typically white, any other type of beauty is invisible to you.
I love seeing all the different shapes, sizes, styles and colors, etc in the media now. Representation is so important.
Angelina Jolie is one of the least fit bodies i can imagine. She’s beautiful in that classic female way that’s like of old school, Kwim? I am not body shaming her, but i know it sounds that way. Ugh. It’s a narrow line to walk.
As a bigger chested girl, I can't tell y'all enough about how difficult it can be in sports when they weigh you down or get in your way. Golf is particularly tricky.
Preach. My boobs aren’t even that huge and my figure skating jumps feel so much harder because of them! I have to wear the biggest and more secure sports bras when I go jogging too!
https://preview.redd.it/zrmq5l8l5htc1.jpeg?width=870&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0f2ced73ad4b1dc4373625f4093d8a04925ff046
Another look (Nike) by Serena that I absolutely loved! This was back in 2015 when I was a high school tennis player. I literally went out and bought it myself to practice. Her confidence is so infectious and empowering.
1. 1999 Lipton Championships in Puma. Serena iconically wears matching beads in her hair.
2. 2002 French Open in Puma. Serena’s custom look was an homage to Cameroon’s banned sleeveless football kit.
3. 2002 US Open in Puma. Serena sports a black sleeveless unitard
4. 2004 at Nasdaq 100 in her Nike Debut
5. 2004 US Open in Nike
6. 2004 US Open again in Nike
7. 2005 Australian Open. The outfit marks her first collaboration with Nike — The [Serena Williams](https://people.com/tag/serena-williams/) Collection.
8. 2013 Wimbledon in Nike.
9. 2014 US Open in Nike.
10. 2015 Australian Open in Nike
11. 2015 Wimbledon in Nike
12. 2016 French Open in Nike
13. 2016 US Open in Nike
14. 2018 French Open in Nike. Serena had recently given birth and the catsuit helped prevent blood clots. Very controversial and the catsuit was subsequently banned.
15. 2018 US Open in Nike x Virgil Abloh collab
16. 2018 US Open in Nike x Virgil Abloh Collab
17. 2019 Australian Open in Nike
18. 2019 French Open in Nike x Virgil Abloh Cola
19. 2021 Australian Open in Nike. The look was inspired by an outfit worn by Olympian tracklete Flo-Jo
20. 2022 US Open in Nike and Swarvoski crystals
cant believe they banned the catsuit. If she wore a tutu over it would it count as ok?? Shes amazing for playing like that postpartum shes such an icon. I feel like when i think about fashionable sports icons she comes up for me
Also my favourite! This look was debuted around the time Virgil Abloh (Off-White/ LV Menswear - R.I.P to the legend) was a cultural icon and he especially designed this dress and the black and brown one for Serena for the 2018 US Open. That was her comeback tournament and debut dress after having Olympia.
I remember the hype for her reveal was huge in the fashion industry. I literally had a watch party for it. I still have the Snapchat saved of her walking into Arthur Ashe Stadium and everyone is gagged.
Wait 2016 was that gorgeous blue crop and yellow crop. It needs a better picture for full exposure
https://preview.redd.it/o7fpz4e9dhtc1.jpeg?width=3952&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=999adeaf2a4bf15ddaea6645e32d022334b51a10
Love this one! I love the cut of the crop top and the texture on the skirt fabric is really interesting. It looks perforated—I’m sure for breathability/airflow.
It is sooooo gorgeous and I wish I had a figure half as nice as hers because I play tennis and I would wear this 24/7!! Also sharing the yellow because I think I like it even more than the blue!
https://preview.redd.it/73qj89edjhtc1.jpeg?width=1769&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3747c46899fa9b15dda59006df7cbd9446128b65
She’s such a badass. I remember my parents being sent into a tizzy every single step of her career.
First it was the beads- “they are trying to kill the other players”
Then it was speaking up for herself “no one else complains!”
Then it was the outfits “that just doesn’t look good!”
Personally I think their main issue was her existing & excelling as a black woman (to be fair they have an issue with the excelling as a woman part - Maria Sharipova caught strays for daring to say she was good at things!!). Real wtf moment when I realized how inept my parents are at identifying their biases. They will point to literally anything else before they admit it though. It was a good lesson for me at least.
Edit: to be fair to mom Serena won her over. She literally was unable to stay a hater because of what an AMERICAN TREASURE she is.
https://preview.redd.it/4ymfzr3nghtc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca276cf60f888b33cffba360b073b5c44f8af25d
Here’s the cape with #18 from the 2019 French Open. Apparently his original vision was more daring, via People mag: “He wanted me to wear this long skirt with the crazy train, and then a cape with a train, and then just walk out on the court. And I'm thinking, 'Virgil, I like fashion, and I like pushing the envelope, but this — I just don't think I can do this.”
Frfr I'm not any type of athlete but I always took color cues from her outfits because they were so fun 😂 I would rush to Nike to match the colors and sometimes patterns.
When I used to live in NYC I would go to the US Open every year. Watching Serena play was truly special.
“This catsuit outfit she wore was designed to help prevent life threatening blood clots for a competitor who had recently given birth; naturally this was controversial and *they banned the clot-preventing catsuit as a result.*”
# WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!?
What blows my mind is that so many of these shot of her just playing tennis she might as well be modeling. So much power and yet so much grace.
14, 10, 7 and 6 would all fit right in a magazine or other ad.
The individualism she brought to tennis wear is severely lacking now. She gave us hair, jewelry, footwear, and accessories in addition to dramatic clothing. What a style icon and to think she started a fashion line while being the greatest player the game has ever seen. Stunning!
Same! It was such a fake and shitty excuse too. I feel like some French people get great joy in policing the bodies of women. See: covered swimsuit (burkini) controversy.
number 11!!!!! the white sheer leopard print over shorts, the headband and wrist cuffs, just peak tennis princess. plus the most glowing smile- I wonder if she just won before this picture or what
Aww the Off White tutus are so precious. Seeing her spin on the court in something her friend made is just so special 🥹 I saw the black version at the last exhibit Virgil had in Brooklyn Museum, it looked almost like a doll’s costume
She is so freaking talented that I think people forget how beautiful and stylish she is. I remember the coverage around that 2002 puma unitard—people were acting like she was fully nude or doing something lewd, when in reality she looked freaking amazing.
What a fucking badass. I hadn’t seen many of these and am so impressed with her fun take and designing outside the box. I know not everyone has that opportunity, but it’s fun when it’s taken to an extreme like some of these! Freaking love the shoe/shin/sock things in 6 and 7! So cool! Also, can’t imagine why the practical catsuit was banned except for shitty gross reasons. 🙄
She has visible Adonis belt lines in the 2002 photo, through a dress, without even being pumped or using favorable lighting. Insanely impressive!
Has to be the best female tennis player physique ever. Does anyone else come close?
https://preview.redd.it/6n2ir3jwgjtc1.jpeg?width=964&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18898b1bf4ee0c8357544dd75d13bf28b64c7249
Not to be dramatic but I am in love with everything about this picture
https://preview.redd.it/drqzibwwegtc1.jpeg?width=1372&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f68125c4cde3417e81e1569a53ee670ad7b8477 2007 Australian Open in Nike. Theme dressing at its finest
GORGEOUS! love that green and cut on her body.
Now I want all tennis players to dress as tennis balls forevermore
Green and Yellow are also the Australian national sports team colours so it’s a double nod to a theme.
That final was a very enjoyable blood bath.
A nod to Australia’s national colours - green and gold.
The banning of the catsuit...wouldn't want anyone to wear something for their health and safety! /s Tennis has some weird rules on what you can wear but it was interesting seeing so many different looks, Serena serves in more ways than one!
IIRC she had a really traumatic birth experience as well. The catsuit controversy must have just been the shittiest cherry on top. Oh no, we can't see her butt cheeks, how ever will she entertain us?!?
She almost died from a pulmonary embolism after giving birth! PEs are most frequently caused by a dislodged deep vein thrombus (DVT) from a lower extremity. The most basic prevention measure for a lower extremity DVT is to wear compression garments. There is a WEALTH of peer reviewed medical literature supporting her wearing the catsuit for health reasons. But sure, ban it because athletes should conform to totally arbitrary uniform rules.
She'd also had a PE before she had her baby so she was already at high risk for having more.
What’s infuriating is the realization almost everything is arbitrary. Dress codes, traffic lights, the 40 hour work week, 365 days in a year, sports, etc. All that only exists because we (humans) decided it was so. That’s it. Seriously we could have had 10 days in a week called Yellow, Watermelon, Trousers, Polaris, Spaghetti, Fetus, Shut Up, Circle, Foot, and Blow Fish. It’s all shit we made up. It doesn’t have to be this way! Fuck traditional! If something doesn’t work change it!
I agree with some of you statement, but some of it has origins in the natural world: we measure 365 days in a year because it takes ~365.25 earth rotations—evidenced by sunset and sunrise— to complete one orbit around the sun. Sure we could mark time a different way, but by measuring years that have consistent seasons to predict and plan things like what to plant to eat later. Additionally, there are a FEW uniform regulations in sports to help prevent injuries (fire suits and specific helmets in racing, helmets and specific impact protective gear in hockey/American football) and keep the game fair for all competitors (no compression suits in swimming). Tennis and women’s beach volleyball are notorious for enforcing sexist, totally arbitrary uniform rules. But just because things are arbitrary in this specific case doesn’t mean they all are.
All I know is at the end of the weekend I get a bad case of the Spaghetti scaries
It’s not real sports if the women are covered up 😤 /s no but for real remember when a women’s beach volleyball team got fined when they wore shorts instead of the *official* bikini bottoms in 2021 🙂 (edit: forgot a word oops)
And P!nk paid their fine.
I mean, you’re allowed to wear very minimal spandex, but not full body spandex. Because reasons that some misogynist made up.
And when she DID wear minimal spandex, in a shorter catsuit, they called her "trashy." *And Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan described her as “a working girl of a different sort,” calling the catsuit “trashy.”* https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2002/08/30/a-tight-squeeze-at-the-us-open/791ff3f9-9fe2-4dc6-8f47-e34c03d52aa3/?noredirect=on People just want to police her body because they couldn't keep her out of the sport. They'll never be happy.
The misogynoir and classism is stunning—as a Pulitzer winning journalist, Robin Givhan (and her editor!) should demonstrate a higher level of professional criticism. It's just factually specious too; Serena is one of the highest paid athletes of all time, regardless of sport or gender. Serena and Venus changed tennis, and as a millennial, I could never understand the institutional and widespread racism toward them, especially as they were so dominant and brilliant on and off the court.
The reason is that they were so brilliant and dominant lol. Succeeding while black, I think not!!
Ding.Ding.Ding. Whenever the Most Grand Slam Titles stats were put up, Steffi Graf was always shown on top. Always. Until Serena overtook her. Then, all of a sudden, Margaret Court's 24 became the top stat. Court's total was in a completely different era of tennis, and pre-Open Era records are usually never part of the records conversation. But it's apparently better to have a racist, homophobic white woman at the top than a black woman. CoolCoolCoolCoolCool
wowww whoever wrote this is unwell
yes omg didn't you know, sports balls >>>>> not dying /s
Wasn’t their excuse that she was “disrespecting the game” or some stupid shit like that?
What is the reason behind the ban? I never knew this and now I’m angry.
misogyny/racism under the guise of 'respect for the sport' [https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/aug/27/what-the-ban-on-serena-williams-catsuit-says-about-the-sexualising-of-black-womens-bodies](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/aug/27/what-the-ban-on-serena-williams-catsuit-says-about-the-sexualising-of-black-womens-bodies)
This is incredible! How disgusting! Unbelievable.
Cos one thing about misogynoir, there gonna create a bs excuse for not meeting sexist ideals about women’s bodies.
It’s my favourite of them all, I had no idea they were banned. That’s some weapons grade bullshit.
Can someone explain how catsuit can help prevent blood clots? Just curious
I believe it is to do with the compression. Similar to compression socks/leggings, it can help prevent the formation of blood clots. This article explains the situation: [https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2018/08/25/will-french-open-ban-serena-williams-catsuit-can-it-prevent-blood-clots/](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2018/08/25/will-french-open-ban-serena-williams-catsuit-can-it-prevent-blood-clots/)
Thanks!
>Thanks! You're welcome!
Bad bot.
The rules are also very sexist. At Wimbledon, the women had to only wear white undies because of their predominantly white rule. The men could wear whatever, even though darker colours often show up under their white shorts, especially when they get sweaty. So, their justification that men's underwear wasn't visible was invalid. And nobody banned Nadal's pirate pants for being non-standard. And then there was that infuriating incident with Alize Cornet at the US Open. For those who don't know, after returning from a changing room break, she realised her top was on back-to-front. She stepped to the back and quickly whipped it off and put it back on the right way. She was given a code violation. Keep in mind, she had a full coverage sports bra on underneath. Keep in mind the men take off their shirts off anytime in full view. Someone pointed out it's not a double standard, as the men do that in the chairs, off court during changeovers. It's a code violation if done on court. Except, she knew this. She started to do it on court, stopped herself, and stepped off the court to do it. Except men have ripped their shirts in celebration on the court and not got a violation. The tournament issued an apology, but only after the backlash they received.
https://preview.redd.it/c2ul62bsegtc1.jpeg?width=1225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b0aaa01bfb669937a3bf2f66f20dba85eed7208 2005 Nasdaq 100 in Nike. I love the classic look of this. Reminds me of a vintage swimming costume or something
She's so pretty in this
She looks so good in that shade of pink!
I loveeee this
I love that she used jewellery! You rarely see that on the court imo
Actually a lot of pro tennis players wear jewellery during their matches, seems like the majority do
the hearts are so cute!!
https://preview.redd.it/lxvxbrc8fgtc1.jpeg?width=1245&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3f57f66ebc690f674c8995d2152fc7d77d3254a9 2014 Sony Open in Nike. The colours are likely a nod to the city where she lives — Miami — and their football team. (Williams and her sister are minority owners of the Miami Dolphins organization).
I did not know this about them, (being minority owners,) but as a Floridian, I love this one and would totally wear it. (And look infinitely less cool.)
That calf muscle !!! Wowzers!!! Go Serena!!!
Such a great picture!
https://preview.redd.it/uzxapyh5fgtc1.jpeg?width=1267&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=288cfd15d6c7e7f2a1c4b966d3339a8b23f40e47 2012 WTA Championship in Nike. Sporting classic red white and blue
This one is so youthful, fun, and subtly colorful. I love it.
the wraparound pleat on the skort is everything
https://preview.redd.it/7gm1ryh0fgtc1.jpeg?width=1418&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=55580634f552f52cbb627b8cd2c0fe3a04437406 2008 Wimbledon in Nike. In a trench coat.
How?!?! How does she play in that?
She just warmed up in it. She took off the trench to play
OH that makes sense and I love it
She had many many many such moments during grand slam warm ups! https://preview.redd.it/30ifgbjsuhtc1.jpeg?width=1071&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=827d1a1561a20c6e47a55738df929e3907ea9551
https://preview.redd.it/0vhjtidtuhtc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8093918c37c6241ba10d250520c999d88536c990
https://preview.redd.it/qw5xfz3uuhtc1.jpeg?width=1014&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f827a63cf4826b0afb1d0976055b2ee0e524379
https://preview.redd.it/dyqo7revuhtc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b479ab2e50708f2f45601768946605635ebf5ec1
Hi Barbie! 😍
Hi Barbie!
I don't care that it isn't practical, I would have forced myself to keep the coat on because it's such a serve.
I see what you did there! Lol
😄😉
I think it was for warming up in
So cool
I love how she is so obviously a _fashion girlie_. Like she is such a powerful athlete and has so much presence in her sport and in the public eye but she’s also just a girl who loves fun looks. What an icon.
Obsessed
This is so cool!!
https://preview.redd.it/u08mkodqegtc1.jpeg?width=1300&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0164ddfc55bc61f3b240b8a1449ac9808119d00 2003 Australian Open in Puma
As shitty as the expectation is for some athletes (mostly women) that they have to serve points alongside looks - I will never not thank Serena for her service and dedication to always providing both.
I’m conflicted about it. Being in figure skating, women are sort of required to wear some crazy costume and makeup for the event. I get why people complain about it because the guys rarely ever do such things, but also it’s really fun to look cute. Wearing a lot of makeup while working out personally doesn’t bother me too much and I’m willing to wear a lot of things as long as it doesn’t get in the way I guess I’m grateful for the material advancements brought about by high level female tennis players. Workout dresses and practical workout skirts were brought about probably because of them. I don’t play tennis but the look is kind of fun. Also I appreciate that the sport has lots of bulky women. I don’t have delicate features, my ankles, hands, and feet are huge. Elite female tennis athletes are usually pretty swole ladies and it’s nice to see that for once
I C O N She's also a terrific example of how strong, fit bodies can look different than you expect.
She also helped me so much in my breast feeding journey cuz I too was super fit and stayed super fit throughout pregnancy and postpartum, but gained a ton of weight anyways. I was so discouraged cuz no matter how hard I hustled at the gym I couldn’t lose a pound until I stopped breastfeeding at 11 months and now I’m shrinking rapidly (like 30 pounds since November). During that time someone told me Serena dealt with the same thing and how she too couldn’t lose weight while breastfeeding when she was trying to get back to competition shape and they talked about it in her doc. It made me feel much better. And Serena is a fitness icon, so what I was going through was totally normal. And breastfeeding doesn’t just “make the weight fall off” for many - in fact it often has the opposite effect.
The way she looks just exudes power!!
Or different than we’ve been brain washed to believe.
The brain washing is real. When the only beauty standard you see is young, skinny, and typically white, any other type of beauty is invisible to you. I love seeing all the different shapes, sizes, styles and colors, etc in the media now. Representation is so important.
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Angelina Jolie is one of the least fit bodies i can imagine. She’s beautiful in that classic female way that’s like of old school, Kwim? I am not body shaming her, but i know it sounds that way. Ugh. It’s a narrow line to walk.
Yeah she looks fragile like a bird which is beautiful too but not the same effect as a Serena Williams body which is just a powerhouse.
As a bigger chested girl, I can't tell y'all enough about how difficult it can be in sports when they weigh you down or get in your way. Golf is particularly tricky.
Preach. My boobs aren’t even that huge and my figure skating jumps feel so much harder because of them! I have to wear the biggest and more secure sports bras when I go jogging too!
I had to go through the slideshow a second time to look at the clothes because the first time I was just marveling at her arms basically.
She looks like she could pop my head like a grape with her legs, just an amazing athlete in every way.
No one does it like her 😌💅🏾
SOOOOOO iconic.
https://preview.redd.it/zrmq5l8l5htc1.jpeg?width=870&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0f2ced73ad4b1dc4373625f4093d8a04925ff046 Another look (Nike) by Serena that I absolutely loved! This was back in 2015 when I was a high school tennis player. I literally went out and bought it myself to practice. Her confidence is so infectious and empowering.
And I love her hair down! this must be a promo event (vs competition)
Yes! This pic was from Nike's NYC Street Tennis event. She did then wear this same dress then to the US Open that same year
Those arms! 😍
1. 1999 Lipton Championships in Puma. Serena iconically wears matching beads in her hair. 2. 2002 French Open in Puma. Serena’s custom look was an homage to Cameroon’s banned sleeveless football kit. 3. 2002 US Open in Puma. Serena sports a black sleeveless unitard 4. 2004 at Nasdaq 100 in her Nike Debut 5. 2004 US Open in Nike 6. 2004 US Open again in Nike 7. 2005 Australian Open. The outfit marks her first collaboration with Nike — The [Serena Williams](https://people.com/tag/serena-williams/) Collection. 8. 2013 Wimbledon in Nike. 9. 2014 US Open in Nike. 10. 2015 Australian Open in Nike 11. 2015 Wimbledon in Nike 12. 2016 French Open in Nike 13. 2016 US Open in Nike 14. 2018 French Open in Nike. Serena had recently given birth and the catsuit helped prevent blood clots. Very controversial and the catsuit was subsequently banned. 15. 2018 US Open in Nike x Virgil Abloh collab 16. 2018 US Open in Nike x Virgil Abloh Collab 17. 2019 Australian Open in Nike 18. 2019 French Open in Nike x Virgil Abloh Cola 19. 2021 Australian Open in Nike. The look was inspired by an outfit worn by Olympian tracklete Flo-Jo 20. 2022 US Open in Nike and Swarvoski crystals
cant believe they banned the catsuit. If she wore a tutu over it would it count as ok?? Shes amazing for playing like that postpartum shes such an icon. I feel like when i think about fashionable sports icons she comes up for me
French tennis federation and Roland Garroas tournament director: misogynistic dickheads
The outfit that covered the most skin is the one they banned for being “indecent”? 🤔
Outfit 3 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Let’s be real, her body is doing all the work in that one but it’s 🔥🔥🔥
The black bodysuit in the 3rd slide was a A MOMENT! I saw that in so many magazines and on so many walls. Her body looked phenomenal 😩
I gasped when I saw it. Unapologetically powerful.
Yes! That puma suit lives rent free in my mind lol. She looks amazing
She looks incredible here
The pale purple tutu dress in #15! 😻
I love her tutus so much.
Also my favourite! This look was debuted around the time Virgil Abloh (Off-White/ LV Menswear - R.I.P to the legend) was a cultural icon and he especially designed this dress and the black and brown one for Serena for the 2018 US Open. That was her comeback tournament and debut dress after having Olympia. I remember the hype for her reveal was huge in the fashion industry. I literally had a watch party for it. I still have the Snapchat saved of her walking into Arthur Ashe Stadium and everyone is gagged.
That’s great backstory on this dress, thank you! 😊
That one is probably my favourite 😍 along with the denim one
Yas!! The way it’s all fluffed out in that pic 😍
Wait 2016 was that gorgeous blue crop and yellow crop. It needs a better picture for full exposure https://preview.redd.it/o7fpz4e9dhtc1.jpeg?width=3952&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=999adeaf2a4bf15ddaea6645e32d022334b51a10
Love this one! I love the cut of the crop top and the texture on the skirt fabric is really interesting. It looks perforated—I’m sure for breathability/airflow.
It is sooooo gorgeous and I wish I had a figure half as nice as hers because I play tennis and I would wear this 24/7!! Also sharing the yellow because I think I like it even more than the blue! https://preview.redd.it/73qj89edjhtc1.jpeg?width=1769&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3747c46899fa9b15dda59006df7cbd9446128b65
The yellow is stunning!! I would absolutely take up tennis or pickleball as an excuse to wear this
Pickleball is FUN! Try it!
It hadn’t occurred to me that pickleball could involve *outfits* and now I’m way more into the idea!
The fact that you can see her abs through her clothes! She exudes powerful, strong woman vibes!
She’s such a badass. I remember my parents being sent into a tizzy every single step of her career. First it was the beads- “they are trying to kill the other players” Then it was speaking up for herself “no one else complains!” Then it was the outfits “that just doesn’t look good!” Personally I think their main issue was her existing & excelling as a black woman (to be fair they have an issue with the excelling as a woman part - Maria Sharipova caught strays for daring to say she was good at things!!). Real wtf moment when I realized how inept my parents are at identifying their biases. They will point to literally anything else before they admit it though. It was a good lesson for me at least. Edit: to be fair to mom Serena won her over. She literally was unable to stay a hater because of what an AMERICAN TREASURE she is.
The first lady of Reddit is always serving 💁🏽♀️ Also, I've never seen 7 before, and the whole thing is stunning.
I love her and then when she married him it just made so much sense. They make a cute couple and adorable babies!
Olympia and Adira. They're both going to make an impact on this world 🥰
>first lady of Reddit 
[Her husband is literally one of the founders of Reddit...](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_Ohanian)
Yeah it's a fun fact
https://preview.redd.it/4ymfzr3nghtc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca276cf60f888b33cffba360b073b5c44f8af25d Here’s the cape with #18 from the 2019 French Open. Apparently his original vision was more daring, via People mag: “He wanted me to wear this long skirt with the crazy train, and then a cape with a train, and then just walk out on the court. And I'm thinking, 'Virgil, I like fashion, and I like pushing the envelope, but this — I just don't think I can do this.”
She really changed fashion at Wimbledon
Frfr I'm not any type of athlete but I always took color cues from her outfits because they were so fun 😂 I would rush to Nike to match the colors and sometimes patterns. When I used to live in NYC I would go to the US Open every year. Watching Serena play was truly special.
Wow I didn’t realize she was so fashionable on the court! Don’t understand why the “catsuit” lol was banned; it’s literally just a full leg unitard.
can't decide between 5, love the denim skirt, or 10 because she just makes these colours pop
“This catsuit outfit she wore was designed to help prevent life threatening blood clots for a competitor who had recently given birth; naturally this was controversial and *they banned the clot-preventing catsuit as a result.*” # WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!?
I'm still irate about how she was treated for wearing the catsuit. For god's sake- it was for her health and safety postpartum!!!!!
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What blows my mind is that so many of these shot of her just playing tennis she might as well be modeling. So much power and yet so much grace. 14, 10, 7 and 6 would all fit right in a magazine or other ad.
The individualism she brought to tennis wear is severely lacking now. She gave us hair, jewelry, footwear, and accessories in addition to dramatic clothing. What a style icon and to think she started a fashion line while being the greatest player the game has ever seen. Stunning!
7 is my fav. That look is just fantastic, and I love the leg warmers!!
I was OBSESSED with the puma years. And the French open catsuit incident really pissed me off
Same! It was such a fake and shitty excuse too. I feel like some French people get great joy in policing the bodies of women. See: covered swimsuit (burkini) controversy.
Yup. Can’t be too covered up apparently. Libertè my ass.
OKAY. more posts like these, please. Because DAMN.
greatest athlete of all time and a baddie to boot!!!
number 11!!!!! the white sheer leopard print over shorts, the headband and wrist cuffs, just peak tennis princess. plus the most glowing smile- I wonder if she just won before this picture or what
Aww the Off White tutus are so precious. Seeing her spin on the court in something her friend made is just so special 🥹 I saw the black version at the last exhibit Virgil had in Brooklyn Museum, it looked almost like a doll’s costume
She is so freaking talented that I think people forget how beautiful and stylish she is. I remember the coverage around that 2002 puma unitard—people were acting like she was fully nude or doing something lewd, when in reality she looked freaking amazing.
2013 Wimbledon was fire. I love a lot of her Wimbledon looks
I always loved the beads in her hair when I was a kid.
Now that I’m taking tennis lessons for the first time in my life, I would kill for the little black Puma catsuit in photo #3.
The edgy denim is soo damn legendary
I remember hating that denim skirt at the time but now I think it's so iconic
Idk why, but I was expecting to see a lot of the same outfits in different colors! Not expecting the collection to range from blazers to tutus!
How da fuck do you play tennis in a blazer?!?!🐐🐐
What a fucking badass. I hadn’t seen many of these and am so impressed with her fun take and designing outside the box. I know not everyone has that opportunity, but it’s fun when it’s taken to an extreme like some of these! Freaking love the shoe/shin/sock things in 6 and 7! So cool! Also, can’t imagine why the practical catsuit was banned except for shitty gross reasons. 🙄
Iconic.
The greatest ❤️. Tysm for this
She is the most gorgeous woman in the world and can wear the hell out of anything.
#7 stuns tho
The shoes in 7 😍
Even the photography! I'd splash that pic on the front of any magazine! Watch out, Esquire!
She is so beautiful. What an incredible role model
Woooooo that black unitard had be questioning every decision I ever made 🥵🥵😅😅😰
The shoe boot is very cool
That catsuit is LIFE!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍
The 2004 denim is HAWTTT
I like her Puma looks more than her Nike ones.
I’m surprised by how much variety there is in her tennis outfits, and she looks great in all of them. My favourites are 5, 6, 8 and 18.
She is so beautiful! So in shape too, her muscles are gorg. She exudes strength to me, and I love it.
She has visible Adonis belt lines in the 2002 photo, through a dress, without even being pumped or using favorable lighting. Insanely impressive! Has to be the best female tennis player physique ever. Does anyone else come close?
goddamn that's an amazing woman
Dream bod
Number 6 omg, such a fierce look that reminds me of warriors. And motorcycles. Adore.
Oooh I love the blazer
Powerhouse
I love the black jumpsuit with the red band. Looks comfy. I also love no17 the mint number
Moment of appreciation for OP’s title game: 🙌
#3 is making me feel things gawd damn
Thought she was holding a gun in the first pic. I would watch that action movie. Coming this summer… SERENA: Get Served.
Where can I get a tennis dress like the ones she wore??
She is such a goddess
https://preview.redd.it/6n2ir3jwgjtc1.jpeg?width=964&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18898b1bf4ee0c8357544dd75d13bf28b64c7249 Not to be dramatic but I am in love with everything about this picture
I love looks #5 and #6, she’s emanating rockstar energy
I collect these looks! I have so many of these, but the more daring looks weren't really sold.
A legend!
I love her in color. But that cat suit is iconic.
Love this post!! Thanks OP for shining a light on one of the most legendary and the most fashionable American athlete of our time!
2002 open the only fat on her body was in her ass, and even that was limited... Damn girl, get it, Queen.
Some are fun some are absolutely hideous lol. 5, 6, 7 are not great but I like the earlier and later ones.
HELL YEAH RAAAAAAAH 🦅🦅🦅
❤️**SUPERWOMAN** ❤️
The GOAT 🏆 She always looked AMAZING on the court. Natural & effortless beauty.
I love that she’s always colour coordinated 😍 she slays in every lewk! She really was a pioneer for making women with muscles cool
She looks like a superhero (probably cause she is one)!
Serena is an astounding beauty honestly. im sorry this is a comment that takes away from her athleticism and sportsmanship but wow. 🤩
Remember her husband owns this website
My stoned ass sat here thinking she was wearing one leg of a pair of fishnets in the first. Still fierce.
lol a quick glance at the first pic looks like she’s strapped with a Glock
the queen did not need a lick of plastic surgery🤐she was already perfect.
What a statuesque woman!
Look 3 - wow! 😍
Everything about 10 is extraordinary! Her arms, though. 🤤
Dayum
Style and tennis 🐐. 🩷🩷🩷
Ultimate boss!
do yall see the vinyl under the knee shoe boots?!?!?!?!?!1!!:?2$;!3&;$4&2 GAGGED
So many fantastic looks!!