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Prints are popping up in the apparel business and consequently we are also seeing them on our tennis pros!  The prints are not as technically complicated as we are seeing in other parts of the fashion business but at least it is a start.  Did you see Rafa and Verdasco sporting this Nike printed t recently?

This type of printed graphic is headed in the right direction. I would like to see the trend of prints and graphics crossover MORE into the tennis world.  It keeps the sport “hip” and competes with the best fashion companies in the world. Prints create motion, excitement and shout for attention.  They can be used for “marketability”. Why not add some spice to the game. Historically, tennis has stuck to classic solids with a punch of “color-blocking” or color trims. Boring!!!  Lacoste is one company that sticks to it’s classic colors with a touch of contrast trim and maybe a stripe here and there.  They offer terrific color options but it is time to mix it UP!

In this time of ever evolving textile technology, prints on sportswear can get very elaborate and make a variety of statements unlike we have seen before. It is easier now to print on fabrics- such as we print photos and paper.  The fashion business is booming with fantastic prints from Prada to Gwen Stefani. A Swiss company (are you reading this Roger?) named Akris has created a stir with its inspiring printed fashions.  Akris’ designer, Albert Kriemler recently used digitally printed photographs for his couture collection.  These powerful prints  have made Akris very successful throughout the world. On this dress below – Kriemler used  a photograph by Jürgen Schreiter of the Wedding Tower in Darmstadt, Germany, reproducing it on clothing with such precision that it’s a tribute to digital-printmaking.

K-Swiss is a leader in some of these “digital prints” – Here they mix color blocking and a digital printed photograph.

Nike is also offering some novelty prints that are rich and colorful.

It is time for street prints, ethnic graphics that  you can already find in skateboard wear and snowboard graphics. It is time for African prints, Batiks,  fractal prints (computer generated art-like prints and others.  It would also be great to see printed “hardwear” and “headwear” in the sport of tennis, too!  No – we don’t need printed logos.

There is enough of that!

Fila is trying here but I think this is a bit “mainstream”.

I want to see someone take more of a risk!  While Adidas, Nike and Fila have made some  small attempts  with this seasons styles I dare them to dig deeper into more creative graphics.

I propose more of of the digitalized photographic prints  and don’t stop with clothing. Stick  prints and graphics  on tennis racquets, caps and visors and shoes. Much like they use prints on surf boards, etc. The tennis world will explode with excitement !  Kick it up a notch! Create an appeal for the youth!