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An 80s Tennis Player Costume? You Cannot Be Serious!

2 Men wearing John McEnroe 80s Tennis Star Costumes

While most people opt for a pop star theme when dressing up for an 80s party or event, one option that is a little more original is to dress like an 80s tennis player. The costumes I'm about to show are obviously based on John McEnroe, and I'm dead serious!

The short-tempered tennis star became infamous for his confrontational behaviour towards the umpire during the 1980s, screaming "Answer my question! The question, jerk!" (when he angrily threw his racket at the juice cart) and "You can't be serious man, you cannot be serious!" when he thought the umpire had made a bad call about the ball being out. He was often booed by the crowds for his rants, but it was hugely entertaining to watch! Embed from Getty Images

The look above is the one you should aim for, and this is the most iconic.

So let's take a look at the fancy dress costume options available...

Retro Tennis Player Costume By Widmann, John McEnroe Wimbledon Style

 

John McEnroe 80s Tennis Player Costume, Red White and BlueRetro 80s Tennis Player Blue Tracksuit Costume for MenJohn Mcenroe 80s Tennis Player Wig with HeadbandNike Court Royale Trainers as worn by John McEnroe

 

The white T-shirt and shorts outfit with red and blue stripes is based on McEnroe's Wimbledon outfit and comes in three sizes for men. It comes with the T-shirt, shorts, wristbands and headband. The 80s tracksuit costume comes in five sizes, but does not include any accessories. A tracksuit is worn by tennis players before and after the match, so it's a nice alternative look, or you could just use it to create a 1980s fitness costume.

Add some white tube or sports socks. White tube socks with a single red band are the most authentic but hard to find, but red and blue stripes also look authentically 80s. Now add some cheap white trainers or pumps and you have completed your look. You may also wish to carry a tennis racquet, too, if you have one or know someone who does.

The exact footwear that the tennis star wore were Nike Trainers and featured a blue tick on the sides. You can buy them new as Nike Court Royale, as shown above, although they are pretty expensive. But if you want to be truly authentic then you may want to treat yourself, and you will have a decent pair of retro trainers that you can wear casually or for sports. They are actually similar to the trainers worn by Marty McFly in Back To The Future, except they had a red tick.

Your best option is, of course, to wear the trainers you already have, or buy a cheap pair of white canvas trainers

Tommy Hilfiger Men's White Sports Socks with red and blue bandsTommy Hilfiger Men's White Sports Socks with red and blue bandsUnisex Knee High Tube Socks White and RedUnisex Knee High Tube Socks White and Red

 

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