For Jodhi Meares, founder of Australian athleisure label The Upside, movement should always be fun. Heading to the gym or signing up for a hot yoga class is great, but there’s something so joyous about letting your guard down and leaning into play. And, what better way to work up a sweat and deliver a healthy dose of endorphins than a game or two of tennis?
This summer, The Upside has teamed up with iconic Australian brand Volley to get you moving. Launching just as tennis season hits full swing, the collaboration sees two pairs of heritage-inspired tennis shoes: a high top and a low top in white, with navy and red details. These styles are available to shop exclusively from The Upside, Volley and Stylerunner.
Why Volley? “It’s a brand with a great sense of nostalgia … synonymous with Australian tennis culture,” Meares says. “I remember them being a big part of life growing up, they were the shoes to have.”
A complementing capsule of ready-to-wear garments and accessories rounds out this season’s tennis collection from The Upside. There’s the Love Fay Dress, Matchpoint Ash Skort and Love Charlie Skirt, as well as socks, sweatbands and a terry towelling visor to cap off your look.
“The first tennis collection that we designed was based on some beautiful pieces I found in a vintage store in Argentina,” says Meares. “That was about six years ago and we’ve stayed true to that retro aesthetic in our designs ever since.”
An important pillar of the brand, the capsule highlights the function-meets-fashion ethos Meares has worked to cultivate. Technical fabrics are key for performance, but having pieces that work with your lifestyle is what makes leisurewear so pleasurable.
“Look for quality pieces with artful details that you can really have fun with and embrace your individual style. We want to be able to support people in their pursuit for a joyful, happy, healthy life,” Meares says.
Throw the Palmer Louis Sweater over your shoulders for a post-match drink or let the Matchpoint Gracie Mini slot into your summer dress rotation off the court.
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