THE SUN’S OUT, the kids are off school and everyone is flocking to Melbourne. This can only mean one thing – the Australian Open is right around the corner. Indeed it is, and this year looks like it will be one of the best editions of the tournament in recent memory. Big names young and old will be battling it out, with Novak Djokovic making the trip down under for what could be the last time, Jannik Sinner looking to defend his title, Carlos Alcaraz hoping to complete his set of grand slams and plenty of dark horses ready to spoil the contenders’ parties.
As you can tell, there’s plenty of reasons to get around the tennis this year. But in case you need another, New Balance has just revealed its stylish and performance-focused Australian Open collection. You can expect the performance apparel to be worn by top players on the court to look just as good off it.
Every piece in the new range has been designed with performance in mind, but New Balance was also keenly aware of its aesthetic responsibilities – particularly given the rise of ‘tennis core’ fashion. As a result, the collection blends form and function, with professional-grade performance gear that features colour palettes designed to complement the Australian outdoors, including shades of green, yellow, blue and other neutral tones.
On a more individual level, the pieces don’t just look good, they’re built to be fit for purpose. For starters, there’s the tournament polo, which is crafted to be lightweight and eminently breathable. It also boasts New Balance’s fast-drying fabric technology, NB Dry, to quickly wick moisture away from your body – something that’s all the more important at the hottest grand slam in tennis.
If a polo isn’t your style, a performance tank, a waffle top and an athletics t-shirt also feature in the collection. Comfort is key in all of these products – you can’t perform at your best unless you feel your best – and fast-drying, moisture-wicking fabric, NB Dry, is once again used to make the workout process easier.
As for bottoms, there are two pairs of shorts to choose from. Of the shorts, one is a 7-inch tournament short with four-way stretch. Once again, it makes use of NB Dry fast-drying fabric and even features sculpted pockets designed to hold tennis balls. The other pair is a 5-inch stretch woven short. Here, the focus is on everyday wearability with unbeatable comfort.
Closing out the collection is the outerwear and accessories, including a French terry hoodie, a woven jacket, hats, visors, tote bags, socks and wristbands. All of these are built for everyday, easy wearing but are also suitable for active lifestyles. As always, comfort takes precedent.
That’s the scope of the collection, which underscores New Balance’s commitment to pushing boundaries by merging sports with fashion. See something you like? The full range will be available to shop at New Balance’s retail activation at the Australian Open outside Rod Laver Arena from January 6th. You can also find the range online at newbalance.com.au and australianopenshop.com. Finally, you can shop in person at New Balance’s Melbourne Central and Chadstone stores, as well as select Rebel Sport stores.
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