Tennis apparel is still largely built around polyester-based performance fabrics, so new collections can sometimes feel like more of the same. Yonex’s Nature Series takes a slightly different approach, incorporating recycled materials, including used tennis strings.
The idea is simple: give old racquet strings a second life as part of something you can wear on court. And the new pieces look really good.
Men’s Tennis Lineup
For men, the current Nature Series range includes a polo, crewneck top, graphic top and shorts, with prices ranging from $55 to $70.
Nature Series Polo
The polo is probably the most traditional-looking piece of the bunch. It uses a pique construction with a three-button placket, ribbed sleeve cuffs and side vents. The fabric is a 65% cotton / 35% recycled polyester blend, and Yonex lists moisture-wicking properties as well.
There’s also a small embroidered Eco tennis-racquet symbol on the right sleeve – a subtle way of showing that this isn’t just another polo in the Yonex lineup.
Nature Series Top
The crewneck is the more obvious performance piece. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester and uses a heathered fabric with a crewneck and moisture-wicking construction.
It’s a fairly understated design, available in Pearl Beige and Dark Navy, rather than something that screams Grand Slam kit.
Nature Series Graphic Top
There’s also a graphic option, which moves the collection a little further toward everyday wear while retaining the Nature Series aesthetic. It’s perhaps the easiest piece to wear away from the court, although the muted colors mean it still fits naturally alongside the rest of the range.
Nature Series Shorts
The matching shorts are made from 91% recycled polyester and 9% polyurethane, giving them a little stretch for movement around the court. They have side pockets, an internal drawcord and side vents, with an 8.25-inch inseam in a size medium.
Like the tops, the shorts carry the small Eco tennis-racquet detail.
A Different Look for Yonex
The Nature Series also stands out visually.
Instead of the brighter, more tournament-focused colors we’re used to seeing from performance tennis wear, Yonex has gone with a much quieter palette: Pearl Beige, Dark Navy and earthy shades such as Olive Green appear across the range.
Overall, it feels less like tournament merch and more like something designed to work both on and off the court.
Recycled Strings
Yonex says strings used at tournaments are collected and recycled, with recycled racquet strings subsequently incorporated into its Nature Series apparel. The company has highlighted this initiative around its Australian Open stringing operation, where its team handles a huge volume of racquets every year.
Find most pieces of the new Nature Series over at our partners at Tennis Warehouse. At Yonex we can also find Full-zip Jackets, Botanical Long-Sleeve’s and a Nature collection also for women including Nature Series Skirt, Wide-leg Pants and Cropped Jacket.
