Ellesse became popular in the 1970s as a producer of skiwear, such as quilted jackets and ski pants. Then, in 1975, Ellesse launched its first tennis line, swiftly becoming synonymous with the sport.

The line completely transformed tennis apparel’s fit, style, and colour palette, marking an instant triumph and quickly becoming a cornerstone for the tennis community.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Ellesse became renowned for blending the functionality of sportswear with the style of street fashion. It was also one of the first sportswear brands to prominently display its logo on the exterior of its garments.

In the mid-1980s, Ellesse collaborated with French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, marking an early fusion of sportswear and high fashion. The brand surged in popularity as premium sportswear became a staple of British lad culture.

Throughout its illustrious history, Ellesse has been the apparel of choice for tennis icons, elevating the brand to legendary status within the sport.

In January 1980, Ellesse began sponsoring top-ranked tennis players Chris Evert and Guillermo Vilas. In 1985, 17-year-old Boris Becker made tennis history by becoming the youngest player ever to win Wimbledon, clad in what became an iconic Ellesse ensemble.

From Boris Becker's grace to Chris Evert's tenacity, Ellesse has dressed champions who have etched their names in tennis history, including Tommy Haas, Mats Wilander, Pat Cash and Arantxa Sánchez.

In the 1990s, Ellesse continued to be at the centre of tennis courts worldwide but also became a fashion staple, cementing its status as more than just a sports brand, reaching out to new consumers in ever-increasing markets.

n 2014, Ellesse was back on the courts, with tennis players like Elina Svitolina and Tommy Haas donning Ellesse ensembles, and in 2015, the roster expanded to welcome Feliciano López and Mónica Puig.

In 2019, British tennis player Johanna Konta switched sponsors to Ellesse. That year, she reached the semi-finals at the French Open and the quarter-finals at Wimbledon and the US Open.

From its humble beginnings in the Italian Alps to its global prominence on the tennis circuit, the brand's journey reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence. As tennis evolves and fashion trends come and go, Ellesse remains a steadfast symbol of elegance, performance, and the timeless allure of the game.