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ACE THE MOON
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Thank you Covid! I mean, not really of course! But, Ace the Moon was born in 2021, right in the middle of those weird and icky years.
I (Josh) had just moved to Los Angeles, from what seemed like a lifetime in New York City. My long time bestie and a fellow east coast native, Deena, had been out here for several years, working in the entertainment industry.
Everybody was looking for fun activities to do where they could safely be with their friends and loved ones, while being outdoors and getting in a great work out. Tennis and pickleball were like gifts from the gods!
We were playing a ton of tennis on the public courts around Los Angeles. I became a tennis coach, teaching in Santa Monica. We noticed that most people here weren't wearing your typical all white, preppy attire you'd find commonplace on the courts of NYC and the "green grass" clubs all over the country. They'd be donned in oversized vintage concert tees, ripped jogger shorts and of course, Vans!
So we set out to build a brand that spoke to people like us: Still tennis obsessed, but less focused on the hard core competition, and more so on the friendships and community around tennis, the long rallies and the therapy tennis gives us.
We had zero experience in retail, e-commerce or manufacturing when we started this business, and still learning tons every day. We are fortunate Los Angeles' garment manufacturing/apparel industry is one of the strongest in the USA, and we have built an awesome ecosystem of folks around us, from our manufacturers, to our printers, embroiderers and the amazing folks who cut and sew all of our clothing.
The process is complex, costly and time consuming, but we love it all! From making patterns, to sourcing fabric, making samples and going into production. It's a very fulfilling feeling when we make things from scratch and they connect with you guys on a personal level. It's that fuel that keeps us going.
Five years into this endeavor, we don't want to do anything else. Okay, well Deena has a full time job and is pretty darn good at it. I, on the other hand, have found my true passion in running Ace the Moon and building the connections between our favorite sport and American culture.
We are truly blessed to be living this tennis life, both on and off the courts. Let's keep moving things forward, coming to the net and having fun along the journey.
xoxoJosh + Deena
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Our Favorite Made-in-California & Los Angeles Brands to Watch in 2026
by JOSH GETTLER on Jun 22 2026
While so many brands, big and small, choose to do their production overseas, over here at Ace the Moon, we take pride in producing the vast majority of our products in Los Angeles. Because of the fact that we work with local makers and craftsman, we are able to take on a hands-on approach, and ensure that every product we make is of the highest quality. Los Angeles continues to be a mecca for all things fashion and apparel manufacturing. You can drive around areas the size of Manhattan, that are filled with apparel-related businesses such as print shops, garment dye houses, cut & sew factories and the like. At the same time, the apparel industry in Los Angeles is a small and scaling even smaller community (unfortunately). In an ever-growing world of mass produced products made overseas, we feel it's important to keep this industry alive in America and Los Angeles specifically. Here are our picks for some really cool clothing coming out of Los Angeles and our great state of California!
1. Big Bud Press
Made in Los Angeles: Big Bud Press manufactures its apparel in Los Angeles, emphasizing ethical production, quality craftsmanship, and domestic manufacturing.
Bold & Colorful: Known for vibrant colors, gender-neutral fits, and distinctive silhouettes, the brand offers basics that feel fun, expressive, and instantly recognizable.
Cult-Favorite Essentials: From work pants and jumpsuits to heavyweight tees and fleece, Big Bud Press has built a loyal following around durable, everyday pieces designed to last.
Ace the Moon's Pick: The Magic Waters Vintage Tee
Shop Big Bud Press
2. PerfectWhiteTee
Effortless California Basics: Perfectwhitetee specializes in premium everyday essentials designed to feel lived-in, comfortable, and effortlessly wearable.
Elevated Simplicity: Known for exceptionally soft fabrics, flattering fits, and understated styling, the brand focuses on wardrobe staples that can be worn year-round.
Made for Everyday Living: From classic tees and tanks to sweatshirts and loungewear, PerfectWhiteTee delivers timeless pieces that prioritize comfort, quality, and versatility over trends.
Ace the Moon's Pick: Ziggy Reversed Crewneck Sweatshirt
Shop PerfectWhiteTee
3. Sydney Los Angeles
Made in LA. Worn Everywhere. From our iconic Classic Tee to refined everyday essentials, we are here for women who want sophisticated simplicity, premium quality, and a little LA cool in every outfit. Ace the Moon's Pick: The Classic Tee
Shop Sydney Los Angeles
4. Mollusk Surf Shop
Surf culture meets art and music. Small-batch feel. Excellent benchmark for lifestyle storytelling.
Ace the Moon's Pick: The Hemp Ringer Tee
Shop Mollusk Surf Shop
5. Ace the Moon Vintage inspired tennis brand, producing high quality and small batch goods in Los Angeles. Ace the Moon's Pick: The V-Neck Pullover Sweater
Shop Ace the Moon
6. Mokuyobi Mokuyobi is a Los Angeles-based contemporary brand blending nostalgic influences with modern design. From texture-centric and print-forward fabrics to sculptural, functional bags, we prioritize usability and comfort. Made ethically and locally in small batches for women who value color, craft, and live with intention.
Ace the Moon's Pick: The Neon Seas Flyer Backpack Shop Mokuyobi
7. Jungmaven Best For:
Hemp-based apparel. Many garments cut and sewn in Los Angeles. Strong sustainability story. Cult following rather than mass-market appeal.
Ace the Moon's Pick: The Jung Tee
Shop Jungmaven
8. Laurel Canyon Tennis Club Best For: Vintage California tennis cultureMade In: Los Angeles-inspired independent tennis brand If tennis had a Laurel Canyon folk-rock era, this might be the uniform. Laurel Canyon Tennis Club brings together retro California tennis aesthetics, understated graphics, and a laid-back lifestyle sensibility that feels rooted somewhere between public park tennis and 1970s West Coast nostalgia. Rather than leaning overly polished or country-club traditional, the brand feels personal, creative, and quietly cool — exactly the kind of label that earns “Where’d you get that?” questions. For fans of vintage sport style, indie tennis brands, and sun-faded California graphics, this is one worth following. Ace the Moon's Pick: 1972 Unisexy Tennis Shorts in Black
Shop Laurel Canyon Tennis Club
Why “Made in Los Angeles” Matters More Than Ever Los Angeles remains one of the last true apparel manufacturing hubs in America. That means:
Smaller-batch production
Higher quality control
Faster product experimentation
Closer founder involvement
More original storytelling
For shoppers, that often translates into clothing with more personality — less trend-chasing, more intention. And maybe that’s exactly why brands like Ace the Moon, Common Courtesy, and Big Bud Press feel especially relevant right now: they know exactly who they are. Final Serve: One Last Ace the Moon Pick If you're trying Ace the Moon for the first time, start with the Tennis Body Shop Tee. Equal parts vintage auto-shop graphic, tennis humor, and Southern California personality, it’s the kind of shirt someone inevitably asks about after a match.
Explore more apparel handmade in LA by Ace The Moon here!
Our Picks for the Best Tennis Sweatshirts of 2026
by JOSH GETTLER on Jun 16 2026
From warm-up layers to post-match coffee runs, our sweatshirt picks will cover you on the courts and beyond. There’s something about a good tennis sweatshirt. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of vintage country club warmups, the perfectly broken-in crewneck after a long hit, or just having something cozy to throw on after a brisk evening doubles match. The best tennis sweatshirts don’t just perform—they carry a little personality. Some lean heavily on heritage and classic comfort, some are sport-forward, and some blur the lines between court wear and everyday basics. Whether you’re heading to an early clinic, grabbing lunch after league play, or just want to look like you could have played Wimbledon in another life, here are our favorite tennis sweatshirts of 2026. 1. Ace the Moon — “That’s a Good Ball” Crewneck
The unofficial uniform for people who appreciate good tennis and good humor. Ace the Moon’s "That's a Good Ball" crewneck" is made with 100% cotton, and has an adult/unisex fit. The slogan is a constant reminder to keep crushing balls until someone echos the words "that's a good bal!". Made in Los Angeles in small batches, it has that soft, broken-in feel from the very first wear. Throw it on after a morning match or wear it with shorts to dinner and nobody will question it. Best for: Vintage and casual tennis lovers, off-court hangs, post-match beers.
2. Common Courtesy - In the Clouds Hoodie Your new favorite hoodie. Crafted from mid-weight cotton for the perfect balance of structure and softness, it’s designed to layer effortlessly from early mornings at the courts to slow afternoons off-duty. Featuring a graphic that nods to the "in the clouds" feeling you get when you step onto the court, it’s an easy reach every time you open your closet. Materials100% Cotton Best for: Players who want understated tennis style.
3. On Cloud - Club Hoodie
Engineered for life off the track, this sweatshirt is easy and versatile – made for casual comfort. It comes in a variety of colors. Best for: Elevated tennis fashion, on and off the court comfort.
4. Ace the Moon — Score Tube Crewneck
Who's keeping score? Look no further than Ace the Moon's best selling Score Tube crewneck sweatshirt. Made in a unique and gorgeous green, this crew is super soft to the touch and is perfect for your on and off court adventures.
5. Wilson "America Hoodie"
You can’t talk about American tennis without mentioning Wilson. We love these hoodies, made in a dark green with gorgeous embroidery. Best for: Traditional tennis style.
6. Runway Athletics- Tennis Vibes Sweatshirt
Classic Green Knit Sweater 🎾Effortlessly chic. Cozy by design. Sporty at heart. Runway Athletic's Classic Green Knit Sweater is the ultimate pullover for tennis lovers and style enthusiasts alike. Designed with tone-on-tone green racquets applique, it’s a subtle yet sophisticated nod to the sport you love. Made from a soft, wrinkle-resistant poly blend knit, this sweater delivers comfort without sacrificing polish. Whether you’re layering it over your tennis skirt courtside or pairing it with jeans for a relaxed weekend look, it’s your go-to for an elevated, easy outfit. ✨ Why You’ll Love It:
Soft poly blend knit that resists wrinkles and has a poplin knit look.
Tone-on-tone embroidered racquet detail
Flattering, cozy pullover fit
Gorgeous green tones that complement any style
Perfect gift for tennis lovers
Serve looks—and comfort—wherever you go. 💚
7. Ace the Moon — Buttery Soft Sunset Hoodie
Made in small batches in Downtown Los Angeles, these hoodies are as soft as the butter on your toast. They are a unisex fit, and offered in a butter yellow and a soft green.
What Makes a Great Tennis Sweatshirt? The best tennis sweatshirts hit a few key marks:
Comfort: Soft enough to wear for hours after a match
Versatility: Looks good with shorts, sweats, or denim
Tennis personality: A subtle nod to the sport without feeling costume-y
Fit: Relaxed, slightly oversized, easy to layer
At the end of the day, tennis style is personal. Some players want classic country-club minimalism. Others want vintage graphics and a little personality. We tend to believe there’s room for both. And if your sweatshirt looks just as good courtside as it does grabbing tacos afterward? Even better.
The Best Looks for Tennis Fashion —The Ace the Moon Team Picks, Spring/Summer 2026 Edition
by JOSH GETTLER on May 04 2026
As we head into the busy Spring/Summer tennis season, the "tennis" look is stronger and more eclectic than ever. The "all-whites" look is so 2025! We are seeing lots of great colors and fits for both on and off the courts. Here is a look at some of our faves! 1. Common Courtesy — Pastel Court Set 🔗 https://commoncourtesybrand.comA fresh LA-based label leaning into soft color palettes and feminine silhouettes. Their lightweight matching sets feel optimistic and understated—perfect for spring match play or an après-tennis coffee with besties.
2. Grand Slam Tennis — Advanced Beginner Tee 🔗 https://grandslam.laNot just a brand, but a cultural hub, Grand Slam is helping to redefine tennis fashion and culture. Located on the east side of Los Angeles in the Los Feliz neighborhood, Grand Slam' carries a mix of original and vintage tennis pieces—think ‘90s Agassi-era energy—are arguably the most authentic way to tap tennis style right now. Their "Advanced Beginner" tee is our fave and brings lots of smiles.
3. Ace the Moon -Reversed Varsity Letter Tennis Tee acethemoon.com I mean, we can't write a blog without including a couple of our own pieces, right? With graduations around the corner, we wanted to feature our Reversed Varsity Tennis tee. We made these tees in a heather grey and green. These guys came out super soft, are perfect under a button down for your nieces graduation. You can find more info and purchase here. And shop all of our newest releases to discover more great fits for the summer.
4. Racquet Society —Vintage Tennis Vibes All the Way! 🔗 https://racquetsociety.comRacquet Society is a lifestyle brand, devoted to vintage tennis and the fashionably social lifestyle it exudes on and off the court. Our pick: We love their rotating collection of vintage Sergio Tachini polos!
5. Laurel Canyon Tennis Club — 1972 Tennis Active Dress 🔗 https://laurelcanyontennisclub.comPsychedelic prints meet classic tennis silhouettes. Complete with built-in bra and extra-stretchy shorts with pockets, our 1972 Active Dress impresses on and off the court. Inspired by Chris Evert’s 1972 Wimbledon look, we illustrated a new 70s-inspired rainbow print, complete with special details, printed it on our signature 88% recycled performance fabric and paired it with rare deadstock fabric finds in three colorways for the ultimate vintage tenniscore look. Ethically made in Los Angeles.
Designed, printed and sewn in Los Angeles, California Sustainable, small-batch local production Rainbow floral striped print illustrated in-house and printed in LA on moisture-wicking luxury activewear fabric made with 88% Recycled Poly (made from recycled water bottles) and 12% Spandex Black stretch fabric made in France with special honeycomb texture and quick-drying functionality Built-in bra includes removable cushioned bra inserts for support and shape
Built-in black shorts have extra stretch and two pockets for phone and tennis ball Designed for a mini length
\\\___________________________________________________________________________ 6. Ace the Moon- Buttery Soft Sunset Hoodie acethemoon.com We made a small batch of these hoodies, using some extra soft buttery fleece:) They are built with raglan cut shoulders, giving them a more athletic look and feel. They are perfect for a brisk warmup and cool down sesh, hanging with your tennis besties. You can find more info and purchase here.
\\\___________________________________________________________________________ 7. Driveway Paradise — Pickup Shorts 🔗 https://drivewayparadise.com
Performance meets streetwear. Their retro-inspired shorts use plant-based fabrics and relaxed fits—ideal for multi-sport days that start with tennis, though may end up on the basketball courts or driving some clubs down the fairway with your golf bro's.
8. Outside Lines — Teal Rip-Stop Tennis Shorts outsidelinestennis.com A nod to late-90s/early-2000s tennis, reworked into modern fits. Great example of how heritage references are shaping the current wave. These shorts are light weight and a nice fit for on and off the courts.
Final Word Tennis fashion in 2026 isn’t about uniforms—it’s about identity. The most compelling looks come from smaller brands rethinking what tennis style can be: expressive, versatile, and rooted in culture. Los Angeles is at the center of it—but the movement is global. And it’s just getting started.
A Weekend in the Desert: Ace The Moon at Advantage Fair
by JOSH GETTLER on Mar 31 2026
Hi Tennis Friends! We are finally coming up for some air after a very busy few weeks. Ace The Moon took part in Advantage Fair, the Big Little Tennis Fair in Palm Springs on March 7th and 8th, in conjunction with all the great tennis action down the road at the BNP Paribas Indian Wells Tournament.
A New Kind of Tennis Gathering Advantage, Advantage! This was a first of its kind, bringing together like-kind, independent brands, vintage curators, and community-driven experiences at the intersection of play, culture, and everyday tennis life. We met and got to know some awesome people in our tennis world. The Brands Shaping What’s Next We stood alongside a group of independent, emerging tennis brands shaping the future of the game — including Grand Slam, Common Courtesy, Laurel Canyon Tennis Club, Racquet Society, Outside Lines. It was a sign that tennis culture is evolving, and that a new wave of brands (including Ace the Moon) are helping define what comes next.
Meeting the Community We met players, creators, and fellow tennis lovers from all over — people who care about style, story, and the spirit of the game as much as we do. It was really cool seeing people wear our gear, both at the event and at Indian Wells/BNP. What It Meant to Us Being there meant a lot to us. Because if you’re reading this, you’re part of how we got there. So whether you’ve been with us since day one or just joined recently — thank you for being part of Ace The Moon. We’re just getting started. See you on and off the court,— Ace The Moon
Where to String Your Tennis Racket in Los Angeles
by JOSH GETTLER on Jun 23 2025
Being in the tennis industry for a few years now, I've met some pretty awesome tennis people. I've found that tennis stringers are an entirely different breed unto themselves. Strings and a good stringer are just about everything, especially as you get older and start dealing with wrist or elbow issues. A good stringer can act like a therapist for your on-court woes, and can offer you key advice on what strings to use, what tension to string them your rackets and beyond. I wanted to share a unique list with you... with a mix of the major shops as well as the more mom-and-pop stringers you wouldn't normally know about. Here's my go-to guide to the best stringing shops across L.A.
1. The Tennis Garage: (Mar Vista)
Why it stands out:
Local Business – Operated out of his garage in beautiful Mar Vista, owner Paul Cochrane knows tennis! . Paul is an awesome stringer and is very knowledgable on what strings and tensions you should be using based on your hitting style, frames and ailments.
Same‑day while‑you‑wait service
Tennis-focused gear: Partnership demos (e.g. Wilson, Head, Babolat, Yonex).
Customer love: Hanging with Paul! He even has fruit trees growing in the yard, so grab an orange while you wait
\\\__________________________________________________________
2.The Racket Doctor (Atwater Village) Why it stands out:
Legacy & expertise – Serving SoCal since 1970, this is L.A.’s premier stringing shop
Same‑day while‑you‑wait service by certified stringers.
Tennis-focused gear: Partnership demos (e.g. Wilson, Head, Babolat, Yonex).
Customer love: called “LA’s #1 OG expert pro shop” with killer selection
Why it matters for Ace The Moon readers:A trusted choice for reliability, pro-level tuning, and access to premium gear — ideal for performance-focused players.
2. The Tennis Ace (Studio City) Why it stands out:
Family-owned since 1996, led by ex-pro Bruce Man‑Son‑Hing
Rapid service with a personal touch.
Full-service rackets, regripping, and apparel from popular brands
Great for Studio City locals seeking quality and convenience.
3. Santa Monica Tennis Center (Santa Monica) Why it stands out:
Full-service pro shop with custom-built stringing and same‑day turnaround santamonicatenniscenter.com.
Uses HEAD 3‑in‑1 machine: measures weight, balance, swing‑weight—perfect for fine tuning.
Competitive prices
Ideal for Ace The Moon readers:Offers quick, precise service near the beach — perfect when playing a few sets at Palisades Park or Clover Park.
4. Jem Strings (Alhambra) Why it stands out
Tips for Choosing the Right Stringing Experience
Want pro-level precision? Go with Racket Doctor or Santa Monica — their gear and certified techs are top-tier.
Looking for speed and ease? Tennis Ace offers friendly regional access, while A1 Stringing saves you a trip altogether.
Special requests? Always ask about string types available (poly, natural gut, hybrid) and any diagnostics (swing‑weight/balance).
Closing Thoughts
In L.A.’s sprawling landscape, there’s no one-size-fits-all for racket stringing. Whether you prefer traditional shops with pro stringers, quick-turnaround local favorites, or the convenience of a mobile tech at your court, these top options have you covered. Keep your game sharp — and your racket sharper.
Dedication, Commitment, and A Permanent Learning Process – By Orun Altintas
by JOSH GETTLER on Dec 19 2024
My name is Orun, and I'm excited to write another blog for Ace the Moon. My Tennis Journey I sat down at a café in Los Angeles recently with Josh, the founder of Ace the Moon. We started talking about how we both got into the game of tennis, and coaching. With that conversation, I started to reflect on my journey from being a junior player to where I am today as a student at UCLA and a tennis teaching professional. I was 12 years old when I first held a tennis racket in my hands. At that time, I was living close to Tokyo, and I never participated in competitive sports, except for skiing. Skiing was my sport, but it was seasonal and I felt the need for another sport that I could play year-round. Kei Nishikori, a Japanese player, was dominating the men’s tour. He had reached the final of the 2014 US Open, climbing the ranking ladder all the way to number four. With admiration for Kei, I took a trial lesson at a local tennis academy. Not knowing that you typically hit forehands with one hand, I started swinging the racket like a baseball bat. I loved every single minute on the court. I felt a connection that was different from other sports I had played. Something about the mixture of elegance of the game and competitiveness drew me in.
Meeting Kei Nishikori was surely a highlight of my early tennis years. The Dawn of Coaching I kept playing tennis. After moving back to the States, I hit the courts hard. In high school, however, I came across a turning point. With my passion for the sport and my experience of academic tutoring at my school, I took up the offer to be an assistant tennis coach. It was not an academy or a club, but rather, a small after-school program. Being a teenager and getting a taste of the professional industry, it was a great learning experience for me. As much as I enjoyed playing, the experience taught me that I much prefer to coach. I became a tennis professional at an academy and a club while I was a teenager, which compared to many in the industry, I was on the younger side. It was not easy but it was very fun and exhilarating. Working with participants who are twice my age or even older felt uneasy at first, but believing in myself has allowed me to bring out my passion for coaching. There are several coaches that I look up to, and consider to be my role models: Tom Hill, Patrick Mouratoglou, and James Trotman. They are all coaches for ATP and WTA players. Tom Hill, who currently works with the American rising star Peyton Stearns, coached Danielle Collins and previously, Maria Sakkari. Despite being new to coaching, Hill successfully brought Collins and Sakkari to be the top-level players they are today. Mouratoglou, who now coaches former number one, Naomi Osaka, has this unmatched energy and charisma when he's on the court. Many might be familiar with him for his coaching videos on social media. Trotman, who has been with the young British star Jack Draper, helps his players with a calm tone, reassuring players. Despite having differences in their experiences and the background in how they came to be coaches, one thing is consistent: They are all dynamic with their feedback. Watching practice footage and the coach/player relationships in person has allowed me to observe that the way they approach coaching is "spirited." Whether giving feedback after almost every single shot or during breaks, you can clearly see that their attitude is “for the players.” These three coaches set the example to be "next level" and this is the kind of coaching practice that I have looked up to over the years. Having been a teaching professional for the past five years, I see myself getting closer to becoming a coach on the pro circuit.
Meeting James Trotman, coach of Jack Draper I'd like to describe my coaching style as “active.” While many coaches may prefer to stand on the sidelines, feeding balls and giving feedback in between points or rallies, I like to be involved. I actively play with or against them, and provide feedback. It doesn't matter whether it is a private lesson or a big group, I will get involved in the drills or games. If it is a feeding drill, of course, that is a different story; we are talking about doing 2-versus-1 drills with the participants, joining a group of three to do a game of “Dingles,” and that sort. For me, it is more fun when your coach is playing in, rather than being on the sidelines. Something I learned from my long-term mentor was, “If you are having fun as a coach, then your students will, too.” His statement proves my point. I am having so much fun playing with the participants, and so do they. Dedication, Commitment, and Permanent Learning Process Just a few weeks ago, I met Naomi Osaka and Patrick Mouratoglou as they were preparing for the 2025 season. I had a chance to talk with both of them, and I mentioned to Patrick that I look up to him, and followed up by asking him, “What does it take to be a great coach like you?” to which he responded: “It takes dedication, commitment, and a permanent learning process. Believe in yourself, and good luck in the process.” Just like a lot of things in life, for coaching, the key is to be open-minded. You have to be willing to try out new approaches. I discovered that “active” style of mine after trial and error, and I am still experimenting with new styles. The goal is to work through challenges together with your players, not to impose your views. Standing alongside the player, not far from them – both literally and figuratively. Adapting as required, not rigidly following “the protocol.” The commitment to the notion of “being there for the player,” combined with flexibility, is what it takes to be your ideal coach.
Meeting Patrick Mouratoglou!
Meeting Naomi Osaka!
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You miss 100% of the aces you don't serve.
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