Wimbledon is almost here, and if you’re attending, by now you’ll probably be wondering what you should wear to the most prestigious tennis event of the year. Luckily, we’re on hand to help get you into the swing of things.
Keep reading to discover our ultimate guide to dressing for Wimbledon—including what you can and can’t wear, plus plenty of outfit inspiration and style tips.
When is Wimbledon 2022?
The Wimbledon draw—which allows players whose world rankings do not grant them automatic qualification—precedes the main singles’ draw which takes place on Friday 24 June. The doubles is the day after.
The first round officially starts on Monday 27 June and will continue until the men’s singles and mixed doubles finals on Sunday 10 July.
Is there a dress code for Wimbledon?
Wimbledon's all-white dress code might be enforced on the court, but for the spectators, it's a sartorial free-for-all. There are no official guidelines on what you should wear, however there's an unwritten rule that you should look on the smart side.
If you’re lucky enough to be invited into the Royal Box, this rule rings especially true. To ensure you’re not refused entry like a famous Formula One driver was back in 2015 (sorry, Lewis), we suggest sticking to formal shirts, and pairing our classic tailored navy suit with a button-down shirt, silk tie and dark brown brogues. Our new light blue suit is also an excellent option.
Why is Wimbledon all white?
You’ve probably already noticed that all tennis players on The Championship courts wear white. This is because of a strict dress code that states ‘competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white and this applies from the point at which the player enters the court surround. White does not include off white or cream.’
The white rule even includes shoes and undergarments. The only strip of colour allowed is on necklines, sleeves, trousers and skirts, wristbands and headwear. Even then, they can be no bigger than 10mm.
But why do Wimbledon players wear white? ‘Tennis whites’ at Wimbledon reportedly date back to the 1800s. When the tournament launched in 1877, it was decided that white would be the ideal colour for players to wear. The thought behind this was that white clothing would help cool players down and minimise visible sweat stains.
Do men wear suits to Wimbledon?
Though not essential, many of the men attending Wimbledon will opt to wear their best summer suits, plus an array of jacket and trouser combinations. One of the most classic choices is the navy or grey suit, however more adventurous options are also popular. As the sporting event takes part in June and July, this also gives you the chance to swap your everyday formal shirt with more summer-appropriate styles. These can include linen shirts, polos and crew neck tees.
What should you not wear to Wimbledon?
While there is no dress code for Wimbledon, you should not wear torn jeans, running vests, dirty sneakers or sport shorts. Political slogans are forbidden, as is 'ambush marketing' clothing. This means you couldn’t wear a jumper or jacket with your company logo on the back, for example.
The Best Linen Shirts for Wimbledon
Assuming the sun is shining (we’re an optimistic bunch), a lightweight linen shirt offers the ideal way to keep cool yet still look presentable. Simply roll the sleeves—unless you opt for short-sleeved version—and team yours with some flat front chinos and smart-casual footwear. You may also wish to layer one underneath your favourite men’s suit.
The Best Polo Shirts for Wimbledon
For those that want to take advantage of the relaxed rules, the best way to do so is with a short-sleeved polo shirt. Stylish and luxuriously soft, ours come in a variety of colours (from blue to white and red), and pair perfectly with some trousers or chinos, and some suede loafers or trainers.
Wimbledon Outfit Ideas 2022
Now you know what acceptable Wimbledon attire is, it’s time to start thinking about putting your outfit together. Luckily, there’s plenty of celebrity inspiration to draw on. To help get your creative juices flowing, take a look at some of our favourite Wimbledon outfit ideas below.
