Wimbledon keeps its timeless style alive

While fashion trends continue to evolve around the world, Wimbledon has remained a symbol of timeless elegance and tradition.

While fashion trends continue to evolve around the world, Wimbledon has remained a symbol of timeless elegance and tradition. The famous tennis tournament, held annually in London, is known not only for world-class tennis but also for its refined dress culture. Players and spectators alike embrace classic white outfits and sophisticated fashion, preserving an atmosphere that reflects Britain’s rich heritage.

Many visitors believe dressing well is an essential part of the Wimbledon experience. Finnish tennis coach Jari Hedman, 65, attended the tournament in a white Italian linen suit, paired with a navy blazer and an orange tie. He said he specifically chose the outfit to honour Wimbledon’s unique traditions and elegant image.

This year’s Wimbledon Championships run from June 29 to July 12, while the tournament will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year. As the oldest Grand Slam event in tennis, Wimbledon has built a reputation for preserving customs that set it apart from other major sporting competitions.

Members of the British royal family, particularly Princess Kate, are frequent attendees and are often admired for their polished and graceful fashion choices. Before the tournament began, British media outlets published guides on Wimbledon etiquette and style, encouraging visitors to embrace the event’s distinguished atmosphere. Newspapers highlighted that Wimbledon is a gathering of royalty, celebrities and passionate tennis fans, making it the perfect occasion to dress smartly.

Many spectators naturally choose light-coloured clothing, especially white, to match the tournament’s traditional look. Lucie Ta, an engineer from Prague, wore a long white dress with black polka dots and carried a white jacket in case temperatures dropped. Meanwhile, Anne Freeman, who travelled from Houston, selected a pearl-coloured floral dress along with a stylish Panama hat, saying that dressing elegantly is a way of respecting Wimbledon’s long-standing traditions.

Unlike spectators, players must follow one of the strictest dress codes in professional tennis. Wimbledon requires competitors to wear clothing that is almost entirely white from the moment they step onto the court. The regulations clearly state that cream or off-white shades are not acceptable. These rules date back to the sport’s aristocratic origins, when white clothing was preferred because it concealed sweat stains, which were once considered inappropriate.

Despite these restrictions, players continue to express their personalities through subtle fashion details. Japanese star Naomi Osaka arrived wearing a white kimono-inspired dress designed by Hana Yagi, decorated with embroidered cranes and cherry blossoms. She completed the look with a traditional white floral hair ornament before changing into her official white Nike tennis outfit. Osaka explained that the design reflected her Japanese and Haitian heritage and was inspired by the film “Kill Bill”.

Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic also added a personal touch by wearing a white Lacoste jacket with green trim, inspired by classic tennis attire worn by legendary players, including René Lacoste, during the 1920s.

Sports and fashion journalist Daniel-Yaw Miller believes Wimbledon offers visitors a glimpse into Britain’s social history. He says the tournament has always been more than a sporting event, serving as an important social occasion much like the famous Ascot horse races. Fashion historian Elizabeth Wilson agrees, noting that women once attended Wimbledon wearing elegant hats and gloves, although the atmosphere has become more relaxed over the decades.

Even with changing fashion trends, Wimbledon continues to maintain a distinctive identity. While spectators are free to wear whatever they choose, many willingly embrace the tournament’s refined traditions. Miller says this unique atmosphere is one of the reasons both players and fans remain deeply attached to Wimbledon, setting it apart from events such as the US Open, which offers a much more casual and entertainment-focused experience.