What to Wear to Wimbledon

Smart Summer Dressing for the Championships

Strawberries and cream, immaculate grass courts and some of the world's best tennis — Wimbledon is one of the great fixtures of the British summer. It's also an event where dressing well feels completely natural. For most spectators there isn't a rigid formal dress code comparable with Royal Ascot or Henley's Stewards' Enclosure, although certain hospitality and member areas may have their own requirements. That means the key to Wimbledon style is getting the balance right.

Smart, comfortable and appropriately summery — without trying too hard.

Do You Need to Wear a Suit to Wimbledon?

For most spectators, no. And unless you're attending a particularly formal hospitality area, we'd probably resist wearing a traditional business suit. Wimbledon is much better suited to smart casual and relaxed summer tailoring. A lightweight jacket with tailored trousers or chinos is difficult to beat.

The Summer Jacket

This is where we'd start. An unstructured or softly constructed jacket gives you the polish of tailoring without feeling excessively formal. Consider fabrics such as:

• Lightweight wool
• Linen
• Wool and linen
• Wool, silk and linen
• Cotton
• Lightweight hopsack

Navy is always reliable, but lighter blues, greens, stone and subtle checks can work beautifully.

The Classic Navy Blazer

There is a reason the navy blazer has survived virtually every menswear trend. It works. Pair one with stone, cream or light-grey trousers, a pale-blue or white shirt and brown suede loafers and you have an outfit that feels completely at home at Wimbledon.

Shirt or Polo?

Both can work. A crisp open-neck shirt provides a classic summer look. A knitted polo makes the outfit slightly more relaxed and works particularly well underneath an unstructured jacket. For warmer days, a high-quality polo can be considerably more comfortable than a formal shirt and tie.

Tailored Chinos

Chinos are ideal for Wimbledon. But there is an enormous difference between a well-cut pair of tailored chinos and shapeless casual trousers. Stone, cream, olive and navy are all useful colours. At Roomten, we'd cut them with enough room to remain comfortable while maintaining a clean line through the leg.

Can You Wear Jeans?

You can dress casually for much of Wimbledon, but we'd generally choose tailored trousers or chinos instead. It's a special day out. There's nothing wrong with looking as though you've made an effort.

Footwear

Loafers and suede shoes are natural partners for summer tailoring. Smart, understated trainers can also work with a more contemporary casual outfit where appropriate. Whichever route you choose, remember that Wimbledon can involve plenty of walking and time on your feet. Comfort counts.

What About a Tie?

For most general spectators, there's no reason to wear one. If you're attending formal hospitality or an area with its own dress requirements, check those conditions beforehand. Otherwise, an open-neck shirt or knitted polo keeps the outfit relaxed.

The British Weather Problem

You may leave home in glorious sunshine and be sheltering from rain three hours later. Layers are your friend. A lightweight raincoat or mac that can be worn over a jacket is useful without ruining the outfit. Sunglasses and a lightweight umbrella aren't bad additions either.

Wimbledon in Hot Weather

If the forecast is genuinely hot, don't make yourself miserable in heavy tailoring. Choose breathable cloth. Linen, lightweight wool and wool-linen blends are all excellent. An unlined or partially lined jacket can also make a significant difference.

The Roomten Wimbledon Look

For a classic Wimbledon outfit, we'd suggest: A lightweight navy or textured blue jacket, cream tailored chinos, pale-blue open-neck shirt or knitted polo and brown suede loafers. Simple. Relaxed. Smart enough to feel like an occasion. And every garment can be worn again throughout the summer.

Dressing for Wimbledon?

Roomten can create made-to-measure summer jackets, trousers, chinos and shirts designed around your individual style and proportions. Book a Roomten consultation and create your summer wardrobe.