What to wear to Wimbledon: how to ace ‘tenniscore’ at the game’s most prestigious tournament
From designer midi dresses to linen suits for men, we give you the lowdown on Wimbledon outfits that will really pop this summer
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Tennis has simply always been chic. From the competitors’ crisp whites to the quietly luxe ensembles in the stands, it’s a sport that scores big on style. And when it comes to world-class Wimbledon outfits, there’s one label that never misses: Ralph Lauren.
Beloved since the 1960s for its blend of sports and sartorial flair, Polo Ralph Lauren has been the official outfitter of The Championships, Wimbledon (the proper name, take note) for the past 20 years. Clothing every umpire, ball boys and ball girls and groundsperson at Wimbledon is no mean feat – but as they’re both steeped in heritage and timeless good taste, the all-American brand and the quintessentially British tournament pair as perfectly as strawberries and cream.
Those decades have seen what people wear to Wimbledon evolve to make room for the playful as well as the traditional. Think Zendaya, hot off the 2024 Challengers press tour, in artfully androgynous Ralph Lauren suiting, or Cynthia Erivo at the tournament last year in a monochrome striped shirt dress, knee socks and polka dot tie. Meanwhile the “tenniscore” trend shows no sign of slowing, giving the game’s signature pieces – pleated minis, preppy knits, lightweight tailoring – fresh appeal that works far beyond the baseline.
So, whether you’re wondering what to wear to Wimbledon or simply want to ace the aesthetic, here’s a guide to serving looks that will always hold court.
Light and bright
Whether we’re talking chilled glasses of sauvignon or gleaming cotton, crisp whites are synonymous with Wimbledon. For competitors, all-whites are famously obligatory, while for spectators they’re simply part of the vibe. Clumsy eaters take care.
The white tennis dress has been iconic since the Athena Tennis Girl covered bedroom walls in the late 1970s, and modern incarnations are equally chic – and occasionally cheeky. Pair a classic Polo minidress with leather sandals and a hair scarf for a look that works hard off-court, or choose breezy, button-down styles for a less literal take on the designer tennis clothes trend.
Flax is a flex
Come rain or shine, linen is always a cool customer, with the fibre’s breathable, moisture-wicking properties making it a natural choice for summer.
But while linen suits for men, as well as separates, are a Wimbledon clothing staple, that doesn’t mean they need to be predictable. Ralph Lauren offers a veritable ice-cream parlour of shades beyond your classic beige and navy, with linen in sage green, sky blue, fresh melon and powder pink bringing a splash of continental colour to the All England Club. Offset a bold jacket with neutral pieces, or colour-block your suit and shirt for a statement sure to turn heads.
Easy, breezy, versatile
Women at Wimbledon can’t go far wrong with designer linen dresses, especially one hero piece that’s made a huge comeback this year: the linen shirt dress.
Proof that button-downs don’t need to feel buttoned-up, it manages to be both beach-ready and office-appropriate as well as a Wimbledon winner. Team with demure slingbacks and a straw hat for the hospitality suite, and with ballet flats or flip-flops for the rest of the summer.
Penny for them
Is there any shoe as perennially stylish as the penny loafer? Bolder than a brogue or derby, cooler than a boat shoe, luxury loafers for men are the perfect choice for Wimbledon in all conditions – from golden brown suede to burnished chestnut calfskin (thankfully “brown in town” is no longer a style crime).
Of course, whether or not to go bare-ankled is a choice every man must make for himself. But if there are socks on show, make them part of the outfit – not an afterthought.
A blazer of glory
Because we all know the great British weather is more changeable than the scoreboard, layers are a must. But nothing dampens spirits like carrying a heavy coat in surprise sunshine, which is why lightweight blazers for summer are your smartest choice in every sense.
In a luxe natural fibre such as linen, hemp or cotton, a collegiate blazer has the power to make you look pulled-together while feeling completely relaxed. Style yours with an open-necked shirt and silk scarf for a Gatsbyish air, choose an oversized blazer to add structure and edge to a floaty dress, or pair with tailored shorts and waistcoat for a thoroughly modern twist on the women’s suit.
Cross your heart
Ideal when you need your hands free for holding a Pimm’s and applauding a match point, designer crossbody bags are the perfect partner for tenniscore’s sporty nonchalance. See Ralph Lauren’s woven styles for a summery take that’s more polished than a basket bag, or add a playful twist with a denim or colourful crochet number.
Meet us in the middle
It may move up and down fashion’s fickle rankings, but at Wimbledon the midi dress is evergreen – and with good reason, as floor-sweeping hems can feel too much for a sporting event, while miniskirts pose problems for lounging comfortably on Murray Mound.
This year’s best designer midi dresses are all about a clean, unfussy cut, with nods to 90s minimalism in column shifts, strappy slips and cool, understated shirt dresses. Keep accessories simple to let the silhouette sing.
Step up your game
Stilettos sinking into grass are the bane of summer socialising, so let’s be thankful designer wedge sandals are making a comeback. Offering the elevation with none of the trepidation, classic espadrille wedges might have Spanish DNA, but they’re an SW19 stalwart that will earn their keep in any summer wardrobe.
Wear them to style up jeans and capri pants, dress down structured tailoring and add a flirty note to a formal outfit whenever walking (or dancing) is on the agenda.
It’s a tie
Around the neck, around the hair, woven through belt loops or fluttering from a bag strap in the breeze; designer silk scarves are fashion’s favourite shapeshifter, and no tenniscore wardrobe is complete without this cornerstone of the country club.
With stripes, paisley and polka dots in vivid jewel tones, Ralph Lauren’s silk scarves are an easy pop of colour against your Wimbledon tennis outfits. Knot around your neck, wear bandana-style as a hip alternative to a sun hat, or tie around your hips for an elegant take on the skirt-over-trousers trend. And if you manage all three before the sun sets over Centre Court, that’s a grand slam.
Tap into the tenniscore trend and find out what to wear at Wimbledon with Ralph Lauren

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