12 winning wardrobe pieces for Wimbledon
Heading to SW19? Here's how to make sure you're looking your best.
It’s the first day (Monday 3rd July, 2023) of The Championships, Wimbledon. For a fortnight, the UK rallies around the sport, briefly emotionally attaching to their favourite player, and supporting them through Pimm’s tinted spectacles. Some are not even there for the tennis, just a bit of summer beverages and picnic vibes.
Out of all the sports, tennis is definitely a favourite within fashion. Luxury fashion brands, from clothing, to luggage to watches seem drawn to dress them. Just last week world-number one, and tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz was announced as a Louis Vuitton ambassador (he’s already been on billboards in just his underwear for Calvin Klein) and his friend and potential biggest future-rival, Jannik Sinner secured the Gucci bag last year. Brands clamber to collaborate with tennis (the late Virgil dressed the GOAT Serena Williams on-and-off court) Dior’s Kim Jones crafted Roger Federer’s tuxedo for this year’s Met Gala, of which he was co-chair. Venus Williams has paired up with Lacoste and Naomi Osaka with Louis Vuitton.
Wimbledon is full of tradition, but also fashion moments. Bjorn Borg’s tight Fila polo and tailored short-shorts is a style that’s come back around today, as has the billowing oversized 90s tees with drop shoulders, plastered with neon, that Steffi Graf and Agassi rocked on court. Now Andrew Rublev is on the cover of fashion magazines wearing Gucci, Mussetti and Armani and Naomi Osaka on Louis Vuitton billboards around the world. Similarly, The Championships at Wimbledon, have always piqued people’s interests, and whether you’re wandering the hallowed grounds of SW19 over the next fortnight, or watching it on a big screen, here are some inspired fits for you.
1. Gucci via MYTHERESA Logo Panelled Jacket- mytheresa.com
The Steffi Graf and Agassi effect is in full swing, with Gucci doing this sporty nineties number. Including the interlocking Gucci ‘G’ motif, metallic lining and a pop of bright acid green, the whole jacket screams tennis in the 90s.
2. Fila Hightide 4 Terry Pocked Stripe Shorts – Fila.co.uk
Every year, without fail, the infamous Fila short-shorts worn by Bjorn Borg at Wimbledon make it onto every fashion magazine’s round-up of stylish tennis legends. Fila cleverly have continued to tap into their retro styles, including the 70s short shorts. Feeling a bit more modern? The brand has also got longer 90s baggier fits to ace the 90s trend that’s having a resurgence right now.
3. Pimm’s No.1 Cup – tesco.com
‘Pimm’s O’clock’ has made its way into British summertime canon, and the Pimm’s No. 1 Cup has become a staple for Wimbledon. Its safe to say a lot of people come to the tournament for their favourite fruity gin-based spirit and some strawberry’s and cream on the side. It’s also perfect for a picnic in the park, or summery Sunday’s in a beer garden.
4. On Limited Edition Roger Pro shoe – on-running.com
Perhaps fashion (and Wimbledon’s) most beloved man is now-retired Roger Federer. Since joining the Swiss brand as an entrepreneur, the Roger Pro shoe been a perennial favourite, and now, the unisex trainer comes in a colour way inspired by the oldest grand slam around (and Roger’s favourite) with accents of green on the crisp white sneaker.
5. Montblanc M_Gram 4810 chest bag – montblanc.com
Plenty of venues have bag restrictions now, so we’re turning to Montblanc to make things chic. Their Montblanc M_Gram 4810 chest bag has the Montblanc ‘M’ motif and is made from soft and supple leather. The belt bag has several pockets and space for your centre court ticket, sunglasses, SPF and power-bank for your special day out at the tennis.
6. Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding Chronograph, 41mm – audemarspiguet.com
Is a tennis pro really a tennis pro if they don’t have a luxury watch deal? Audemars Piguet have got your wrist covered with their Code 11.59 self-winding chronograph, that has a verdant dark green dial and bracelet, with a stainless steel case. It’s super lush, which is more than what can be said for the Centre court grass on the baseline after two weeks of tennis.
7. Casablanca Tennis Club-print Silk-twill Shirt via MATCHES –matchesfashion.com
Watching tennis allows you to be less practical and more colourful. This Casablanca silk-twill shirt wouldn’t fly with Wimbeldon’s all-white dress code for the players, but it’s the perfect piece to wear whilst watching. Once again, vintage is king with tennis and fashion, with amazing retro graphics and a seventies colour way. Matches are also dipping their toes in on the tennis, partnering with Belgravia in Eccleston Yards for ‘A Summer of Sport’ which includes screening the Wimbledon Championships. The alfresco space, complete with Matches Marbled deckchairs and picnic benches and beanbag chairs in the central London courtyard is a perfect place to lounge and enjoy drinks and the tennis. If you’re not into tennis, they have family-friendly cinema screenings, and a bit of cricket with The Ashes for you to watch too.
8. Clarks Torhill Bee Off white leather shoe – clarks.co.uk
People still hark back to the Sampras, Seles, Graf and Agassi. Stepping into that bit of nostalgia, Clark’s have an incredibly 90s shoe. Their Clarks Torhill Bee comes in a classic off white which is perfect for the grass-court grand-slam. With a chunky ribbed sole, the classic case page and stitching, we can go back to the glory days of 90s grass-court rivalries.
9. Tory Sport Cotton Pique Polo Shirt via Mytheresa mytheresa.com
The trusty tennis staple, the polo shirt has been given a fashion upgrade with Tory Sport. Wimbledon white dress code is only for the players on court, so this pale blue is perfection for those hazy summer evenings.
10. Lacoste Active Sunglasses – lacoste.com
Simple, sleek and stylish, with a hint of the lawn tennis tournaments grounds, with transparent frames, Lacoste’s pair of sunglasses are a nice modern twist on a classic style. Sunglasses are essential for the summer, whether you’re into racquet sports or not. The weather is set to be mercurial this fortnight for the tennis, so we’ll definitely be reaching into our bag for these ones.
11. Lacoste x Sporty & Rich Striped Shirt Collar Sweater – Lacoste.com
Lines are important in tennis. Players try to hit as close as is possible to them during a rally. The white ‘chalk’ plume flying up when the ball hits the green means you’re onto a good thing. Lacoste have combined the white stripes with a beautiful burgundy colour with a sporty twist on the sweater, with their favourite croc embroidered on the chest.
12. Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic x Hurlingham Tennis Capsule – armani.com
For their sophomore year of the Giorgio Armani Classic, the brand are kitting out the ball kids and umpires. Going for 90s oversized shorts and crisp white tops, Giorgio Armani have done a shoot infusing the pieces with their ready-to-wear pieces, which can be bought in stores and online. The capsule was also available at a pop-up at the Hurlingham club during the exhibition which have featured the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.