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Wimbledon's All-White Tradition: Players and Fans Embrace 'Classy' Style
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Culture & Society

Wimbledon's All-White Tradition: Players and Fans Embrace 'Classy' Style

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth From a news agency Context piece
  • Wimbledon maintains its tradition of "classy" style, with attendees and players adhering to a strict "all-white" dress code.
  • The tournament, celebrating its 150th anniversary next year, is known for its mix of royalty, celebrities, and dedicated fans.
  • Players like Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic have found ways to express individual style within the strict attire rules, drawing inspiration from culture and history.

Wimbledon, the oldest of the Grand Slam tennis tournaments, continues to uphold its reputation for "classy" style, demanding "all-white" attire from players and attendees alike. This tradition, rooted in the sport's aristocratic past, aims to maintain a sense of elegance and respect for the tournament's history.

This is Wimbledon! You've got to dress up

— Jari HedmanA Finnish tennis coach explaining his choice of attire.

Attendees like Jari Hedman, a 65-year-old Finnish tennis coach, embrace the dress code, donning a white linen suit paired with a navy jacket and an orange tie to honor the occasion. "This is Wimbledon! You've got to dress up," Hedman stated, reflecting the sentiment that dressing up is part of the experience. The tournament, running from June 29 to July 12 this year, will mark its 150th anniversary in 2025, a milestone that further emphasizes its enduring legacy.

in honor of the tournament

— Jari HedmanExplaining the reason behind his chosen outfit.

The strict dress code, which requires players' attire to be "almost entirely white" from the moment they enter the court surround, is a defining characteristic of Wimbledon. The rule, originating from a time when hiding sweat stains was considered proper, dictates that "white does not include off-white or cream." This adherence to tradition is seen as a way to be respectful of the tournament's heritage, as noted by Anne Freeman from Houston, who wore a pearl-colored floral dress and a Panama hat.

With its mix of royalty, A-listers and diehard fans, Wimbledon always has a sense of occasion, so why not make an effort?

— The TimesA fashion tip from The Times for Wimbledon attendees.

Despite the stringent rules, players have creatively incorporated personal style. Naomi Osaka, known for her bold fashion choices, appeared in a kimono-inspired white dress by Japanese designer Hana Yagi, complete with traditional kanzashi hair ornaments. Novak Djokovic sported a white Lacoste jacket with green trimming, inspired by designs from the 1920s. These individual expressions, while within the white-only mandate, add a modern flair to Wimbledon's classic aesthetic, showcasing how tradition and personal style can coexist.

White, white, white. And light colors

— Lucie TaA Prague engineer's advice on Wimbledon attire.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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