Here’s what you should be wearing to Wimbledon 2022
Struggling to perfect your Centre Court style? We reveal the perfect way to ace your attire at the All England Club this year...
- Words: Jonathan Wells
Ah, Wimbledon. Those luscious lawns, ripe strawberries and just a smattering of home talent heartbreak. And, this year at least, blazing sun. Which is wonderful if you’re picnicking nearby in SW19 — but less good if you’re heading to Centre Court to watch a high noon nail-biter.
Because the Championships, for all the free-flowing champagne and British buzz of summer, has one of the most stringent dress codes in the sporting calendar. Thankfully, Gentleman’s Journal are on trimly-tailored hand to help. We’ve detailed below the perfect way to ace your attire at the All England Club this year — and make it look as effortless as a blistering Djokovic backhand…
Find a lightweight suit (but not necessarily linen)
Sitting in the sunlight can be trying at the best of times. But in a suit? Then trying turns to taxing, and all the chilled Pimms in the world won’t turn your attention back to the tennis. That’s why, when you’re looking for a Wimbledon-appropriate suit this summer, you’ll want to find the most breezy, breathable fabric you can.
But lightweight materials don’t begin and end with linen. Of course, the flax-woven fabric is a good choice — we’d opt for Thom Sweeney’s unstructured, double-breasted option — but you’ll also fare well in organic cotton, such as the below blazer from L’Estrange. For a left-field option, button up a seersucker suit. Ralph Lauren do a natty one in a plaid print that’ll have heads turning towards the stands.
Try adding some nautical influences
It sounds strange, we know. But, for reasons unfathomable, seafaring style will always make waves in tennis circles. Whether it’s a brass-buttoned blazer or the simple, sophisticated pairing of navy and white, adding a smattering of maritime fashion into your Wimbledon wardrobe will ensure you make a splash at Centre Court.
This Turnbull & Asser jacket may be woven from wool, but its precise, smart silhouette and handsome peak lapels will bring a distinctly nautical vibe to your summer look. From Percival, the perfect summertime tie — knitted from linen with a navy marl stripe and soft-point end. And, for sufficiently summery sea legs, Sunspel’s regular fit, lightweight stretch cotton chinos (just don’t spill any strawberries).
Tie yourself up for the Member’s Enclosure
In recent years, Wimbledon has relaxed some of its more stringent style rules. But, although the dress code may have loosened its grip across many areas of the All England Club, the Member’s Enclosure remains a Prosecco-fuelled bastion of traditional tailoring, including that all important piece of gentleman’s neckwear; the tie.
And no tie is more perfectly suited to Wimbledon than Emma Willis’ sky blue cashmere option; medium-width and as versatile as the style can be. New & Lingwood’s slightly edgier tie, emblazoned with subtle skull and crossbones, is woven in the heart of English silk production in Sussex. Or for a preppier look, double-windsor Drake’s ‘Repp’ striped tie.
Make the most of the recent tailored shorts ruling
Another of the recently-revoked rules at Wimbledon, shorts are happily now welcomed at the Championships. But don’t be too hasty, and don’t reach for your Bermuda shorts or short sporty numbers just yet — because tailored is still the only fit that is tolerated.
From Amsterdam-based shorts label Mr Marvis, the new ‘Linens’ are formal enough to wear with a smart shirt — but breathable enough to keep cool. Luca Faloni’s ‘Panarea’ shorts are cut from a breezy blend of linen and cotton, with a a tailored yet comfortable silhouette. And Orlebar Brown, know for its swim shorts, offers up the ‘Dane’ design to save your summer.
Embrace the chance to go green
Whether it’s sage, shamrock, pea or pine, green is a notoriously tricky colour to pull off. But, styled up next to the neatly manicured grass of Centre Court, the hue takes on a new, well-heeled life. But don’t go for a big burst of the colour — avoid a green suit or khaki trousers. Instead, add a dash of the shade into your accessories.
That means slipping on a pair of TBD Eyewear’s bottle green ‘Cran’ sunglasses, sustainably made frames handcrafted in Italy. Or lacing up a pair of Crockett & Jones‘ newly launched ‘Cornell’ shoes, for the same preppy feel as the Drake’s tie above. Or, for an even subtler take on the shade, New & Lingwood’s fine-striped, button-down shirt.
Want more summer style advice? We asked 10 Italian style influencers to define the term ‘sprezzatura’…
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