We’ll be the ones to say it: half the fun of Wimbledon is working out what to wear. Between the all-white rule on court, the unspoken smart-casual code in the stands, and the fact that the weather can’t decide between heatwave and downpour, getting dressed for the Championships takes more thought than most people admit.
Lucky, then, that Wimbledon style has a formula, once you know it. A little tennis-club polish, some proper linen, trainers that can survive a full day of queuing, and one bag good enough to carry the whole day in. Get those right and the rest falls into place.
So we’ve done the legwork and pulled together the pieces earning a spot in our kit bag this year, from a dress that goes from Centre Court to dinner without missing a beat, to the cap that stops you squinting through five sets. Here’s what’s actually worth wearing.
Wimbledon style, at a glance:
Best statement dress: Diane Linen Shirt Dress, Really Wild
Best classic men’s polo: Performance Piping Panel Polo Shirt, Wimbledon Shop
Best layering piece for changeable weather: Performance Panelled Zip Jacket, Wimbledon Shop
Best trousers for the heat: Elegant Trousers in white linen, Luca Faloni
Best trainers: THE ROGER Advantage, On
Best investment bag: Woody large canvas and leather tote, Chloé
Best finishing touch: Cropped Cardigan in Merino, Knatchbull
We’ve picked these based on what actually gets worn, and re-worn, to the Championships: breathable fabrics that survive a day in the sun, pieces that photograph as well as they perform, and a healthy nod to the tennis-club aesthetic Wimbledon basically invented. Prices and stock were checked at the time of writing, but as ever with limited stock and sale items, we’d suggest not sitting on your hands too long.
Diane Linen Shirt Dress, Really Wild
Let’s start with the dress that does the most work for the least effort. This belted linen midi in a soft cornflower blue is the kind of piece you can wear to Wimbledon in the morning and straight into dinner that evening. The concealed placket and mother-of-pearl buttons keep things polished, the self-belt cinches the waist properly rather than just gesturing at one, and the three-quarter sleeves mean you won’t be sunburnt by the third set. Pair it with tan boots or simple sandals and you’re done. Don’t overthink the accessories here, the dress is doing all the talking.
Performance Piping Panel Polo Shirt, Wimbledon Shop
There’s something satisfying about wearing the actual Championships kit to the Championships, and this quarter-zip polo in crisp Wimbledon white is exactly that. Made from lightweight, breathable recycled polyester with the iconic logo on the chest, it’s built for a long day in the sun rather than just looking the part for photos. Wear it with tailored shorts for a men’s look, or team it with linen trousers for something a little more elevated. It’s a small thing, but it’s the kind of small thing that gets noticed.
Performance Panelled Zip Jacket, Wimbledon Shop
Anyone who has sat through a Wimbledon rain delay knows the day can swing from blazing sun to distinctly chilly within the hour, and this navy zip jacket is the piece that saves you. The high neck and long sleeves with white contrast piping keep things smart rather than sporty, and the hidden side pockets mean you’re not fumbling for your ticket in a bag. Throw it over a simple dress or a polo and you’ve solved the “what if it rains” problem before it’s even a problem.
Elegant Trousers in white linen, Luca Faloni
White trousers are a genuine commitment, we know, but these tapered Italian linen trousers make the case for them better than most. The single front pleat and side adjusters give a proper tailored silhouette without any of the stiffness, and the natural stretch treatment means you can actually sit down in them for hours without regret. Made in Northern Italy from flax grown in France, they’re the kind of trousers that quietly signal you know what you’re doing. Roll the cuffs slightly and wear with loafers, no socks.
Slim Fit Quarter-Zip Polo Shirt, Ralph Lauren
Price: approx. £115 (we couldn’t verify the live price on this one, so do check before you buy)
Ralph Lauren’s slim fit quarter-zip polo is the sort of piece that looks equally at home on the practice courts as it does in the stands. The panelled construction and RLX branding give it a slightly more technical edge than a classic polo, which makes it a good option if you want something that reads “I actually play tennis” rather than just “I’m watching tennis.” Layer it under the navy zip jacket above for the full look.
THE ROGER Advantage, On
Designed in collaboration with Roger Federer himself, it feels almost rude not to wear these to Wimbledon. The clean white leather upper and low-profile silhouette give it real tennis pedigree, while On’s cushioned sole means your feet will thank you after a day of walking between courts. They’re smart enough to wear with linen trousers, but still have enough sporting DNA to feel appropriate courtside. Genuinely one of the more versatile trainers we’ve tested this year.
Woody large canvas and leather tote, Chloé
You need somewhere to put the sun cream, the programme, the inevitable extra layer, and Chloé’s Woody tote does it with more style than your average day bag. The durable canvas and leather trim combination means it can survive a slightly chaotic picnic on the lawn, and the twin top handles make it easy to sling over a shoulder while you’re juggling a glass of Pimm’s. It’s not a cheap addition to the day, but it’s the kind of bag you’ll be reaching for long after the Championships are over.
Cropped Cardigan in Merino, Knatchbull
Savile Row’s first womenswear house makes a cardigan that elevates absolutely everything you put it over, and this cropped merino piece is no exception. The fine gauge knit and fully fashioned sleeves give it a precision that a normal cardigan simply doesn’t have, and the ottoman stitch detail at the cuff is the kind of thing people notice without knowing quite why they’re noticing it. Layer it over the linen dress for the evening session, when the temperature inevitably drops.
Burgundy Plaited Leather Belt with Brass Buckle, Ede & Ravenscroft
A woven leather belt in burgundy is one of those small additions that makes a whole outfit look considered rather than thrown together. Hand dyed in Florence and finished in Parma, the plaited texture adds interest without shouting about it, and the brass buckle warms up whatever you’re pairing it with, whether that’s the white linen trousers above or a classic navy chino. Don’t underestimate what a good belt does for a tailored look.
Logo Cap, Tory Burch
A baseball cap is a Wimbledon necessity, not a nice-to-have, and this cotton canvas version from Tory Burch manages to look considerably more put-together than the average cap. The embroidered logo patch at the temple and adjustable back strap keep it simple, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying not to overthink an accessory that’s mostly there to stop you squinting through five sets.
BOSS Zed Navy Blue Cotton-Twill Cap, Wheelers Luxury Gifts
For the men in the group, this navy cotton-twill cap from BOSS does exactly what it needs to without trying too hard. The white embroidered logo keeps it clean, the eyelets mean it’s actually breathable rather than just decorative, and the adjustable strap with the engraved metal buckle is a nice detail up close. Wear it with the white polo above for a look that’s put-together without looking like you tried.
That’s the kit sorted. Now all you need is a decent ticket, a spot of shade, and a strategy for the strawberries queue.
