Heading to Wimbledon 2023 this year and wondering what you can and can’t wear?
Fear not, as The Sporting News is on hand with all the rules and regulations (there aren’t many!) needed to enjoy your day out in SW19.
Tennis fans are no stranger to seeing players wearing their all-white ensembles on court at Wimbledon and fans spotted on TV screens in the stands can often be seen looking their best with the prestigious tournament a chance to showcase the latest fashion styles.
While the tennis on court is the most important aspect for many, there are still plenty of spectators visiting The Championships for a social occasion and that often makes for a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Here’s all you need to know if you’re attending over the coming fortnight.
Is there a Wimbledon dress code?
In short, there is no specific dress code for Wimbledon although fans attending the All England Club are often encouraged to dress smartly.
The only official rules on the Wimbledon website regarding entry to the grounds state that no offensive or political messages can be displayed on clothing.
Tournament organisers insist: “Any objects or clothing bearing (as shall be determined at the AELTC’s reasonable discretion) political statements, objectionable or offensive statements, or commercial identification intended for ‘ambush marketing’, including items or objects given away as part of a promotional or marketing campaign by third parties near to the Grounds.”
Spectators should dress for all weathers with the British summer often unpredictable, meaning it’s not uncommon to see fans bringing sun cream as well as waterproof ponchos along to the tournament.
Men traditionally wear fashionable suits and ties if attending important matches on the show courts, while women can often be seen wearing white dresses or similarly summery outfits.
Equally, there are thousands of spectators each day entering Wimbledon with ground passes who are dressed in comfortable clothing such as shorts and t-shirts hoping to soak up the sun.
One rule that is in place sees Wimbledon Debenture ticket holders wanting to visit the Debenture Lounges having to be dressed as ‘smart casual’: in particular, no jeans, shorts, collarless shirts, or trainers (sneakers are acceptable).
MORE: Wimbledon 2023: Best bets, predictions, odds, who will win women’s singles title?
Is there a dress code for Centre Court at Wimbledon?
While there is no official dress code for Centre Court or Court One, fans are usually encouraged to dress smartly with the majority of those lucky enough to be in attendance happy to make an effort with their attire.
Celebrities invited into the Royal Box for the big matches do have to follow a strict dress code with men required to wear a tie, jacket and shoes.
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton once fell foul of the rules and missed the Wimbledon final in 2015 between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer after being refused entry.
He was unable to take his seat due to his outfit not meeting the required standards.
MORE: Wimbledon order of play: Daily schedule including Centre Court matches
What is the dress code for players at Wimbledon?
The official rules of The Championships state players must wear “suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white” from the moment they enter the court area. However, there was a rare change to the rules around player dress code in 2022, changing part of conventions dating back to Victorian times, with women now allowed to wear dark undershorts following high-profile concerns being raised over how it affected female players during menstruation.
Non-white trim is allowed, but it must be on the neckline of the shirt, sleeve cuff or outside seam of shorts, skirt, or shorts leg. This trim must also only be no more than a centimetre wide. Small manufacturer logos and sponsors are permitted, but they mustn’t measure over a centimetre wide as a mass of colour. On top of this, shades of off-white or cream are not allowed as a white substitute.
It is stated that “caps, headbands, bandanas, wristbands and socks” must follow the same rules while shoes must also be predominantly white, with large manufacturer logos “not encouraged”. Undergarments that can be “visible during play” have to match with the rest of the white kit, too. The code also outlines that “common standards of decency are required at all times”. Even medical equipment and support bandages should not be coloured unless it’s “absolutely necessary”. There is, at least, a more relaxed dress code on the practice courts.
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