As the Wimbledon Championships return, the iconic tournament not only showcases top-tier tennis but also a century-long evolution of court fashion. Since its inception in 1877, Wimbledon has been synonymous with style and sport, enforcing a strict all-white dress code that has shaped the fashion narrative on the court.
The Twenties marked a turning point in sports fashion, with French tennis prodigy Suzanne Lenglen challenging the traditional norms of women’s athletic wear. Lenglen’s knee-length pleated skirts and sleeveless blouses set a new standard, diverging from the ankle-length dresses and corsets of her time. On the men’s side, René Lacoste introduced the iconic polo shirt, revolutionizing men’s tennis attire.
By the Thirties, Wimbledon court fashion embraced sleek and functional designs, with British champion Fred Perry leading the way in lighter-weight polos and clean-cut trousers. The post-war Fifties witnessed a shift towards more casual court dressing, with players opting for short shorts and practical dresses that reflected a cultural move towards relaxed attire.
The Sixties saw a modernization of tennis silhouettes, with higher hemlines and streamlined cuts becoming popular. Practical elegance defined the era, as exemplified by players like Angela Buxton, who favored clean lines and subtle design elements in their attire.
The Seventies brought freer silhouettes and bolder statements to Wimbledon fashion, with players like Billie Jean King infusing both function and style into their on-court looks. The Eighties marked a performance-oriented era, with players like John McEnroe introducing a more rebellious edge to the traditional whites.
Steffi Graf’s dominance in the late Eighties and early Nineties showcased a blend of classic retro aesthetics and bold prints, setting the stage for the arrival of the Williams sisters. Venus and Serena Williams brought individuality and flair to Wimbledon whites, pushing boundaries with asymmetric cuts and unexpected design details.
In the 2000s, the Williams sisters continued to redefine tennis fashion, balancing creativity with high performance in their on-court looks. Serena’s bold style and iconic fashion moments became synonymous with the era, ushering in a new chapter of sartorial expression in tennis.
By the late 2010s and early 2020s, Wimbledon fashion shifted towards ‘quiet luxury’, focusing on clean lines and understated elegance. Rising stars like Emma Raducanu and Coco Gauff exemplified this evolution, bringing fresh interpretations of classic tennis attire and blending sportswear with street style.
Today, Wimbledon court fashion not only reflects the sport’s elite athleticism but also serves as a platform for individual expression and style innovation. As players continue to push boundaries and redefine tennis fashion, the tournament remains a melting pot of tradition, innovation, and personal flair on the hallowed grass courts of SW19.
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