Between the end of June and the beginning of July, London becomes one of the most closely watched destinations of the summer season thanks to Wimbledon, the most iconic tennis tournament on the circuit, which every year attracts players, celebrities, and fans from all over the world.
Between the immaculate grass of Centre Court and the green-filled stands, an atmosphere of simplicity and elegance takes shape. At the center of this aesthetic is the total white dress code: strict, essential, and instantly recognizable, it has become over time a style reference capable of influencing the way people dress both on and off the court.
The Origins of Total White: Tennis as a Social Symbol
The famous all-white rule dates back to the founding of the tournament in 1877, when tennis was a sport primarily played by the British aristocracy. White was chosen for reasons of etiquette, as it was considered the most suitable color for concealing signs of perspiration, which were viewed as inelegant in public.
What initially began as a practical choice gradually evolved into one of the tournament’s most recognizable codes. Even today, Wimbledon requires players to wear almost entirely white clothing, keeping colored details and inserts to a minimum, a rule that has shaped an aesthetic unlike any other in the world of sports.
The tournament also played an important role in changing tennis style itself: as early as 1919, French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen introduced more fluid and practical outfits on the court, revolutionizing the idea of freedom of movement in women’s sports.
Tenniscore and the Return of Sporty Elegance
Tenniscore brings
sporty elegance back into focus through clean lines, light colors, and lightweight fabrics. A style that revives pieces such as
knit polos,
pleated skirts,
contrast-trim cardigans, and
light-colored pants, reinterpreting them in a contemporary key.
This aesthetic recalls the imagery of English tennis clubs and, in recent years, has moved beyond the sports world to become increasingly present in everyday wardrobes and fashion collections.
Brands such as
Polo Ralph Lauren — Wimbledon’s longtime official outfitter — have helped solidify this image over time, while labels like
Miu Miu,
Lacoste, and Prada have reinterpreted the tennis wardrobe through collections and details inspired by the world of sports.
Contemporary tennis further strengthens this connection with fashion: appearances by
Jannik Sinner for Gucci and
Lorenzo Musetti for Bottega Veneta show how this aesthetic continues to influence the visual and media landscape surrounding the sport today.
Wimbledon and Contemporary Summer Style
Even beyond the tournament itself, Wimbledon-inspired aesthetics continue to shape the way
summer style is interpreted. The appeal of this imagery lies above all in its naturalness: an
elegance that is never excessive, combining
lightweight garments,
balanced proportions, and
attention to detail without appearing overly styled.
For Men
For men as well, the reference point remains a simple and relaxed summer elegance composed of
neutral polos,
linen or lightweight cotton trousers,
unstructured blazers, and
shirts worn open at the collar. A wardrobe designed to move effortlessly between city life, travel, and informal occasions without appearing overly formal.
The most common shades, in both men’s and women’s wardrobes, remain those aligned with the tournament’s signature summer palette:
white,
beige,
ecru, and
sand, paired with
sneakers or
loafers.
Fabrics That Define the Summer Wardrobe
The sense of lightness that characterizes looks inspired by the London tournament comes through natural fabrics and relaxed fits designed to move effortlessly with the body.
Linen remains one of the season’s absolute essentials, appreciated for its ability to provide freshness and comfort even on the hottest days. Next to linen, there is cotton, light wools used in summer blazers, and thin knitwear with an almost imperceptible weight.
An Aesthetic That Continues to Influence Fashion
In an increasingly fast-paced fashion landscape, Wimbledon maintains a rare sense of consistency. Its dress code continues to resonate because it does not chase passing trends, but instead is built on elements that transcend time without losing relevance: restraint, clarity, quality materials, and simplicity.
This is likely why, every summer, the tournament once again becomes a source of aesthetic inspiration not only for tennis enthusiasts, but also for anyone seeking a way of dressing that feels refined while remaining contemporary.
