What to Wear to Wimbledon
BY Natasha Bailey ON 02 July, 2026
There's no official spectator dress code at Wimbledon, but everyone knows the unwritten one. Think garden party crossed with a sporting event: polished, understated, a little bit heritage. What you want is the kind of outfit that would work equally well for a summer wedding drinks reception as it would courtside.
That's exactly the territory Lacoste, Paul Smith, Levi's and Tommy Hilfiger each occupy in their own way, which is why they're the backbone of our Wimbledon edit this year.
Why Lacoste Is the Obvious Starting Point
It's hard to think of a brand more suited to SW19 than Lacoste. The crocodile was born on a tennis court, after all, and nearly a century later the brand still nails that off-court tennis look better than almost anyone.
For men, a classic piqué polo is the non-negotiable. Stick to the archive shades: navy, white, that unmistakable Lacoste green; and pair with tailored chinos or lightweight trousers rather than shorts if you're heading to Centre Court or Court No. 1. For the outer courts, where things loosen up slightly, a polo with chino shorts and clean leather trainers or loafers reads effortless without trying too hard.
Paul Smith: For When You Want to Dress Up a Little
If Lacoste is the tennis-club uniform, Paul Smith is what you reach for when you want something with a bit more personality, particularly for Centre Court, where men still lean towards proper tailoring.
A Paul Smith shirt is smart enough for the Royal Box aesthetic, but with the signature stripe or a quietly witty detailing that stops it feeling stuffy. Wear it with tailored trousers rather than a full suit - Wimbledon rewards restraint over black-tie formality.
Accessories are where Paul Smith earns its keep. A pair of their striped socks or a pocket square peeking out is the kind of detail that photographs beautifully against the manicured lawns.
Levi's Chino Shorts: The Practical MVP
Not every day at Wimbledon calls for tailoring, and this is where a good pair of chino shorts becomes essential, particularly if you're spending hours in the queue before you've even got through the gates.
Levi's chino shorts are the reliable choice: a clean, tapered fit in stone or navy works with almost everything else on this list. Pair with a Lacoste polo and loafers for a look that's smart enough for the outer courts but comfortable enough to actually enjoy the day in.
Tommy Hilfiger: Nautical Polish for Women
For women who want that preppy, courtside look without straying into full tennis-club uniform, Tommy Hilfiger is worth a browse. The brand's nautical streak translates beautifully to Wimbledon: a Breton striped cardigan thrown over the shoulders over a crisp white shirt or buttoned up against the breeze feels instantly appropriate, equal parts French Riviera and English garden party. Pair it with trousers or a simple skirt and you've got an outfit that looks pulled-together in about five minutes.
Whichever direction you take, the golden rules hold: nothing too casual, nothing too formal, flat or low shoes for the walking and queuing, and a foldable rain layer tucked away just in case — this is still an English summer, after all.
