Wimbledon is the most prestigious and oldest tennis tournament in the world and this two-week tournament started on Monday 28 June. A great opportunity for The English Hatter to pay tribute to the tournament that has been held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London since 1877. But Wimbledon is more than just a tennis tournament. It is full of culture, traditions, dress code and (unwritten) rules.
What comes to mind when you think of Wimbledon? The holy green grass, the rain breaks, the royal box, strawberries with whipped cream and of course the strict dress code for the players: white clothing. From the very first tournament, white clothing was mandatory. At that time, it was completely inappropriate to sweat. Because white keeps you cool during the warmer English summer days and sweat stains are less noticeable than on colorful clothing, white was always played in.
Nowadays, a whole package of rules has been established regarding the white dress code. This even includes the underwear of the players that can be visible during the game (also through perspiration). This must be completely white with the exception of a single coloured border that may not be wider than 10 millimetres. This exception also applies to shorts, skirts and training pants that must be completely white. The entire outfit is therefore strictly examined and shoes, socks, sweatbands, underwear and caps are checked.
White is well represented at The English Hatter. In the form of a neat Piqué Polo with short sleeves, which could be worn perfectly on the tennis court. The cotton Cricket Pullover can be perfectly combined with this. This is also available as a Cricket Slipover by Alan Paine. In addition, the Boston Trousers with pleats and turn-up are neat trousers as a spectator. Although the spectators, also in the royal box, have a lot more freedom in their choice of clothing, certain etiquette does apply. Better too chic than too casual is a good starting point.
In the long history of this tennis tournament, the white dress code has gone wrong a few times. For example, in 2013, Roger Federer, playing in white tennis shoes with orange soles, was asked after the match to play with white soles from now on. Venus Williams was reprimanded for her fuchsia-pink bra under her white dress, which she changed during a rain break. The funniest may be the underwear change after the black underwear of two doubles players was noticed.
In honor of this beautiful tradition, The English Hatter wishes you a lot of fun watching who will hold the Wimbledon trophy high this year. And to prevent a necessary change of underwear, we would like to refer you (in the store) to The English Hatter Boxershort. In white, of course.
