Why glam slammers were Wimbledon winners in the fashion racket
When it comes to the fashion racket, the world’s glam slammers have been serving style aces for decades. So have the crowd.
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Forget haute couture, it’s all about court couture right now and we love it all, when it comes to Wimbledon whites.
As the world’s best tennis players compete at the iconic UK Grand Slam, they also get creative with the all-white dress code.
From Fred Perry’s timeless polo shirts to Pat Cash’s bandana, Maria Sharapova’s tuxedo, to Serena William’s gladiator tunic, here’s 10 Wimbledon fashion winners — and what celebs like a don while watching them.
Pat Cash’s check bandana, 1987
Everyone remembers his victory climb up the stands – but it’s his black and white check bandana that goes into the Wimbledon style hall of fame.
When Aussie ace Pat Cash won Wimbledon in 1987, he sported a black and white headband he later said was inspired by Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Neilsen.
Roger Federer’s gold jacket, 2009
Talk about stylish – the Swiss tennis whiz loved a bit of monogramed chic at Wimbledon and appeared in a series of bespoke suits reminiscent of the 1930s-era of the game.
While it’s hard to pick one favourite look, we can’t forget the gold-trimmed military-style Nike ensemble, including man bag, eight-time Wimbledon winner Roger sported when he lifted the trophy in 2009.
Maria Sharapova’s tuxedo, 2008
We couldn’t get enough of Russian-born Maria Sharapova’s memorable on-court looks in the noughties and while she wasn’t quite as adventurous at Wimbledon as the French Open, where she sported a pink tutu in 2006, she still showed her fashion flair.
Our favourite Wimbledon moment was in 2008, when the one-time winner wore a Nike tuxedo top and shorts inspired by menswear.
Bjorn Borg’s sweatband, 1970s
Swedish superstar Bjorn Borg ruled the court, winning Wimbledon five years in a row from 1976-80.
He also secured the top spot in the style stakes, cutting a memorable figure with his long blond hair and headband. Nobody surpassed his sweatband panache.
Borg’s Fila shorts and pinstriped polo shirt look as good today as they did then.
Anne White’s banned catsuit, 1985
When USA hopeful Anne White turned up to her Wimbledon match in a white catsuit, she never expected it to cause as much fuss as it did.
She had the one-piece designed for her by Ted Tinling, but was told by officials to change to something more suitable.
“I think I was just a little ahead of my time,” Anne later said.
Incredibly, 30 years later, in 2018, Serena William’s black catsuit was also banned from the French Open.
Fred Perry and Jean Rene Lacoste’s polo shirts, 1920s–30s
Special mention goes to Frenchman Jean Rene Lacoste and British player Fred Perry, who we couldn’t separate, thanks to their fashion legacy.
They were the tennis style stars of their day, both known for their casual flair, playing in baggy slacks and sweaters.
Lacoste won two Wimbledon Grand Slams in the 1920s and Perry three in the ’30s.
They both went on to design lightweight polo shirts, which have endured to this day.
Serena William’s gladiator dress, 2004
It wasn’t just her catsuit that caught attention, as US champ Serena’s dramatic outfits showed her fashion flair throughout her incredible career.
While the seven-time Wimbledon winner couldn’t be quite as creative as she was at the Australian Open in 2021, in her one-legged unitard, she still had a lot of fun, including wearing a Nike rain-mac in 2008 and a blazer and shorts in 2013.
But our favourite is the gladiator-dress she wore in 2004.
Andre Agassi’s cycling shorts, 1991
Another big-haired US tennis star makes this list for what he didn’t wear … i.e. colour.
Andre Agassi’s early “brand” included fluoro cycling shorts, bright tops and a horrifying pair of acid-wash denim shorts at the 1988 US Open.
He was reportedly so angry at Wimbledon’s all-white rules, he boycotted it from 1988 to 1990.
When he turned up in 1991, all eyes were on what the one-time Wimbledon winner’s outfit would be.
It turned out to be white cycling shorts, plus yellow Oakley sunnies.
John McEnroe’s big hair and little shorts, 1980s
“You cannot be serious,” the bad boy of tennis famously shouted and one might suggest he should have exclaimed that at the sight of his ’80s get-up in the mirror.
The American tennis prodigy, who won three Wimbledon titles, will never be forgotten for his trademark look of giant hair, sweatband, Sergio Tacchini polo shirt and tiny shorts.
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