THE COLOURS OF WIMBLEDON
Wimbledon is often described as the oldest tennis tournament in the world, yet its significance extends far beyond sport.
For nearly 150 years, The Championships have occupied a unique place in British culture, becoming synonymous with summer. Much of this enduring appeal lies in Wimbledon's ability to preserve a distinct visual identity, one rooted in tradition yet remarkably relevant today.
Together, white, green, purple and touches of pink have come to define the tournament's visual identity, forming a visual language that tells the story of Wimbledon as clearly as the tennis itself.
WHITE
Long before it became synonymous with Wimbledon, white was the colour of Victorian sporting dress. Favoured by the upper classes for its associations with purity, propriety and refinement, it was also considered the most appropriate choice on court. At a time when visible perspiration was deemed improper, white was favoured because it minimised the appearance of sweat while conveying an air of elegance and decorum.
The all-white rule gradually became one of Wimbledon's defining traditions, still in place today. More than a dress code, it is a visual signature that places the focus firmly on athletic performance, preserving the elegant simplicity for which The Championships are renowned.
GREEN
The Championships remain the only Grand Slam played on grass, a distinction that has connected the tournament to its origins since 1877. Throughout the fortnight, the courts are maintained with extraordinary precision, creating one of the most recognisable settings in sport. Beyond the court itself, green has come to symbolise the English summer landscape that surrounds Wimbledon: lawns, gardens and the enduring relationship between the tournament and its setting.
PURPLE
Introduced as part of Wimbledon's official identity in 1909 alongside dark green, it was chosen to distinguish the tournament from other institutions and sporting organisations of the period. Traditionally associated with dignity, royalty, prestige and ceremony, purple brought a sense of occasion to The Championships. More than a century later, it remains unchanged, a remarkable example of visual continuity in an era defined by reinvention.
PINK
While not part of Wimbledon's official colour palette, vibrant pinks and magentas frequently appear throughout the tournament's visual landscape. From the floral displays that adorn the grounds each summer to the seasonal imagery that accompanies The Championships, these brighter tones bring warmth and vitality to the established palette of green and purple. Together, they contribute to the unmistakable atmosphere of a British summer in full bloom.
What is remarkable is not simply that these traditions endure, but that they continue to resonate. Photographs from Wimbledon in the late nineteenth century reveal gentlemen in striped shirts, tailored jackets and straw boaters. Much has changed since then, yet the principles remain familiar. An appreciation for quality. A respect for occasion. An understanding that elegance need not announce itself.
Founded in 1885, just eight years after the first Wimbledon Championships, Turnbull & Asser emerged from the same Victorian Britain. While one became the home of the world's most celebrated tennis tournament and the other a destination for exceptional shirtmaking, both continue to demonstrate the enduring appeal of craftsmanship, character and continuity.
As The Championships return, so do the colours that have defined them for generations. Crisp whites, rich greens and touches of Wimbledon purple continue to inspire a collection designed for the season's most anticipated occasions.
