Fashion: White hot looks inspired by Wimbledon

Wimbledon is leading the way for fashion this summer as all-white style enjoys more than a moment or two in the sun.

Wimbledon’s strict all-white dress code dates back to the 1800s, when the sight of sweat spots through clothing was deemed unseemly and it was decided that white fabrics made stains less obvious while also reflecting warm sun rays away from the body.

The All England rules have always been strict, but have become even more so in recent years, following a clampdown after officials felt that rules were being flouted (Roger Federer’s orange Nike soles in 2013 did not meet with approval).

So these days, whites means whites and the regulations state that: “White does not include off-white or cream; there can be only “a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre” (which can be only at the neckline or cuff); and “(coloured) undergarments that either are or can be visible during play (including due to perspiration)” are not allowed. Large logos are also discouraged, although relaxed while players are practising.

But, actually, in fashion terms, Wimbledon has long been ahead of the game. For several seasons, from catwalk to High Street, all-white has been a seriously cool trend, especially for summer, with head-to-toe white looks dominating the most chic festivals, garden parties and events.

For this summer, there is a variety of ways to wear white, and rules are not quite as strict as Wimbledon, which means that the judiciously edited introduction of at least some colour is allowed.