The countdown is on to Wimbledon 2025, with tennis fans getting ready to flock to SW1 from 30 June.
And while many of us will be watching from our sofas 鈥 strawberries at the ready 鈥 a lucky few will have scored tickets, while many will plan to grace the famous Queue in hopes of gaining entry.
If you plan to head down, remember: there鈥檚 a strict code of conduct to rival Royal Ascot.
Technically there is no dress code, though there there are unwritten rules to know if you want to look the part, or rival celebrity regulars such as Sienna Miller or David Beckham. There鈥檚 also a strong chance the Princess of Wales will be returning this year, as she has been a patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016. So it鈥檚 sure to be a major celeb-spotting opportunity between games, as well.
If you鈥檙e headed to a match, here鈥檚 what to 鈥 and what not to do.
As mentioned, there is technically no dress code for Wimbledon spectators, however, dressing smartly is encouraged, especially if frequenting Centre Court or Court Number One. And it is a requirement if you have an invitation to the Royal Box.
There is one major rule for everyone, however: guests are forbidden to wear ‘ambush marketing’ clothing 鈥 that鈥檚 anything with a company logo emblazoned on the back. And while they鈥檙e de rigueur in the fashion world right now, 鈥榩olitical鈥 slogans are also forbidden.
There鈥檚 an art to looking the part, wherever you鈥檙e sitting, so for style inspiration, look to the likes of Alexa Chung, and last year鈥檚 most hyped guest Zendaya, who opted for crisp, preppy tailoring by JW Anderson, who styled her for Challengers.
Head to mid-range labels such as Me+Em and Whistles for smart tailoring with elevated detailing. With Nothing Underneath鈥檚 linen wide-legs and blazers are perfectly cut and will keep you cool. Or try the likes of Ghost, Self Portrait and Rixo for mid-length dresses in flattering cuts. Powder blue, navy and salmon are all classic hues for the stands.
On a cooler day you might want to pop a cardi on as per Alexa. &Daughter has chic styles in plenty of colours.
Large hats that could block anyone鈥檚 view are a no-no for women. And that goes for the guys as well, if you won’t want to find yourself, as Lewis Hamilton once did, denied entry to a very important match.
A jacket and tie is firmly encouraged. As David Beckham told The Standard: 鈥淚 love Wimbledon. It鈥檚 elegant, classic 鈥 always a good day out.鈥
As for dressing the part in menswear? 鈥淚 always go Ralph [Lauren]. You can鈥檛 go wrong.鈥
We know how tempting it is: a quick “Go ann Emma!” as she goes to serve 鈥 but apparently that鈥檚 uncouth. It鈥檚 best not to distract the players, or your fellow guests. Be warned: the umpire may even get involved.
Though once the point has been played, you can whoop and clap as much as you want. You shouldn鈥檛 cheer in the middle of rallies either 鈥 total silence is demanded until the end.
Also bear in mind, you can only leave your seat after the third game of a set. Then when the players change sides, every two games, after that.
You won’t be able to return to your pew until those times either, so best hold back on that Pimm鈥檚 until after the match, if you don’t want to miss any major moments.
You are welcome to pack your own picnic. So bag a cool box and load up on the strawberries to keep you going in the queue and throughout the match.
You can bring your own booze, though you are limited to the equivalent of one bottle of wine or Champagne (750ml), or two cans of beer (500ml), or two cans of premixed aperitifs (like, Pimm鈥檚) per person. Bottles of spirits are prohibited though, so a straight bottle of the tipple is not allowed.
Glassware may not be used on the show courts and all corked bottles, including Champagne and sparkling wine, must be opened before you go into the stands.
Flasks aren鈥檛 allowed either. And neither are travel mugs or opaque bottles.
Now you know the rules: happy spectating!