When umpires first took their chairs in the classic navy blazer with sporty white trim, striped dress shirt, tie and white flannel trousers, Wimbledon looked like a film set for a garden-party scene straight from an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.

That was 2006, the year Ralph Lauren – the all-American brand deeply rooted in a spirit of sporty elegance – became the first Official Outfitter of The Championships in its 129 years of history. 

Gone were the purely practical uniforms for umpires, linesmen and ball boys and girls; in came a sharp aesthetic that commanded the attention of global fashion writers and added a sprinkling of sartorial magic to tournament play. 

Sixteen years on, the Ralph Lauren Wimbledon apparel range continues to enthral with its mix of classic cricket sweaters and heritage detailing alongside quintessential Ralph Lauren pieces, such as the bomber jacket, polo shirt and baseball cap. The 2021 range is notable for new bold colours and graphic patterns as well as elements of modernity and innovation, notably in the commitment to sustainability. 

The BBG uniforms, for example, feature innovative stretch, moisture-wicking properties, UPF 40 protection from UV rays, and are crafted from lightweight jersey made with yarn derived from recycled plastic bottles.

A colourful motif of scattered tennis rackets and uniforms from Ralph Lauren’s Spring 1992 collection is upcycled in graphic style on a 2021 men’s polo shirt and women’s polo dress and shorts. From officials’ on-court outfits to easy-to-wear styles, you can mix and match pieces with panache to celebrate the pinnacle of tennis, all year-round, in your daily attire. 

“England has always been a source of inspiration for our brand, from the impeccable tailoring Savile Row is so famous for, to the casual, laid-back elegance of the English countryside, to the heritage of Wimbledon as one of the world’s most iconic sporting events,” says David Lauren, Chief Innovation and Brand Officer of Ralph Lauren.

He recalls his first visit to The Championships and that sense of feeling “humbled by the tradition, elegance and sense of history. It reverberates throughout the grounds – every spectator and player is just in awe.”

David’s father, Ralph, famously said, “Fashion fades while style is forever” and the 2021 range of must-have items make perfect additions to the tennis fan’s personal wardrobe. Encapsulating elite performance and practicality, this year’s campaign takes Wimbledon’s values of sportsmanship, camaraderie and tradition beyond the world of grass court tennis, modelled by an incredible cast – Maro Itoje from rugby, Son Heung-Min for Tottenham Hotspur, Francesca Hayward from The Royal Ballet, surfer Lucy Campbell and G2 E-Sports League of Legends player, Rekkles. 

“We are very proud to celebrate 16 years of partnership with Wimbledon,” says David Lauren. “Ralph Lauren and Wimbledon share such similar brand values and codes, each with our own rich traditions and incredible heritage and a sort of timeless elegance - it has been a wonderful match.”

After a tough 2020, we have all clung to the wonderful spirit of optimism that pervades the annual tennis garden party that is Wimbledon. “I think it’s because of this that the anticipation for The Championships is even more so this year. Wimbledon embodies certain magic and I think people are excited to get back to that and back together.” Wearing an iconic piece from Wimbledon x Polo Ralph Lauren, of course.   

To shop the 2021 Ralph Lauren Wimbledon Collection visit: https://shop.wimbledon.com/