What's the Dress Code for Wimbledon Debenture Ticket Holders?

Don’t get caught out by Wimbledon’s dress code. Here’s how you should dress if you’re attending the All England Tennis Championships with a debenture ticket.

In 2015, Formula 1 Driver Lewis Hamilton was invited to the Royal Box at Wimbledon to watch Novak Djokovic square off against Roger Federer in the men’s singles final.

The event was one of the most historic matches in the Djokovic-Federer rivalry, which saw the Serbian retain his 2014 Wimbledon title, defeating Federer three sets to one.

Yet Lewis Hamilton, unfortunately, missed out on the action because he was refused entry for his outfit, which did not conform to the Royal Box’s dress code.

Wimbledon dress code etiquette

The Championships is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, with a rich tradition of both written and unwritten rules for players and fans. There is a level of etiquette visitors must abide by when attending the event, particularly if you’re entering on a debenture ticket or are invited to the Royal Box.

While the players are traditionally required to wear all-white tennis clothes, those entering exclusive debenture holders' areas are also required to dress accordingly.

For general admission tickets, spectators can enter the grounds and stadia wearing pretty much whatever they like, provided their dress code complies with Wimbledon’s Conditions of Entry.

Is smart casual appropriate for Wimbledon?

Visitors to The Championships are actively encouraged to wear smart casual clothing.

Debenture ticket holders, in particular, should ensure they are wearing smart casual clothing to access debenture holder seats and exclusive bars and restaurants.

The rules are slightly different for those attending the Royal Box, who must wear more formal clothes, including a jacket and a tie to enter the Royal enclosures.

But while debenture ticket holders are advised to wear smart casual attire, the AELTC’s official dress code guidance states that debenture ticket holders are not required to wear a jacket and tie.

What not to wear to Wimbledon

The guidance also states that fitted shorts are acceptable for both ladies and gentlemen entering the grounds via debenture tickets, but visitors should refrain from wearing torn jeans, running vests, dirty trainers or sports shorts.

Spectators must not wear oversized hats or headgear as these can obstruct the view of those sitting behind you.

Selfie sticks and any clothing that features any large commercial or promotional branding are also prohibited.

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