Wimbledon, where strawberries meet style, has never been just about tennis. It’s a catwalk of summer elegance, a playground for the sharpest dressers who understand the power of understated tailoring. And this year, two titans from different worlds – David Beckham and Anthony Joshua – reminded us of the timeless impact of white.

The footballer and the boxer, both icons in their own right, strode into Wimbledon clad in tailored white blazers. Not just any white jackets, but pieces that spoke of confidence, control, and curated charm. Beckham, ever the sartorial sage, played the role of suave gentleman with his signature ease. Joshua, known for knocking out opponents in the ring, delivered a knockout punch of elegance in crisp tailoring and confidence-fuelled styling.

But how can you, a mere mortal, channel this level of summer sophistication? It all starts with the white blazer – a piece that can go so wrong if misunderstood but can make you a style heavyweight when done right.

The White Blazer – Summer’s Sartorial Secret Weapon

Wearing white is a declaration. It says you’re fearless, polished, and you don’t spill coffee. The white blazer is no exception. It requires attention to fit, fabric, and flair. Both Beckham and Joshua get this. Their Wimbledon looks were balanced – not overdone, not bland. Here’s how to channel that winning formula.

Don’t forget the necktie.

1. Fit Like a Glove or Don’t Bother at All

The first rule of white blazer club? Tailoring. A poor fit makes white look like a dentist’s coat. Beckham’s jacket hugged the shoulders and skimmed the waist, a masterclass in precise menswear. Joshua, a man of considerable frame, had his white blazer cut to honour his broad chest and taper elegantly at the waist. Not a wrinkle in sight.

Your move:

• Shoulders should align perfectly.
• Sleeves should sit just above the wrist bone, offering a tease of shirt cuff.
• Length? Cover your bum without looking like a trench coat.

Go for a single-breasted design if you’re lean. If you’re bulkier, a double-breasted cut adds depth without overwhelming your silhouette.

2. Fabric Speaks Before You Do

Lightweight wool, linen blends, or soft cotton sateen are your allies. These breathe, drape, and move with Mediterranean grace. You don’t want stiff fabric; it’ll look boxy. Think Amalfi breeze, not Arctic chill.

Beckham’s blazer likely featured a linen-silk blend – it had a gentle texture that caught the light. Joshua’s was likely a more structured cotton or wool-silk hybrid – strong enough to hold its shape yet soft in the summer sun.

Avoid: Shiny polyester. It screams prom night, not power play.

3. The Shirt – Keep It Clean or Play It Cool

There’s beauty in simplicity. Beckham stuck to a soft pastel blue shirt, letting the blazer do the talking while adding a kiss of colour. Joshua? A crisp white shirt kept things streamlined, acting as a canvas for his charisma.

You can try:

• Light blue or grey for an airy effect.
• A striped linen shirt to add Riviera flair.
• For risk-takers: a silk open-neck camp collar shirt in beige or blush.

Skip the tie unless you’re attending a formal affair. Open collar is the modern man’s wink to casual elegance.

4. Trousers – The Power of the Right Contrast

You don’t need to match white with white – you’re not dressing for a wedding on the beach (unless you are). Both Beckham and Joshua played with contrast: sand-hued chinos, soft grey trousers, and cream tailoring.

Try:

• Taupe or dove grey trousers for a refined Wimbledon-ready look.
• White-on-white for an ultra-clean, modern uniform – but keep textures varied.
• Navy or black for formal evenings.

5. Eyewear: Not an Accessory, a Necessity

Wimbledon isn’t just a lesson in tailoring – it’s the Olympics of sunglasses. Both Beckham and Joshua wore shades that whispered, not shouted. Beckham, often a fan of Ray-Ban Clubmasters and Oliver Peoples, goes for refined, vintage frames. Joshua’s eyewear leaned bold, geometric, and masculine – think Tom Ford or Cartier.

How to choose your frames:

• Oval face? Try angular aviators or square acetate.
• Square jaw? Round or oval frames soften edges.
• Go for gold or tortoiseshell with white blazers – it balances the coolness with warmth.

The sunglasses don’t just protect your eyes – they crown the look.

6. Shoes: Tread the Line Between Formal and Effortless

What’s beneath those pressed trousers matters. Beckham’s Wimbledon choices often veer towards suede loafers or tan brogues. Joshua, always athletic in stature, may lean into minimalist leather sneakers or polished Derbies.

Ideal summer white blazer footwear:

• Tan loafers – suede or leather.
• White minimalist sneakers – clean, not scuffed.
• Brown brogues for a more classic English edge.

Never go too dark unless you’re wearing black trousers. Keep it light, keep it sharp.

7. Pocket Squares & Details: It’s the Icing

This is where you separate the stylish from the try-hard. Beckham might tuck in a navy polka-dot silk square. Joshua could opt for none at all – letting the structure of the blazer be the statement.

When in doubt:

• White cotton square with a subtle border.
• A muted floral pattern if you’re feeling playful.
• Or go pocket square-free for that ultra-clean silhouette.

Your watch, belt, and even your cologne should be considered. When wearing white, every detail pops. Make sure they’re the right ones.

8. Confidence is the Final Accessory

David Beckham could wear a tea towel and look regal. Anthony Joshua could wear a bathrobe and command attention. Why? Because they wear their clothing – not the other way around. Wearing white, especially a blazer, is a psychological shift. It’s about taking up space without arrogance.

Stand tall. Walk slow. Speak little.
White magnifies energy. Own it.

Final Thoughts: The Gentleman’s Knockout

Wimbledon may be about tennis, but the real competition happens on the lawn – and in the stands. When Beckham and Joshua showed up in summer’s trickiest colour and owned it, they set a trend, not followed one.

A white blazer is a risk. But like all great style moments – from red carpets to Centre Court – the greatest wins come from daring to stand out. So this summer, step into the sun, choose your tailoring wisely, and walk like you belong in a box seat at Wimbledon.

And remember: if you sweat the details, you won’t sweat in white.