​The Wimbledon Championships are instantly identifiable by their distinctive purple and green color scheme, a pairing that is reinforced each year as the grounds and surrounding areas are branded in these two hues, complemented by touches of white. Yet, this iconic palette did not always define the tournament. In fact, purple and green have been in use only since 1909. Before that, Wimbledon’s official colors leaned on a different trio—red, blue, yellow, and green—which adorned branding for more than three decades. While there is no official record explaining the exact reason for the switch, the prevailing theory is that the former colors were considered too similar to those associated with the Royal Marines. Over the years, numerous theories have circulated about why purple and green were chosen, but the rationale remains largely speculative. What is clear is that the new palette has brought enduring benefits to Wimbledon.
A landmark moment came in 2016 when organizers secured a trademark on the color scheme, specifically protecting the combination of Dark Green (Pantone 349 C) and Purple (Pantone 268 C). This trademark grants Wimbledon exclusive rights to use these shades together in branding for tennis events, apparel, and merchandise, while also enabling the club to monetize this unique look and deter impersonation schemes, such as scam ticket sites falsely posing as the All England Club. The protection ensures that only Wimbledon can deploy this precise color pairing in their official branding, helping to preserve the tournament’s visual identity and guard against counterfeits.
Trademarking a color scheme is a complex process, and not all brands succeed in such efforts. For example, Ikea’s attempt in 2005 to secure protection for a yellow-and-blue colorway was rejected. By contrast, other well-known brands have achieved color-related restrictions: red soles are permitted only on Christian Louboutin shoes, and UPS has long used brown for its vans and uniforms, which is effectively protected as part of its brand identity. These cases illustrate that color trademarks can be granted or denied based on a range of legal and perceptual factors.
As for why purple and green were chosen, theories abound, though none are definitively proven. One common interpretation is that green pays homage to Wimbledon’s famed grass courts, while purple may reflect a regal or royal association that seems fitting for the tournament’s status. Some club records allude to an old poem that mentions Wimbledon’s “green and impurpled hills,” offering a poetic link to the color pairing. Another suggests inspiration from Suffragette colors, though this remains speculative with limited evidence.
Beyond the color story, Wimbledon is known for another long-standing tradition: matches are played in white attire. This dress code dates back to Victorian times, when sweating was considered improper, and white outfits were believed to minimize the visible impact of perspiration during play. The emphasis on white clothing reinforces the tournament’s etiquette and historic ambience, complementing the iconic purple-and-green branding.
This article is part of BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything series, where readers can explore a range of Wimbledon-related topics. Questions in this series cover why seats are sometimes empty at Wimbledon’s show courts, what the Last 8 Club is, how heat rules operate at the Championships, and how famous personalities are invited to Wimbledon’s royal box, among other subjects. The aim is to provide readers with engaging, SEO-friendly insights into the tournament’s branding, traditions, and behind-the-scenes details.