Sweatbands and Sophistication: The Curious Magic of Wimbledon

Leaping Fred. 29th June 1936: British tennis player, Fred Perry, in action against BH Grant in court number one at Wimbledon, London. (Photo by Hudson/Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

There’s something reassuringly timeless about Wimbledon. The hushed anticipation between serves, the crisp whites of the players, the iconic stripe pattern of the pristine grass court. For two glorious weeks each summer, SW19 transforms into the spiritual headquarters of lawn tennis. And, like any great British institution, it pairs rather beautifully with Charatan's proper tobacco.

A brief history of aces and etiquette

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, founded in 1877 when a modest 200 spectators paid a shilling each to watch a “gentlemen’s singles” match that, by today’s standards, involved more moustache than muscle.

Since then, it has blossomed into a global spectacle that is still held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, still played on grass courts, and still stubbornly sticking to tradition (fans are encouraged to keep their yells to a whisper).

From Borg vs McEnroe to Serena’s dominance and the reign of Federer, Wimbledon isn’t just a sporting event. It’s a cultural timestamp, with every match recorded in headlines, slow-motion replays of disbelief and, these days, countless social media posts.

Succulent strawberries and suave spectators

Each year, nearly two million strawberries and 7,000 litres of cream are served to ticket holders, all of whom pretend not to be sunburnt. No one really knows why strawberries became Wimbledon’s official snack, it’s just one of those things we do. Like queuing at the post office. Or apologising when someone else bumps into us.

Then there’s the parade of celebrity attendees. While some turn up to be seen, David Beckham turns up to be studied. From tailored suits to pocket squares with perfect right angles, Becks treats the royal box like his personal catwalk, all while maintaining a casual air of “just popped down for a match and a glass of Pimm’s”.

August 1935: British tennis star Fred Perry (1909 - 1995) leaves Waterloo Station in London, bound for America. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)

Fred Perry: Tennis champion, fashion icon and pipe lover

No Wimbledon homage would be complete without a nod to Fred Perry. A three-time Wimbledon champion in the 1930s, he was the last British bloke to win the singles title until Andy Murray came along nearly eight decades later.

But Perry’s legacy isn’t just athletic, as he was also a proud pipe smoker, often spotted with a bowl clenched between points. It added a certain gravitas to his game, a calm intensity you don’t quite get with a bottle of electrolytes.

Today, the Fred Perry fashion label carries his name and sense of enduring British cool, from courtside polos to Camden kerbs. For lovers of Charatan pipe tobacco, it’s a rather stylish example to follow: a confident and sharply dressed legend who knew how to serve and savour in equal measure.

Where tradition meets taste

Wimbledon, like pipe smoking, is a ritual. It requires patience, appreciation and a keen eye for detail. So as you watch the final matches of 2025, consider doing it the Fred Perry way: with poise, with style, and with a well-packed pipe in hand.

If you need to top up your tin, make sure to browse our range of pipe tobaccos, which are inspired by timeless traditions, just like Wimbledon itself. Or perhaps you're in the mood for cigars that always deliver the advantage? In which case, the Charatan Claro, Colorado and Maduro are ready for you to explore.