Has Wimbledon Brought Back the Business Tie? Why David Beckham, Andrew Scott & Matthew McConaughey Are Leading a Sartorial Rebellion
Wimbledon 2025 wasn’t just a tournament. It was a tailored revolution. Among the strawberries, cream, and polite applause, a surprising accessory made an unexpected comeback — the business tie.
Once the staple of boardrooms, stiff collars, and morning commutes, the tie had been cast aside during the work-from-home era. Thanks to Zoom meetings and Silicon Valley’s obsession with casualwear, neckties began gathering dust. But this year’s Centre Court attendees — from David Beckham to Andrew Scott and Matthew McConaughey — wore them loud and proud. And not ironically.
Could it be that Wimbledon is restoring the gentleman’s tie to its rightful place? Are these men pushing back against hoodies, crewnecks, and collars left unbuttoned?
Let’s unravel the threads.
The Tie: Once a Power Symbol, Now a Statement of Defiance
There was a time when the business tie symbolised respect, power, and structure. It completed the uniform of the high-flyer and added polish to any suit. But after 2020, the corporate dress code relaxed like never before. A hoodie could close a million-dollar deal. A crewneck sweater became a CEO staple. Suits were reduced to blazer-over-tee combinations — a look better suited to an after-party than a boardroom.
The tie, like a relic, fell silent.
But fashion is cyclical. And nothing sparks a trend like a collective rebellion against sloppiness. Enter: Wimbledon 2025. If vintage is your style, opt for Hermes.
David Beckham – The Tie Maestro
There’s no man better suited (literally) to bring back the tie than David Beckham. His Wimbledon look was an ode to old-school dapper: a double-breasted tan suit, crisp white shirt, and a neatly knotted tie — one that didn’t just whisper “gentleman” but shouted “refined authority.”
Beckham knows his audience. At an event steeped in tradition, he wore a look that nodded to classic British tailoring. The tie wasn’t decorative. It was intentional. He reminded us that dressing up is a form of self-respect — for the occasion and for yourself.
Beckham’s look had structure, symmetry, and a sense of occasion — the very essence of why the tie is returning.
Andrew Scott – Minimalist Power Move
Andrew Scott, beloved for his nuanced performances and cerebral presence, delivered his version of tie revival with minimalist flair. His Wimbledon outfit was understated but razor-sharp: tailored suit, light shirt, and a slim tie that subtly enhanced the ensemble without stealing the show.
His message? The tie doesn’t need to scream. It can whisper — and still command attention.
Scott’s choice reinforced the idea that the tie isn’t outdated. It’s been waiting for men to remember its silent power. His appearance proves the tie is no longer corporate armour; it’s a tool of quiet confidence.
Matthew McConaughey – Southern Sophistication
Matthew McConaughey has always danced to the beat of his own drum — or bongo. At Wimbledon, he brought Southern charm to the tie trend, choosing a more relaxed, textured look. His outfit was earthy and elegant: soft tones, lightweight tailoring, and a subtly patterned tie that pulled the whole look together.
Matthew’s style offered a different take. Not London banker. Not Paris fashion week. But a man who embraces tradition without looking stiff. His tie wasn’t a noose — it was a ribbon of refinement.
He reminded men that elegance isn’t about discomfort. It’s about intention.
As Matthew McConaughey extended his hand in greeting, none other than tennis legend Andre Agassi met him tie to tie two icons from different worlds bound by old-school style and mutual respect. Their handshake wasn’t just a photo-op; it was a sartorial serve, a subtle nod to tradition, with both men impeccably dressed, their ties perfectly knotted.
It was elegance in motion one man from Centre Court, the other from the red carpet, proving that timeless style still commands the spotlight.
Why Now? Why the Tie?
This isn’t just about Wimbledon. It’s about a broader hunger for sophistication. Men are tired of looking “Zoom ready” from the waist up. They crave substance, structure, and style. The tie represents the return of pride in dressing. It shows commitment, even when you’re not required to.
Here’s why the tie’s time has come again:
- Revenge Dressing for Men: Women embraced “revenge dressing” post-lockdown. Men are catching up. The tie is their armour.
- Fashion Cycles: The 2020s are revisiting the elegance of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Suits, brogues, and ties are back in the rotation.
- The Pushback Against Casual Overkill: From Silicon Valley to Soho House, the dress-down look has become so mainstream it’s lost its edge. Dressing up is now the rebellious move.
Style Tips – Bringing the Tie Back Without Looking Like an Accountant
You don’t need Centre Court tickets or Beckham’s cheekbones to make the tie work. You just need intention, proportion, and a bit of flair.
1. Choose the Right Width
- Slim ties for lean builds or minimalist looks.
- Classic width (7–8cm) for broader frames or vintage vibes.
- Avoid super-skinny ties — they scream 2010 indie band.
2. Pattern Play
- Start with solid colours or subtle textures (grenadine, twill).
- Elevate to stripes or dots for personality.
- Don’t be afraid of bold prints — just balance them with a muted shirt and blazer.
3. Master the Knot
- The Four-in-Hand knot is versatile and stylish.
- The Half Windsor gives more structure — ideal for business.
- Avoid giant knots. No one wants to look like a magician at a wedding.
4. Mind the Length
- The tip of the tie should touch the middle of your belt buckle.
- Anything shorter screams office intern. Too long? Used car salesman.
5. Ditch the Tie Clip Unless Necessary
- Tie clips are rarely needed unless you’re actually in a windy boardroom.
- If you must wear one, keep it subtle and horizontal.
6. Pair with Texture
- A tie doesn’t mean rigidity. Pair it with soft linen blazers or even unstructured cotton jackets.
- Don’t be afraid of relaxed tailoring — the tie brings balance.
The Tie Is Not Dead — It’s Rebranded
The modern tie isn’t tied to obligation. It’s a choice. A declaration. A nod to ceremony and a rejection of the uniform blandness of hoodies and sneakers.
Wimbledon’s front row showed us that. These men weren’t wearing ties because they had to. They wore them because they wanted to. To feel sharp. To look the part. To remind us that elegance is still powerful.
Beckham’s double-breasted finesse. Andrew Scott’s soft masculinity. McConaughey’s breezy charm. They didn’t bring the tie back — they revived it.
Final Thought: Tie One On
So next time you reach for your go-to open-collar shirt, pause. Grab a tie instead. Feel the knot form under your chin. Look in the mirror. Stand a little taller.
You don’t need a board meeting. You don’t need a reason. If Beckham can wear one to Wimbledon, you can wear one to dinner.
It’s not about conformity. It’s about pride. And the tie? It’s your ribbon of rebellion.
Game. Set. Tie match.