AFTER years wearing frumpy old uniforms, Wimbledon’s umpires were thrilled to get a makeover by Ralph Lauren.

But high fashion comes with its pressures, and now they are starting to feel the pinch. For it seems that the trousers of the new uniform are cut a little, er, fashionably slim.

On the opening day of this year’s competition, 60 of the 335 umpires had to have their trousers resewn. This was quite something, given that rain had limited play to 44 minutes.

Buttons were falling off, trousers were too tight, seams were coming apart.

The American designer had to draft in a tailor. A spokesman said: “We have had a few problems with the odd few seams or buttons down at Wimbledon. We have had someone on site to fix these things.”

Most officials were stoical. “We are not allowed to talk about it,” one told The Times.

Stuart Taylor, an umpire, said: “All the trousers had to be recalled and double-stitched.”

It was the first time the All England Club gave the job of clothing its officials to an outside firm. The five-year contract was thought to be worth £10 million. Robert McCowen, the club’s marketing director, said at the time: “We talked with British companies in the past but they were keen on branding. With Polo Ralph Lauren, the look is the brand. It fits with our image. It’ s timeless elegance.”

Mr Lauren said that he had “long been inspired by the rich heritage and traditions of England” and opted for a 1930s-style look in navy and cream. The Italian wool flannel blazer cost £420, while the basic Polo Ralph Lauren Wimbledon T-shirt cost £60.

The outfits were initially welcomed. Kirsty Donaldson, a line judge, said: “It’s fantastic. I’m so pleased with it. It’s more comfortable and nicer fitting and definitely more stylish.”

There was some controversy over the choice of designer. Some of its items are made in China, Honduras and Indonesia, while its upmarket clothing is made in America and Italy.

Activists have claimed that some products were made in sweatshops. There was particular concern about the new Wimbledon caps, which were made in China.

“China is the big issue for us,” said Mick Duncan of the campaign group No Sweat. “It has a unique mix of very low wages and modern facilities which is why it’s such a major producer of cheap clothing.”

Polo Ralph Lauren has denied any exploitation. A spokesman said: “We take very seriously our responsibility for ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for the people who make our products. All of our contracted factories are monitored and audited against international, national and local laws.”

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