Established in 1877, Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament worldwide. A strict dress code has long been part of its identity, with all clothing required to be white, except for a 10mm trim of color.Wearing all white at Wimbledon dates back to the 1870s, the Victorian era, when visible perspiration was considered improper.Originally, the all-white rule aimed to conceal sweat marks and keep players cooler in summer, but over time it became a hallmark of Wimbledon’s tradition and history. Though generally rigid, the rules have seen occasional updates.Many prominent voices in tennis, such as Billie Jean King, Judy Murray, and Heather Watson, have pointed out the discomfort white undershorts can cause for menstruating players. In response, the All England Club changed the policy in 2023, allowing players to wear dark-colored undershorts as long as they don’t extend below the shorts or skirt.
Dress code controversies at Wimbledon are nothing new. In 1949, Gertrude Moran drew criticism for showing visible undergarments. Andre Agassi, known for rebellious tennis attire, boycotted Wimbledon in the 1980s over its all-white dress code.Tennis legend Roger Federer raised eyebrows in 2013 when he wore white shoes with orange soles. Wimbledon officials asked him not to wear the shoes, and Federer called the rules “too strict.”More recently, Venus Williams was required to change during a rain delay in 2017 due to fuchsia bra straps.Wimbledon eased restrictions in 2023, allowing women to wear darker shorts under skirts after several players expressed concerns about wearing white shorts during their menstrual cycle.In a statement, the AELTC said, “Prioritising women’s health and supporting players based on their individual needs is very important to us, and we are in discussions with the WTA, with manufacturers, and with the medical teams about the ways in which we can do that.”
