Is Wimbledon’s dress code more about fashion or control?

Wimbledon isn’t just known as the world’s oldest tennis championship, it’s also famed for one of the strictest dress codes in all of sport. Since its inception in 1877, the tournament has insisted players wear all white on court, a tradition rooted in Victorian-era values and preserved for nearly 150 years. But as players and the game have evolved, so too has the conversation around what athletes wear, prompting both pushback and change in recent years.

But what’s the story behind this longstanding rule and how has it evolved over time?

Why did Wimbledon introduce an all-white dress code?

The rule dates back to the Victorian era of the 1870s, a time when the sight of perspiration was considered inappropriate, especially in women’s attire. The organisers at Wimbledon implemented an all-white dress requirement to conceal sweat marks and keep players cooler in the summer heat. Over time, this rule became more than just a practical measure, it turned into a signature of the tournament’s tradition.

According to the guidelines, players must wear entirely white clothing, with a limited exception allowing a 10mm trim of colour.

Has the dress code ever been challenged?

Yes, Wimbledon’s attire rules have sparked controversy throughout the years. In 1949, Gertrude Moran caused a stir by wearing a tennis dress that revealed her undergarments, attracting widespread criticism.

Decades later, Andre Agassi boycotted Wimbledon during the 1980s, refusing to adhere to its dress code and instead choosing to skip the event entirely due to his preference for more expressive clothing.

Even tennis icon Roger Federer was not immune to the rule’s scrutiny. In 2013, he wore white shoes with orange soles on court, prompting officials to request that he not wear them again. Federer later commented that he believed the rules were “too strict.”

What changed in 2023?

The All England Club made a significant update to the policy in 2023, particularly concerning the attire of female players. After receiving feedback from notable figures in the sport including Billie Jean King, Judy Murray, and Heather Watson, about the discomfort caused by white undershorts during menstruation, the tournament adjusted its guidelines.

Players are now allowed to wear dark-coloured undershorts, as long as they remain hidden beneath skirts or shorts. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) said in a statement:

“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.”

This change followed incidents such as in 2017, when Venus Williams was asked to change during a rain delay because her fuchsia bra straps were visible under her white top.

Why does Wimbledon still insist on all-white?

Although Wimbledon has slightly relaxed its dress code, the tournament continues to uphold the all-white tradition as a cornerstone of its identity. While critics may call it outdated or overly rigid, supporters argue that the rule preserves the elegance and formality of the sport’s heritage.