Wimbledon's All-White Dress Code: The History, Controversies, and Evolving Rules

Taylor Fritz of the U.S., right, greets Gabriel Diallo of Canada at the net after winning their second round men's singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Since its inception in 1877, Wimbledon has stood as the world's oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. A hallmark of this iconic event is its stringent dress code, mandating that all competitors' attire be predominantly white, save for a mere 10mm trim of color.

The tradition of wearing all white at Wimbledon can be traced back to the 1870s, during the Victorian era. The primary reason for this sartorial choice was to mitigate the visibility of perspiration, which was considered unseemly at the time.

Over the years, the all-white rule evolved from a practical measure to a symbol of Wimbledon's rich tradition and history. While the dress code remains generally strict, it has undergone occasional revisions to accommodate the changing times.

Addressing Players' Concerns

Several prominent figures in tennis, including Billie Jean King, Judy Murray, and Heather Watson, have voiced concerns regarding the discomfort that white undershorts can cause for female players during menstruation.

In response to these concerns, the All England Club updated its policy in 2023, allowing players to wear dark-colored undershorts, provided they do not extend beyond the hemline of the shorts or skirt.

Dress Code Controversies Through the Years

Controversies surrounding the Wimbledon dress code are not a recent phenomenon.

• In 1949, Gertrude Moran faced criticism for revealing visible undergarments.
• Andre Agassi, renowned for his unconventional tennis fashion, boycotted Wimbledon in the 1980s in protest of the all-white dress code.

Tennis legend Roger Federer also sparked debate in 2013 when he sported white shoes with orange soles.

Wimbledon officials requested that he refrain from wearing the shoes, prompting Federer to deem the regulations "too strict."

More recently, in 2017, Venus Williams was instructed to change her attire during a rain delay due to the visibility of her fuchsia bra straps.

Easing Restrictions for Women's Health

In 2023, Wimbledon relaxed its dress code restrictions, allowing women to wear darker undershorts beneath their skirts. This decision followed concerns raised by several players regarding the challenges of wearing white during their menstrual cycles.

In an official statement, the AELTC emphasized, "Prioritizing 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."