Wimbledon's All-White Rule: Unraveling the Tradition, Controversies, and Evolution of the Dress Code

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)

Wimbledon, established in 1877, stands as the world's oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. Central to its identity is a stringent dress code, demanding that all competitors' attire be predominantly white, allowing only a 10mm trim of color.

The tradition of wearing all white at Wimbledon traces back to the 1870s, during the Victorian era, when any visible sign of perspiration was deemed socially unacceptable.

Initially, the all-white rule was implemented to minimize the visibility of sweat marks and help players stay cooler during the summer months. Over time, it has evolved into a defining characteristic of Wimbledon's rich tradition and history. While generally strictly enforced, the rules have undergone occasional revisions.

Several influential figures in tennis, including Billie Jean King, Judy Murray, and Heather Watson, have voiced concerns about the potential discomfort experienced by menstruating players wearing white undershorts. Consequently, in 2023, the All England Club updated its policy, permitting players to wear dark-colored undershorts, provided they remain concealed beneath the shorts or skirt.

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 apparel, boycotted Wimbledon in the 1980s in protest against the all-white dress code.

Tennis icon Roger Federer sparked debate in 2013 when he sported white shoes featuring orange soles.

Wimbledon officials requested that he refrain from wearing the shoes, prompting Federer to label the rules as "too strict."

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

In 2023, Wimbledon relaxed its restrictions, allowing women to wear darker shorts beneath their skirts following concerns raised by several players regarding the challenges of wearing white during their menstrual cycle.

In an official statement, the AELTC affirmed, "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.”