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

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. Integral to its identity is a stringent dress code mandating that competitors wear predominantly white clothing, allowing for only a 10mm trim of color.

The all-white rule at Wimbledon can be traced back to the 1870s, during the Victorian era, when any visible sign of perspiration was deemed unseemly.

The primary aim of the original rule was to mask sweat marks and provide players with some relief from the summer heat. However, it has evolved into a defining aspect of Wimbledon’s unique heritage and tradition. While typically inflexible, the regulations have been updated periodically.

Several influential figures in tennis, including Billie Jean King, Judy Murray, and Heather Watson, have voiced concerns about the potential discomfort that white undershorts can cause for female players during menstruation. Consequently, in 2023, the All England Club modified its policy to permit players to wear dark-colored undershorts, provided they remain concealed beneath the outer shorts or skirt.

Controversies surrounding the dress code at Wimbledon are not new. In 1949, Gertrude Moran faced criticism for revealing visible undergarments. Andre Agassi, recognized for his unconventional tennis attire, famously 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, in 2017, Venus Williams was instructed to change her attire during a rain delay due to the visibility of her fuchsia bra straps.

In 2023, Wimbledon relaxed its regulations to allow women to wear darker undershorts beneath their skirts, responding to concerns raised by players regarding the challenges of wearing white during their menstrual cycles.

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