Wimbledon's strict dress code, requiring players to wear all-white attire, has sparked controversy for decades. The tradition dates back to the Victorian era when white was believed to hide sweat stains. Since 1963, the All England Lawn Tennis Club has mandated 'predominantly white' clothing, with rules tightening in 2014 to require 'almost entirely white' attire for practice and matches.
Controversy Over Women's Undergarments
In 2014, Wimbledon faced backlash after several female players were reportedly told to remove bras that violated the dress code. British star Naomi Broady was among those affected, forced to compete without a bra during her second-round loss to Caroline Wozniacki. The incident drew criticism from 1987 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, who said, 'Some of the girls have been told to go back and change their bras and tops because they had slight colour on them. I believe some of the girls didn't have suitable sports bras and had to go without them. It has absolutely gone ridiculous.'
The all-white rule extended to underwear for both men and women. Cash added that a male player was called into the referees' office for wearing blue underwear that showed through when he got sweaty.
Protests and Rule Changes
In response to concerns about female players menstruating, the Address The Dress Code protest group pushed for amendments. In 2022, Wimbledon relaxed its rules to allow women to wear dark-coloured undershorts, as long as they are no longer than their shorts or skirt. Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, said, 'We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best. It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance.'
Despite the change, the dress code remains a hallmark of Wimbledon, with players required to wear all-white from head to toe, including shoes and accessories. The rule continues to be a topic of debate among players and fans.
