Wimbledon's strict all-white dress code has been a hallmark of the Championships since the Victorian era, but recent controversies and updates have brought it into the spotlight. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) mandates that all players wear predominantly white clothing on court, a tradition rooted in 19th-century etiquette where visible sweat stains were considered embarrassing and white was believed to hide them better.
History of the All-White Rule
The custom of wearing white at Wimbledon dates back to the late 1800s. In 1963, the AELTC formalized the requirement for players to wear "predominantly white" attire. The rules were tightened in 2014, specifying that clothing must be "almost entirely white" for both practice and matches. This includes shirts, shorts, skirts, socks, and shoes, with only a single trim of color up to 1cm wide permitted.
2014 Controversy: Female Players Ordered to Remove Bras
In 2014, Wimbledon faced backlash when several female players were reportedly instructed to remove bras that violated the dress code. British player Naomi Broady was among those affected; she had to play without a bra during her second-round loss to Caroline Wozniacki. Pat Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon men's champion, criticized the rule, saying, "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 rule also applied to men: one player was told not to wear dark underwear that showed through when he sweated.
2022 Rule Change: Dark Undershorts Permitted
Following pressure from the Address The Dress Code campaign group, which highlighted concerns for female players on their periods, Wimbledon eased its restrictions in 2022. The AELTC now permits women to wear dark-colored undershorts, provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt. Sally Bolton, chief executive of the AELTC, 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."
Current Dress Code Enforcement
Players must adhere to the all-white rule for all matches and practice sessions. Violations can result in being asked to change or forfeit. The rule covers all visible clothing, including undershirts, shorts, socks, and shoes. The AELTC continues to review the regulations to balance tradition with player comfort and modern needs.
