Wimbledon's All-White Rule: Decoding the Tradition, Controversies, and Recent Relaxations

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 oldest and arguably most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Integral to its identity is a strict dress code, mandating that competitors wear predominantly white attire, allowing only a 10mm trim of color.

The tradition of wearing all white at Wimbledon can be traced back to the 1870s, during the Victorian era. At that time, any visible signs of perspiration were considered socially unacceptable.

The primary aim of the all-white rule was to minimize the visibility of sweat marks and provide players with a degree of coolness during the summer months. Over time, this practical consideration evolved into a defining characteristic of Wimbledon's esteemed tradition and rich history. While the rules are generally inflexible, they have undergone revisions over the years to accommodate changing sensibilities.

Several prominent figures in tennis, including Billie Jean King, Judy Murray, and Heather Watson, have voiced concerns about the potential discomfort caused by white undershorts for female players during menstruation. In response to these concerns, the All England Club updated its policy in 2023, now permitting players to wear dark-colored undershorts, provided they remain concealed beneath the outer 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, known for his non-conformist approach to tennis fashion, famously boycotted Wimbledon in the 1980s in protest of the all-white requirement.

In 2013, tennis icon Roger Federer sparked debate when he sported white shoes featuring orange soles.

Wimbledon officials promptly requested that he refrain from wearing the shoes, prompting Federer to remark that the regulations were "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.

Acknowledging the concerns raised by players, particularly regarding menstruation, Wimbledon relaxed its restrictions in 2023, allowing women to wear darker undershorts beneath their skirts.

In an official statement, the AELTC affirmed its commitment to women's health, stating: “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.”