Wimbledon's Enduring White Dress Code: History, Controversies, and the Evolution of Tradition

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. Integral to its identity is a strict dress code, demanding that all clothing be predominantly white, allowing only a 10mm trim of color.

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

Initially, the all-white rule served to minimize the visibility of sweat marks and provide a cooler experience for players during summer. Over the years, this rule has evolved into a hallmark representing Wimbledon's rich tradition and history. Although generally inflexible, the rules have seen occasional adjustments.

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

Dress code controversies are not unprecedented at Wimbledon. In 1949, Gertrude Moran faced criticism for displaying visible undergarments. Andre Agassi, recognized for his unconventional tennis attire, famously boycotted Wimbledon in the 1980s due to its 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 express his opinion that the rules were "too strict."

More recently, in 2017, Venus Williams was required to change outfits during a rain delay because of fuchsia bra straps.

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

In a 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.”