Wimbledon's All-White Rule: Unpacking the Tradition, Controversies, and Evolving Dress Code

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 esteemed tennis tournament. Central to its identity is a rigorous dress code, mandating that all attire be predominantly white, allowing only a mere 10mm of colored trim.

The tradition of wearing all white at Wimbledon traces back to the 1870s, during the Victorian era. The primary reason for this sartorial choice was to avoid the perceived social impropriety of visible perspiration.

Initially, the all-white rule served a practical purpose: to conceal sweat marks and provide players with a cooler experience during the summer months. However, over time, it evolved into a defining characteristic of Wimbledon's rich tradition and history. While generally strict, the regulations have undergone occasional revisions to accommodate the changing times.

Several prominent figures 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. As a result, the All England Club updated its policy in 2023, permitting 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 revealing visible undergarments. Andre Agassi, renowned for his unconventional tennis fashion, even boycotted Wimbledon in the 1980s to protest the all-white dress code.

Tennis icon Roger Federer sparked debate in 2013 when he sported white shoes with 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 her attire during a rain delay due to the visibility of her fuchsia bra straps.

Responding to player concerns, Wimbledon relaxed its restrictions in 2023, allowing women to wear darker shorts under their skirts, particularly during their menstrual cycle.

The AELTC issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to women's health and player support, 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.”