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

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 prestigious tennis tournament. Integral to its identity is a strict dress code that mandates all clothing to be entirely white, allowing only a 10mm trim of color.

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

Initially, the all-white rule served the practical purpose of concealing sweat marks and helping players stay cool during the summer heat. However, it gradually evolved into a defining characteristic of Wimbledon’s tradition and history. While generally inflexible, the regulations have undergone occasional revisions.

Several prominent figures in tennis, including Billie Jean King, Judy Murray, and Heather Watson, have voiced concerns about the potential discomfort that white undershorts can cause for players during menstruation. Consequently, in 2023, the All England Club modified its policy, permitting players to wear dark-colored undershorts, provided they remain concealed beneath the shorts or skirt.

Dress code controversies at Wimbledon are not a recent phenomenon. In 1949, Gertrude Moran faced criticism for displaying visible undergarments. Andre Agassi, recognized for his unconventional tennis attire, 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 featuring orange soles.

Wimbledon officials requested that he refrain from wearing the shoes, prompting Federer to describe the rules as "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.

Recognizing player concerns, Wimbledon eased restrictions in 2023, enabling women to wear darker shorts beneath their skirts, particularly in relation to their menstrual cycle.

In a formal statement, the AELTC affirmed, "Prioritizing 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.”