Wimbledon 2025: Unraveling the Enigma of the All-White 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 establishment in 1877, Wimbledon has stood as the world's oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. A defining feature of this iconic event is its stringent dress code, mandating that all competitors wear predominantly white attire, allowing only a minimal 10mm trim of color.

The tradition of wearing all white at Wimbledon traces back to the 1870s, a period marked by Victorian sensibilities. During this era, any visible sign of perspiration was deemed unseemly and inappropriate.

The primary aim of the all-white rule was to mask sweat marks and provide players with a cooler experience during the summer months. However, over the years, it has evolved into a quintessential element of Wimbledon's rich heritage and time-honored tradition. While generally unyielding, the regulations have undergone occasional revisions to accommodate the changing times.

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

Dress code controversies are no stranger to the Wimbledon championships. Back in 1949, Gertrude Moran faced criticism for inadvertently revealing her undergarments. Similarly, Andre Agassi, renowned for his unconventional tennis fashion, chose to boycott Wimbledon in the 1980s as a protest against the all-white dress code.

Tennis icon Roger Federer sparked debate in 2013 when he sported white shoes adorned with orange soles.

Wimbledon authorities promptly requested that he refrain from wearing the shoes, leading Federer to express his opinion that the rules 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.

Recognizing the evolving needs of its players, Wimbledon relaxed its regulations in 2023, allowing women to wear darker undershorts beneath their skirts. This decision came after multiple players raised concerns about the challenges of wearing white during their menstrual cycles.

In an official 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."