Wimbledon's All-White Rule: Unpacking the History, Controversies, and Modern Evolution of a Grand Slam 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)

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 that mandates all-white attire for players, permitting 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 sign of perspiration was considered unseemly.

The original intent of the all-white rule was to mask sweat marks and provide a degree of coolness for players during the summer months. Over time, it has evolved into a defining characteristic of Wimbledon's rich history and tradition. While generally inflexible, the rules have been subject to occasional revisions.

Several prominent figures in the tennis world, including Billie Jean King, Judy Murray, and Heather Watson, have voiced concerns about the potential discomfort that white undershorts can cause for female players during menstruation. As a result, in 2023, the All England Club modified its policy to allow players to wear dark-colored undershorts, provided they do not extend beyond the hemline of the shorts or skirt.

Controversies surrounding the dress code at Wimbledon are not a recent phenomenon. In 1949, Gertrude Moran sparked controversy with a glimpse of visible undergarments. Andre Agassi, recognized for his unconventional tennis fashion, boycotted Wimbledon in the 1980s to protest the all-white dress code.

In 2013, tennis icon Roger Federer caused a stir by sporting white shoes with orange soles. Wimbledon officials requested that he refrain from wearing the shoes, prompting Federer to criticize the regulations 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.

Wimbledon relaxed its regulations in 2023, permitting women to wear darker shorts beneath their skirts following concerns raised by several players about wearing white during their menstrual cycles.

In a released statement, the AELTC conveyed, "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."