02-07-2025
The history behind Wimbledon's all-white rule for tennis player's kits
Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament, maintains a strict "almost entirely white" dress code for players, with any colour limited to a 10mm strip.
The white clothing rule, enforced since the 19th century, originated to conceal sweat and provide coolness in summer heat.
Over time, the dress code became a symbol of Wimbledon's unique history and tradition, despite occasional controversies and revisions.
In 2023, the All England Club updated its rules to permit dark undershorts for women players, addressing concerns related to menstruation.
Past clothing controversies at Wimbledon include incidents involving Gertrude Moran, Venus Williams, and Roger Federer, highlighting the strict adherence to the white kit policy.
