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| Emma Raducanu. Photo: Getty Images. |
Wimbledon isn’t just about aces, strawberries, and royalty in the front row—it’s also ground zero for one of the sport’s most famously fussy fashion rules: the all-white dress code.
But behind the tradition lies a history of controversy, changing norms, and players—both men and women—pushing back against what many say is tennis couture gone too far.
The Rule That Won’t Budge… (Well, Not Much)
Dating back to the 1880s, the Wimbledon dress code was originally designed to minimize sweat visibility—yes, seriously. That old-school thinking birthed the “tennis whites” mandate: players must wear attire that is almost entirely white, with only the tiniest trim of color (less than 1cm) allowed.
And that means everything: shirts, skirts, shorts, hats, socks, shoes, and even visible undergarments.
Dating back to the 1880s, the Wimbledon dress code was originally designed to minimize sweat visibility—yes, seriously. That old-school thinking birthed the “tennis whites” mandate: players must wear attire that is almost entirely white, with only the tiniest trim of color (less than 1cm) allowed.
And that means everything: shirts, skirts, shorts, hats, socks, shoes, and even visible undergarments.
2014: The Bra Scandal That Rocked Centre Court
Things took a jaw-dropping turn in 2014, when reports surfaced that female players were asked to remove sports bras that didn’t meet the dress code. Some reportedly played braless, sparking outrage and debate.
British hopeful Naomi Broady made headlines after appearing to go without a bra during a second-round match, and while no official explanation came, the incident fueled rumors that she had been told to remove a non-compliant undergarment. Even tennis legend Venus Williams was caught in the crossfire, forced to change her pink bra mid-match in 2017 when rain halted play.
Things took a jaw-dropping turn in 2014, when reports surfaced that female players were asked to remove sports bras that didn’t meet the dress code. Some reportedly played braless, sparking outrage and debate.
British hopeful Naomi Broady made headlines after appearing to go without a bra during a second-round match, and while no official explanation came, the incident fueled rumors that she had been told to remove a non-compliant undergarment. Even tennis legend Venus Williams was caught in the crossfire, forced to change her pink bra mid-match in 2017 when rain halted play.
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| Venus Williams. Photo: Getty Images. |
Former champ Pat Cash didn’t hold back. “It’s absolutely ridiculous,” he said. “Some of the girls didn’t have suitable sports bras and had to go without.”
And the dress code wasn’t just tough on women. Cash revealed a male player was summoned to the referee’s office after blue underwear showed through his shorts when he got sweaty.
The Period Problem—and the Push for Change
The controversy didn’t stop at color. A protest movement called “Address The Dress Code” emerged, highlighting the rule’s insensitivity to women menstruating. The anxiety around potentially leaking in all-white gear became a major talking point—and eventually led to real change.
In 2022, Wimbledon finally bent the rule, allowing women to wear dark undershorts beneath their skirts or dresses, as long as they weren’t longer than their outerwear.
“It is our hope this rule adjustment helps players focus purely on their performance,” said Sally Bolton, CEO of the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
The controversy didn’t stop at color. A protest movement called “Address The Dress Code” emerged, highlighting the rule’s insensitivity to women menstruating. The anxiety around potentially leaking in all-white gear became a major talking point—and eventually led to real change.
In 2022, Wimbledon finally bent the rule, allowing women to wear dark undershorts beneath their skirts or dresses, as long as they weren’t longer than their outerwear.
“It is our hope this rule adjustment helps players focus purely on their performance,” said Sally Bolton, CEO of the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
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| Jelena Ostapenko looked perplexed as she was spoken to by the umpire. Photo: Eurosport. |
Fashion Rebels: From Federer to Kyrgios
Over the years, even tennis royalty hasn’t been immune to fashion policing. Roger Federer, Mr. Wimbledon himself, once got flak for wearing orange-soled shoes. And in 2022, Nick Kyrgios walked onto court in bright red Jordan sneakers and a matching cap, only changing into whites after a scolding.
This year, Emma Raducanu, 2021 US Open champ, raised eyebrows after showing up to practice in pink workout gear, breaking the rules—but not the internet.
Tradition vs. Modernity
Wimbledon’s dress code remains a symbol of tradition, discipline, and “proper tennis.” But as generations change and players continue to speak out, the tournament finds itself walking the tightrope between heritage and human reality.
Whether you love it or loathe it, one thing’s for sure: At Wimbledon, fashion is more than flair—it’s part of the fight.
And in this Grand Slam, sometimes the biggest rally happens before the first serve.
Wimbledon’s dress code remains a symbol of tradition, discipline, and “proper tennis.” But as generations change and players continue to speak out, the tournament finds itself walking the tightrope between heritage and human reality.
Whether you love it or loathe it, one thing’s for sure: At Wimbledon, fashion is more than flair—it’s part of the fight.
And in this Grand Slam, sometimes the biggest rally happens before the first serve.
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