Wimbledon's strict all-white dress code has sparked controversy over the years, including a row when female players had to remove their bras due to the All England Lawn Tennis Club's regulations. Following weeks of eager expectation, this year's Wimbledon is underway, serving up all the beloved traditions that have cemented the Championships as one of the most revered occasions in Britain's sporting diary.
Historical Origins of the All-White Rule
From strawberries and cream to pristine grass courts, numerous hallmarks of the tournament have stayed constant for generations. This encompasses the All England Lawn Tennis Club's legendary and at times infamous dress code, which demands players ditch the colourful kit sported during the remainder of the season in favour of tennis whites. The custom of donning all-white attire on SW19's grass courts stretches right back to Victorian times. During that period, visible perspiration marks were deemed unsightly, and white garments were believed to conceal them far more successfully than coloured options - but that stance soon proved controversial.
Stricter Regulations in 2014
Since 1963, Wimbledon has demanded competitors sport "predominantly white" clothing. The regulations were made even stricter in 2014, when players were told to wear only items that are "almost entirely white" during both practice sessions and matches. That very same year, Wimbledon found itself embroiled in controversy after a number of female players were reportedly asked to remove bras that were found to be in breach of the strict dress code.
Reaction from Pat Cash
The incident provoked a furious reaction from Pat Cash, the one-time Wimbledon men's champion. "Some of the girls have been told to go back and change their bras and tops because they had slight colour on them," he said. "I believe some of the girls didn't have suitable sports bras and had to go without them. It has absolutely gone ridiculous." The all-white rule even applied to underwear for both men and women. Cash added: "One of the players was called into the referees' office because he had blue underwear that showed through when he got sweaty. So he was told not to wear dark underwear."
Pressure for Reform and 2022 Rule Change
Demands to reform the regulations reached a crescendo a few years ago with the establishment of the Address The Dress Code protest group, with activists advocating for changes due to concerns for female players who were menstruating. In 2022, Wimbledon eased its rules to permit women to wear dark-coloured undershorts, as long as they are no longer than their shorts or skirt. "We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best," said Sally Bolton, the All England Lawn Tennis Club's chief executive, following the announcement of the modification. "It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance."
