American tennis star Karol Fageros was banned from competing at Wimbledon in 1958 after officials spotted her controversial gold lamé underwear beneath her tennis skirt. The 24-year-old had worn the gleaming knickers during the 1958 French Open, where they regularly became visible when her skirt lifted, especially during service games.
Officials Acted Over Distraction Concerns
All England Club officials prohibited Fageros from that year's Championships, with Wimbledon secretary Duncan MacAuley worrying the glittering garments "might put her opponents off." The furore swiftly transformed Fageros into one of tennis's most discussed personalities.
According to a 1959 article in the New York Times, British reporters became "terribly flustered" around her, while the media storm from the episode even secured her a Hollywood audition. However, the additional spotlight did nothing to enhance her on-court performances.
Fageros Recalled the Distraction
"I'd serve, my skirt would fly up, and I'd hear someone in the stands snigger," Fageros said. "After that, I could hardly hit the ball back anymore."
Wimbledon authorities ultimately backed down and permitted the American to participate on condition she consented to concealing the gold lamé with white lace. She proceeded to advance to the third round of the ladies' singles at SW19 that year.
Early Enforcement of All-White Dress Code
The peculiar incident remains one of the earliest instances of Wimbledon officials implementing the All England Lawn Tennis Club's renowned all-white dress code. The custom harks back to the Victorian era, when visible sweat marks were deemed mortifying and white attire was believed to conceal perspiration more effectively than coloured clothing.
Since 1963, players have been obliged to wear "predominantly white" clothing during practice and matches, with the regulations becoming even more stringent in 2014 when competitors were directed to wear outfits that were "almost entirely white."
Modern Controversies and Changes
That more rigid interpretation instantly generated controversy when several female players breached the rules and were allegedly instructed to remove their bras. British player Naomi Broady was amongst those impacted, with the former world number 76 left with scant option but to compete without a bra during her straight-sets second-round loss to Caroline Wozniacki.
Demands to modernise the dress code gained traction in the years that followed. Campaigners from the Address The Dress Code were especially outspoken, pushing for alterations amid worries for female players who were menstruating. In response, Wimbledon eased its regulations, permitting women to wear dark-coloured undershorts beneath their skirts or shorts from 2022 onwards.
