In 1958, American tennis player Karol Fageros was sensationally banned from competing at Wimbledon because officials deemed her gold lamé underwear a breach of the All England Club's strict dress code. The 24-year-old had worn the shimmering pants beneath her skirt during the French Open earlier that year, where they frequently became visible when her skirt flew up, particularly during her serve.
Officials Act on Distraction Concerns
Wimbledon secretary Duncan MacAuley barred Fageros from that year's Championships, expressing concern that the glittering undergarments "might put her opponents off." The decision turned Fageros into one of the most talked-about figures in tennis. According to a 1959 article in the New York Times, British journalists became "terribly flustered" in her presence, and the publicity even earned her a Hollywood screen test.
However, the extra attention did not improve her performance. "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."
Compromise and Return to Court
Wimbledon officials eventually relented and allowed Fageros to compete on the condition that she cover the gold lamé with white lace. She went on to reach the third round of the women's singles at SW19 that year. The incident remains one of the earliest examples of the All England Lawn Tennis Club enforcing its famous all-white dress code.
Evolution of Wimbledon's Dress Code
The tradition of all-white clothing dates back to the Victorian era, when visible sweat marks were considered embarrassing and white was believed to hide perspiration better than coloured garments. Since 1963, players have been required to wear "predominantly white" clothing during practice and matches. In 2014, the rules were tightened further, mandating "almost entirely white" outfits. This stricter interpretation immediately caused controversy when several female players were reportedly told to remove their bras for violating the code.
British player Naomi Broady was among those affected. The former world number 76 had to play braless during her straight-sets second-round loss to Caroline Wozniacki. Calls to modernise the dress code grew louder in subsequent years, led by campaigners from Address The Dress Code, who pressed for changes to accommodate female players, especially those menstruating.
Rule Changes in 2022
In response to the campaign, Wimbledon eased its rules in 2022, allowing women to wear dark-coloured undershorts beneath their skirts or shorts. This change aimed to address concerns about comfort and practicality while maintaining the tournament's traditional aesthetic.
