Story by
Why Tennis Players Wear All White at Wimbledon: The Championships’ Historic Dress Code Explained
- Story by
- Why Tennis Players Wear All White at Wimbledon: The Championships’ Historic Dress Code Explained
It's not a coincidence that all the players competing in The Championships, Wimbledon wear all white tennis kits for each of their matches. The color white, worn by players at the annual grand slam tennis tournament, is a tradition that dates to the early days of the sport, from the late Victorian Era in the 1870s to today.
Ahead of the 2025 Wimbledon starting on June 30, WWD breaks down all the details about Wimbledon's all-white dress code.
Advertisement
More from WWD
What is the all-white dress code?
According to the official Wimbledon website, the dress code states that all players have to wear "suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white," which applies the moment players walk onto the court. It is strictly white, not including "off-white or cream." The only acceptable form of color is a single trim no wider than one centimeter on any item of clothing worn. Small sponsor logos on attire may contain color.
Billie Jean Moffitt, later Billie Jean King, playing at Wimbledon in 1965.
The all-white rule applies to undergarments, caps, headbands, wristbands, socks and shoes, the latter of which must be specialized for the grass courts. Equipment and medical supports should also be white, but may have color "if absolutely necessary."
Advertisement
Why was the dress code implemented?
The dress code dates back to the Victorian Era, when it was important to be "incredibly proper," according to Meredith Richards, the librarian at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For reference, the first Wimbledon tennis tournament was held in 1877. Women were permitted to compete beginning in 1884.
British tennis player Dorothea Katherine Douglass, later Dorothea Douglass Lambert Chambers (1878 – 1960), circa 1905.
The color white also served to reduce the visibility of sweat, considered to be more breathable and less hot than other colors — it was considered "improper to sweat" at the time, per Richards. Several tennis clubs, including the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club where Wimbledon is held every year, put the all-white dress code in place for the sake of tradition.
Advertisement
How strict is the dress code?
The all-white dress code at Wimbledon is very strict.
If any official sees a player wearing more color than what is allowed, they will request an outfit change.
If a colored trim is under question, the official will bring out a tape measure to make sure it meets the dress code's official guidelines.
Have there been players who broke the dress code?
Over the years, there have been a number of players who tested the boundaries of the dress code, which inevitably led to stricter enforcement.
Andre Agassi famously boycotted Wimbledon from 1988 to 1990, specifically because of the all-white dress code, as he preferred to wear tennis kits with vibrant colors. (He inevitably wore all-white when he decided to play in 1991 and took home the grand slam title the following year.)
Advertisement
In 2013, Roger Federer, an eight-time Wimbledon champion, wore white shoes with orange soles, causing a frenzy at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The following year, Wimbledon buckled down and clarified the rule of shoe sole colors.
Roger Federer of Switzerland serves in his gentlemen's singles first round match against Victor Hanescu of Romania on day one of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships on June 24, 2013 in London.
The Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, have also pushed the boundaries of the dress code. In 2010 and 2012, Serena Williams wore brightly colored undershorts during the tournaments, which is something she did for good luck. (In 2010 and 2012, Williams won the women's singles championship.)
In 2017, Venus Williams wore a pink bra for her match against Elise Mertens, which caused officials to ask that she change her kit.
Advertisement
At the 2022 edition of the tournament, Nick Kyrgios broke the strict dress code, wearing red-and-white Jordan sneakers and an all-red cap while walking on and off the court.
Has the dress code changed?
As of the 2023 Championships, women are now permitted to wear dark-colored undershorts , an update to the strict all-white attire. The dark colored shorts are also seen as a way to give players more confidence and ease, especially if they are menstruating during the tournament. The undershorts, however, still cannot be longer than their skirts or tennis shorts.
Serena Williams of the USA returns a shot during her Ladies' Singles semi-final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on day ten of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships on July 5, 2012, in London.
Advertisement
"I think it's going to relieve a lot of stress for me, and other girls in the locker room, for sure," 2025 French Open champion and 2023 U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff told Sky News in 2023.
Other players applauded the amendment to the dress code, citing the lengths to which women competitors would go to ensure they weren't menstruating during the tournament.
"Last year, I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew we had to wear white undershorts, and I didn't want to face any embarrassment," British tennis player Heather Watson explained to Sky News.
Over the centuries, the all-white tennis kit rule has seen other amendments. In 2022, an exception to the dress code was granted for players who wanted to show support for Ukraine amid the ongoing Russia/ Ukraine war. Players are allowed to wear blue and yellow.
Advertisement
How do players feel about the dress code?
While some players may think the all-white dress code is outdated, some embrace the tradition.
After breaking the dress code with his Jordan sneakers and red baseball cap in 2022, Kyrgios was questioned about it at a press conference later. "Because I do what I want. I'm not above the rules," he responded. "I just like wearing my Jordans."
In 2015, Federer also criticized the extent of how strict the all-white rule has gotten. "I love Wimbledon, but they've gone too far now," he said in a press conference. "The rules have become ridiculously strict. I would be in favor of loosening it up a little bit. But it is what it is."
Advertisement
However, some competitors such as Alison Riske-Amritraj, Mihaela Buzarnescu and Tommy Paul don't mind the tradition. "It's very elegant. I really hope they keep this tradition forever, because it's something different. You don't always need to see colors on people's clothes," said Buzarnescu in a press conference at 2022 tournament.
Wimbledon 2025 Celebrity Looks, Live Updates: Cate Blanchett, Princess Beatrice and More Photos
Launch Gallery: Wimbledon 2025 Celebrity Looks, Live Updates: David Beckham, Simu Liu and More Photos
Best of WWD
Sign up for WWD's Newsletter . For the latest news, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .
