The real reason why players are only permitted to wear white at Wimbledon
The history behind Wimbledon’s all-white rule for tennis player’s kits
- Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament, maintains a strict "almost entirely white" dress code for players, with any colour limited to a 10mm strip.
- The white clothing rule, enforced since the 19th century, originated to conceal sweat and provide coolness in summer heat.
- Over time, the dress code became a symbol of Wimbledon's unique history and tradition, despite occasional controversies and revisions.
- In 2023, the All England Club updated its rules to permit dark undershorts for women players, addressing concerns related to menstruation.
- Past clothing controversies at Wimbledon include incidents involving Gertrude Moran, Venus Williams, and Roger Federer, highlighting the strict adherence to the white kit policy.