Why Wimbledon insists on its famous all-white dress code

Tennis fashion

Today’s tennis courts are not just a stage for athletic talent but also a showcase for fashion. Whether it’s eye-catching colours or the classic white look, players use their outfits to express themselves while still respecting the traditions of each tournament.

Bold modern choices

As a prime example, the Nike collarless top, featuring horizontal blue-bordered green and black stripes, that Carlos Alcaraz wore at Roland Garros, exemplifies today's adventurous tennis fashion. Paired with black shorts, such bold statements mark a clear departure from traditional tennis whites at major tournaments.

Women's fashion leadership

As is often the case, female players lead the way in tennis fashion innovation, with Coco Gauff's recent triumph over Aryna Sabalenka in the women's final showcasing sophisticated style choices.

Designer tennis wear

Gauff's custom New Balance kit, featuring a dark blue marbled effect, was finished with a stylish grey leather jacket, representing the evolution of tennis fashion into high-end design and setting new standards for professional tennis.

Commercial tennis fashion

Technology, design and fashion all play a role in a player's choice of tennis kit, as does their commercial potential. As reported in The Telegraph, Sabalenka's colourful Nike tennis dress can be purchased directly from the Nike website, demonstrating how player fashion drives consumer demand.

Wimbledon's white tradition

That said, things are totally different at the Wimbledon championships, where "almost entirely white" kit remains a requirement. Founded in 1877, Wimbledon is the world's oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, steeped in long-standing traditions and rich history.

Respect for tradition

For example, the men’s and women’s competitions are still known as Gentlemen’s and Ladies’, respectively. What's more, the Royal Box has been reserved for members of the English nobility since 1922, and the iconic Centre Court remains advertisement-free.

Origins of white

This code was first introduced in the genteel 1880s, when sweat stains were considered improper and unsightly. White clothing was also seen as cooler in the summer heat, though over time it became tied to history, tradition and the uniqueness of the tournament.

Progress on women's needs

However, some concessions have been made. Billie Jean King (pictured), Judy Murray and Heather Watson led the way in highlighting the problems that women players could have with white undershorts when menstruating. The All England Club therefore revised its rules in 2023 to allow dark undershorts, "provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt".

Historical controversies

Earlier controversies over clothing at Wimbledon sometimes involved propriety, as in 1949, when Gertrude Moran challenged dress codes with "visible undergarments". More recently, in 2017, Venus Williams (pictured) was asked to change during a rain break because her pink bra straps were visible.

Federer's shoes

In 2018, Roger Federer, chasing his eighth Wimbledon title, was asked to change his orange-soled Nike shoes. In each of these cases, every player acquiesced to the dress code requirements, demonstrating the continued authority of Wimbledon's traditional standards.