The Tradition of Wimbledon
The prestigious Wimbledon championships, the oldest tennis tournament established in 1877, continue to uphold a strict dress code that mandates players wear almost entirely white attire. This tradition, which originated in the late 19th century, was established to conceal perspiration and maintain a sense of decorum, particularly during the hot summer months. Over time, the rule has evolved into a hallmark of the tournament’s rich history, further enhancing its uniqueness among tennis events worldwide.
Challenges and Changes in Dress Code
Recent discussions have emerged in the tennis community, highlighting the challenges women players face regarding the all-white requirement, particularly during menstruation. In response to these concerns raised by notable figures like Billie Jean King and Judy Murray, the All England Club introduced an amendment in 2023 allowing female players to wear dark-colored undershorts, provided they remain within the same length as their outer shorts or skirts.
Contrasting Styles at Other Tournaments
The sartorial choices at other significant tournaments, like the recent Roland Garros finals, contrast sharply with the Wimbledon dress code. On June 8, 2025, Carlos Alcaraz triumphed over Jannik Sinner in a match characterized as a classic showcase of talent and competition. Both players donned Nike apparel but displayed distinctly different styles. Alcaraz sported a collarless shirt in varying shades of blue and green, while Sinner chose a green polo reminiscent of an Irish rugby shirt, which sparked some debate over its appropriateness for tennis.
The day before, Coco Gauff clinched victory against top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s final. Gauff’s New Balance outfit featured a striking dark blue marbled design and was complemented by a fashionable grey leather jacket, while Sabalenka opted for a vibrant Nike dress that is commercially available for fans.
Fashion vs. Tradition
While fashion plays a significant role in contemporary tennis attire and offers substantial commercial potential, most notably seen with Sabalenka’s dress, Wimbledon’s regulations remain staunchly traditional. The tournament enforces a rule that limits any color to a mere 10mm strip, ensuring that players adhere to its historic standards. Notably, exceptions to these rules have occurred in the past, such as in 1949 when Gertrude Moran challenged norms with visible undergarments and in the more recent case of Venus Williams, who was asked to change during a match due to the visibility of her brightly colored bra straps.
Historical Connections to Cricket
Interestingly, the all-white fashion also resonates with cricket’s legacy, as it shares historical connections with tennis. Cricket whites serve practical purposes for summer play, though they also have incorporated splashes of color for team identification, paralleling the inflexible dress code faced by tennis players. Although modern cricket has embraced colored kits for limited overs formats, traditional formats still maintain the all-white standard, reflecting a broader adherence to historical customs across sports.
Looking Forward to Wimbledon
As Wimbledon approaches, fans can look forward to an event steeped in tradition, where classic white attire reigns supreme, allowing spectators to focus on the match’s excitement without distraction from innovative or colorful outfits.
With the tournament ongoing, it’s time to relax with quintessential Wimbledon treats like Pimm’s and scones, all while celebrating the world-class tennis on display.
This reflection on Wimbledon’s noted traditions and sartorial debates offers a glimpse into the unique intersection of sports, history, and fashion.
Roger Fagge serves as an Associate Professor within the Department of History at the University of Warwick.
