**Wimbledon’s All-White Attire: Backlash Leads to Change in Controversial Dress Code**
Wimbledon has long held a reputation for tradition, elegance and a famously rigid approach to tennis attire. However, behind the immaculate white clothing that defines the event, a lesser-known controversy once forced female players into uncomfortable situations—at times, even requiring them to remove bras that did not align with the competition’s precise rules.
Originating from the 1880s, Wimbledon’s insistence on all-white outfits was designed to mask perspiration, considered improper to display at the time. This regulation extended to all items of clothing, undergarments included, stipulating that any visible part of a player’s apparel must be entirely white, save for a minuscule trim not exceeding one centimetre in width.
The strict dress code became the focus of heated debate in 2014, when multiple reports surfaced claiming that women players were told to take off bras that featured any colour—no matter how minor. Notably, certain athletes found themselves without proper support on court, adding a layer of discomfort to the pressures of elite competition. Prominent commentator and former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash labelled this enforcement “ridiculous,” arguing that the obsession with minor colour differences went too far.
Cash told the BBC that some players lacked alternative sports bras that complied with the rules and were therefore left to compete braless. He described the situation as unnecessarily harsh, suggesting it imposed unreasonable demands on participants and detracted from the sporting spectacle. The men’s tournament was not immune from such scrutiny either; Cash recounted how one male player was summoned to the referee’s office after blue underwear became visible during play.
Incidents such as Venus Williams’ 2017 bra change during a rain delay reignited debate about the policy. Although Williams herself refused to discuss the specifics afterwards, the moment drew fresh attention to the practical consequences of Wimbledon’s rules. Meanwhile, British player Naomi Broady was also reported to have played braless during a match against Caroline Wozniacki, though it remains unclear whether she was instructed to remove her undergarment.
The backlash against these regulations grew in intensity, not just among the athletes but also from fan groups and activist organisations. A prominent action group, Address The Dress Code, pushed Wimbledon to reevaluate its policies, particularly in consideration of women players menstruating. Their campaign spotlighted concerns that strict clothing mandates might increase stress or discomfort and even affect athletic performance.
Under mounting pressure, the All England Club eventually reacted. In 2022, the tournament authorities introduced a more modern interpretation of the dress code, permitting women to wear dark-coloured undershorts as long as they did not extend further than the skirts or shorts above them. This change marked a shift towards player comfort and followed widespread consultation with athletes.
Sally Bolton, the chief executive of the All England Club, acknowledged that the amendment was designed to remove “a potential source of anxiety” for players. She emphasised the club’s commitment to prioritising the wellbeing and feedback of competitors so they could focus on their tennis, rather than their clothing.
While Wimbledon’s ultra-traditional white dress code remains largely in place, these adjustments signal a willingness to evolve in response to the realities of the modern game and changing attitudes about gender equality in sport. The tournament’s guardians insist they will continue to listen to player voices as further challenges arise, navigating the balance between upholding tradition and delivering a top-class sporting experience for all.