Exact Wimbledon dress code rule for players and reason women had to go braless

After weeks of anticipation, this year’s Wimbledon is finally underway, bringing with it all the traditions that have made the Championships one of the most iconic events in the British sporting calendar. From strawberries and cream to immaculate grass courts, many of the tournament’s sights and sounds have remained unchanged for generations.

That includes the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s famous dress code, which requires players to ditch colourful kit used throughout the year for tennis whites. The tradition of wearing all-white on SW19’s grass courts dates back to the Victorian era. At the time, visible sweat stains were considered embarrassing and white clothing was thought to hide them better than coloured garments.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Since 1963, Wimbledon has required competitors to wear “predominantly white” clothing, with the rules tightened further in 2014 when players were told to only wear items that are “almost entirely white” for practice and matches. That same year, Wimbledon was embroiled in a storm controversy after several female players were reportedly ordered to remove bras that violated the strict dress code, which stated that any visible undergarments must be entirely white.

British star Naomi Broady was among those who fell foul of the rule, leaving her with little choice but to go braless during her second round straight sets defeat to former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki. That prompted a furious reaction from Pat Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon men’s champion.

“Some of the girls have been told to go back and change their bras and tops because they had slight colour on them,” he said. “I believe some of the girls didn’t have suitable sports bras and had to go without them. It has absolutely gone ridiculous.”

The all-white rule even applied to underwear for both men and women, with Cash adding: “One of the players was called into the referees’ office because he had blue underwear that showed through when he got sweaty. So he was told not to wear dark underwear.”

Calls to modernise the regulations reached their most vocal a few years ago with the formation of the Address The Dress Code protest group, with campaigners urging changes amid concerns for female players who were menstruating. In 2022, Wimbledon relaxed its rules to allow women to wear dark-colour undershorts, provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.

“We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best,” said Sally Bolton, the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s chief executive after the tweak was announced. “It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance.”

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy